Chapter 11.54 RECYCLING FACILITIES

Chapter 11.54
RECYCLING FACILITIES

Sections:

11.54.020 Permits required.

11.54.030 Criteria and standards.

11.54.040 Repealed by Ordinance 1767 § 3, 5-9-88.

11.54.010 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings set out in this section:

(1) "Bulk reverse vending machine" means a machine that is larger than fifty square feet; is designed to accept more than one container at a time, and will pay by weight instead of by container.

(2) "Certified recycling facility" or "certified processor" means a recycling facility certified by the California Department of Conservation as meeting the requirements of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act of 1986.

(3) "Collection facility" means a center for acceptance by donation, redemption, or purchase of recyclable materials from the public. Such facility does not use power driven processing equipment except as indicated in Section 11.54.030, criteria and standards, of this chapter.

(4) "Convenience zone" means an area within a one-half mile radius of a supermarket. A "supermarket" for the purpose of this chapter means a "full-line, self-service retail store with gross annual sales of two million dollars or more, and which sells a line of dry, grocery, canned goods, or non-food items and some perishable items."

(5) "Mobile recycling unit" means an automobile, truck, trailer or van, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles which is used for tile collection of recyclable materials. A mobile recycling unit also means the bins, boxes or containers transported by trucks, vans or trailers, and used for the collection of recyclable materials.

(6) "Processing" means the preparation of material for efficient shipment, or to an end-user’s specifications, by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning and remanufacturing.

(7) "Processing facility" means a building or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials.

(8) "Recyclable material" means reusable material including but not limited to metals, glass, plastic and paper, which are intended for reuse, manufacture or reconstitution for the purpose of using the altered form. Recyclable material does not include refuse or hazardous materials. Recyclable material may include used motor oil collected and transported in accordance with Sections 25250.11 and 25143.2 (b) (4) of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.

(9) "Recycling facility" means a center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable materials. Recycling facility may include the following:

(A) Collection Facility. Collection facilities may include the following:

(i) Reverse vending machine(s);

(ii) Small collection facilities which occupy an area of not more than five hundred square feet, may include:

a. A mobile unit,

b. Bulk reverse vending machines or a grouping of reverse vending machines which is larger than fifty square feet but smaller than five hundred square feet,

c. Kiosk type units which may include permanent structures,

d. Unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials;

(iii) Large collection facilities which may occupy an area of more than five hundred square feet or is on separate property not appurtenant to a host use.

(10) "Reverse vending facility" means a grouping of more than one reverse vending machine at a site in order to accept and temporarily store all three container types.

(11) "Reverse vending machine(s)" means an automatic mechanical device which accepts at least one or more types of empty beverage containers including, but not limited to aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit clip with a value not less than the container’s redemption value as determined by the state. Reverse vending machines shall not occupy an area larger than fifty square feet and shall not be higher than eight feet in height.

(e) "Industrial collections and processing facility" means a facility that accepts, stores or processes recyclable materials whether or not maintained in connection with another business. Processing includes but is not limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding, sawing, shearing and sorting of recyclable materials, and the heat reduction or melting of such materials.

(Ord. 2027 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1760 § 5 (part), 1-11-88)

11.54.020 Permits required.

(a) No person shall permit the placement, construction or operations of any recycling facility without first obtaining a permit pursuant to the provisions set forth in this section. Recycling facilities may be permitted as set forth in the following table:


Type of Facility	Zones Permitted	Permit Required
Reverse vending machine(s)	C-2, C-C, C-3, C-M, M-2, M-3	Administrative permit
Bulk reverse vending machine	C-2, C-C, C-3, C-M	Conditional use permit
	M-2, M-3	Administrative permit
Mobile recycling unit	C-2, C-C, C-3, C-M	Conditional use permit
	M-2, M-3	Administrative permit
Small collection facility	C-2, C-C, C-3, C-M	Conditional use permit
	M-2, M-3	Administrative permit
Large collection facility	M-2, M-3	Conditional use permit
Processing facilities	M-2, M-3	Conditional use permit
Industrial collection and processing facility	M-3	Conditional use permit

(b) An administrative permit shall be valid for a period of three years, after which time the operator shall be required to obtain a new permit every three years in order to continue to operate the recycling redemption centers.

(Ord. 2027 § 2, 1997; Ord. 1767 § 2, 5-9-88: Ord. 1760 § 5 (part), 1-11-88)

11.54.030 Criteria and standards.

Those recycling facilities permitted with an administrative permit shall meet all of the applicable criteria and standards listed. Those recycling facilities permitted with conditional use permit, or site plan shall also meet the applicable criteria and standards. The criteria and standards for recycling materials are as follows:

(1) Reverse Vending Machine(s). Reverse vending machine(s) located within a commercial structure do not require discretionary permits. Reverse vending machines do not require additional parking spaces for recycling customers and may be permitted in C-2, C-C, C-3, C-M, M-2 and M-3 zones, with an administrative use permit; provided, that they comply with the following standards:

(A) Shall be established in conjunction with a commercial or industrial use or community service facility which is in compliance with the zoning and building codes of the city of South Gate and the fire code of the county of Los Angeles.

