Berkeley tightens building code in wake of balcony collapse

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — The city of Berkeley, California, has approved new building standards in the aftermath of a balcony collapse that left six people dead.

The City Council voted Tuesday to require that new balconies be made of corrosion-resistant material and be ventilated to prevent a buildup of moisture. The council also mandated that all balconies be inspected within the next six months and every three years after that.

Six students were killed and seven others were hospitalized last month when an apartment balcony collapsed during a birthday party. Five of the dead students were from Ireland.

City inspectors said the balcony was supported by wooden beams that had been badly rotted by water damage.

Prosecutors have opened a criminal probe into the collapse.