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Council adopts ordinance to limit plastic single‑use food‑service items unless requested
Summary
Ordinance No. 6229 prohibits the automatic distribution of plastic single‑use utensils, straws and condiment packs for takeout and delivery unless a customer requests them; fines and a public-education program are established for enforcement.
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 6229 to establish Chapter 8.65, which limits distribution of plastic single‑use food service items (utensils, straws, condiment packs, portion cups, stirrers, and similar items) for takeout or delivery unless explicitly requested by the customer. The ordinance requires restaurants and third‑party delivery platforms to default to no single‑use items unless the customer opts in and mandates signage and an online option to request such items when ordering.
Enforcement is assigned to the Health Officer or their designee; the ordinance prescribes an initial written warning and a graduated fine structure (first violation $100, second $200, third and subsequent $500), with fines assessed per day a violation continues. The law also directs the city to run a public‑education program and provide a complaint portal on the city website. At the hearing, Maria Lorenz asked who to contact in City Hall and how the department will regulate compliance; the ordinance text directs complaints and education to the Health Department.
