A. Purpose and Applicability. This Section provides locational, developmental, and operational standards for various types and sizes of recycling facilities (e.g., reverse vending machine(s), small collection facilities, and large collection facilities). The provisions in this Section shall apply to recycling facilities where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards) and the following standards.
B. Permit Requirements. Recycling facilities are subject to permit review/approval in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards); provided, the following standards are met.
C. Locational, Developmental, and Operational Standards. Recycling facilities shall comply with the following standards.
1. Reverse Vending Machine(s). Reverse vending machine(s) shall be allowed in compliance with all of the following standards.
a. The machines shall be installed as an accessory use in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, and shall not require additional parking.
b. If located inside of a structure, the machines shall be within 30 feet of the entrance and shall not obstruct pedestrian circulation.
c. If located outside of a structure, the machines shall not occupy or block required parking spaces or drive aisles, shall be constructed of durable waterproof and rustproof material(s), and shall be appropriately screened from view from the public right-of-way, subject to the approval of the Director.
d. The machine(s) shall be set back at least 20 feet from any property line, and not obstruct vehicular circulation or pedestrian access in compliance with Americans with Disability (ADA) regulations.
e. The machines shall not exceed a floor or ground area of 50 square feet total, including any protective enclosure, nor eight feet in height.
f. The machines shall have a maximum sign area of four square feet for each machine, exclusive of operating instructions.
g. The machines shall have operating hours which are consistent with the operating hours of the primary use.
h. The area in front of the machines shall be illuminated to ensure comfortable and safe operation, if operating hours are between dusk and dawn.
2. Small Collection Facilities (Up to 350 square feet in size). Small collection facilities shall be allowed in compliance with all of the following standards.
a. The facility shall not exceed a floor or ground area of 350 square feet nor one parking space, not including space that would be periodically needed for the removal of materials or exchange of containers.
b. The facility shall not use power-driven processing equipment, except for reverse vending machines.
c. The facility shall not be located within 50 feet of any parcel zoned or occupied for residential use.
d. The facility shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property line, and not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian circulation.
e. The facility shall accept only glass, metal, or plastic containers, paper, and reusable items.
f. The facility shall use containers that are constructed with durable waterproof and rustproof material(s), secured from unauthorized removal of material, and shall be of a capacity sufficient to accommodate materials collected and the collection schedule.
g. Collection containers and site fencing shall be of a color and design that would be compatible and harmonious with the character of their location.
h. Signs may be provided as follows:
(1) Recycling facilities may have identification signs 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.
(2) Signs shall be both compatible and harmonious with the character of their location.
(3) Directional signs without advertising messages may be installed with the approval of the Director.
i. Additional parking spaces shall not be required for customers of a small collection facility located in the established parking lot of the primary use.
j. Mobile recycling units shall have an area clearly marked to prohibit other vehicular parking during hours when the mobile unit is scheduled to be present.
k. 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 the Director determines that existing capacity is not fully utilized during the time the recycling facility would be on the site.
3. Large Collection Facilities (Greater than 350 square feet in size). Large collection facilities, which are larger than 350 square feet of floor or ground area, or located on a separate parcel not accessory to a primary use, are allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards), subject to Site Plan and Design Review, in compliance with Chapter 10.94 and all of the following standards:
a. The facility shall not abut a parcel zoned or occupied for residential use.
b. The facility shall be screened from public rights-of-way, by eight-foot high solid decorative masonry walls or located within an enclosed structure.
c. Structure setbacks and landscaping shall be provided as required for the applicable zone.
d. Exterior storage of material shall be in sturdy containers that are secured and maintained in good condition.
e. The site shall be maintained clean, sanitary, and free of litter and any other undesirable materials, and shall be cleaned of loose debris on a daily basis.
f. Containers provided for “after hours” donation of recyclable materials shall be permanently located at least 100 feet from any parcel zoned or occupied for residential use, constructed of sturdy, rustproof material(s), have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected, and be secured from unauthorized entry or removal of materials.
g. Dust, fumes, odor, smoke, or vibration, above ambient levels, shall not be detectable on adjoining parcels. (Ord. 935 § 3 (part), 2015)