(a) Compliance. No property owner or person in charge of premises shall maintain or cause to be maintained a compost pile within the City except in full compliance with the provisions of this section.
(b) Definition. As used in this section, “compost pile” means any outdoor pile of organic waste matter permitted to decompose for use on the property where the compost pile is maintained.
(c) Ingredients. A compost pile may consist of combinations of leaves, grass clippings, garden plants and vegetable trimmings, fruit and vegetable matter, nitrogenous based chemicals or fertilizers, lime and water. A compost pile shall not have within it any carnivorous animal manure, vegetable substances other than those specifically permitted herein, cooked kitchen waste, grease, meat, bones, and fats or other food scraps.
(d) Formation. A compost pile shall be started at ground level and shall be layered in alternate 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 done within a wholly confined commercial composter.
(e) Location. 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 any property line and no closer than thirty feet to any adjoining residential structure, on or off the lot.
(f) Noxious Odors/Disease. Such compost pile 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.
(Ord. 41-1995. Passed 7-10-95.)