What to do
Dust from construction sites pose a potential health hazard to the community.
You need a site-specific Dust Control Plan for your construction project if:
- It is larger than 1/2 acre
- There are sensitive receptors within 1,000 feet of the project
We need to approve your site-specific Dust Control Plan before you can start construction. If your project does not meet these criteria, you do not need to comply with Health Code Article 22B. However, you must follow the general dust control requirements under the building code.
1. Fill out an application
You do not need to submit an additional application if you already have a Site Mitigation Environmental Health Database (SMED) number for your project.
2. Submit your application
Email the application and any supporting documents to DPH-SiteMitGeneral@sfdph.org.
If your supporting documents are too large, please include a file sharing link. You can also ask in your email for us to send you a file sharing link.
3. Pay the application fee
By mail
Submit a check made out to "San Francisco Department of Public Health". Include your project name and address on the check. Address the letter to:
Department of Public Health
Environmental Health BranchSite Assessment and Mitigation Program
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
In person
Pay the application fee with a credit card or check on the second floor of the San Francisco Permit Center:
Print Center
Permit Center49 South Van Ness Ave, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Mon to Tue,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wed,
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thu to Fri,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Once we process your application and payment, we will give you a Site Mitigation Environmental Health Database (SMED) case number. Your caseworker will reach out to you to request a site-specific Dust Control Plan. If your project is also required to comply with the Maher ordinance, your caseworker will coordinate compliance at the same time. Your case worker will make sure your project compliance with the Health Code Article 22B by:
- Guiding you through the compliance process
- Performing technical review of submitted documents
- Issue comments or approval letters
You must complete this process before demolition or potential dust generating activity.
4. Submit a site-specific Dust Control Plan
To comply, you need to submit a site-specific Dust Control Plan. This plan must include:
- A map showing sensitive receptors within 1,000 feet of your site
- All provisions of Section 106.3.2.6.3 of the Building Code
- Enhanced site-specific dust monitoring and control measures
Learn more about this requirement by reviewing the Health Code Article 22B.
Special cases
If your project is on land that may be contaminated
If your project is on land that may be contaminated
You need to submit a Maher application if your work:
- Requires a building or grading permit
- Is in a Maher zone. Check the map to see if your project is in a Maher zone.
- Will move 50 or more cubic yards of soil
If you need to apply to the Maher program, you can submit one application for both the Maher Program and a Dust Control Plan.
Last updated April 18, 2024