Menifee Municipal Code Ch. 6.30 Solid Waste Disposal and Organic Waste Diversion

The words and phrases contained in this chapter shall have the meaning commonly associated with them unless special meaning is ascribed to them by the Cal. Public Resources Code or the Cal. Code of Regulations (as either may be amended from time to time) in which case such meaning shall apply; except that the following words shall, for the purpose of this chapter, be defined as follows:

AB 939. That State legislation commonly known as the California Integrated Waste Management Act (Stats. 1989, Chapter 1095, as amended) as codified in Cal. Public Resources Code §§ 49000, et seq.

BINS. A metal container, commonly referred to as dumpsters, including compactors and any similar such devices, with a capacity of under ten cubic yards.

CART. A plastic container provided by a franchisee for collection, with a hinged lid and wheels serviced by an automated process, as opposed to a manual process of lifting and dumping.

CITY. The City of Menifee.

CITY MANAGER. The City Manager of the city or his or her duly-authorized representative or designee.

COLLECT or COLLECTION or COLLECTING. To take physical possession of, transport, and remove solid waste from a premises.

COMMERCIAL PREMISES. Premises upon which business activity is conducted, including but not limited to retail sales, services, wholesale operations, manufacturing and industrial operations, but excluding single-family dwellings upon which business activities are conducted when such activities are permitted under applicable zoning regulations and are not the primary use of the property. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, for purposes of this chapter, premises upon which hotels and motels are operated shall be deemed to be commercial premises. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein,

For purposes of this chapter, multi-family dwellings receiving solid waste handling services via bins shall be deemed commercial premises.

CONTAINER. Any and all types of solid waste receptacles, including carts, bins, and rolloff boxes.

FRANCHISEE. A person, persons, firm or corporation that has been issued a franchise by city to provide solid waste handling services within the city.

HAZARDOUS WASTE. All substances defined as hazardous waste, acutely hazardous waste, or extremely hazardous waste by the State of California in Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 25110.02, 25115 and 25117, or in the future amendments to or re-codifications of such statutes, or identified and listed as hazardous waste by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq.), all future amendments thereto, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING. Any building or lot containing more than five dwelling units which a franchisee determines (and the City Manager agrees) must receive solid waste handling services through the use of shared bins, since they are not reasonably able to receive individualized solid waste handling services through the use of carts. Any ambiguity as to whether a customer's premises qualifies as a single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling shall be resolved by the City Manager whose decision shall be final.

ORGANIC WASTE. Shall have the same meaning as set forth in 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Ch. 12, § 18982.

PERSON. Any individual, firm, corporation, association, group or other entity.

PREMISES. Any land, building and/or structure within the city limits where solid waste is generated or accumulated.

RECYCLABLE MATERIAL. That solid waste capable of being recycled, including without limitation, newsprint, newspaper, paper, aluminum, cardboard, certain plastics or metal.

RECYCLE or RECYCLING. The process of collecting, sorting, cleaning, treating and reconstituting materials that would otherwise become solid waste and returning these materials to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials for new, reused or reconstituted products which meet the quality standards used in the marketplace.

ROLLOFF BOX. Containers of ten cubic yards or larger, including compactors.

SELF HAULER. Any person or entity that, pursuant to § 6.30.100, provides for the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste generated by his/her/its own premises.

SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING. A building or lot containing one dwelling unit, and for purposes of this chapter includes buildings and lots with more than one dwelling unit where such dwelling units are determined by the City Manager to be reasonably able to receive individualized solid waste handling service by an automated process utilizing carts. This determination is presumed to have been made by the City Manager for buildings or lots containing up to four dwelling units, unless a specific different determination is made on a case by case basis. Any ambiguity as to whether a premises qualifies as a single-family dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall be resolved by the City Manager.

SOLID WASTE. All discarded putrescible and non-putrescible solid, semisolid and liquid wastes, including garbage, trash, refuse, rubbish, construction waste, industrial waste, commercial solid waste, and any other discarded solid, semisolid and liquid waste permitted to be disposed of at a Class III landfill and which are included within the definition of "nonhazardous solid waste" set forth in the California Code of Regulations, as it may be amended from time to time. Solid waste does not include hazardous waste (Class I), low-level radioactive waste, untreated medical waste, or special wastes as defined herein.

