March 24, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Zebra Construction Takes on Balcony Laws

Company growth attributed to trust, old school values

By Susan Payne

Every building with 3 or more units in the state of California with an exterior elevated element above six feet, requires an inspection per the new “Balcony Law”. The first inspection of these elements must be completed by a licensed architect, engineer or contractor by January 1, 2025. 

Passed in 2020, bills SB-721 and SB-326 commonly known as the “Balcony Laws” state that 15% of each type of elevated wood-constructed element must be inspected every six years to promote safety and prevent loss of life.

Zebra Construction is equipped and ready to help property owners and managers with inspections. General contractor Michelle Durey and Kevin Fanta cofounded Zebra in 2019 on the foundation of trust and old school values. These structural experts have already started the inspection process with a few of their clients.

“Six young people died and seven others were injured after a balcony collapsed in 2015. Evidence from the CSLB report pointed to dry rot, leading the balcony to become structurally compromised and collapse,” Durey said.

Balcony Laws require wood constructed elements that extend beyond exterior walls of the building to be inspected.  This can include balconies, decks, stairways, walkways and entry structures. After the initial inspection, subsequent inspections must be completed every six years. The building owner must keep record of inspection for two inspection cycles, equal to 12 years. 

If any exterior elevated elements pose an immediate threat to the occupant(s) the owner must receive the report within 15 days of the inspection and the local enforcement authority will be notified by the inspector. Zebra Construction will return a plan for repairs and cost to repair the elements at this time. Work can begin without a permit if it is an immediate threat, but a permit will still be needed by the end of the project.  If there is no immediate threat, the report must be returned to the property owner within 45 days of the inspection.

From inspection to repair, Zebra Construction has created an easy step-by-step process, so property owners are abiding by the law: 

  • Free consultation is completed by Zebra Construction to review how many exterior elevated elements need inspection.
  • Property owner or manager will be given a few different options on the inspection process. The first being to inspect only what is required, and the second to inspect all exterior elevated elements to further reduce owner’s liability.
  • Once hired, Zebra can install inspection vents, which have hinges and can be opened for future inspections. They allow 5 joist bays to be seen with one vent. The vents comply with building codes for fire ratings and allow air flow that prevents moisture from being trapped in wood members. The other option is a 3 inch hole which is plugged after and inspection is completed with a camera.
  • An engineer will complete a visual inspection of exposed elements.
  • Zebra Construction will return the engineer’s report to the property owner. 
  • Zebra’s engineers will then detail a plan for repairs (if needed) which must have a permit applied for within 120 days of the report. 
  • Zebra will complete any repairs necessary with a permit. This can include sistering joists or reframing balconies due to termite damage or dry rot and making sure balconies have correct fire ratings. Railings could possibly have new piers welded if steel on the railing system is corroded, and waterproofing systems may need replacement.

“We recommend a Pacific Polymer Elasto-Deck coating. It will require the least amount of maintenance,” Durey said. 

When new laws and ordinances come into effect, Durey and the Zebra team educate and inform themselves and their clients on the requirements, giving property owners full transparency of the laws and what is needed for compliance.

“I’ve seen so many people get taken advantage of when there’s a new law in place, so we stay involved with apartment owner associations and the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California. I want to help people in any way I can,” Durey said. 

Zebra currently works in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas and focuses on seismic retrofitting and structural repairs for commercial and residential properties. They have the team to make the process seamless and will give you the education you need to make an informed decision.

“Our biggest asset is that Kevin and I who are the principals of the company are directly involved in the construction process and that’s rare. We have a small family-like company and customers are appreciative of our consistent communication and on-site presence. We’re easy to get a hold of and have a great team,” Durey said.

To get connected with Zebra Construction, or request a free consultation, visit www.zebraconstruct.com.

Related Posts

Laguna Niguel Man Accused of Swindling $1.6 Million From Investors, 92-Year-Old Playa Del Rey Resident

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Federal lawsuit alleges John David Gessin used false pretenses to fund lavish expenses By Sam Catanzaro A Laguna Niguel man...

Vote This Sunday in the Venice Neighborhood Council Election!

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Vote in-person at the Oakwood Recreation Center, 767 California Avenue. Polls open at 10:00 AM By Nick Antonicello  VENICE –...

Do You Think Outdoor Dining Should Be a Permanent Option? Take the Survey and Share Your Opinion

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the way we live our lives, and one of the most significant impacts has been...

California Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Offer Relief to Restaurants Struggling With Outdoor Dining Fees

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Legislation would preempt local ordinances and preserve regulatory flexibility for struggling neighborhood restaurants By Sam Catanzaro A new bill proposed...

Venice Shorts: One-on-One With VNC Presidential Candidate Brian Averill

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Avid surfer, author and photographer makes second try for the VNC’s top spot after falling short in 2021 By Nick...

Los Angeles Institutions Offer Free Admission to LAUSD Students During Strike

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits provide free admission during three-day strike, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens...

LA Sanitation & Environment Hosts Community Celebration Inaugurating Venice Dual Force Main Sewer

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Two-mile long 54-inch force sewer main will operate as a parallel system in conjunction with the existing 48-inch force main...

LAUSD Families Prepare for Potential Three-Day Strike Starting Tuesday

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Union representing workers, including custodians, cafeteria workers, teacher assistants and other support staff have voted to walk off the job...

LAPD Investigates Shooting in Palms After Man Dies from Multiple Gunshot Wounds

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Andrew Conaway arrested in connection to March 16 shooting The Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide Detectives are investigating...

LAFD Rescues Man Who Fell Into Well at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Man falls into roughly 20 foot well Thursday  LAFD reports rescuing a 32-year-old man who fell into a well at...

Brand New Four-Bedroom Farmhouse in Venice Hits Market

March 19, 2023

March 19, 2023

Louella Avenue listed for $4.2 million.  A modern farmhouse in Venice designed by Joanna Leon has hit the market for...

Developer Seeks Approvals for New Multifamily Residential Building in Palms

March 19, 2023

March 19, 2023

Helio, a Los Angeles-based real estate development firm, has submitted an application for a new multifamily residential building at 3734...