Utica council approves dumpster variance at 45675 Van Dyke with building and fire conditions

The Utica City Council on Jan. 13 approved a variance to allow a commercial dumpster at 45675 Van Dyke, subject to conditions from the building department and the fire prevention bureau intended to protect a nearby gas meter and ensure safe egress.

Applicant Jeff Orlando told the council he had "nowhere else to put the dumpster," describing tight site constraints and access to a rear door. Council members and staff examined photos and logistics during the public hearing and deliberations.

Fire staff raised a particular safety concern: the existing dumpster location sits adjacent to the building's gas meter. As the fire chief noted during the meeting, the dumpster location is "literally 2 feet or 2 and a half feet off of the gas meter for that building," prompting suggestions that the applicant install a noncombustible enclosure and a guard to protect the meter.

Councilmember Diane moved to approve the variance with the condition that the building department and the fire prevention bureau sign off on a protective enclosure/guard and any required dimensions; Councilmember Torenzi supported the motion. A roll-call vote recorded all members voting yes and the motion carried.

Implementation details: The council directed the applicant to work with the building inspector and the fire prevention bureau to identify acceptable enclosure materials and placement that preserve emergency egress from a rear door. The approval is conditional on compliance with those departmental requirements.

What happens next: The applicant must secure explicit approvals from building and fire officials and install the protective measures before the variance is effectively implemented.