Control construction dust

Prevent and manage dust from your construction project to protect public health

Construction projects in San Francisco must control dust on their sites. Your project is subject to Health Code Article 22B (Construction Dust Control Ordinance) if the project:

is greater than 0.5 acres in size, and
is within 1,000 feet of sensitive uses (like residences, schools, hospitals), and
needs a permit from Department of Building Inspection (DBI)

This page describes the general steps to satisfy Health Code 22B. The required activities may take several months, so start as soon as you can.

If your project is subject to Health Code 22B and Health Code 22A (Maher Ordinance), review the Maher Ordinance webpage for combined steps on how to comply with both health codes.

The Department of Public Health's Site Assessment and Mitigation Program (DPH-SAM) oversees Health Code 22B. Contact us at the DPH-SAM if you have any general questions.

Submit a DPH-SAM application

Check your conditions to see if your project meets Health Code 22B criteria and other conditions, and go through the pages to submit an application.

Once we process your application and payment, we will give you a Site Mitigation Environmental Database (SMED) case number to track your project. A DPH-SAM caseworker will be assigned to contact you and guide you through the next steps. Include the SMED case number in all correspondence with your caseworker.

and

Submit a Site Permit application to DBI

Optional

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).

Submit and obtain approval of a Dust Control Plan (DCP)

A site-specific DCP describes how a project will monitor, minimize, and control the potential generation of dust. This plan is sometimes also called a Dust Management Plan, or Dust Mitigation Plan. A DCP that meets the Community Air Monitoring Plan Guidance (CAMP Guidance) will satisfy this requirement.

A Professional Geologist, Professional Engineer, or Certified Industrial Hygienist licensed in California can prepare a DCP. A DCP generally includes:

Introduction
Site and project description
Sensitive receptor evaluation
Site-specific dust mitigation measures
Dust monitoring protocols
Reporting and documentation
Certification

A sensitive receptor evaluation includes a map that shows all residences, schools, childcare centers, hospitals or other healthcare facility or group living quarters within 1,000 feet of the site boundary.

A site with naturally occurring asbestos may also need to submit an Asbestos Dust Management Plan (ADMP) to the Bay Area Air District.

and

Submit a Full Permit or Addenda to Site Permit application to DBI

Optional

Once we receive your DCP, you can submit a building permit application to DBI for a Full Permit or Addenda to Site Permit.

DCP approval is required for DPH-SAM to approve your building permit during plan review. Projects with past-due DPH-SAM invoices will not receive DCP approval letters until those invoices are paid.

Implement your project and dust controls

Once you receive your DBI permit, construction activities must follow the approved DCP.

Submit and obtain approval of a Dust Control Completion Report (DCCR)

A DCCR documents that the project followed the approved DCP. A DDCR generally includes:

Reference to the DCP
Project narrative
Description of all dust mitigation measures implemented
All dust monitoring data and summaries

A DCCR is generally submitted after the project completes its final dust-generating activity.

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

Finish closure activities

Submit payment of all DPH-SAM 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 22B compliance and digitally sign your DBI Job Card.