SPECIAL WASTES. Wastes other than solid waste, including sewage, sludge, industrial sludge, asbestos, auto bodies, tires, used motor oil, hazardous waste, animal body parts, explosive substances, radioactive materials, acids, solvents and other materials which may not be disposed of at a Class III landfill or which require special handling.

YARD WASTE. All leaves, grass cuttings and shrubs that accompany routine household or property maintenance functions.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) The City Council may by resolution or ordinance grant one or more franchises for solid waste handling services related to solid waste generated within the city.

(B) Any solid waste enterprise granted a franchise for solid waste handling services shall operate in a manner that complies with all state laws and regulations. This obligation shall expressly, without limitation, require franchisees to provide all programs required by any state law or regulation to its customers, including, as applicable, programs that comply with recycling requirements and requirements related to the diversion of organic waste from landfills; and, further shall require franchisees to operate such programs in a manner consistent with such law or regulation.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) Arrangements for removal of solid waste mandatory. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the owner, property manager, tenant and/or person in charge or control of each single-family dwelling, each multi-family dwelling, and each commercial premises in the city shall either (i) subscribe to solid waste handling services with a franchisee for said premises; or (ii) obtain and maintain a permit as a self hauler as set forth in this chapter in connection with said premises.

(B) Exception; vacant premises. The above requirement to provide for solid waste handling services shall not apply in connection with any single-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, or commercial premises which are vacant for a period of 45 days or more, provided this exception shall only apply during the period of vacancy. Any person seeking to avail himself/herself of the exception provided herein shall bear the burden of providing reasonable evidence to city, pursuant to such regulations or guidelines as the City Manager is hereby authorized to develop, demonstrating the premises was vacant for the period in question.

(Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) Every owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any premises within the city shall deposit or cause to be deposited all solid waste generated or accumulated on such premises, and intended for collection and disposal, in sealed, watertight bins, carts, rolloff boxes or other containers that are either (i) provided by a franchisee; or (ii) approved by the City Manager for self-hauling purposes pursuant to this chapter. No owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any premises shall utilize a bin, cart, rolloff box or other container not in conformance with the requirements hereof for the collection, accumulation or storage of solid waste.

(B) Containers provided by a franchisee shall comply with all applicable state laws and regulations.

(C) No bin, cart, rolloff box or other container shall be placed adjacent to or in a street or public right-of-way for collection service more than 24 hours prior to the normal collection time, and all containers so placed shall be removed from the street or right-of-way within 12 hours after collection.

(D) Container lids shall remain closed at all times that the container is unattended. If the solid waste contained within a bin, cart, rolloff box or other container exceeds the actual capacity of the container, then a larger container or multiple containers must be utilized. Any solid waste that does not reasonably fit within a container (such as furniture or other large bulky items) must be covered and protected, as by a tarp, netting or other secured material, in order to prevent the scattering of debris by natural forces such as wind or animals. The owner, tenant, occupant and/or person or entity in control of a premises shall be responsible for the clean-up of any solid waste spilled, dumped or scattered as a result of a container overflow.

(E) It is unlawful for any person to share, place solid waste in, or to otherwise use the bin, cart, rolloff box or other container of another person or business. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the sharing of containers shall be permitted under the following conditions:

(1) The owner, property manager or person in charge or control of a premises upon which a multi-family dwelling exists may arrange for containers for shared use by the occupants, tenants or persons in possession of the dwelling units on such premises.

(2) The occupants of a single commercial building or contiguous and adjacent commercial buildings may share a container for solid waste handling services at a common location, subject to approval of the City Manager, which approval may be delegated to a franchisee. Approval by the City Manager shall be based upon (i) the type of solid waste generated by each commercial premises; and (ii) the number of containers and frequency of solid waste collection needed to protect the public health, welfare and safety.

(F) It is unlawful to use any bin, cart, rolloff box or other container furnished by a franchisee for any purpose other than the collection, accumulation and storage of solid waste; or to convert or alter such containers for other uses; or to intentionally damage such containers.

