Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste Storage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces ordinance to tighten standards for short‑term waste storage
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2026‑3 to require secure, weatherproof waste enclosures for commercial and multifamily properties with a five‑year amortization for nonconforming sites; council clarified the rule does not apply to single‑family curbside carts and asked for clearer ordinance language and outreach.
The Lakewood City Council on March 7 introduced Ordinance 2026‑3, which would amend the Lakewood Municipal Code to add standards for short‑term waste storage on private property.
Aldo Cervantes, director of community development, said the proposal builds on a 2018 draft and seeks to address nonconforming trash enclosures by requiring property owners to store city‑approved bins and carts inside buildings or inside secure, lockable, rain‑proof enclosures. He told the council the draft includes a five‑year amortization period for existing nonconforming conditions and noted site improvements or tenant changes can trigger earlier compliance.
Councilmembers requested clarification that the ordinance targets commercial and multifamily properties and does not apply to single‑family curbside carts. Cervantes and other staff confirmed the ordinance applies to multifamily and commercial sites with bins and enclosures and not to single‑family curbside pickup. Councilmember Croft urged early outreach and encouraged businesses to adopt enclosures before the five‑year deadline.
A public commenter, Mr. Norris, suggested the city review the sizes and types of city‑issued residential bins and how they are referenced in the ordinance.
The council voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance 2026‑3 and approve a CEQA categorical exemption; staff will conduct public outreach and inventory nonconforming sites to prepare property owners for the amortization schedule.
