Imperial County, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Imperial County Code Sec. 91012.13
- Waste diversion rate
- 65% of C&D debris
- Toilet flow limit
- 1.28 gallons per flush
- Commissioning trigger
- New buildings 10,000+ sq ft
Summary
Imperial County's California Green Building Standards Code chapter requires 65 percent of construction and demolition waste to be recycled or salvaged on every covered project.
Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with either CalGreen Code Sections 4.408.2, 4.408.3 or 4.408.4, or meet a more stringent local construction and demolition waste management ordinance.
Exceptions:
1.Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.2.Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist or are not located reasonably close to the jobsite.3.The enforcing agency may make exceptions to the requirements of this section when isolated jobsites are located in areas beyond the haul boundaries of the diversion facility. (Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12 (Sections 91012.01 through .38) locally adopts and expands CalGreen mandatory measures rather than just reciting the state code. Under Section 91012.13, contractors must recycle or salvage at least 65 percent of nonhazardous construction and demolition debris, tracked through a written waste-management plan the enforcing agency can inspect during construction (Section 91012.14). The chapter also layers in local plumbing-fixture flow limits, 1.28 gallons per flush for toilets, 1.8 gpm showerheads, moisture limits on framing lumber, and commissioning requirements for new buildings of 10,000 square feet or more. Exceptions to the waste rule cover excavated soil, land-clearing debris, and sites too remote from a diversion facility.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the construction waste management plan or missing the 65 percent diversion target without a qualifying exception violates Sections 91012.13 and .14 and can hold up final inspection sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What green building rule applies to construction waste in Imperial County?
Are there exceptions to the 65 percent waste diversion rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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