The purpose of this section is to promote the recycling of yard wastes and certain kitchen wastes through composting and to establish minimum standards for proper compost maintenance.
1. Definitions. For use in this section, the following terms are defined:
A. “Composting” means the controlled biological reduction of organic waste to humus.
B. “Kitchen waste” means any uncooked plant matter not contaminated by or containing meat, fish and/or dairy products.
C. “Yard waste” means the organic waste produced from the growing, trimming and removal of grass, branches (not exceeding one inch in diameter), bushes, shrubs, plants, leaves, and garden debris.
2. Maintenance. All compost piles shall be maintained using approved composting procedures to comply with the following requirements:
A. All compost piles shall be enclosed in a free-standing compost bin. Each compost bin shall be no larger in volume than 125 cubic feet and shall be no taller than 42 inches.
B. All compost bins shall be so maintained as to prevent the attraction or harborage of rodents and pests.
C. All compost bins shall be so maintained as to prevent unpleasant odors.
D. No compost bin shall be allowed to deteriorate to such condition as to be a blighting influence on the surrounding property or neighborhood or City in general.
3. Location. All compost bins shall be located not less than three (3) feet from a property line or principal building or dwelling and three (3) feet from any detached accessory building. A variance from these setback requirements may be applied for if the property owner can show a hardship exists which prohibits compliance. In addition, any variance application must include a signed written approval of the variance request from the adjacent property owner. Variances may be granted by the Building Inspector on an annual basis upon the proper application being submitted by the property owner. Screening and/or fencing of compost bins may be required as a condition of a variance being granted. No compost bin shall be located in any yard except a rear yard. A compost bin may be located in a side yard subject to the variance procedure contained in this subsection and must be screened from view to the street.
4. Prohibited Ingredients. No compost bin shall contain any of the following:
A. Lakeweeds;
B. Cooked food scraps of any kind or type;
C. Fish, meat or other animal products;
D. Manures;
E. Large items that will impede the composting process.
5. Permitted Ingredients. Permitted ingredients include the following:
A. Yard waste;
B. Coffee grounds and used tea leaves;
C. Uncooked plant matter not contaminated by or containing meat, fish and/or dairy products;
D. Commercial compost additives.
6. Owner Responsibility. Every owner or operator shall be responsible for maintaining all property under said owner’s control in accordance with the requirements of this section. Each day that a violation of the provisions of this section continues shall be considered a separate offense.