Fairfield, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 CalGreen, Title 24 Part 11
- Diversion target
- 65% of construction/demolition waste
- Plan required
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan pre-permit
- Small-project exemption
- 999 sq ft or less
- Non-compliance deposit
- 3% of project value, up to $10,000
Summary
Fairfield adopts the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) under Municipal Code § 5.2.15, then layers on its own construction and demolition waste program in § 9.460 requiring 65% diversion from landfill. Most permitted construction, demolition, and qualifying additions must file a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan before a permit issues, backed by a deposit of up to $10,000 for non-compliant applicants.
Adopt the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 edition, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 11. ... Construction and Demolition Waste generated from applicable construction, remodeling, or demolition projects shall be diverted from disposal to landfills through recycling, reuse and diversion programs to meet the current required diversion as described in the California Green Building Standards Code, adopted pursuant to Chapter 5, section 5.2.14 of this Code, which is 65% diversion as of 2021.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4962673; v0 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
15 adopts CalGreen, 2025 edition, Title 24, Part 11, as amended by the California Building Standards Commission. 460 requires construction and demolition waste from applicable projects to be diverted from landfill disposal through recycling, reuse, and diversion programs to meet the CalGreen diversion rate, set at 65% as of 2021, with separate calculations for the construction and demolition portions of a job. 480 exempts emergency work, hazardous-waste-contaminated projects, and demolitions or additions of 999 square feet or less. 490, no building or demolition permit issues without an approved Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan, unless the applicant instead contracts with an Authorized C&D Collector and provides that contract to the City Manager.
If a project isn't hitting the 65% diversion target, or hasn't submitted required quarterly reports, the City may require a deposit of 3% of total project value, capped at $10,000; five consecutive compliant projects are required to shed that deposit condition after a non-compliance finding.
Violations & Fines
Collecting construction and demolition waste without an approved Construction and Demolition Waste Collection Agreement is a violation of Chapter 9. The City notifies the responsible person by mail, email, or personal service and gives 24 hours to remove any collection containers; failing to apply for an agreement and remove containers within that window lets City staff begin abatement under § 27.401(r). Non-compliant applicants also face a deposit of 3% of project value, up to $10,000, on their current project and on the next five projects after a formal non-compliance determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a waste plan for a small remodel in Fairfield?
How much construction waste does Fairfield require me to divert?
What happens if my project misses the diversion target?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California building safety overview
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