Perform site assessment and mitigation

Once you receive a SMED case number, you can submit an application to DBI for a Site Permit (see step 3 in the linked webpage).

As part of the DBI Site Permit application, include a copy of your processed Site Mitigation application that shows your SMED case number. We consider a Site Permit application complete if you show documentation of receiving a SMED case number.

Health Code 22A (Maher Ordinance) requirements may be waived if you submit documentation demonstrating:

• Your project site has been continuously used for residence since 1921 and
• There is no evidence suggesting contamination

We will review your documents after we process your payment and application.

If your caseworker determines that your project only needs to control for dust, follow the simplified compliance steps for dust control.

A Site History Report summarizes past uses of the property and any potential environmental conditions.

A Subsurface Investigation Work Plan describes a proposed scope of work for the collection of environmental samples at your site.

A Subsurface Investigation Report describes how a Subsurface Investigation Work Plan was implemented, what was found, possible health risks, and recommended next steps.

If health risks can be reduced (mitigated), we will direct you to Step 5.

If there are unacceptable health risks, we may direct you to do the following before Step 5:

• Submit additional reports and evaluations
• Collect more environmental samples
• Clean up the contamination under the Voluntary Remedial Action Program

Dust Control Plan (DCP)

Projects greater than 0.5 acres must submit a site-specific Dust Control Plan (DCP) under Health Code 22B.

Site Mitigation Plan (SMP)

A SMP describes how your project will manage and reduce the health risks from contaminants. Some long-term health risks need engineering and institutional controls.

Engineering Control Plan (ECP), if needed

An ECP describes the design of the engineering control, and how it will be installed, constructed with quality assurance, and tested. An example of an ECP is a design plan for a vapor intrusion mitigation system (VIMS), which prevents underground gases from getting inside a building.

The construction plans and details for the engineering control must be included in the ECP and relevant Full Permit or Addenda application(s).

Projects with past-due Site Mitigation invoices will not receive submittal approval letters, until those invoices are paid. See our invoice webpage for acceptable payment options.

If your SMP is approved without engineering or institutional controls, follow the simplified compliance steps.

Once we approve your SMP and receive your ECP, you will receive an Application Eligibility Letter (AEL) indicating your project has met the necessary requirements to submit a complete building permit application.

Include the engineering control design and AEL in your DBI application for a Full Permit or Addenda to Site Permit. The engineering control design may be revised during plan review.

After you receive a Full Permit or Addenda for Site Permit from DBI, construction activities must follow the approved site mitigation documents from Step 5. Construct the engineering control design as approved in your permit.

This is a great time to start drafting your post-construction submittals:

• Construction Quality Assurance Report (Step 8)
• Operation and Maintenance Plan (Step 9)
• Covenant and Environmental Restriction (Step 10)
• Site Mitigation Completion Report (Step 11)

The CQA Report documents implementation of the ECP and certifies the building is safe to occupy.

You can also send us a digital copy of your DBI Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) Worksheet with your CQA Report. Once we approve the report, we will digitally sign your DBI TCO Worksheet.

An OMP describes how to operate and maintain the engineering control.

Step 9 is often done at the same time as Step 10.

A Covenant and Environmental Restriction informs current and future land owners of contamination on the property, activity use limitations (AULs), and activities required of the owner to ensure the property remains safe for its intended use. Such activities could include operating and maintaining an engineering control. If your property has a deed of trust or mortgage, you may also need to submit a subordination agreement.

We will provide you with instructions and templates. Input and review are required from:

• Your environmental professional,
• Property owner (and their legal counsel, if applicable),
• Site Mitigation caseworker
• City Attorney's Office

Once we approve these documents, they must be:

• Signed and notarized, and then
• Recorded at the City's Assessor-Recorder’s office

A SMCR documents and certifies that the project:

• Followed the approved site mitigation documents from Step 5, and
• Completed the post-construction submittals from Steps 8, 9, and 10.

We will send you any final and outstanding invoices. Submit payment of all Site Mitigation invoices, and a digital copy of your DBI Job Card.

Once your account balance has been settled, we will:

• Issue a letter of No Further Action (NFA) for Health Code 22A and/or 22B compliance and
• Digitally sign your DBI Job Card.