San Diego adopts the California Building Code with local amendments. Scaffolds on public rights-of-way require an encroachment permit from the Development Services Department. Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 1635-1672 sets comprehensive scaffold safety standards for all construction work in California.
San Diego's scaffold requirements are governed by Cal/OSHA Title 8 (California Code of Regulations), Sections 1635-1672, which provide comprehensive scaffold safety standards more stringent than federal OSHA in several areas. All scaffolds must be erected under the supervision of a competent person. Fall protection is required at heights of 7.5 feet or more (stricter than the federal 10-foot threshold). Guardrails must be 42 inches high with a midrail. Scaffolds on public sidewalks or rights-of-way in San Diego require an encroachment permit from the Development Services Department. The permit requires a traffic control plan, pedestrian protection (overhead covered walkway), and minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian path. San Diego Municipal Code Section 129.0702 requires that construction projects maintain safe pedestrian access throughout the duration of work. All scaffold erectors must hold a Cal/OSHA scaffold erector certification. The city may require engineering calculations for scaffolds exceeding certain heights or in seismically sensitive areas.
Cal/OSHA serious violations: up to $25,000 per violation. Willful violations: up to $156,259. City encroachment permit violations: stop work order, fines.
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