(B) Shall be limited to one reverse vending machine facility per commercial or industrial isle.

(C) Shall be located within thirty feet of the entrance to the commercial structure and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

(D) Shall not occupy parking spaces required by the primary use.

(E) Shall occupy no more than fifty square feet of floor space per installation, including any protective enclosure, and shall be no more than eight feet in height.

(F) Shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof and rustproof material.

(G) The operator/owner of the host business shall be responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the machine.

(H) Shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited, shall give operating instructions, and shall identify the telephone number of the operator or responsible person to call for maintenance or repair.

(I) Shall not exceed a sign area of four square feet per machine, exclusive of operating instructions.

(J) Shall be maintained in a clean, litter-free condition on a daily basis.

(K) Operating hours shall be at least the operating hours of the host use.

(L) Shall be illuminated to ensure comfortable and safe operation if operating hours are between dusk and dawn.

(M) All utility lines servicing the machines shall be placed in adjacent walls or underground and screened from public view.

(N) Violation of any of the above conditions shall constitute grounds for revocation of the permit by the issuing authority.

(O) The administrative fee shall be paid to and collected by the department of community development.

(2) Small Collection Facilities, Mobile Recycling Units and Reverse Vending Machines. Small collection facilities, mobile recycling units and bulk reverse vending machines may be sited in convenience zones located in C-2, C-C, C-3 and C-M zones with a conditional use permit, and in the M-2 and M-3 zones with an administrative permit provided they comply with the following minimum conditions:

(A) Shall be established in conjunction with an existing commercial use, industrial use or community service facility which is in compliance with the zoning and building codes of the city of South Gate and the fire code of the county of Los Angeles.

(B) Shall be no larger than five hundred square feet.

(C) Shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any public right-of-way and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

(D) Shall accept only glass, metals, plastic containers, papers and reusable items.

(E) Shall use no power-driven processing equipment except for the reverse vending machines.

(F) Shall use containers that are constructed and maintained with durable waterproof and rustproof material, shall be covered when the site is not attended, and shall be secured from unauthorized entry or removal of materials and shall be of a capacity sufficient to accommodate materials collected and collection schedule.

(G) The operator/owner of the host use shall be responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility.

(H) Shall store all recyclable material in containers or in the mobile unit vehicle, and shall not leave materials outside of containers when attendant is not present.

(I) Shall be maintained free of litter and any other undeskable materials. Mobile facilities, at which track or containers are removed at the end of each collection day, shall be swept at the end of each collection day.

(J) Shall not exceed noise levels of fifty dBA between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m., forty dBA between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or occupied property, otherwise shall not exceed fifty-five dBA.

(K) Unattended facilities located within three hundred feet of a property zoned for residential use shall operate only between the hours of nine a.m. and seven p.m.

(L) Containers for the twenty-four-hour donation of materials shall be at least six hundred feet from any property zoned for residential use; access, such as driveways, to the containers shall be located at least three hundred feet from residentially zoned areas.

(M) Containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material which may be deposited.

(N) The facility shall be clearly marked to identify the name and telephone number of the facility operator and the person to call for maintenance and cleanliness of the facility, the hours of operation and shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling enclosure or containers.

(O) Signs may be provided as follows:

(i) Recycling facilities may have identification signs with a maximum of sixteen square feet.

(ii) Signs must be consistent with the character of the location.

(iii) Directional signs, bearing no advertising message, may be installed with the approval of the director of community development if necessary, to facilitate traffic circulation, or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.

(iv) The design review committee may authorize increases in the number and size of signs upon findings that they are compatible with adjacent businesses.

(P) No additional parking spaces shall be required for customers of a small collection facility located at the established parking lot of a host use. One space must be provided for the attendant, if needed.

(Q) Mobile recycling units shall have an area clearly marked to prohibit other vehicular parking during hours when the mobile unit is scheduled to be present.

(R) Occupation of parking spaces by the facility and by the attendant may not reduce available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the primary host use unless all of the following conditions exist:

(i) The facility is located in a convenience zone or a potential convenience zone as designated by the California Department of Conservation.

(ii) A parking study shows that existing parking capacity is not already fully utilized during the time the recycling facility will be on the site.

(iii) The permit will be reconsidered at the end of twelve months.

