Los Angeles County, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum C&D recycling rate
- 70% by weight
- Land-clearing debris rate
- 100% recycled or reused
- First-ton deposit
- $500 fixed
- Maximum deposit
- $100,000 cap
- Enforcing agency
- LA County Dept. of Public Works
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, permit applicants for construction or demolition projects must recycle or reuse at least 70% of C&D debris by weight and 100% of land-clearing debris under the County's CalGreen-tied ordinance, backed by a refundable project deposit.
Except as otherwise provided in this Section 20.87.040, applicants shall recycle or reuse project C&D debris, except for soil debris, at the following rates: 1. Applicants shall recycle or reuse at least seventy percent (70%) of project C&D debris (not consisting of soil and land clearing debris), determined by weight, or at the rate mandated by State law, whichever is more stringent. 2. Applicants shall recycle or reuse one hundred percent (100%) of land clearing debris.
Full Breakdown
Before Public Works signs off on a building or demolition permit, the applicant files a Recycling and Reuse Plan and posts a refundable deposit -- $500 for the first ton, sliding to $30 per ton above 45 tons, capped at $100,000. At project completion the applicant must document that at least 70% of C&D debris (by weight, excluding soil) and 100% of land-clearing debris was recycled or reused, or forfeit part of the deposit. The rule implements the 2016 CalGreen Building Code's C&D diversion mandate and applies only within the unincorporated County; each of the 88 incorporated cities, including the City of Los Angeles, enforces its own C&D recycling ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Failing to hit the 70%/100% recycling rates, or failing to file a complete final compliance report, forfeits part or all of the refundable deposit and triggers a separate per-ton administrative penalty -- $100 for the first ton, sliding to $30/ton above 45 tons -- under Los Angeles County Code § 20.87.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
What happens if I never submit a final compliance report?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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