Greenfield council adopts ordinance banning private‑property drop‑off boxes

The Greenfield Common Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Dec. 16 that prohibits drop‑off collection boxes on private property and adds a new code subsection to Chapter 21 of the municipal code.

City staff presented example photos and said the city previously had no specific regulation for drop‑off boxes. "We could not find anything that was could even pertain to them," the city planner said, and described the ordinance as providing clear direction so boxes are not left without accountability. Staff told council that any existing boxes will become legal nonconforming and that staff will conduct an inventory of existing boxes.

Council members asked whether any complaints had been received; staff said there had been no recent complaints and identified three existing boxes that would be grandfathered: one near Glenwood School, one at Whitnall Middle/High School and one at the Pick & Save property on 76 in Cold Spring. The city noted that the Pick & Save location has a solar‑powered camera to monitor the box.

Alderperson Castner moved to approve the ordinance; Alderperson Druswicky seconded. The council called the roll and the ordinance carried on the recorded vote.

The ordinance creates an explicit city prohibition on private‑property drop‑off boxes and directs staff to conduct follow‑up inventory and compliance work.