Draft requires enclosures for commercial and larger residential sites; enforcement and grandfathering left for later discussion

Article 5 proposes that multiple-unit residential and nonresidential developments provide enclosed and screened trash and recycling areas with lockable opaque gates. The requirement applies to sites reviewed under site-plan procedures and would not force single-family properties to install enclosures.

Why it matters: commissioners and members of the public described recurring problems with uncontained trash, mattress dumping and animal scavenging at some commercial and multiunit sites. Enclosed, lockable dumpsters reduce visual blight and public‑health risks.

Draft details and questions - Applicability: the requirement applies to new development and to sites undergoing site-plan review for multiunit residential or nonresidential uses. Staff said established businesses that do not go through site-plan review would remain grandfathered under the draft, though enforcement tools in other city codes (nuisance, property maintenance) could be used. - Design: enclosures must be four-sided with a lockable opaque gate; staff recommended keeping gates opaque to shield contents from view. - Enforcement and grandfathering: commissioners discussed phased approaches and whether the city could require retrofit enclosures for existing problem sites; staff noted enforcement limits when a property lacks space or access for dumpsters and suggested coordinating with the city attorney and public‑works staff for any phased compliance path.

Ending: staff will consider whether the ordinance should require enclosures for change-of-use cases and evaluate phased compliance options; they will also confirm provisions for locks, gate opacity and handling of properties with limited turning radius or space.