Chapter 15.10
RECYCLING STORAGE AREAS
Sections:
15.10.030 Location guidelines.
15.10.040 Subdivision of required space.
15.10.090 Security and access.
15.10.010 General.
All new buildings and existing buildings to which additional floor space is being added shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter. As used in this chapter, “storage areas for recyclable material” shall mean space made available for the collection and storage of recyclable materials generated on-site for processing off-site. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.020 Areas required.
A. Residential Areas. The minimum storage space requirement for all new residences within the city of Snoqualmie shall be 1.5 square feet per unit. For multiple-family units, there shall be one collection area per 30 units to be located not more than 200 feet from the intended user’s unit. Exceptions:
1. Single-family residences;
2. Multiple-family developments which receive direct collection, for individual units, from a city-sponsored approved program may be exempted from these requirements.
B. Nonresidential Areas. The minimum nonresidential storage area for recyclable materials shall be the following:
1. Office space: two square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area;
2. Retail space: five square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area;
3. Wholesale/warehouse/industrial spaces: three square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area;
4. Educational Institutions: two square feet of storage space for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area;
5. Restaurants/lounges/assembly spaces: recognizing the broad range of materials, and the large variability of quantities of material that may be generated, businesses of this type shall provide a recycling plan for review and approval. This plan shall include estimated quantities of recyclable materials and how they will be handled. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.030 Location guidelines.
The storage area for recyclable materials 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 solid waste storage and collection areas. Storage and collection of waste and recyclable materials should be designated to compliment each other and to operate as one system. The location of the storage area must not interfere with the primary use of the site, which would discourage the use of the storage area, and shall comply with all other requirements of the applicable zoning code, including setback requirements. Storage areas shall not be located in areas which cannot tolerate noise, odor, and increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. “Accessible” shall include the definition of accessible as defined in WAC 51-30-1103. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.040 Subdivision of required space.
In nonresidential structures, the total area required may be broken into smaller areas and distributed around the development site. Each area must maintain a useful minimum space. In residential projects comprising more than one building, the total space shall be divided following the ratio of one storage area per 30 residential units. Each storage area shall be located not more than 200 feet from the unit it is intended to serve. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.050 Signage.
The recycling area should be clearly marked as such, with signs not to exceed two square feet. This signage will be exempt from the sign area limitations as defined in the zoning code. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.060 On-site collection.
The storage facility should be located so collection trucks shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic movement, or project into any public right-of-way. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.070 Design guidelines.
A. General. It is the intent of this chapter to assist the applicant in developing creative designs for storage space. The design of the storage area should be consistent with the architectural design of the primary structure or structures on the site. The dimensions of the storage areas shall accommodate containers consistent with current methods of collections.
B. Enclosure. In order to limit the disbursal of litter on-site, storage areas in all zones shall be enclosed by a fence or wall six feet or more in height. Gate openings which allow access by the user and by the hauler shall be included. Gate openings for the hauler shall be a minimum of four feet in width, or as required for the easy removal of the container sizes used. Gate openings used for solid waste removal may be used for the removal of recyclable materials. The storage area shall be designed to be easily accessible to collection trucks and equipment. Adequate vertical clearance (if the space is located within a structure) and an adequate turning radius shall be provided to accommodate collection equipment. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.080 Weatherproofing.
In order to ensure the efficiency of recycling efforts, storage containers shall be shown to be weatherproof. This can be accomplished by either using weatherproof containers or by providing a weatherproof storage area. If the storage area is to be roofed, it shall be shown to be accessible to the hauler’s collection method. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.090 Security and access.
Access to the storage areas may be limited for security reasons. Access shall be accessible to the hauler and the users during regular business and collection hours. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).
15.10.100 Enforcement.
Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the city’s building department shall review any proposed building permit for approval, allowing for new construction as used herein, for compliance with this section. Failure to provide drawings or proposals, or a plan of sufficient detail demonstrating compliance with this section, shall be a basis for denial of such permit or approval. Construction in violation of this code is illegal, is hereby declared to be a nuisance, and shall be abated. (Ord. 733 § 1, 1994).