4-4-090 REFUSE AND RECYCLABLES STANDARDS:
A. APPLICABILITY:
The provisions of this Section shall apply to all new and infill residential, commercial, and industrial development, as well as other nonresidential uses, requiring the establishment of on-site refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas, as well as designated collection points for refuse, recyclables, and compostables. (Ord. 6042, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL USES:
1. Dimensions: Dimensions of the refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas shall be of sufficient width and depth to enclose containers and to allow easy access.
2. Impact on Surrounding Areas: Containers for refuse, recyclables, and compostables shall be located so that they have minimal impact on residents and their neighbors.
3. Special Setbacks from Residential Properties: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points associated with nonresidential uses shall not be located within fifty feet (50') of a lot zoned residential, except by approval through the site development plan review process, or through the modification process if exempt from site development plan review. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5744, 1-12-2015)
4. Obstruction Prohibited: Collection points shall be located in a manner so that hauling trucks do not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic on-site, or project into any public right-of-way.
5. Collocation Encouraged: When possible, the recyclables and compostables deposit areas shall be located near refuse deposit areas to encourage their use. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)
6. Signage Required: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas shall be identified by signs not exceeding two (2) square feet.
7. Containment in Zone 1 Wellhead Protection Areas: Containment shall be provided if the site infiltrates to a Zone 1 Wellhead Protection Area.
8. Architectural Design Consistent with Primary Structure: Architectural design of any structure enclosing an outdoor refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit area or any building primarily used to contain a refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit area shall be consistent with the design of the primary structure(s) on the site as determined by the Administrator. (Ord. 5852, 8-7-17)
9. Minimum Gate Opening and Minimum Vertical Clearance: Enclosures for outdoor refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit areas/collection points and separate buildings used primarily to contain a refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit area/collection point shall have gate openings at least twelve feet (12') wide for haulers. In addition, the gate opening for any separate building or other roofed structure used primarily as a refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit area/collection point shall have a vertical clearance of at least eleven feet (11'), but no more than fourteen feet (14'). (Ord. 5852, 8-7-17)
10. Weather Protection: Weather protection of refuse, recyclables, and compostables shall be ensured by using weather-proofed containers or by providing a roof over the storage area.
11. Approval of Screening Detail Plan Required: A screening detail plan must be approved by the Development Services Division prior to the issuance of building or construction permits. (Ord. 5828, 12-12-2016; Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
C. SINGLE-FAMILY, MIDDLE HOUSING, AND COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPOSIT AREAS AND COLLECTION POINTS:
1. The refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points for single-family dwellings, middle housing, and cottage house developments shall be apportioned, located, and designed as follows:
a. Storage Space: Storage space for refuse, recyclables, and compostables carts must be provided either within a garage, accessory structure, or outside.
i. Storage within a garage must be appropriately sized to accommodate both vehicles and carts for refuse, recyclables, and compostables. Storage space for carts must measure at least two feet by six feet (2' x 6') floor area and sixty inches (60") high. Indoor storage must be identified on floor plans.
ii. Storage located outside must measure at least two feet by six feet (2' x 6') in size and be located on the same lot as the dwelling. If the dwelling is part of a unit lot subdivision, storage may be located elsewhere on the parent site.
b. Screening: Outdoor storage must be adequately screened from public view, made of wood, masonry, or ornamental metal.
c. Collection Point: Space for carts to be placed on pick-up day must be sufficient to accommodate the number of carts expected to be serviced on pick-up day. There shall be a direct connection constructed of a smooth surface that allows carts to be smoothly rolled to the street or other specified collection point.
d. Parking Space Obstruction Prohibited: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables carts may not obstruct a required parking space at any time.
e. Storage in Required Parking Space Prohibited: Refuse, recyclable, and compostables carts may not be stored in the minimum required parking spaces.
f. Maximum Number of Deposit Areas and Collection Points: Lots with multiple dwelling units shall have a maximum of one (1) refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas per building with no more than two (2) refuse, recyclables, and compostables collection points. (Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
D. MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENTS – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPOSIT AREAS AND COLLECTION POINTS:
1. The refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points for multi-family residences shall be apportioned, located, and designed as follows:
a. Minimum Size: A minimum of one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet per dwelling unit in multi-family residences shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas, except where the development is participating in a City-sponsored program in which individual recycling carts are used for curbside collection. A minimum of three (3) square feet per dwelling unit shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of eighty (80) square feet shall be provided for refuse and recyclables deposit areas.
b. Minimum Number of Deposit Areas: There shall be a minimum of one (1) refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit area/collection point for each project. There shall be at least one (1) deposit area/collection point for every thirty (30) dwelling units.
c. Dispersal of Deposit Areas: The required refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas shall be dispersed throughout the site when a residential development comprises more than one (1) building.
d. Location within Structures Possible: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points may be located in separate buildings/structures or outdoors. Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas may be located within residential buildings, providing that they are in compliance with the Uniform Fire Code, and that collection points are easily and safely accessible to hauling trucks. Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points shall not be located in any required setback or landscape areas.
