Construction and Demolition | City of Sierra Madre

The Planning and Community Preservation Department is committed to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship in the City of Sierra Madre. Consistent with the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 and the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), the City promotes recycling, reuse, and waste reduction practices to minimize landfill disposal and support statewide solid waste diversion goals.

Chapter 8.13 Construction and Demolition Waste Disposal

Permit Requirements

Demolition includes the alteration, reconstruction, or removal of 50 percent or more of a structure’s floor area or monetary value. Projects involving less than 50 percent demolition may still be required to comply with construction and demolition waste management requirements. All demolition permit applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically and may include:

A mitigation plan addressing vermin control, dust and noise management, asbestos handling, salvage and recycling efforts, trash removal, air quality impacts, historic preservation, and neighborhood compatibility.
Documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements from:
- South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
- Electricity provider
- Natural gas provider
A general description of the intended future use of the property following demolition.

For more information about building and demolition permits, or to apply for a permit, please visit the Building and Safety page.

Demolition Checklist FAQ

C&D Waste Management

A minimum of 65% of all construction and demolition waste must be recycled or diverted from landfills. Applicants may comply by using the City’s authorized hauler, Athens Services, or by obtaining approval of a Waste Management Plan ("WMP"). The City of Sierra Madre also requires all construction projects to maintain active waste collection service through the authorized hauler from permit issuance through project completion.

Applicants utilizing a Waste Management Plan may submit and manage compliance documentation through Green Halo Systems. This platform streamlines reporting by allowing applicants to track recycling activities, approved facilities, waste calculations, and diversion reporting throughout the duration of construction. To submit a WMP compliance report, please use the Green Halo Portal linked below.

To request construction or demolition debris recovery services through Athens Services, please complete the online request form or call (888) 336-6100 for assistance.

Athens Services Green Halo Portal

Green Halo User Guides

Creating an Account

Submitting a Plan

Adding Tickets

FAQs

What types of projects require a Waste Management Plan (WMP)?

City and city-sponsored projects valued at $50,000 or more, or involving the alteration, reconstruction, or removal of 50% or more of a building, must comply with the Waste Management Plan (WMP) requirements in Chapter 8.13 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code when construction and demolition debris is self-hauled. Projects that use the City's franchised hauler for all collection and disposal of construction and demolition debris are exempt from these requirements.

Am I required to obtain a building or demolition permit?

Construction, demolition, and renovation projects require both a Building and Demolition permit from the City of Sierra Madre. Contact the Planning and Community Preservation Department to determine whether your project requires a permit and to learn about any waste management obligations associated with self-hauling.

For more information about building and demolition permits, or to apply for a permit, please visit the Building and Safety page.

Do I need a permit to place a trash or storage bin on the street?

Yes. A permit from the Public Works Department is required for any trash or storage bin that will remain on the street overnight or for an extended period. To apply, complete and submit the application available on the Applications, Licenses, and Permits page, and pay the required fee in person.

Please note that only the City’s contracted waste hauler, Athens Services, is authorized to provide trash bins.

Permit requests are reviewed individually, with safety considerations evaluated for each location.

No permit is required if the bin is placed on private property, such as a driveway.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 626-355-7135 ext. 802.

Which projects are exempt from the Waste Management Plan requirement?

The following projects are exempt from submitting a Waste Management Plan (WMP) and deposit:

Emergency demolition required to protect public health and safety;
Work for which a building or demolition permit is not required;
Work for which only a plumbing, only an electrical, or only a mechanical permit is required;
Projects where no structural building modifications are required;
Roofing projects that do not include tear-off of existing roof;
Seismic tie-down projects;
Projects where a franchised hauler has been selected for C&D waste disposal per city requirements.

What happens if a project does not comply?

Failure to comply with the requirements of Chapter 8.13 may result in penalties and enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1.12 and Section 8.13.070 of the City Code.

Can I hire a third-party waste hauler?

No. The City of Sierra Madre does not allow third-party haulers for construction and demolition waste.

All projects must use the City’s authorized hauler, Athens Services, for waste collection and diversion. This requirement applies from demolition permit issuance through project completion.

If you are looking to meet diversion requirements, you can either:

Use Athens Services for all debris hauling, or
Submit and obtain approval of a Waste Management Plan (WMP) for self-hauling.

Fees

Demolition and Waste Management Fees may be found here.