Chapter 84.24 — SOLID WASTE/RECYCLABLE MATERIALS STORAGE

San Bernardino County Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Bernardino County

§ 84.24.010 Purpose. ¶

This Chapter provides standards for the provision of solid waste (refuse) and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with State law.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

§ 84.24.020 Applicability. ¶

The standards in this Chapter apply to residential multi-family uses and nonresidential uses where allowed in compliance with Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts and Allowed Land Uses). (Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

§ 84.24.030 Storage Areas for Multi-Family Uses. ¶

(a) Multi-Family Uses. Table 84-15 indicates the minimum requirements for common refuse and recyclable material storage areas for multi-family developments with five or more units. Storage areas may be located indoors or outdoors as long as they are readily accessible to residents. Areas are measured in square feet.

(a)_Multi-Family Uses._Table 84-15 indicates the minimum requirements for common refuse and recyclable material storage areas for multi-family developments with five or more units. Storage areas may be located indoors or outdoors as long as they are readily accessible to residents. Areas are measured in square feet.

	*Table 84-15*
	*Multi-Family Development*
	*Minimum Common Storage Areas Required (Sq. Ft.)*
*Dwellings*	*Refuse*	*Recycling*	*Total Area*

	*Table*	*84-15*
	*Multi-Family Development*
	*Minimum Common Storage Areas Required (Sq. Ft.)*
*Dwellings*	*Refuse*	*Recycling*	*Total Area*
4 or more	12	12	24
10 - 15	24	24	48
16 - 25	48	48	96
26 - 50	96	96	192
51 - 75	144	144	288
76 - 100	192	192	384
101 - 125	240	240	480
126 - 150	288	288	576
151 - 175	316	316	672
176 - 200	384	384	768
201+	Every additional 25 dwellings shall require an additional 100 sq. ft. for solid waste and 100 sq. ft. for recyclables.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Am. Ord. 4043, passed - -2008)

§ 84.24.040 Storage Areas for Nonresidential Uses. ¶

Nonresidential uses shall provide refuse and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with the following requirements. Requirements apply to each individual structure. Areas are measured in square feet.

Nonresidential uses shall provide refuse and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with the following requirements. Requirements apply to each individual structure. Areas are measured in square feet.

	*Table 84-16*
	*Nonresidential Structures*
	*Minimum Storage Areas Required (Sq. Ft)*
*Building Floor Area*	*Refuse*	*Recycling*	_Total Area_*

	*Table*	*84-16*
	*Nonresidential Structures*
	*Minimum Storage Areas Required (Sq. Ft)*
*Building Floor Area*	*Refuse*	*Recycling*	_Total Area_*
Up to 5,000	12	12	24
5,001 - 10,000	24	24	48
10,001 - 25,000	48	48	96
25,001 - 50,000	96	96	192
50,001 - 75,000	144	144	288
75,001 - 100,000	192	192	384
100,001+	Every additional 25,000 sq. ft. shall require an additional 48 sq. ft. recyclables.		for solid waste and 48 sq. ft. for

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

§ 84.24.050 Location Standards. ¶

(a) Adjacent/Combined Areas. Refuse and recyclable materials storage areas shall be adjacent/combined with one another.

(b) Accessibility. Refuse and recyclable materials storage areas shall be accessible to residents, employees, and haulers at all times. Storage areas within multi-family residential developments shall be located within 150 feet of an access doorway to the dwellings that they are intended to serve.

(c) Distance from Doors and Windows. Refuse and recyclable materials storage areas shall not be closer than 20 feet from doors or operable windows of adjoining structures.

(d) Exterior Storage Space. Exterior storage area(s) shall not be located in a required front yard, street side yard, parking space, landscaped, or open space area, and any other area required to be maintained unencumbered in compliance with fire and other applicable building and public safety codes.

(e) Driveways or Aisles. Driveways or aisles shall provide unobstructed access for collection vehicles and personnel and provide at least the minimum clearance required by the collection methods and vehicles utilized by the designated collector.

(f) Alley. In cases where a parcel is served by an alley, all storage areas shall be directly accessible to the alley.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

§ 84.24.060 Design and Construction Standards. ¶

The design and construction of the storage areas shall be in compliance with current County standards and the following:

(a) Architectural Compatibility. If the storage area is located outside or on the exterior of a structure, it shall be architecturally compatible with the materials and colors of other structures on the property.

(b) Architectural Features. Exterior storage areas shall be enclosed by six-foot high masonry walls with steel gates. A concrete apron equal to the width of the gate and outward from the enclosure a minimum of six feet shall be provided. The Director may require the provision of a roof structure over the enclosure to obstruct visibility of the enclosure from above.

(c) Landscaping. The exterior perimeter of the storage areas shall be planted, if feasible, with drought resistant landscaping, including a combination of shrubs and/or climbing evergreen vines.

(d) Lighting. The storage areas shall be well lit with a minimum one foot-candle.

(e) Signs. Signs shall be conspicuously posted on each storage area giving instructions on the use of the recycling bins and containers. Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and shall be posted on the exterior of the storage area, adjacent to the access point.

(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007)

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