(G) All containers used for the collection of solid waste at single-family dwellings shall be stored out of public view in a side or rear yard or an enclosed garage except on collection day. If the physical design of the dwelling does not allow for obscuring containers from public view because of the type of fencing or lack thereof, or lack of an appropriate enclosed area, containers shall be stored in an area adjacent to the dwelling at the point furthest from the closest street or roadway or in an enclosure adjacent to the dwelling designed to conform with the exterior design of the dwelling.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) Single-family dwelling; multi-family dwelling. With the exception of vacant premises meeting the provisions of § 6.30.030(B) above, not less than once per week, every owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any single- family dwelling or multi-family dwelling within the city shall remove by self-hauling (as provided herein) or cause to be removed by subscription to services provided by a franchisee all solid waste stored, generated, collected or accumulated on such premises.

(B) Commercial premises. With the exception of vacant premises meeting the provisions of § 6.30.030(B) above, not less than once per week, every owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any commercial premises within the city shall remove by self hauling (as provided herein), or cause to be removed by subscription to services provided by a franchisee, all solid waste stored, generated, collected or accumulated on such premises.

(C) Modifications to collection frequency. The City Manager may provide written notice to the owner of any premises that the above minimum removal requirements are not sufficient to avoid the creation of a public nuisance due to unique circumstances at such premises. City may direct that solid waste shall be removed by the owner of any premises so notified on a more frequent schedule (as determined by the City Manager) and/or that additional or larger containers shall be utilized (as determined by the City Manager).

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person to occupy or inhabit any premises within the city for which arrangements have not been made and kept in full force and effect for solid waste handling services in a manner consistent with the provisions hereof.

(B) The keeping of solid waste in containers other than those prescribed by this chapter, or the keeping upon premises of solid waste which is offensive, obnoxious or unsanitary, is unlawful, constitutes a public nuisance, and may be abated in the manner provided by law for the abatement of nuisances.

(C) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person or entity that subscribes for solid waste handling services with a franchisee to fail to participate in the recycling and organic waste programs offered to him, her or it by the franchisee.

(D) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person or entity that subscribes for solid waste handling services with a franchisee to fail to comply with the terms of any recycling and organic waste programs offered to him, her or it by the franchisee, including by placing solid waste in containers of a type or nature not designed for the type of waste in question.

(E) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person who is permitted as a self hauler with city to fail to comply with all requirements of such permit, including those related to the handling of organic waste.

(F) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person or entity to fail to comply with his or its obligations related to the collection and handling of organic waste as set forth in 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Ch. 12; provided, however, the City Manager or his designee is authorized to provide waivers to the requirement to participate in some or all of such obligations where permitted by law.

(G) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any commercial edible food generator, or any food recovery organization or service, to fail to meet its obligations as set forth in 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Ch. 12.

(H) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person other than a franchisee (or its agents and employees) to collect any discarded solid waste including recyclable material, or otherwise provide solid waste handling services within the city. This prohibition shall not, however, apply to:

(1) Permitted self haulers as defined in this chapter;

(2) The owner, tenant or occupant of a premises who has subscribed for and is receiving solid waste handling services with a franchisee, when such owner, tenant or occupant is hauling materials generated at his/her own premises to a lawful disposal or recycling facility. This exemption does not permit the hiring of any person or entity, other than a franchisee, to haul solid waste from one's own premises;

(3) The collection, transportation and disposal of construction and demolition debris by a contractor, handyman, repairman or other similar service provider as an incidental part of the services provided to its customers, using its own employees and equipment, rather than as a hauling service, provided that such solid waste is not collected or transported by a third party hired for the primary purpose of collecting and transporting said materials, and further provided that such services comply with any ordinances, policies and regulations of city relating to the collection of such materials;

(4) The collection, transportation and disposal of yard waste and related solid waste by a gardener or landscaper as an incidental part of the gardening or landscaping services provided to its customers, rather than as a hauling service, provided that such solid waste is not collected or transported by a third party hired for the primary purpose of collecting and transporting said materials;

(5) Any person or entity collecting recyclable material sold or donated to it by the person or entity that generated such recyclable material (the "generator") provided, however, to the extent permitted by law, if the generator is required to pay consideration for the collection, transportation, transfer or processing of recyclable material, the fact that the generator receives a reduction or discount in price therefor (or in other terms of the consideration the generator is required to pay) shall not be considered a sale or donation.

(I) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person, other than the owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any single- family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, or commercial premises, or a person authorized by law (such as a franchisee), to remove any bin, cart, rolloff box or other container from any such premises or from any location where it was lawfully placed for collection, without the prior written approval of the owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of such premises.