(iv) A reduction in available parking spaces in an established parking facility may be allowed as follows:

For a commercial host use:


Number of Parking Spaces Required	Maximum Reduction Allowed
0—25	0
26—35	2
36—49	3
50—99	4
100 +	5

(S) At the expiration of the permit, the collection facility shall be removed from the site on the day following permit expiration.

(T) All utility lines servicing the facility shall be placed underground.

(U) The facility shall be located and constructed so as not to create an unsightly appearance. Landscaping or screening from public view may be required by the permitting authority to insure compatibility with surrounding land uses.

(V) Violation of any of the above conditions shall constitute grounds for revocation of the permit by the appropriate city authority. In the case of a conditional use permit, the revoking authority shall be the city planning commission.

(3) Large Collection Facilities. A large collection facility is permitted in the M-2 and M-3 zones with a conditional use permit. The facility must provide the following standards:

(A) Meet the standards and requirements of the zone that the facility is located in.

(B) The facility shall not abut a property zoned for residential use.

(C) The facility shall be screened from the public right-of-way by operating in an enclosed building or be compatible with surrounding structures, and:

(i) Within an area enclosed by an opaque fence at least eight feet in height with landscaping, as approved by the city planning commission or its designee.

(ii) At least one hundred fifty feet from property zoned for residential use.

(D) All exterior storage of materials shall be kept in sturdy containers which are covered, secured and maintained in good condition. Storage containers for flammable material shall be constructed of nonflammable material. Oil storage must be kept in containers approved by the director of building and the county of Los Angeles fire prevention bureau. No storage shall be visible above the height of the fencing.

(E) The site shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials, and shall be cleared of loose debris on a daily basis.

(F) In addition to the parking required by manufacturing uses as stated in Section 11.34.030 of this title, parking spaces shall be provided on the site for six vehicles or the anticipated peak customer load, whichever is higher, plus one parking space for each commercial vehicle operated by the recycling facility.

(G) Noise levels shall not exceed fifty dBA between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m., forty dBA between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or occupied property, or otherwise shall not exceed fifty-five dBA.

(H) If the property lines of the facility are located within six hundred feet of property zoned for residential use, the facility shall not operate between the hours of seven p.m. and seven a.m. on weekdays and six p.m. and nine a.m. on Sundays and legal holidays.

(I) Any containers provided for after-hours donation of recyclable materials shall be located at least six hundred feet from any property zoned for residential use, shall be of sturdy, rustproof construction, shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected and shall be secure from unauthorized entry or removal of materials.

(J) Collection areas shall be kept free of litter and other undesirable material, and the containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material that may be deposited. The facility shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling containers.

(K) The facility shall be clearly marked with the name and telephone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation. Identification and informational signs shall meet the standards of the zone; directional signs, bearing no advertising message, may be installed with the approval of the director of community development.

(L) Power-driven processing, including aluminum foil and can compacting, baling, plastics shredding or other light processing activities necessary for efficient temporary storage and shipment of material, may be approved through the conditional use permit process.

(M) Violation of any of the above conditions shall constitute grounds for the revocation of the permit by the city planning commission.

(4) Processing Facilities. A processor is permitted in the M-2 and M-3 zones with a conditional use permit; provided, that:

(A) The facility meets all standards and requirements of the zone in which the facility is located.

(B) The facility does not abut a property zoned for residential use.

(C) Power-driven processing shall be permitted, provided all noise level requirements are complied with. Processing activity is limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding and sorting of source-separated recyclable materials and repairing of reusable materials.

(D) A processing facility may accept used motor oil for recycling from the generator in accordance with Section 25250.11 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.

(E) All exterior storage of material shall be in sturdy containers or enclosures which are covered, secured and maintained in good condition. All storage areas shall be screened from public view and landscaped. Any enclosures shall be compatible with adjacent buildings. Storage containers for flammable material shall be constructed of nonflammable material. Oil storage must be in container approved by the director of building. No storage shall be visible from the public right-of-way.

(F) The site shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials, and shall be cleared of loose debris on a daily basis and shall be secured from unauthorized entry and removal of materials when attendants are not present.

(G) In addition to the parking spaces required for manufacturing use as stated in Section 11.34.030, sufficient parking space shall be provided on site for the anticipated peak load of customers. If the facility is open to the public, additional parking space shall be provided for a minimum of ten customers or the peak load, whichever is higher, plus one parking space for each commercial vehicle operated by the recycling facility.

(H) Noise levels shall not exceed fifty dBA between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m., forty dBA between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or occupied property, or otherwise shall not exceed sixty-five dBA.

(I) If the property lines of an open facility are located within six hundred feet of property zoned for use residentially or three hundred feet, if the processor operates within a wholly enclosed building, it shall not be in operation between the hours of seven p.m. and seven a.m. and shall be closed on Sundays and legal holidays. The facility shall be administered by on-site personnel during the hours the facility is open.

