July 26, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

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

In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

By Susan Payne  For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of...

Going for the throat

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Coach Bill Schuman expects protégé Golda Zahra to hold back nothing  By Linda Chase World famous competitors hire special coaches...

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Brentwood Whole Foods Stabbing, Area to See Increased Police Presence

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The suspect, initially described as a man in his early 20s wearing dark clothing, fled the scene on foot.  A...

(Video) Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

For More Information, Go To Wiseandhealthyaging.org/ Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center. For More...

California Reports 13% Drop in Vehicle Thefts in 2024, First Decline Since 2019

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Southern California accounted for 53.21% of thefts, with Los Angeles County alone representing 61.83% of the region’s total California reported...

LAPD Pacific Boosters’ West LA Summer Carnival Takes Place This Weekend

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

The carnival will feature amusement rides for all ages, arcade-style games, and traditional fair food The LAPD Pacific Area Boosters...

Venice Ale House is Now the European-Inspired ‘Venice Beach Club’

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

The menu features items like steak frites, crudo, and house-made pizzas, under the direction of Executive Chef James Samuel A...

Metro D Line to Resume Service, Paving Way for Future Westwood and West LA Connection

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

The work is part of Metro’s “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative—a slate of infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation ahead of...

More than 80 West LA Restaurants will Showcase Cuisine and Flavor in DineLA 2025

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

The Westside features restaurants offering prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus ranging from $15 to $65 From the sandy shores of...

CineMalibu Returns with Free Outdoor Movie Nights at Malibu Bluffs Park

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis CineMalibu, a beloved...

County Sheriff Oversight Elects New Leadership Team

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

Established in 2016, the commission aims to enhance LASD transparency and public trust through policy analysis and community engagement The...

Amid Federal Funding Cuts, County Seeks Input on Public Health Priorities

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

DPH is urging residents to share how public health efforts affect their communities and identify key areas for future focus...

CicLAvia to Open 6.75 Miles of Car-Free Streets from Culver City to Venice

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

The event features four hubs: Arts District on Washington Blvd., Downtown Culver City near the Culver Hotel, Mar Vista on...

(Video) Where great minds grow at The Willows Community School

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

The Willows, a DK-8 co-educational school, enrolls 474 students from 57+ zip codes annually. As a balanced, progressive educational leader, experiential learning,...

Mayor Bass, Veterans Demand Troop Withdrawal as Marines Exit City

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

Bass, alongside California State Senator and Marine Corps veteran Caroline Menjivar, condemned the deployment as “unnecessary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional.” Los...