Atascosa County suspends right‑of‑way dumpster ban for 90 days to explore alternatives

Atascosa County Commissioners Court voted Oct. 27 to suspend for 90 days a county order that prohibited dumpsters in county rights of way, giving staff time to develop less‑restrictive enforcement options and to avoid penalizing residents who cannot move dumpsters onto private property.

The right‑of‑way committee, represented by rural development staff, told the court the prohibition — implemented in August and scheduled to take effect in September — generated many calls from residents who received notice letters but cannot move dumpsters onto their property for reasons including gates and truck access. The committee recommended a temporary suspension so commissioners could consider alternatives and rely on existing state statutes where appropriate.

Commissioner Gillespie moved to suspend the order for 90 days; Commissioner Bowen seconded and the motion carried. Staff said residents who have outstanding letters will not be penalized during the suspension and asked affected residents to call the rural development office for assistance. Committee members said they prefer to examine enforcement under existing state law rather than imposing a new county‑level regulation.

The suspension does not rescind the order; it pauses penal enforcement while staff and the committee develop options and return to the court with recommendations. The court did not set a specific date for the return but indicated follow‑up within the 90‑day window.

The court’s action came after staff said they had sent letters to close to 20 dumpster companies and heard from some companies that no longer operate in the area. Staff encouraged residents to move dumpsters where feasible but said the county will work with residents who cannot comply immediately.

Next steps: staff will develop enforcement alternatives and present recommendations to the commissioners before the suspension expires.