Pasadena Proposes Amendments to Municipal Code for Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Pasadena’s Department of Public Works is proposing amendments to the Municipal Code to regulate waste management plans for construction and demolition (C&D) projects within the city. Specifically, the amendments will apply to Chapter 8.62 of the Municipal Code, or the “Construction and Demolition Waste Management” ordinance.

These proposed changes will be presented to the City Council’s Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 22, during a public meeting at the City Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. 

According to an Agenda Report, the presentation is a follow-up to a previous one in April where the Municipal Services Committee requested additional information on construction and demolition (C&D) compliance rates and a comparison of C&D deposit fees from other jurisdictions. 

The Committee also requested clarification on the role of the city’s franchised haulers as part of the C&D compliance process.  

Tuesday’s presentation will now include a comparison of C&D waste management thresholds with other nearby cities throughout Los Angeles County, a proposal to maintain the $1,000 minimum security deposit which was adopted in 2020 and which has increased the compliance rate from 46 to 86 percent, and a proposal to lower the residential threshold for C&D projects from 500 square feet to 250 square feet, in accordance with the state’s CALGreen Code. 

It will also include a proposal to exempt certain types of projects from the C&D waste management plan requirement, such as emergency repairs, minor alterations and tenant improvements that do not involve structural changes or demolition.

Public Works will also report on the role of franchise haulers in providing C&D waste collection and disposal services, and on the benefits of using certified waste haulers and facilities.

After discussions at the Municipal Services Committee, the proposal goes up to the full City Council next week. The Public Works Department is proposing that the City Attorney be directed to draft an ordinance amending the chapter within 60 days.  

Tuesday’s meeting can be accessed in person or online via www.pasadenamedia.org. To be able to participate online, go to cityofpasadena.net/cczoom. The meeting ID is 161 482 446. 

Public comment may be sent in advance through this webpage: www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment.