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
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), see the combined steps on how to comply with both health codes.

The Site Mitigation Program oversees Health Code 22B. Contact us if you have any general questions.

Submit a Site Mitigation 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 Site Mitigation 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).

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 DBI Site Permit application complete if you show documentation of receiving a SMED case number.

and

Submit waiver documentation

Optional

The requirements of Health Code 22B may be waived, as described in Section 1242(a), if your project is not within 1,000 feet of a sensitive receptor. A sensitive receptor may include a residence, school, childcare center, hospital, or other healthcare facility or group living quarters.

If you believe your project qualifies for a waiver, submit a map showing:

the project location and
all sensitive receptors within 1,000 feet of the project.

If a waiver is issued, then no further action may be required.

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.

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 the Site Mitigation Program to approve your building permit during plan review. Projects with past-due Site Mitigation 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 Summary (DCCS)

A DCCS documents that the project followed the approved DCP.

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

Finish closure activities

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 22B compliance and digitally sign your DBI Job Card.