(J) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person to place solid waste adjacent to a street or public right-of-way for collection by a franchisee without having first subscribed for solid waste handling services with such franchisee.

(K) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person to burn any solid waste within the city, except in an approved incinerator or other device for which a permit has been issued by the building official and fire marshal, and which complies with all applicable local, state and/or federal permit requirements, laws, rules and regulations.

(L) It is unlawful, and a public nuisance, for any person, other than a franchisee, to take, remove or appropriate for his/her own use any solid waste, including recyclable materials, which has been placed in any street or alley for collection or removal by a franchisee, regardless of whether the solid waste is placed in a bin, cart, rolloff box or other container.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

In addition to complying with the requirements of Chapter 6.40 of the city's municipal code, any person who generates solid waste in connection with the construction of a new building, a building addition, remodel, or the demolition of any structure for which a building permit is required, shall either make arrangements for solid waste handling services in connection therewith: (i) by the use of containers and collection service from a franchisee; (ii) as a permitted self hauler in compliance with this chapter; or (iii) in compliance with § 6.30.060(H)(3). In addition to constituting a violation of this chapter, failure to produce evidence of compliance with this section upon the request of a city building inspector, code enforcement officer or other city officer shall result in the red-tagging of the project by the city and a requirement that all work cease until compliance with this section.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) In complying with the requirements of this chapter, all commercial premises and all multi-family dwellings shall implement a recycling program, that includes recycling of at least glass, plastics, cardboard, paper, metals and other materials similar to those materials that are recycled by the city's franchisee.

(B) The recycling program set forth in § 6.30.080(A) shall include container signage and educational materials for employees, tenants and other persons occupying the premises which provide instruction on the proper means by which to separate materials for recycling.

(C) The goal of the recycling program set forth in § 6.30.080(A) shall be to divert at least 50% of solid waste generated at the premises from landfill disposal.

(D) If the city's franchisee is not utilized to meet the requirements of § 6.30.080(A), the owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of any premises to which applies shall provide written evidence to the satisfaction to the City Manager demonstrating that another system is in place for recovery and diversion from landfills of solid waste in compliance with the provisions hereof.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

In addition to any other applicable provisions of this chapter, the owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of every commercial premises, including every multi-family dwelling, in the city shall comply with all obligations related to organic waste, including the following minimum standards:

(A) Any commercial premises, including any multi-family dwelling, that generates four cubic yards or more of organic waste per week shall arrange for recycling services specifically for organic waste, unless such premises does not generate organic waste.

(B) Organic waste recycling required by this § 6.30.090 may be accomplished by any one of the following:

(1) Subscribing to organics collection services offered by a franchisee;

(2) Recycling or composting organic waste for use onsite;

(3) Self haul of organic waste, in a manner consistent with all other provisions of this chapter, to a lawfully permitted location for recycling or composting;

(4) Use of a landscaper for removal of yard waste in a manner consistent with § 6.30.060(H)(4) hereof, provided such yard waste is delivered to a lawfully permitted recycling or composting facility; or

(5) Any other method that is permitted by law and authorized in writing by the City Manager.

(D) The City Manager may require written documentation to demonstrate compliance with any provision of § 6.30.090.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) Self-haulers who obtain a permit from city, and are operating in accordance with this chapter are only permitted to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste generated by and upon the self hauler's own premises. Under no circumstances may a self hauler collect, transport or dispose of solid wastes generated upon premises that are not owned, operated or controlled by the self hauler. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, permitted self haulers shall not share, place solid waste in, or otherwise use the bin, cart, rolloff box, or other container of another person or business.

(B) Registration. All self haulers shall apply for and receive a permit to operate as a self hauler from the city and shall comply with the following:

(1) Each self hauler shall obtain a permit from the City Manager, and such permit shall be renewed on an annual basis.

(2) Each permit application, whether upon initial application or renewal, shall include the following: (i) a list of all bins, carts, rolloff boxes and other containers to be used by the self hauler; (ii) a list of all transport and disposal equipment to be used by the self hauler; (iii) a written explanation of where all solid waste will be delivered for disposal and diversion; (iv) a written plan explaining to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager how not less than 50% of solid waste collected will be diverted from disposal in compliance with AB 939;(v) a written plan explaining to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager how compliance with the requirement to divert organic waste, in accordance with applicable laws including 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Chapter 12, § 18988.3 will be achieved; and (vi) any other information deemed necessary by the City Manager to ensure protection of public health, safety and sanitary needs.

