Diverting construction and demolition from landfills and reducing the need for virgin materials has been identified as one of the most impactful strategies related to greenhouse gas emission reductions of the built environment. Subsequently, it is also one of the core strategies of San Jose’s Zero Waste Plan, as this material represents 30% of tons generated Citywide.

San Jose's Municipal Code Section 9.10.085 defines construction and demolition as waste building materials, packaging and rubble resulting solely from construction, remodeling, and demolition operations on pavements, houses, commercial building, and other structures, and rock, concrete, asphalt and dirt.

To comply with California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) requirements for new construction under Title 24, Part 11, the CDD Program manages two processes, and their applicability depends on the type of project:

CDD Review and Final

Applies to all new construction and tenant improvement projects valued over $200,000 or greater.

CDD Deposit Program

Applies to all residential alterations of $2,000 or more, all non-residential alterations of $5,000 or more, and all residential and non-residential demolitions.