Shepherdsville council adopts ordinance requiring fences around large dumpsters

Shepherdsville City Council on Feb. 10 adopted Ordinance 025001, amending the city code to require fenced enclosures around dumpsters of 4 cubic yards or greater inside city limits, with limited exceptions for temporary containers and where fencing would impair trash collection.

The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member Bonnie Enloe Semmery, amends provisions codified in Section 51.03 and adds a definition of “dumpster” as a movable waste container 4 cubic yards or greater. It also broadens the definition of “rubbish,” removes certain disposal exceptions previously allowed by council and removes an increased penalty for contested citations. The ordinance allows an exception when the dumpster is on the same premises for less than 30 days, when used during defined construction activity, or when the trash hauler certifies that a fence would impair service. The city clerk will follow published citation timelines in Section 31.15 of the Shepherdsville Code of Ordinances. The council set July 1, 2025, as the compliance date for existing dumpsters to meet the enclosure requirement.

Sponsor Bonnie Enloe Semmery said the measure was intended to improve the city’s aesthetic by hiding visible dumpsters and noted staff will work with Republic (the city’s trash hauler) on enclosure designs that allow servicing. Council members discussed that the ordinance is targeted at properties that currently lack fencing and that those already complying will not be the primary focus of enforcement.

A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Council Member Bonnie Enloe Semmery and seconded by Council Member Brad Whitaker. The council voted unanimously in favor: Rob (Yes), Bonnie Enloe Semmery (Yes), Brad Whitaker (Yes), Kate (Yes), Jennifer Mendez (Yes), Mike (Yes), Faith Portman (Yes). The ordinance includes the severability clause and publication requirements.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes from Jan. 27 meeting — motion seconded and approved unanimously. (No ordinance number.) - Ordinance 025001 (dumpster fencing) — passed (mover: Bonnie Enloe Semmery; second: Brad Whitaker). Vote recorded as unanimous in favor.

Council members said staff will coordinate with trash providers to ensure designs are serviceable before enforcement. The council did not change the narrow exceptions listed in the ordinance and left the compliance date as written. Ending: The city clerk will publish the ordinance and begin implementation steps ahead of the July 1 compliance date.