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After hours of debate, Goldsboro council tables changes to yard‑waste ordinance to clarify contractor language
Summary
Council heard a detailed staff proposal to limit residential yard‑waste pickups (4 cubic yards per collection, size limits for limbs) and phase out commercial pickups, but members raised enforcement and equity concerns; council voted to table the ordinance so staff can rewrite contradictory language and return with clearer wording and an implementation plan.
Public Works presented a proposed revision to the city’s yard‑waste collection ordinance intended to reduce service volume and limit city pickups of commercial contractor‑generated debris. Staff recommended defining a pickup as a maximum of 4 cubic yards per residential collection, specifying limb diameter and length limits, and phasing out pickups for commercial properties effective Dec. 1 while continuing pickup at residences if the piles meet the size standards.
Staff said the change reflects rising contractor activity that has increased volumes and stretched collection schedules; the department plans a phased rollout and public notification. Council engaged in extended debate about unintended consequences: members expressed concern for townhouse owners and HOAs, residents who hire contractors (including elderly residents), enforceability of contractor‑generated vs. homeowner piles, billing or fee options, and the need for clear, enforceable code language.
Several council members asked staff to remove or reword a sentence that appeared to preclude picking up contractor‑generated material at private residences if the pile otherwise complied with size rules; staff and the mayor agreed the sentence conflicted with other draft sections and might be deleted or rewritten to reflect council’s intent to continue picking up compliant residential piles. Given the number of unresolved drafting and enforcement questions, council voted to table the ordinance to allow staff to redraft the language and return with clarifications and an outreach plan.
