The City of Laguna Hills (pursuant to LHMC Chapter 5-48) requires all new construction, demolition, and renovation projects to recycle or reuse at least sixty-five (65) percent of construction and demolition waste. The purpose of this program is to promote the recycling of C&D waste, to reduce the amount of such material that is landfilled, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to assist the City in meeting State of California mandated C&D waste diversion requirements. The minimum percentage amount required to be diverted from landfills is set forth by State law and is currently 65%. Currently, applicants are required to divert 65% of the total C&D waste tonnage at a project site from landfills.

What projects are required to divert C&D debris?

All projects that require a building permit or an encroachment permit and generate C&D waste are required to divert at least 65% of the C&D waste from landfills. These projects are called Covered Projects under the City of Laguna Hills' C&D Waste and Recycling Program.

What projects are not required to divert C&D debris?

The following types of projects are not required to divert C&D debris and are not required to submit a C&D Waste Plan or a security deposit:

• Work for which only a plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit is required.
• Seismic tie-down projects.
• Installation of pre-fabricated patio enclosures and covers where no foundation or other structural building modifications are required.
• Installation of pre-fabricated accessories such as signs or antennas where no structural building modifications are required.
• Other work that the C&D Compliance Official determines will not produce C&D waste.
• City-sponsored projects.

How much is the Security Deposit?

For each application for a building or encroachment permit for Covered Projects the following security deposits shall apply:

What steps are involved in the Recycling Program?

Follow the steps below if your project is required to divert C&D debris:

Step 1:

Complete and submit a C&D Waste Plan, Security Deposit, and an Administration Fee ($46.04) with your building or encroachment permit application. The Waste Plan indicates the estimated quantities of C&D debris generated at your project site, the estimated quantities of materials reused, recycled, and/or disposed of, and the certified recycling or disposal facility you plan to use.

Step 2:

During construction/demolition, gather data for your C&D Waste Compliance Report and Request for Deposit Refund. You are required to keep original receipts, weight tags, or invoices for all loads delivered to a recycling facility. Documentation must state that waste received by recycling facility was considered “C&D” or recycled at 65%, and originated from Laguna Hills. If documentation designates C&D waste as trash, municipal solid waste, or green waste, the deposit will not be refunded.

Step 3:

Complete and submit a C&D Waste Compliance Report and Request for Deposit Refund. Unlike the C&D Waste Plan, which is an estimate, the Compliance Report documents your actual C&D Waste tonnages. You will need to attach all documentation gathered in Step 2 to the Compliance Report, which must be turned in within 60 days of the permit’s final inspection date; otherwise, the C&D deposit will be forfeited.

Step 4:

The City will refund your Security Deposit if you have met the required diversion requirement as established by the State and abided by your Waste Plan. Please note that your Security Deposit will be forfeited if the City does not receive your completed C&D Waste Compliance Report and Request for Deposit Refund within sixty (60) days after receiving the Building Inspector's sign-off for the final inspection of your project. Security Deposits are also forfeited upon sixty (60) days after a permit expiration date.

Should you have any questions regarding this form, or the C&D Waste Recycling Program, please call the City of Laguna Hills at (949) 707-2676 or (949) 707-2665 or building@lagunahillsca.gov.