“I just received a letter in the mail with my monthly bill telling me that there is going to be a special assessment to cover balcony inspections at my condo building. Only some of the units have balconies, and mine isn’t one of them. What’s this about?”

It’s possible that the special assessment you received is related to SB-326, which is a new California law that requires certain inspections and repairs to be made to exterior elevated elements of condominium buildings, including balconies, decks, and walkways. The law requires inspections to be performed by a qualified inspector, and any necessary repairs or replacements to be made to ensure the safety of residents. The law is in response to the Berkeley balcony collapse incident back in 2015 which killed seven and injured seven students.

Even if your unit doesn’t have a balcony, the special assessment may be necessary to cover the cost of the required inspections and repairs for the balconies of other units in the building. This is because the cost of repairs and inspections can be significant, and the association may not have enough funds in reserves to cover these costs.

You should contact your HOA to inquire about the specifics of the special assessment, and whether it is related to SB-326 or another issue. They should be able to provide you with more information, including the amount and when it is due. It may also be a good idea to attend any meetings or hearings related to the special assessment so that you can ask questions and voice any concerns you may have.