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Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Codes and Standards

Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Regulations call for three-year inspections, new construction standards


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | July 16, 2015
Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse

Photo: Berkeley City Hall. Almonroth, Wikimedia Commons.

Apartment building balconies in Berkeley, Calif., will be subject to inspections every three years under new regulations adopted following a deadly collapse.

The city council also adopted a measure to require new balconies to be made of corrosion-resistant material and be ventilated to prevent a buildup of moisture.

Six students were killed and seven others were hospitalized when the apartment balcony collapsed during a birthday party in June.

Inspectors said the balcony was supported by wooden beams that rotted from water damage. Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the collapse.

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