Senate & Assembly Bills
Senate and Assembly bills are proposals for new laws or changes to existing laws that are introduced by California lawmakers. Bills introduced by State Senators are called Senate Bills (SB), while those introduced by State Assembly Members are called Assembly Bills (AB). These bills go through a review and voting process in the California State Legislature. If approved by both the Senate and Assembly, and signed by the Governor, they become state laws. This webpage will highlight specific Senate and Assembly bills that directly affect building, housing, land use, and development in Humboldt County.
SB 721 / AB 2579 Exterior Elevated Elements
The state of California passed a new law in 2018 (see full AB 2579 here) requiring inspections of exterior elevated elements attached to any multifamily dwelling containing 3 or more residential units. These inspections were originally to be performed by Jan. 1 2025. At the end of September of this year the 2025 deadline was extended by AB 2579 to Jan. 1, 2026. If you have received a letter from code enforcement citing the 2025 deadline it was sent before we were made aware of the change in the law and you will have until Jan. 1, 2026 to have the inspection performed and the inspection record sent to us.
EEEs are defined as balconies, decks, stairways, walkways, and entry structures, and their railings, that extend beyond the exterior walls of a building and which have a walking surface six feet or more above the ground. EEEs not constructed of wood or relying on wood for structural support are not subject to the inspection requirements under SB 721/AB 2579.
The inspections may be performed by any licensed architect, structural or civil engineer; a building contractor possessing a valid California A, B, or C-5 contractor’s license with minimum of 5 years’ experience; or a certified building inspector from a recognized state, national, or international association. Certified Inspectors must submit their certification to the building department and be approved before inspection reports will be accepted.
SB 721/AB 2579 requires assessment of the load bearing components and associated waterproofing elements of EEEs. The evaluation and assessment shall address the following as of the date of the evaluations:
- The current condition of EEEs
- Expectations of future performance and projected service life
- Recommendations of any further inspections necessary
If conditions immediately threatening to occupants are observed at EEEs serving as the only entrance to a dwelling unit the building department shall be notified immediately.
Every 6 years inspection reports shall be submitted to the Building Department.