Santa Cruz County: Do not remove debris from fire-damaged homes without approval

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Santa Cruz County officials are asking property owners to not remove debris from fire-damaged areas without written approval from the county.

The County created an Environmental Health Debris Removal Flowchart to explain the process of debris removal.

Before property owners can go through the remains, the property needs to be evaluated for hazardous waste and materials, which will be removed by a local, state or federal hazardous waste oversight agency. The county said contact with hazardous materials could cause long-term health effects.

When that is completed, a property owner can go through the remains for entering Phase II of debris removal. At that point, the owner can choose to move forward with public or private options.

In the private option, the property owner can hire an approved removal contractor and submit a Debris Removal Application to Environmental Health. The contractor should also submit a plan to Environmental Health. If it is approved, a Debris Removal Clearance will be issued and the rebuilding process can begin.

If the public option is chosen, the owner will need to submit a Right of Entry so a contractor can remove debris at no direct cost. The owner will still need to file an insurance claim if debris removal is covered. A Debris Removal Clearance will be issued and rebuilding can begin.

Learn more about debris removal here.