Title
Environmental Management Department recommending the Board:
1) Provide conceptual approval, pursuant to Board Policy A-3, to amend Ordinance 5033 (Chapter 8.43) regulating Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris to remove outdated provisions, consolidate enforcement under Ordinances 5067 and 5174 (Code Enforcement Chapter 9.02); and make other minor revisions as needed;
2) Provide direction to staff on any additional amendments to the Ordinance; and
3) Direct staff to return with a presentation outlining recommended revisions to the ordinance and options for simplifying compliance.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recycling Ordinance (Chapter 8.43) was adopted by the Board on February 23, 2016 (Legistar file 15-1401) to ensure compliance with State recycling mandates and reduce landfill impacts. Over time, the ordinance has become overly complex, creating confusion for permittees and building staff and imposing unnecessary administrative burdens. Current requirements involve outdated forms, excessive oversight, and fees that delay permit issuance without improving compliance outcomes.
To address these issues, staff recommends revising the ordinance to:
- Simplify compliance and align with State law;
- Establish a clear standard requiring all permitted projects generating more than 1,000 pounds of waste (approximately one truckload) to recycle at least 65% of material;
- Eliminate outdated reporting requirements and legacy options, allowing flexibility in meeting recycling goals;
- Remove C&D permit fees and reduce administrative complexity;
- Shift focus to verification and enforcement rather than permit delays;
- Maintain exemptions for rare circumstances (e.g., fire damage, asbestos contamination) subject to Environmental Management review.
Board Policy A-3 requires conceptual approval before drafting ordinance language. Staff has not prepared amendment text at this stage. Upon Board direction, EMD w...
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