Gardena, CA Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (2026)

Gardena Municipal Code § 15.06.080 amends Section 3306 of the 2022 California Building Code by adding Section 3306.10, Fencing and Pedestrian Protection, which governs every building and demolition site in the city. Item 3 of that section requires that, if scaffolding is used on any construction site, the exterior face of the scaffolding be covered with mesh screen, tarps or other material sufficient to mitigate dust and debris migration from the site. The scaffolding-screening duty is one of six requirements the section imposes together: a pre-demolition inspection verifying the sewer cap, temporary toilet location and capped electrical, water and gas service; a minimum 6-foot-high protective chain-link fence with slats or screening, or wood fencing under CBC Section 3306 and Table 3306.1, regardless of distance to the property line; the screened scaffolding itself; a Pedestrian Protection Plan approved before any demolition or building permit issues, prepared by a licensed contractor, engineer or owner-builder; and Public Works Department approval for any work that encroaches into the public right-of-way or diverts pedestrians.

The Pedestrian Protection Plan must show every area of required protection or explain why a location is exempt, such as distance from the property line, and may substitute flag persons and barriers for a canopy where a narrow street or alley makes a canopy impractical.