e. Screening of Deposit Areas: Garbage, refuse compactor areas, and recyclables deposit areas must be fenced or screened so that they are not visible to the general public. A six-foot (6') wall or fence shall enclose any outdoor deposit area for refuse, recyclables, or compostables. In cases where Zoning Code fencing provisions conflict with the six-foot (6') wall or fence requirement, the Zoning Code provisions shall rule. Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas located in industrial developments that are greater than one hundred feet (100') from residentially zoned property are exempted from this wall or fence requirement.
f. Maximum Distance from Building Entrance: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points shall be located no more than two hundred feet (200') from a common entrance of a residential building, allowing for easy access by residents and hauling trucks.
g. Site Plan Location: If refuse, recyclables, or compostables containers are located within a building, then the space which these facilities utilize as well as parking space for refuse/recyclable/compostable container-towing vehicles must be clearly shown on plans submitted to the City. Additionally, an exterior space must be provided to accommodate the container(s) on refuse, recyclables, and compostables pick-up days. (Ord. 4971, 6-10-2002)
h. Parking Space Obstruction Prohibited: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables containers and associated refuse/recyclables/composables container-towing vehicles may not obstruct a required parking space at any time. (Ord. 4971, 6-10-2002)
i. Storage in Required Parking Space Prohibited: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables containers and associated refuse/recyclable/compostables container-towing vehicles may not be stored in the minimum required parking spaces for a development. (Ord. 4971, 6-10-2002)
2. Multi-family residences using thirty-five (35) gallon garbage carts or smaller, when allowed, must meet all of the following requirements:
a. Storage Space: Storage space for carts must be provided either within a garage or outside.
i. Storage within a garage must be appropriately sized to accommodate both vehicles and refuse, recyclables, and compostables carts. Storage space for carts must measure at least two feet by six feet (2' x 6') floor area and sixty inches (60") high. This space must be identified on floor plans.
ii. Storage located outside must measure at least two feet by six feet (2' x 6') in size and be located on the same lot as the dwelling in a side or rear yard.
b. Screening: Outdoor storage must be adequately screened from public view and made of wood, masonry, or ornamental metal. A six-foot (6') wall or fence shall enclose any outdoor refuse, recyclables, or compostables deposit area. In cases where Zoning Code fencing provisions conflict with the six-foot (6') wall or fence requirement, the Zoning Code provisions shall rule.
c. Collection Point: Space for carts to be placed for collection on pick-up day must be sufficient to accommodate the number of carts expected to be serviced on pick-up day. There shall be a direct connection constructed of a smooth surface that allows carts to be smoothly rolled to the street or other specified collection point.
d. Parking Space Obstruction Prohibited: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables carts may not obstruct a required parking space at any time.
e. Storage in Required Parking Space Prohibited: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables carts may not be stored in the minimum required parking spaces. (Ord. 5852, 8-7-17; Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
E. COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND OTHER NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPOSIT AREAS AND COLLECTION POINTS:
The refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points for commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential developments shall be apportioned, located and designed as follows:
1. Location: Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points may be allocated to a centralized area, or dispersed throughout the site, in easily accessible areas for both users and hauling trucks. Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points shall not be located in any required setback or landscape areas.
2. Screening of Deposit Areas: Garbage, refuse compactor areas, and recyclables collection areas must be fenced or screened so that they are not visible to the general public. A six-foot (6') wall or fence shall enclose any outdoor deposit areas for refuse, recyclables, or compostables. In cases where Zoning Code fencing provisions conflict with the six foot (6') wall or fence requirement, the Zoning Code provisions shall rule. Refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas located in industrial developments that are greater than one hundred feet (100') from residentially zoned property are exempted from this wall or fence requirement.
3. Accessibility May Be Limited: Access to refuse, recyclables, and compostables deposit areas and collection points may be limited, except during regular business hours and/or specific collection hours.
4. Office, Educational and Institutional Developments – Minimum Size: In office, educational and institutional developments, a minimum of two (2) square feet per every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of four (4) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recyclables and refuse deposit areas.
5. Manufacturing and Other Nonresidential Developments – Minimum Size: In manufacturing and other nonresidential developments, a minimum of three (3) square feet per every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of six (6) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recyclables and refuse deposit areas.
6. Retail Developments – Minimum Size: In retail developments, a minimum of five (5) square feet per every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of ten (10) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recyclables and refuse deposit areas. (Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
F. MODIFICATIONS:
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this Section, modifications may be granted for individual cases in accordance with the procedures and review criteria in RMC 4-9-250D. (Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)
G. APPEALS:
Any decisions made in the administrative process described in this Section may be appealed to the Community and Economic Development Administrator within fifteen (15) days and filed, in writing, with the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Administrator shall give substantial weight to any discretionary decision of the City rendered pursuant to this Section. (Ord. 4376, 11-16-1992, Ord. 4703, 2-2-1998; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5156, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012; Ord. 6160, 6-16-2025)