Balcony Inspections Florida Clermont, FL, Lake County
Balcony Inspections Florida: When it comes to ensuring the safety and integrity of balconies in public lodging establishments, Florida has stringent regulations in place. EMA understands these regulations’ importance and is here to help you navigate the process.
Balcony Inspections Florida requirements for hotels in Florida?
In Florida, hotels that are three stories or more in height are required to undergo regular balcony inspections to ensure the safety and structural integrity of these structures. According to the Florida Statutes, Title XXXIII, Chapter 509, Section 509.2112, these hotels must file a certificate stating that all balconies, platforms, stairways, and railways have been inspected by a qualified professional and are deemed safe and free of defects .
How often do balcony inspections needed in Florida?
The law mandates that these inspections occur every three years. The initial inspection and filing of the certificate must have commenced by January 1, 1991, with subsequent inspections and filings required every three years thereafter (Florida Senate).
What is the DBPR-HR-7020 form for Balcony Inspections Florida?
Florida Balcony Inspections certification form DBPR-HR-7020, also known as the “Certificate of Balcony Inspection,” is the form required by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This form must be completed by a licensed professional engineer who certifies that the balconies and other elevated structures are safe and free of defects. The form can be accessed and downloaded here.
Who can perform balcony inspections in Florida?
Balcony inspections must be performed by a licensed professional engineer or architect who is qualified to assess the structural integrity of these components. The professional must be competent to conduct such inspections and provide an official certification of safety.
What happens if a hotel fails to file the required balcony inspections certificate in Florida?
Failure to file the required inspection certificate can result in administrative sanctions imposed by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. These sanctions are governed by Section 509.261 of the Florida Statutes and may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the establishment’s license (Florida Senate).
Are there specific rules for in Florida? Florida Hotel Balcony Inspections
What is included in a balcony inspections report for Florida lodging establishments?
A comprehensive balcony inspection report should include:
- A detailed assessment of the structural integrity of balconies, platforms, stairways, and railways.
- Identification of any defects or safety issues.
- Recommendations for repairs or maintenance if necessary.
- Certification by a licensed professional engineer or architect stating that the structures are safe for use.
How do I file a Balcony Inspection certificate with the Florida DBPR?
To file the certificate, complete the DBPR-HR-7020 form and submit it to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. The form must also be filed with the applicable county or municipal authority responsible for building and zoning permits. The process involves both physical submission and, increasingly, online submission via the DBPR’s online services portal.
What are the penalties for not complying with balcony inspection laws in Florida?
Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, suspension of licenses, or even closure of the establishment until compliance is achieved. The Division of Hotels and Restaurants enforces these penalties to ensure public safety and adherence to building codes (Florida Senate).
Where can I find the 2023 Florida Statutes on balcony inspections for public lodging establishments?
The 2023 Florida Statutes detailing the requirements for balcony inspections can be found under Title XXXIII, Chapter 509. Specifically, Section 509.2112 addresses the inspection rules for public lodging establishments three stories or more in height. The statutes are accessible online at the Florida Senate’s official website here.
Why Choose Us for Your Balcony Inspections?
When you choose EMA to perform your balcony inspection, you can rest assured that you will be working with certified inspectors who have considerable experience with performing inspections that are in compliance with Florida State requirement DBPR-HR-7020, otherwise known as the “Division of Hotels and Restaurants Certificate of Balcony Inspection.”
Each balcony receives a thorough visual inspection that includes fasteners, railings, ledger boards, wall attachments, and decking. All stairwell railings are also inspected.
At the end of the inspection, the property owner receives a comprehensive report detailing how many units were inspected and how many deficiencies were noted. Each deficiency is described in the report so that the property owner can take steps to have it addressed.
Once repairs and updates are complete, the inspector will return to the property to ensure that all deficiencies have been resolved.
Visual structural balcony inspections typically costs between $50 and $75 per balcony with minimum of 20 balcony elements. Each inspector may have a unique pricing structure based on their standard invoicing rates. For instance, structural engineers may charge more than architects. The total cost will depend on the size of your complex and the number of elevated elements, but a range of $2,000 to $10,000 is reasonable.
If the inspector discovers signs of damage or water intrusion necessitating more invasive inspections and analysis, the cost can increase substantially. For exhaustive testing on each balcony, the cost could exceed $3,000. In some instances, an engineer may need to employ a contractor or specialist to expose portions of the balcony in order to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs.
Repair Requirements After Balcony Inspections Florida
Any elements identified as posing an imminent threat or hazard must be repaired without delay. HOA and property management staff must also guarantee that the hazardous area is inaccessible to occupants. These urgent issues must be resolved immediately, reinspected, and reported to the enforcement agency.
For non-urgent inspection findings, the HOA board must obtain a permit for the work within 120 days of the inspection and begin the work within 120 days of receiving the permit. The enforcement agency may levy penalties against the property and file a “building safety” lien if the work is not completed within 180 days.
Maintenance after Balcony Inspections
After the inspection, the board will have a better sense of the condition of their complex balconies, decks, and other elevated elements after completing your Balcony inspections. However, keep in mind, that only a percentage of these structures have been inspected per the requirements. Consequently, any conditions found in the sampling are likely to be present throughout your condo complex and will also need repairs.
The next stage in complying with regulations is to locate and hire a deck and balcony contractor to review the balcony inspections results and evaluate the overall condition of your buildings. It is essential to recognize that the inspector cannot be hired to conduct the actual repairs. Consequently, you must employ a licensed, qualified, and seasoned general contractor in Los Angeles or Southern California.
A contractor must have experience working on multifamily properties, as well as the capacity and personnel to manage projects involving structural wood, waterproofing, stucco, and exterior elements. Not all contractors have the necessary tools, such as scaffolding or lifts, to conduct work on projects located higher than two floors.
Balcony Repairs
Decks, terraces, and other elevated areas are exposed to sun, wind, and precipitation. Consequently, they deteriorate over time if not adequately maintained. In addition, as a building and the soil beneath it shift due to soil conditions and earthquakes, areas with stucco or other waterproofing elements may develop cracks or spaces that allow water to enter.
Balconies and terraces are specifically designed with a series of waterproofing elements, including flashing, membranes, coatings, and sealants, to prevent water intrusion, dry rot, termite damage, and more. However, these protective measures are not permanent and require upkeep or replacement after a certain number of years.
Notably, balconies with deteriorating structural components, such as timber support beams, will likely require a complete reconstruction. Rebuilding the balcony from within the building’s exterior walls is a potentially disruptive procedure.
Contact Us – The Balcony Inspection Experts Near Me – Florida’s Balcony Inspection Experts
- Phone: 321-355-6052
- Email: info@EMAengineers.com
- Orlando, Daytona, Tampa