Taking effect on July 9, 2025, the City of Hidden Hills has new construction and demolition site control measures. These apply to all construction, grading, and demolition work. Violations of these standards may result in citations and fines. The new measures are grouped into to the following two categories: 1. Applicable to all construction sites, 2. Applicable to new homes, grading, demolition, and large remodels.
All Residential and Non-Residential Construction
- Waste containers, including roll offs and trash bins, shall be located on the construction site and reasonably screened from public view, and the locations shall be notated on the site plans and approved by the City. Waste containers shall not be placed in the roads or parkways, except as permitted by the Hidden Hills Community Association. Waste containers shall be covered where possible and shall not be overfilled.
- The site shall be kept clean and free of any trash or other debris not related to construction.
- Roadways, parkways, and trails shall be cleaned by the builder on a daily basis to remove any nails, screws, trash, soil, mud and debris originating from the site.
- The following statement shall be included on all plans, and is a requirement of all construction: “The site shall be kept clean of trash and debris not related to construction. Roads, parkways, and trails shall be kept free of dirt, mud, nails, screws, trash, or other construction debris originating from the site. Builder shall inspect and clean the site and roadway, parkway and trails at the close of each day on which there was construction activity.”
- The following construction work is prohibited during red flag warning days: grading, demolition, use of any outdoor equipment or outdoor activity that could cause a spark or flame.
- Pool draft hydrants, for Fire Department use at the street, are required for all new pools.
- Portable toilets shall be located on the construction site and reasonably screened from public view. Locations are to be shown on the site plans and approved by the City. Portable toilets shall be emptied or replaced a minimum of twice per week.
- Power construction equipment (including combustion engines), fixed or mobile, shall be equipped with noise shielding and muffling devices consistent with manufacturers’ standards or the Best Available Control Technology. All equipment shall be properly maintained, and the applicant or owner shall require any construction contractor to keep documentation on-site during any earthwork or construction activities demonstrating that the equipment has been maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
- Construction noise audible from an adjacent residence or activity that shakes or vibrates residences offsite shall not begin before 8:00 a.m., unless approved by the Building Official.
Residential and Non-Residential Construction Projects Involving Grading, New Homes, Large Remodels (50% or more) and Demolition Projects
- At least 72 hours prior to commencement of construction, a laminated plywood sign shall be posted by the builder on the site with minimum dimensions of 4’x4′, with black lettering no less than two inches in height on a white background, visible and readable from the public road right of way stating the following:
- Notice of pending construction including a description of the work and the job site address.
- Anticipated date of commencement of construction, and length of construction period.
- Two names and phone numbers that can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (owner or owner’s representatives). The same names and phone numbers shall be noted on building permits.
- City of Hidden Hills phone number (818) 888-9281
- Phone number for the South Coast Air Quality Management District complaint line (800) 228-7664.
- At least 14 days prior to construction, all properties within 500 feet of the project site and no less than two properties away in every direction, or further if deemed necessary by the Building Official due to the unique characteristics of a property, shall be notified of commencement of construction. Builder shall provide radius maps, mailing labels and stamped envelopes of properties that shall be noticed to the City as part of the application for City verification.
- Contractor shall hang door tags at all residences notified above, at the commencement of any work that has the potential to cause offsite dust, vibrations, toxic odors, or excessive and prolonged noise. Notices shall include dates, start/stop times, and City and builder email addresses and phone numbers. Additional door hangers shall be required if there are scheduling changes or if such work is discontinued and recommenced at a later date.
- A Dust Control Plan shall be included on plans, submitted for review and approval by the City, and maintained and implemented on the site at all times. Plans shall comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and State of California standards and shall include:
- Location and proper maintenance of dust fences.
- Schedule for watering down site (permanent source of water to be on site).
- Plans for use of vegetation and/or chemical stabilizer (non-toxic, environmentally safe stabilizers).
- Where chemical stabilizers are not used, multiple daily application of water is required on days when there is construction, and immediately prior to weekends and holidays, to minimize visible dust.
- Regular wheel washing.
- Maximum speed limit of 15 mph for all vehicles on the construction site.
- All equipment and vehicles carrying construction debris or material capable of creating dust must be covered by a tarp during transport and safety secured.
- Builders shall begin pre-watering the site at least 72 hours prior to grubbing or grading./li>
- Builders shall call for City inspection the day prior to grubbing the site or commencing grading or construction to verify the pre-watering.
- Builders shall take all necessary measures to minimize dust travelling off the project site, even beyond those listed in the dust control plan./li>
- The dust control plan shall be maintained and implemented for at least one week after construction is completed.
- If during construction, there are three significant fugitive dust events, as determined by the Building Official or designee, during the duration of the project, a stop work notice may be issued and additional dust control protocols shall be added to the Dust Control Plan and implemented to prevent dust from leaving the site. The Dust Control Plan shall be submitted to the City for City approval. The Dust Control Plan is also required for interior remodels, which may require using HEPA filters for ventilation to the area of work. Failure to comply with the Dust Control Plan may result in the City issuing a stop work order.
- For homes built prior to 1992, prior to the issuance of a permit for demolition, the applicant must submit proof of review and approval from SCAQMD that the proposed demolition is compliant with SCAQMD asbestos standards of Rule 1403. If a hazardous material survey and abatement is required, a certificate from a California licensed hazardous materials contractor shall be submitted to the City certifying that all hazardous materials have been properly abated.
- The building shall be cleared of all pests and vermin (rats, possum, raccoons, etc.), without the use of poisons or rodenticides, by a licensed pest control company. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a certificate from the licensed company must be provided to the City stating the pest control company’s name, the name of the licensed exterminator, and a statement certifying that the building has been cleared of all pests and vermin.
Violations of these standards are subject to the following fines:
- A fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) for the first violation.
- A fine not exceeding six hundred dollars ($600) for a second violation of the same provision within one year.
- A fine not exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for each additional violation of the same provision within one year.