(J) Any containers for after-hours donation of recyclable materials shall be at least six hundred feet from any property zoned or occupied for residential use; shall be sturdy, rustproof construction; shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected; and shall be secure from unauthorized entry or removal of materials.

(K) Access, such as driveways and parking, to the after-hours containers shall be located at least three hundred feet from residentially zoned areas.

(L) Donational areas shall be kept free of litter and any other undesirable material. The containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material that may be deposited. Facility shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling containers.

(M) The facility will be clearly marked with the name and telephone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation.

(N) No dust, fumes, smoke, vibration or odor above ambient level shall be detectable on neighboring properties.

(O) Violation of the conditions in this section shall constitute grounds for revocation of the conditional use permit by the city planning commission.

(5) Industrial Collections and Processing Facility.

An industrial collection and processing facility is permitted in the M-3 zone with a conditional use permit, provided that:

(A) The facility meets all standards and requirements of the zone in which the facility is located.

(B) The subject site is eighty-seven thousand one hundred twenty square feet (two acres) or greater in area.

(C) The facility does not abut and/or is not located directly across a public street from a property zoned for residential use.

(D) The facility is not located on a primary arterial highway such as Firestone Boulevard, Long Beach Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue, Imperial Highway, Garfield Avenue, Paramount Boulevard and Century Boulevard as defined in the general plan.

(E) The facility may accept used motor oil for recycling from the generator in accordance with Section 25250.11 of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California.

(F) No oil, grease, petroleum products or other harmful hazardous or noxious liquids shall be allowed to run off the yard or absorb into the ground.

(G) The facility shall comply with all applicable requirements as stipulated by Chapter 6.67 of this code relating to storm drains.

(H) Power-driven processing shall be permitted, provided all noise level requirements are complied with. The facility activity may include but is not limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding, sawing, shearing and sorting of recyclable materials and the heat reduction or melting of such materials.

(I) All exterior storage of material shall be in sturdy containers which are covered, secured and maintained in good condition. Outdoor storage area(s) shall be screened from adjacent commercial properties or streets or other public rights of way by a minimum fifteen-foot (minimum ten-foot when adjacent to industrial properties), solid decorative masonry wall, subject to the approval of the director of community development or planning commission. No storage, excluding truck trailers shall be visible above the height of the wall from street elevation.

(J) The facility shall provide a minimum twenty-foot landscape/irrigated buffer along all street frontages. Such landscaping shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development or planning commission. Landscaping shall be provided in compliance with the landscape ordinance and shall provide additional screening as deemed necessary by the director of community development or planning commission.

(K) The site shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials, and shall be cleared of loose debris on a daily basis and shall be secured from unauthorized entry and removal of materials when attendants are not present.

(L) In addition to the parking spaces required for manufacturing use as stated in Section 11.34.030, sufficient parking space shall be provided on site for the anticipated peak load of customers. If the facility is open to the public, additional parking space shall be provided for a minimum of ten customers or the peak load, whichever is higher, plus one parking space for each commercial vehicle operated by the facility.

(M) Noise levels shall not exceed fifty dBA between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m., forty dBA between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or residentially occupied property, and otherwise shall not exceed sixty-five dBA.

(N) If the property lines of an open facility are located within six hundred feet of property zoned for use residentially or three hundred feet, if the facility operates within a wholly enclosed building, it shall not be in operation between the hours of seven p.m. and seven a.m. and shall be closed on Sundays and legal holidays. The facility shall be administered by on-site personnel during the hours the facility is open.

(O) Any containers for after-hours donation of recyclable materials shall be at least six hundred feet from any property zoned or occupied for residential use; shall be of sturdy, rustproof construction; shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected; shall be secure from unauthorized entry or removal of materials; and shall be screened from public and street elevation view.

(P) Access, such as driveways and parking, to the after-hours containers shall be located at least three hundred feet from residentially zoned areas.

(Q) Donating areas shall be kept free of litter and any other undesirable material. The containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material that may be deposited. The facility shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling containers.

(R) Signs for the facility shall be installed pursuant to approved sign criteria by the director of community development or planning commission. Painted walls are prohibited. The facility shall provide signage indicating the name and phone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation.

(S) No dust, fumes, smoke, vibration or odor above ambient level shall be detectable on neighboring properties.

(T) Violation of the above conditions shall constitute grounds for revocation of the conditional use permit by the city planning commission.

Exemptions. The director of community development or designee may authorize minor modifications and/or minor exemptions to any of the design and improvement standards in this subsection.

(Ord. 2027 § 3, 1997; Ord. 1760 § 5 (part), 1-11-88)