(A) Each application for a junk yard license, salvage and reclaiming operation license shall include the following information:
(1) The name and street address of the applicant;
(2) The street address and legal description of the premises upon which the junk yard, salvage and reclaiming operation is to be operated;
(3) The name, street address and written consent of the owner of the premises to use the premises for the purposes detailed on the application;
(4) The zoning classification of the premises;
(5) The date of issuance and status of the conditional use permit, if applicable, for use of the premises for the purposes detailed on the application;
(6) A copy of a current industrial storm water permit for the site;
(7) Obtain an Environmental Protection Agency identification (EPA I.D.) number for a waste generator if required; and
(8) Site management plan which includes the following:
(a) Sketch showing location of fire lanes, buildings and storage areas;
(b) Location and size of operation; and
(c) Location of wetlands and site drainage.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any junk yard or auto dismantling facility located in the city to operate, except in conformance with the following provisions.
(1) Battery storage. All batteries must be stored on a non-reactive, curbed and impermeable surface without a floor drain and protected from accumulations of rain, snow and drain water or stored within a covered, non-reactive, impermeable container.
(2) Antifreeze disposal. Antifreeze shall be collected and recycled, or disposed of through other State Pollution Control Agency approved methods. Antifreeze shall not be discharged to land, water, any septic system or public sewer system.
(3) Refrigerants. Refrigerants shall be recovered and recycled or reclaimed by methods approved by the state’s Pollution Control Agency.
(4) Recycling petroleum products. Used oil, including engine oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic oil and similar petroleum products shall be recycled or disposed of through State Pollution Control Agency approved methods.
(5) Draining fluids.
(a) All auto dismantling facilities and junk yards shall have facilities to drain fluids on a curbed, impermeable surface, within a structure with an impermeable floor, on an unbermed, impermeable surface with adequate spill-control equipment and absorbent material immediately available to contain any spill which may occur.
(b) Where disassembly of any vehicle, or component thereof, is necessary at a location without an impermeable floor or surface, all drain plugs, hose connections and other orifices, which allow for the leakage of fluids, shall be tightly capped prior to component movement to avoid spillage of residue liquids.
(6) Oil filter disposal. Used oil filters shall be recycled, disposed of as hazardous waste or, after being drained and tested by a professional testing laboratory, disposed of as solid waste. Oil filters may remain attached to engines or motors when sold to a second party or transported as scrap so long as the receiving person will accept the filter.
(7) Tire storage.
(a) Tires shall be stored in cells no larger than 10,000 square feet by ten feet high, with a posted fire lane 50 feet wide surrounding each cell and leading to a public street. The applicant shall ensure emergency vehicle access on the fire lanes at all times of the years.
(b) Tire piles shall be located 50 feet away from any vegetation over 12 inches in height.
(c) No more than 500 waste tires shall be stored at any junk yard or auto dismantling facility without a current permit from the state’s Pollution Control Agency. Tires maintained for resale as vehicle components shall be stored separately from waste tires.
(8) Hazardous material storage. Flammable and hazardous materials shall be stored in covered and appropriately marked containers suitable to the contents in storage. Adequate aisle space shall be provided for access by emergency personnel and for spill containment and clean-up equipment.
(9) Fencing. Fencing shall be installed in accordance with code specifications on the perimeter of all auto dismantling facilities and junk yards at least eight feet high to deny public access, except through controlled access gates. In the case where the facility has a minimum of 100 feet of vacant land between all dismantling facilities, and any adjacent property or public road, and the absence of a fence will not pose an unreasonable threat to the public safety, the Council may allow the posting of “No Trespassing” signs at intervals no greater than 50 feet around the perimeter of the facility in lieu of the required fence.
(10) Screening. Visual screening shall be installed in accordance with code specifications and subject to the approval of the city’s Building Inspector. Visual screening shall be provided through fencing or landscaping to block from view all auto dismantling, auto or junk storage and related activities from adjacent property or any public right-of-way.
(11) Expansion or increase of operation. No space not covered by the license shall be used in the licensed business.
(12) Hazardous spills. Spills of oil, lubricants or other hazardous material shall be promptly contained, cleaned and disposed of in accordance with current State Pollution Control Agency guidelines.
(13) On-site disposal. On-site disposal of any material is prohibited, except under proper license or permit.
(14) Battery cable disposal. Lead battery cable ends and heater cores shall be removed from vehicles prior to crushing and shall be recycled separately unless accepted as a vehicle component by a second person.
(15) Public way. No junk shall be allowed to rest upon or protrude over any public street, walkway or curb or become scattered or blown off the business premises.
(16) Storage, junk. Junk shall be stored in piles not exceeding ten feet in height and shall be arranged so as to permit easy access to all junk for firefighting purposes.
(17) Appliance processing. Operators shall comply with the minimum requirements of the state’s Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the state’s Office of Waste Management (OWM).
(2002 Code, § 4.20) (Ord. 64, Fourth Series, passed 5-16-1994) Penalty, see § 10.99