Berkeley enacts balcony safety requirements

A Smart Idea for Sonoma County

BERKELEY -- Starting July, several thousand properties are now subject to periodic inspections of decks and other exposed structures under new rules crafted in response to the June 16 collapse of a fifth-floor balcony at a downtown apartment complex that killed six young adults and injured seven more.

The City Council on Tuesday approved urgency ordinances that require property owners to hire a licensed expert to inspect and certify the structural integrity of decks, balconies, staircases, landings and other weather-exposed areas within six months, and thereafter every three years. The ordinances apply to any residential building with more than three units.

Industry representatives warned that acting prematurely and hastily and without input from experts could have unanticipated and adverse outcomes. But a sense of urgency that the city must take firm action in response to the disaster and do something to protect the public against the possibility of similar ones occurring prevailed throughout the night's often-passionate debate.

The mandated inspections would be performed by a licensed general contractor, structural pest control specialist, architect or engineer. Several residents questioned how the city staff would be able to oversee the program given its current resources. Councilman Laurie Capitelli suggested enlisting the help of the American Society of Home Inspectors, noting that it had done private inspections of 14 balconies in the city's Elmwood section since the accident and had recommended two of those balconies for closure. NEW RULES New inspection rules: Existing decks, balconies, landings and other weather-exposed areas must be inspected and certified by a licensed expert within six months, and thereafter every three years New building standards: set standards for ventilation of weather-exposed structures such as balconies, landings, decks and stairs. require balconies, landings, decks and stairs to be constructed of naturally durable or preservative-treated wood, corrosion-resistant steel or similar approved materials. require wood members that support the floors be separated from them by an impervious moisture barrier. apply to any residential building with more than three units.