5.20.050   No unauthorized containers.
   (a)   Except as expressly authorized by this Chapter 5.20, no person other than a collector may place a container within Palo Alto.
   (b)   The City shall notify, in writing, any person who violates this Section 5.20.050 that the prompt and permanent removal of the container from the place or premises is required. The City shall deliver the written notice by posting a copy of the notice prominently upon the container. If the container is identified by the name and telephone number of the solid waste enterprise servicing it, as required by Section 5.20.130(e), the City shall endeavor to contact the enterprise by telephone. The failure of the City to notify telephonically the owner of the presence of the container at the place or premises shall not invalidate the notice. The City may impound or cause to be impounded any container if the same is not permanently removed from the place or premises within the time set forth in the notice, which time shall be not less than twenty-four hours after the posting of the notice, or not less than six business hours after the telephonic notification, if any notice is provided. For purposes of this Section 5.20.050, "business hours" means the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Any person who violates this Section 5.20.050 shall be liable to the City for all fines and charges levied in connection with the collection, transportation, storage and handling of that container by the City. The container impounded by the City shall be retrieved by the owner or his or her representative immediately after all applicable fines and charges have been paid. The City manager may delegate to the collector the authority to impound any unauthorized containers and to collect the fines and charges levied by the City.
   (c)   Upon posting of a written notice of violation upon the unauthorized container, the person using the unauthorized container shall immediately cease placing refuse therein.
(Ord. 5377 § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 4451 § 1 (part), 1997)