Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Donation Boxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Los Alamitos council adopts zoning cleanup and new rules for unattended donation boxes
Summary
At its Oct. 13 meeting the Los Alamitos City Council adopted two ordinances that amend zoning rules for thrift stores and add a new chapter regulating unattended donation boxes, requiring city permits, limiting drop‑offs and prohibiting hazardous materials.
The Los Alamitos City Council on Oct. 13 adopted two ordinances amending Title 17 and adding a new chapter to the Los Alamitos Municipal Code to regulate thrift stores and unattended donation boxes.
City staff said the changes clarify landscaping and screening language in the zoning code and add specific rules for donation collection boxes, including a required city permit and limits on when and what may be accepted. "So tonight, we are opening a public hearing to consider 2 ordinances," City staff member Dr. Noda told the council as he introduced the item.
The ordinances, described by the city attorney during the meeting, are cited in the staff report as ordinance number 2025-11, "amending various provisions of Title 17 concerning the regulation of thrift stores and donation boxes, front yard landscaping requirements, screening of mechanical equipment, and to correct clerical errors and omissions," and ordinance number 2025-12, "adding chapter 5.054 to Title 5 concerning the regulation of unattended donation boxes." The council moved and seconded the item and voted in favor; the ayes were recorded with no objections.
Key provisions discussed by staff and referenced in the ordinances include: donation collection only during the host business's posted hours (no unattended drop‑offs outside business hours); a prohibition on accepting e‑waste and hazardous materials at donation boxes; a permit requirement so the city can monitor operators; and a requirement that applicants demonstrate consent from the underlying property owner or leaseholder before a box is allowed on site. Staff said the permit process will provide an enforcement mechanism and make the city aware of operating locations.
Council members asked whether property owners can be notified directly so they understand they must obtain city permission before allowing a box on their parcels. Dr. Noda and another staff member said staff can reach out to property owners to explain the new permitting process. The council opened the item for public hearing; no public speakers signed up for this item.
The council approved the ordinances by voice vote during the meeting. The ordinances add specific operating limits, require property-owner consent in permit applications and make operation without a permit unlawful under the municipal code, enabling enforcement by city staff.
The new rules now become part of the municipal code; staff said they will begin implementing the permit process and outreach to property owners to reduce unpermitted donation boxes and to prevent improper disposal of prohibited items.
