§ 106.42.190. Recycling Facilities

This Section establishes standards and procedures for the siting and operation of various types and sizes of commercial recycling facilities, where allowed by Article 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses).

A.

Reverse vending machines. Reverse vending machines shall comply with the following standards.

1.

Accessory use only. Each machine shall be installed only as an accessory use to an allowed primary use.

2.

Location requirements. If located outside of a structure, a machine shall not occupy parking spaces required by the primary use.

3.

Signs. Sign area shall not exceed four square feet for each machine, exclusive of operating instructions. The sign area shall be subject to the overall site sign area limitations in Section 106.38.060 (Zoning District Sign Standards).

4.

Lighting. Each machine shall be illuminated to ensure comfortable and safe operation if the machine is accessible between dusk and dawn. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 106.35 (Outdoor Lighting).

B.

Small collection facilities. A small collection facility shall comply with the following standards.

1.

Location requirements. A small collection facility shall:

a.

Not be located within 50 feet of any dwelling; and

b.

Be set back at least 10 feet from any public right-of-way, and not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

2.

Maximum size. A small collection facility shall not occupy more than 600 square feet, not including space that would be periodically needed for the removal of materials or exchange of containers.

3.

Appearance of facility. Collection containers and site fencing shall be of a color and design that is compatible and harmonious with the surrounding uses and neighborhoods.

4.

Operating standards for small collection facilities. A small collection facility shall:

a.

Not use power-driven processing equipment, except for reverse vending machines;

b.

Accept only glass, metal, or plastic containers, paper, and reusable items;

c.

Use containers that are constructed with durable waterproof and rustproof materials, secured from unauthorized removal of material, and of a capacity sufficient to accommodate materials collected and the collection schedule; and

d.

Be screened where determined by the review authority to be necessary to limit visibility.

5.

Maintenance standards. Collection receptacles and each small collection facility site shall be maintained as follows:

a.

No receptacle shall obstruct a required parking space or disrupt either automobile or pedestrian traffic to or within the site. Each receptacle shall be located so as not to be detrimental to the appearance of the neighborhood or so as to create a public or private nuisance, as determined by the review authority.

b.

Each receptacle shall be kept clean, well maintained, neatly painted, and in good operating condition.

c.

Each receptacle shall be clearly marked with the name of the nonprofit organization doing the collection, the recycling business sponsoring or collecting the materials, and the local telephone numbers of each.

d.

Each receptacle shall be emptied on a regular basis, but not less than once every two weeks. Materials stored shall not be allowed to overflow the containers. The external stacking or collection of materials outside of collection receptacles is prohibited.

e.

Any litter or spillage shall be immediately removed and cleaned.

f.

Upon termination of the use, all receptacles shall be removed and the site restored to its original condition within 48 hours.

6.

Signs. Non-illuminated signs may be provided as follows:

a.

Identification signs are allowed with a maximum area of 15 percent for each side of the structure or 12 square feet, whichever is greater. In the case of a wheeled facility, the side shall be measured from the ground to the top of the container;

b.

Additional directional signs, consistent with Chapter 106.38 (Signs), may be approved by the Director if found necessary to facilitate traffic circulation, or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.

7.

Parking requirements.

a.

No additional parking space shall be required for customers of a small collection facility located in the established parking lot of the primary use.

b.

Use of parking spaces by the patrons and the attendant shall not reduce available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the primary use unless a parking study, determined to be acceptable by the Director, shows that existing capacity is not fully utilized during the time the recycling facility would be on the site.