The storage of leaves, grass clippings and the like may be permitted in residential areas of the City for the purpose of composting pursuant to the following rules and regulations:
A. Location: Composting shall be located in the rear or side yards of improved lots only and shall not be located in any street, alley, parkway or other public place or in or upon any private unimproved lot; provided, however, that the City, San Marino Unified School District and Huntington Library may compost on grounds owned by such agencies.
B. Contents: Composting shall consist only of organic, vegetable waste materials, such as leaves, small twigs, grass clippings and other vegetable matter.
C. Receptacles: Composting shall be contained and maintained in either:
1. A pit, hole or other earth depression excavated for such purpose, in which case, the contents shall always be maintained below natural surrounding ground level; or
2. A metal or wood container not in excess of three feet (3') in height. Such receptacles or pits shall not be maintained within five feet (5') of any property line or structure.
3. In open stacks or piles not in excess of three feet (3') in height, but only in the event such stacks or piles are maintained not less than fifty feet (50') from any property line or structure.
D. Covering and Maintenance: Compost must, at all times, be covered with at least one-half inch (1/2") of soil or other nonorganic or chemical covering approved by the County Health Department, designed to prevent the harboring of rodents, the breeding of flies and the emission of odors. All composting must be kept moist at all times until decomposition is completed. (Ord. 974, 3-14-90)