Before commencing demolition work for a building, house, or any other property in Califonia, it is vital to get permits from the concerned authorities. If these legal procedures are overlooked, one might end up in legal trouble.
These permits are not just about excavating a property; they also focus on waste management, accountability for environmental impact, handling hazardous materials, recycling procedures, and much more.
Let’s have a detailed view of how demolition permits work, the involved authorities, and other information regarding a partial or full demolition.
About Demolition Authorities Regulating Permits in California
California Building Standards Commission (CBSC)
The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) is a state agency established to regulate the development, approval, publication, and implementation of California’s building codes. Here’s how they work:
- They establish and update the California Building Standards Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), and California Plumbing Code (CPC) through a public process involving industry experts and stakeholders.
- These codes establish minimum standards for safe and sustainable construction and general guidelines for demolition projects.
- The CBC specifically has sections related to demolition practices, debris removal, and worker safety during the demolition of structures.
California Department of Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA)
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), through its Division of Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement (Cal/OSHA), is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for California workers. Here’s how they relate to demolition:
- Issues separate demolition permits for projects exceeding 3 stories/36 feet or involving deep excavations with worker entry.
- Enforces safety regulations during demolition work to protect workers from hazards such as falling debris, electrical hazards, and exposure to hazardous materials.
- Provides resources and training programs for demolition contractors and workers on safe work practices.
Local building departments enforce these regulations and have the primary authority to issue demolition permits.
Other Regulations: California tackles demolition safety through a combined effort. The California Building Standards Commission sets the groundwork with demolition guidelines in the building code. While CalEPA offers general hazardous material regulations, enforcement falls on other agencies. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) manages asbestos, and Air Quality Management Districts (AQMDs) regulate air quality concerns during demolition, like lead paint removal. This multi-agency approach ensures demolitions are conducted safely and minimize environmental impact.
Factors Involved In California Demolition Permits
Application: Start the process of your legal requirements by submitting a completed application for a demolition permit to the local building department. This application usually includes details such as the property address, owner’s information, contractor details, and scope of the demolition work.
Notification and Utility Shut-off: Notify utility companies and ensure that all utility services are shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled at the building or curb line before starting demolition. If needed, utility services should be relocated or protected from physical damage.
Hazardous Material Assessment: Determine if any hazardous chemicals, gasses, explosives, flammable materials, or dangerous substances have been used on the property. If present, testing and hazard elimination procedures may be required before demolition.
Asbestos Survey: Survey pipe-covering insulation, steel beam and column fire protection, and HVAC ductwork for asbestos. Compliance with specific asbestos regulations, as outlined in the local ordinances or state law, is typically necessary if asbestos is found.
Structural Survey and Safety Measures: Prior to commencing demolition operations, identify and address any structural or hazardous deficiencies noted during the survey and ensure proper shoring, bracing, or correction of hazards as recommended.
Waste Disposal Plan: Plan for the proper disposal of all material displaced during demolition, ensuring immediate transport to the ground and compliance with waste management regulations.
Controlled Demolition Practices: Follow specific procedures for the systematic and safe demolition of the building or structure, including the removal of exterior walls and floor construction from the top downward, as well as the protection of walkways, openings, and exposed floor joists.
Employee Safety Measures: Implement safety measures to protect employees from falling material, ensure proper illumination, and provide safe access ways, including the use of stairways, ladders, and passenger elevators, if applicable.
Environmental and Public Safety Compliance: Comply with regulations for dust control, prevention of debris and dust rising, and adequate support for mechanical equipment used during demolition.
Permitting and Inspection: Obtain the necessary permits and ensure that inspections are conducted at various stages of the demolition process to verify compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Wrapping Up
Having familiarity with these regulations and permits, you can ensure a compliant demolition procedure. These not only keep you away from legal complications but also ensure the safety of the labor, environment, and neighborhood.
You can also consult Flores Excavation and Demolition Inc. to understand these concepts better and help you with the entire demolition process, starting from acquiring necessary permits to removing the debris from the site.