Chapter 13.250
RECYCLING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Sections:
13.250.030 Residential requirements.
13.250.040 Nonresidential requirements.
13.250.050 Location guidelines.
13.250.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that new construction incorporates the space required for on-site storage of recyclables prior to pickup and removal by haulers by:
A. Establishing mandatory minimum recyclables storage space requirements for residential and nonresidential projects; and
B. Providing location and design guidelines which will assist the applicant in the development of such storage spaces without unduly limiting creative solutions. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)
13.250.020 Application.
All new development after the adoption of these regulations, with the exception of single-family homes, shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter.
“Storage areas for recyclables” shall be considered as separate from “interim recycling facility” as defined in the King County Code. Only material generated on-site shall be collected and stored in such areas, and the primary processing shall be conducted off-site. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)
13.250.030 Residential requirements.
A. Minimum space requirements of one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet per unit in all residential projects with the exception of single-family homes. Those multifamily developments which will receive direct collection through a City-sponsored or approved program may be exempted from these requirements.
B. One (1) collection area per thirty (30) units, to be located not more than two hundred (200) feet, or the distance to the garbage collection storage area, from the intended user units. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)
13.250.040 Nonresidential requirements.
A. Office: two (2) square feet of storage space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet gross floor area.
B. Retail: five (5) square feet of storage space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet gross floor area.
C. General commercial (including wholesale, warehouse, and industrial): three (3) square feet of storage space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet gross floor area.
D. Educational and Institutional: two (2) square feet of storage space for every one thousand (1,000) square feet gross floor area. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)
13.250.050 Location guidelines.
A. Location Generally. The storage area for recyclables shall be located in an area which is accessible to the intended users in order to encourage its use. It may be located either inside or outside the proposed building.
To encourage its use, the storage area should be located adjacent to or near the waste storage and collection areas. The storage and collection of waste and recyclables should be designed to complement each other and to operate as one (1) system.
Exterior storage areas for recyclables shall not be located in any setback.
The location of the storage area must not interfere with the primary use of the site, which could discourage the use of the storage area. It should not be located in areas which cannot tolerate noise, odor, and increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
B. Subdivision of Required Space. In nonresidential zones, the total area required can be broken into smaller areas and distributed around the development site if desired, but each area must maintain a useful minimum space.
In residential projects comprising more than one (1) building, the total space must be divided, following the ratio of one (1) storage area per thirty (30) residential units. Each storage area should be located not more than two hundred (200) feet, or the distance to the garbage collection storage area, from the units it is intended to serve.
C. Signage. The recycling area should be clearly marked as such, with signs not to exceed two (2) square feet.
D. On-Site Circulation. The storage facility should be located so that trucks shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic movement, or project into any public right-of-way. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)
13.250.060 Design guidelines.
A. Design Generally. It is the intent of these guidelines to assist the applicant in developing creative designs for storage space.
1. The design of the storage area should be consistent with the architectural design of the primary structure(s) on the site.
2. Dimensions of the storage area shall accommodate containers consistent with current methods of collection.
B. Enclosure. In order to limit the dispersal of litter on-site, storage areas in all zones shall be enclosed by fence or wall of six (6) feet in height. This requirement shall not apply to storage areas in industrial zones, unless the storage area is located within one hundred (100) feet of residentially zoned property. Gate openings which allow access by user and by haulers should be included. Gate opening for haulers should be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide. The storage areas should be designed to be easily accessible to collection trucks and equipment. Adequate vertical clearance (if the space is located within a structure) and adequate turning radius must be provided to accommodate collection equipment.
C. Landscaping. Landscaping is required in accordance with the City of SeaTac requirements for new development. Such landscaping shall be required in nonresidential zones only if the storage area will be within one hundred (100) feet of residentially zoned property. The landscaping should be designed so as not to impede access to the storage area.
D. Weather Protection.
1. In order to ensure that the efficiency of recycling efforts and to maintain the value of the commodities, storage containers shall be shown to be protected from weather damage. This can be accomplished either by using weather-proof containers or by covering the storage area.
2. If the storage area is to be roofed, it must be shown to be accessible to haulers. Minimum opening spaces should be twelve (12) feet high and twelve (12) feet wide.
E. Security and Access. Access to the storage areas can be limited for security reasons, but must be accessible to haulers and users during regular business and collection hours. (Ord. 04-1008 § 3)