(a) Definition. As used in this section, “compost pile” and/or “manure pit or box” means any outdoor pile of organic waste matter permitted to decompose on the property where the compost pile or manure box or pit is maintained.
(b) Compost Piles.
(1) Any person being the owner, occupant, or person in charge of or in control of any premises within this City, desiring to have a compost pile on his property, shall obtain a permit from the Village Administrator prior to constructing same. A fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be charged for each permit.
(2) No person being an owner, occupant, or person in charge of or in control of any premises within the Village shall cause or knowingly permit a compost pile to exist upon said premises unless such pile has been constructed, maintained, and located as herein provided.
(3) Such compost piles shall not be detrimental to the public safety, health, or general welfare, or of such nature as to interfere with the value of or enjoyment thereof by the owners, occupants, or persons in charge of or control of any property within the immediate vicinity by reason of any noxious odors emanating therefrom, or which is of such character or nature as to create or spread disease or cause an unsanitary and unhealthful condition, or which by its character or nature is likely to attract rodents, vermin, or other disease carrying pests, animals, or insects.
(c) Construction, Maintenance, and Location of Compost Pile.
(1) A compost pile shall be started at ground level and shall be layered in ultimate layers of six to twelve inches separated by nitrogen based chemicals and/or fertilizers and/or lime, and no such pile shall exceed five feet in height above ground level. Compost piles may also contain layers of soil and herbivore manure. Each compost pile shall be fully enclosed with a fence or other enclosure and shall be completely turned, top to bottom, at least monthly, except between November and March of each year. Composting may also be within a wholly confined commercial compost.
(2) All compost piles shall be located on the property of the owner or other person lawfully in charge of the property or premises, at least five feet away from the property line, and no closer than thirty to any adjoining residential structure, on or off the lot.
(3) Compost piles shall be maintained in a manner so is not to cause any offensive or noxious odors.
(d) Manure Pit or Box. The owner, occupant, or person in charge of or in control of any premises within the Village shall provide a box or pit of sufficient capacity to hold all manure produced thereon. Such box or pit shall be constructed of metal or masonry materials, shall be provided with a closely fitting lid, and shall be water tight. The box or pit shall be tightly covered at all times, except when manure in being put in or removed therefore, and shall be kept in good repair, so as not to leak.
(e) Piling Manure. Manure shall not be stacked or piled for fertilizing purposes or for sale unless all of the following conditions are complied with:
(1) Such manure shall be stacked or piled at a distance of not less than 100 feet from any building in whole or in part as a place for human habitation or as a place where food or drink for human consumption is made, placed, kept, or sold.
(2) All manure so stacked or piled shall be completed coverage with at least three inches of soil.
(f) Nuisance and Removal. A compost pile, or manure pit or box, in violation of this section is hereby declared to be a nuisance which may be abated. Any compost pile, or manure pit or box, in the Village which is found to be in violation of this section shall be completely removed within seven days after receipt of a written notice from the Village to the owner or other personal lawfully in possession of the premises or property upon which the compost pile, manure pit or box, is located.
(g) Penalty. Any person violating the provisions of this section and failing to remove the compost pile or manure pit or box after being duly notified is guilty of a minor misdemeanor upon the first offense, and a fourth degree misdemeanor upon each subsequent offense.
(Ord. 2804. Passed 10-11-95.)