A. Composting, for purposes of this section, is any aboveground microbial process that converts plant materials to organic soil amendment or mulch.
B. Composting is permitted in residential zoned districts, provided the following regulations are complied with:
1. Composting shall be conducted within an enclosed container not exceeding two hundred fifty (250) cubic feet and four feet (4') in height. The container shall be of durable material, such as wood, plastic, fiberglass or metal fencing material.
2. The compost container shall be located in the rear yard and placed no closer than twenty feet (20') to any habitable building and twenty feet (20') from the street on a corner lot.
3. A compost area may consist of, but is not limited to, yard waste, fruit or vegetable waste, garden waste, eggshells, coffee grounds, soil, fertilizer, flowers, or small shrub trimmings or twigs (1/4 inch diameter maximum) generated from the site on which the compost site is located. However, in no case are the following materials permitted in compost areas: meat, bones, grease, whole eggs, dairy products, and human or pet feces.
4. A compost area must not be established or maintained in a manner such that it creates a nuisance to adjacent properties. As part of regular maintenance, the compost area must periodically be mixed to promote efficient biological deterioration.
C. The City is authorized to maintain a composting site on City-owned property for the purpose of complying with the provisions of State law that provide that no yard waste may be disposed of in landfills. (Ord. 96-18, 10-21-1996)