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Phase 5 · Build · Step 5.1

Demo, erosion control, tree protection, sitework

Tree-protection fencing goes up first, then erosion control, then any demo. Inspectors check the sequence — get it out of order and you can stop work yourself.

Who
General contractor, PP&D, Bureau of Environmental Services, Urban Forestry
How long
1-3 weeks
Cost
$8,000-$25,000
You end up with
Site cleared and ready for foundation

If you skip this: Inspectors verify tree-protection fencing and erosion control are in place before earth moves. Ground disturbance inside a protected RPZ before fencing can trigger a stop-work order and Urban Forestry penalties.

What's happening

Before any earth moves, site protection has to be in place:

  1. Tree protection fencing at the root protection zones from the tree review. Inspectors check this first.
  2. Erosion and sediment control — silt fence at downhill edges, stabilized construction entrance, inlet protection on storm drains.
  3. Construction signage — permit number posted at the street.

Then any demo of existing structures (removing a shed where the DADU will sit, for example), then mass excavation if needed.

Inspections at this stage

  • Erosion control inspection (BES) — usually within the first week, triggered automatically.
  • Tree protection inspection (Urban Forestry) — if Title 11 review applied.
  • Demolition — separate permit if you're removing a structure.

What it costs

  • Demolition (if any): $5,000-$15,000
  • Erosion control + tree fencing: $1,500-$3,500
  • Excavation + grading: $3,000-$10,000
  • Hauling: $2,000-$5,000

The total is small but volatile — slope, soil, and disposal costs swing widely.

Where this information came from

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