SB 154, or as many call it the ‘SB 4D Glitch Bill’, modifies and clarifies the language within the original SB 4D bill. Let’s take a look at the major changes within SB 154.
Team of Professionals
SB 4D was written in a way that was very confusing on who can legally assist with an inspection. One interpretation many followed is that the structural engineer must complete all the visual inspection portions and could not be assisted by a team unless they were licensed as well. Our company was personally left in situations where licensed engineers questioned whether or not they had to watch our entire drone operation since the drone is technically conducting a visual inspection.
SB 154 clears this up by saying “The milestone inspections services may be provided by a team of professionals with an architect or engineer acting as a registered design professional in responsible charge with all work and reports signed and sealed by the appropriate qualified team member.” Engineers can now rely on professionals and free up their time to take on more milestone inspections given the thousands of condominiums this bill affects.
Changes to Structural Integrity Reserve Study
Floors and foundations have been axed from the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS). This is great news because engineers were given the impossible task of giving a life expectancy to something they couldn’t readily visually inspect. In return, SIRS added exterior doors to the list of items to be inspected.
The SIRS also received some additions to the list of licensed/credentialed individuals who can perform the study. Before, only a licensed engineer or architect could perform a SIRS study. Now, a Reserve Specialist certified by the Community Associations Institute and Professional Reserve Analysts certified by the Association of Professional Reserve Analysts can legally perform the work. This is a welcome change to these individuals who have been performing similar studies for years the opportunity to continue in their field.
Miscellaneous
The milestone inspection now has a parameter for the milestone inspection after 25 years (instead of 30) based on the local circumstances, including environmental conditions such as proximity to salt water.
A turnover inspection has been added in the place of a SIRS and milestone inspection when a developer turns over control of an association to unit owners.
The date by which a building’s initial milestone inspection must be completed may be extended as long as the association has entered into a contract with an architect or engineer by December 2024.
Summary
This post is not the complete summary of changes within the new SB 154 law. To view all of the changes, click here to see the comprehensive updated texts. 1-Day Inspections is constantly following the news around inspection laws, so we will keep you updated on further developments. Also, if you haven’t checked out our blog post on Structural Integrity Reserve Studies or how we leverage technology for milestone inspections, you can read both articles here.
Dylan Robbins
Founder & President
1-Day Inspections