(3) Permit renewal applications shall additionally include: (i) receipts from self hauling activities undertaken in the prior year demonstrating that the applicant has effectively diverted at least 50% of all solid waste generated at its premises from landfills in a manner that complies with the requirements of AB 939; (ii) records reasonably satisfactory to the City Manager demonstrating the manner in which organic waste was diverted from landfills in accordance with applicable laws including 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Chapter 12, § 18988.3; and (iii) receipts from self hauling activities undertaken in the prior year demonstrating that the applicant has delivered solid waste generated at its premises to appropriate disposal or recycling facilities at least as frequently as collection is required for such self hauler by the City Manager.

(4) The City Manager shall approve the application, and issue a self hauler permit, if the application meets the requirements of this section, and if the equipment, containers, diversion plan and disposal plan meet with his reasonable satisfaction, and if evidence of past diversion and disposal requirements demonstrate the applicant has complied with the 50% diversion requirement and otherwise complied with all laws related to disposal, recycling and diversion of solid waste, including without limitation the diversion of organic waste.

(C) Containers. Each self hauler shall provided its own bins, carts, rolloff boxes or other containers. Bins, carts, rolloff boxes or other containers utilized by a self hauler must conform to industry standards for solid waste disposal, comply with all laws and regulations, and must be approved by the City Manager in writing prior to issuance of a self hauler permit. In addition, any containers utilized by a self hauler shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) All containers shall be maintained in good repair, and any question as to the meaning of this standard shall be resolved by the City Manager.

(2) All containers shall be maintained in a sealed, watertight condition;

(3) Self haulers shall remove any graffiti that appears on containers within 24 hours after becoming aware of it.

(D) Collection and transport equipment. Collection and transport equipment, including but not limited to transport trucks and vehicles, utilized by a self hauler must be approved by the City Manager in writing prior to issuance of a self hauler permit.

(E) Non-commercial venture. It is the intent of this chapter to prevent and proscribe self hauling activities undertaken as a commercial enterprise. Self haulers must obtain all equipment, including containers and collection and transportation equipment, at a fair market value that does not include any hauling services, "free" or otherwise. A self hauler may utilize its own employees to undertake self hauling activities, but under no circumstance may a self hauler utilize an independent contractor or any other person or entity for solid waste handling services other than a franchisee.

(F) Other recycling obligations. Self haulers shall recycle all recyclable materials not otherwise addressed by this section to a degree and in a manner consistent with standards generally applicable to the solid waste industry and as required by state law or regulation.

(G) Collection frequency. Self haulers shall remove solid waste from their premises at least once per week. However, upon application to the City Manager to obtain (or renew) a self hauler permit, the City Manager may determine a different frequency for solid waste collection, transport and disposal from the self hauler's premises. This determination shall be based upon the nature of the premises, the type of solid waste generated by the premises, and the collection capacity of the self hauler as demonstrated by information in the application.

(H) Hazardous and special wastes. Unless lawfully and currently licensed under state, federal and local laws, no self hauler shall engage in the collection, transport or disposal of hazardous waste or special wastes.

(I) Revocation. The City Manager may revoke a self hauler permit if the permittee (i) fails to divert at least 50% of all solid waste generated at its premises from landfills in a manner that complies with the requirements of AB 939; (ii) fails to divert organic waste from disposal in accordance with applicable laws including 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Chapter 12, § 18988.3; (iii) fails to deliver solid waste generated at its premises to appropriate disposal or recycling facilities at least as frequently as collection is required for such self hauler by the City Manager; or (iv) fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter or its permit. The City Manager shall notify any permittee in writing of the decision to revoke its permit, and the basis therefore, and the permittee may appeal any such decision within 15 days of the date of such notice being issued by requesting an administrative hearing in the same manner applicable to administrative citations set forth in Chapter 1.03 of this Code.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) Unauthorized containers. In addition to any other penalties and/or remedies as set forth in this chapter or provided for by law, any container placed within the city for the collection of solid waste in violation of § 6.30.060(H) (hereinafter "unauthorized container(s)") may be impounded as set forth herein.

