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City proposes grease‑bin registration and decals for restaurants after enforcement finds spills to storm drains
Summary
Community Development proposed an amendment to Chapter 20 requiring restaurants to register grease collection bins, obtain a city decal within 90 days of ordinance approval, and provide bin details so staff can address spills that contaminate storm drains; staff conducted outreach to roughly 70–78 restaurants and will solicit feedback at the Tuesday hearing.
Community Development presented a proposed ordinance to reduce cooking‑grease spills into the city’s storm system. Staff said inspections found grease vats overflowing and in one case discharging into a storm drain, prompting the code change.
Under the proposal, new and existing restaurants would register grease bins with the city at business license renewal, provide bin location, size, color and a statement that the container holds cooking grease only, and receive a city decal within 90 days of ordinance approval. Staff said there would be no decal fee initially but the ordinance would allow fines for spills and require cleanup and prompt reporting. The department said it had mailed notices to approximately 70–78 restaurants and planned more outreach through the city newsletter and library services.
Council supported offering time for user feedback at the Tuesday hearing so operators can suggest practical improvements; staff said the item will return for formal action after stakeholder input.
