Chapter 15.20
SPACE FOR ON-SITE
STORAGE OF RECYCLABLES

Sections:

15.20.010    Purpose.

15.20.020    Application.

15.20.030    Requirements for residential areas.

15.20.040    Nonresidential requirements.

15.20.050    Location guidelines.

15.20.060    Design guidelines.

15.20.070    Enforcement.

15.20.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that new construction incorporates the space required for on-site storage of recyclables prior to pick up and removal by haulers, by:

A. Establishing mandatory minimum recyclables storage space requirements for residential and nonresidential projects; and

B. Providing location and design guidelines which will assist the applicant in the development of such storage spaces without unduly limited creative solutions. (Ord. 517 § 1, 1992)

15.20.020 Application.

All new development shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter. As used in this chapter, “storage areas for recyclables” shall be considered as storage space made available for or provided for material generated on-site for collection and storage in such areas for primary processing on-site. (Ord. 517 § 2, 1992)

15.20.030 Requirements for residential areas.

The minimum storage space requirement for all new residences within the city, with the exception of single-family homes, shall be 1.5 square feet per unit. Multifamily developments, such as town house developments, which receive direct collection from a city-sponsored or approved program, may be exempted from these requirements. For multifamily units, there shall be one collection area per 30 units to be located not more than 200 feet from the intended user units. (Ord. 517 § 3, 1992)

15.20.040 Nonresidential requirements.

The following nonresidential storage area for recyclables shall be required:

A. Office space – two square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet gross floor area;

B. Retail – five square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet gross floor area;

C. Wholesale/warehouse/industrial – three square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet gross floor area;

D. Educational institution – two square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet gross floor area. (Ord. 517 § 4, 1992)

15.20.050 Location guidelines.

A. Location Generally. The storage area for recyclables shall be located in an area which is accessible to the intended users in order to encourage its use. It may be located either inside or outside the proposed building. To encourage its use, the storage area should be located adjacent to or near the waste storage and collection areas. Storage and collection of waste and recyclables should be designed to complement each other and to operate as one system. The location of the storage area must not interfere with the primary use of the site, which would discourage the use of the storage area and shall comply with all other requirements of the then applicable zoning code, including setback requirements. Storage areas shall not be located in areas which cannot tolerate noise, odor and increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

B. Subdivision of Required Space. In nonresidential zones, the total area required can be broken into smaller areas and distributed around the development site if desired, but each area must maintain a useful minimum space. In residential projects comprising more than one building, the total space must be divided following the ratio of one storage area per 30 residential units. Each storage area should be located not more than 200 feet from the units it is intended to serve.

C. Signage. The recycling area should be clearly marked as such, with signs not to exceed two square feet but in no event larger than would otherwise be permitted under the city’s then existing sign ordinance.

D. On-Site Collection. The storage facility should be located so that trucks shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic movement, or project into any public right-of-way. (Ord. 517 § 5, 1992)

15.20.060 Design guidelines.

A. Design Generally. It is the intent of this chapter to assist the applicant in developing creative designs for storage space. The design of the storage area should be consistent with the architectural design of the primary structure or structures on the site, and the dimensions of the storage area shall accommodate containers consistent with current methods of collection.

B. Enclosure. In order to limit the dispersal of litter on-site, storage areas in all zones shall be enclosed by fence or wall of six feet in height. Gate openings which allow access by user and by hauler should be included. Gate openings for haulers should be a minimum of 10 feet wide. The storage area should be designed to be easily accessible to collection trucks and equipment. Adequate vertical clearance (if the space is located within a structure) and adequate turning radius must be provided to accommodate collection equipment.

C. Landscaping. Landscaping is required in accordance with the then applicable city zoning requirements.The landscaping should be designed so as to not impede access to the storage area.

D. Weatherproofing. In order to ensure the efficiency of recycling efforts, storage containers shall be shown to be weatherproof. This can be accomplished either by using weatherproof containers or by providing a weatherproof storage area. If the storage area is to be roofed, it must be shown to be accessible to haulers. Minimum opening spaces should be 12 feet high and 12 feet wide.

E. Security and Access. Access to the storage areas can be limited for security reasons, but must be accessible to haulers and users during regular business and collection hours. (Ord. 517 § 6, 1992)

15.20.070 Enforcement.

Prior to issuance of any building permit or approval of any short plat or subdivision, the city’s building inspector or other responsible official shall review any proposed building permit, short plat or subdivision or other such permit or approval allowing for new construction as used herein, for compliance with this chapter. Failure to provide drawings or proposals, or a plan of sufficient detail demonstrating compliance with this chapter, shall be a basis for denial of such permit or approval. Construction in violation of this chapter is illegal, is declared to be a nuisance and may be abated. (Ord. 517 § 7, 1992)