(1) The City Manager may cause a notice to be placed in a conspicuous place on any unauthorized container directing that it be removed. The notice shall specify the nature of the violation and shall state that the bin, rolloff box, or other container must be removed within 24 hours or it may be removed and stored by the city, and the contents disposed of, at the expense of the owner thereof. The notice shall indicate the time that it was posted and shall include the name and phone number of a person designated by the city to hear any appeal or challenge to the requirement that the container be removed; and, further, shall indicate that any appeal of the order for removal must occur within 24 hours of the posting of the notice. The posting of a notice to remove shall constitute constructive notice to the owner and user of the requirement to remove the unauthorized container, and a copy of the notice shall be provided to owner of the unauthorized container once said owners identity is ascertained by city, and if not provided sooner, a copy of the notice shall be provided at such time as the owner of the unauthorized container seeks to retrieve any such container removed hereunder.

(2) If within 24 hours after a notice to remove is posted on an unauthorized container a request for an appeal has not been received and the bin, rolloff box, or other container is not removed, the city manager may direct (including by delegation to the franchisee) the removal and storage of the unauthorized container. In addition, if the contents of the container is either comprised of a substantial amount of putrescible solid waste, or determined by the City Manager to create a threat to health and safety if not disposed of immediately, the City Manager may direct that the contents of the container be disposed of. The owner of the unauthorized container shall be responsible to reimburse the city for the actual cost of removal, storage and disposal. All amounts due to the city for the cost of removal, storage and disposal must be paid before the unauthorized container may be returned to the owner. Such amounts shall constitute a debt owed by the owner to the city, and the owner shall be liable to the city in an action brought by the city for the recovery of such amounts.

(3) Between the date following the date upon which any unauthorized container is removed by the city, and the date which is five business days following its retrieval from city, the owner of the unauthorized container may request a hearing to appeal the city's determination that the container is an unauthorized container subject to removal by city as set forth herein. The City Manager shall establish a procedure for such a hearing and the method for requesting such a hearing shall be included on the notice to remove. If the appeal is granted, any payments due to city shall be forgiven and any amounts paid reimbursed.

(4) If the identity of the owner of an unauthorized container that has been removed by the city is known to the City Manager, the City Manager shall promptly cause a copy of the notice to remove to be mailed to the owner along with a request that the owner to claim the stored property. If the unauthorized container is not claimed within 95 days after mailing of the notice to the owner, or 90 days after removal if the identity of the owner is unknown to the City Manager, the unauthorized container and its contents shall be deemed abandoned property and may be disposed of accordingly. The notice to be posted on unauthorized containers shall specify that the forgoing procedure related to abandonment will apply.

(Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)

(A) This chapter may be enforced in any manner set forth in this code, or as otherwise provided by law.

(B) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day, or any portion thereof, of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued, or permitted by such person, and shall be punishable as misdemeanor or an infraction, at the discretion of the City Manager and/or City Attorney.

(1) Penalty for misdemeanor violation. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Penalty for infraction violation. Any person convicted of an infraction under any provision of this chapter shall be punished by:

(a) A fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation;

(b) A fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year; and

(c) A fine not exceeding $500 for a third and for any additional violation of the same provision within one year.

(C) Violations related to state mandated organic waste obligations. In addition to any other available remedy, any violation of 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Ch. 12, or any of the provisions hereof which address such obligations, shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 1.30 of the city's municipal code related to administrative citations, modified as follows:

(1) Upon determining a violation has occurred. The City Manager or his designee shall issue a notice of violation pursuant to 14 Cal. Code of Regulations, Div. 7, Ch. 12, § 18995.4, requiring compliance within 60 days of such notice.

(2) Absent compliance, the following administrative fines shall apply:

(a) For a first violation - $50;

(b) For a second violation - $100;

(c) For a third or subsequent violation - $250.

(D) Violations deemed to be a public nuisance. In addition to any penalties otherwise imposed, any violation of the provisions of this chapter is deemed to be a public nuisance which may be abated in the manner provided by law for the abatement of nuisances.

(E) Attorney fees. In addition to any civil and criminal penalties as provided by the provisions of this chapter or otherwise, the city may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, and other such expenses of litigation and/or prosecution as it may incur by appropriate lawsuit against the person found to have violated any provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 2020-294, passed 3-18-2020; Am. Ord. 2022-335, passed 3-16-2022)