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Chapter 4.76 — CHEMICAL TOILETS

San Mateo County Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · San Mateo County

4.76.010 - Conformity with standards.

No chemical toilet or structure therefor shall be erected, constructed, or maintained for use unless it conforms with the standards prescribed by this chapter.

(Prior code § 4800; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

Exceptions & meaning →

4.76.020 - Location.

A chemical toilet shall be located at least four (4) feet from a property line, at least twenty (20) feet from the nearest occupied residence, and at least ten (10) feet from a street or public sidewalk.

(Prior code § 4810; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.030 - Identification.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall have painted thereon in clearly legible letters at least three (3) inches in height the name of the owner and the number of the unit.

(Prior code § 4811; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.040 - Size.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall be sufficiently large to provide adequate space for users. The minimum width and depth of such structures shall be 3 feet 6 inches.

(Prior code § 4812; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.050 - Privacy and protection from the elements.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall afford privacy to users thereof and protection from the elements. It shall be constructed to exclude therefrom all rodents, insects, and vermin of whatever sort. All openings of the structure to the outside shall be enclosed with metal mosquito screening. The door shall be constructed as to be self-closing.

(Prior code § 4813; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.060 - Walls and ceilings.

The walls and ceilings of the structure shall be reasonably smooth and well painted in a light color and be capable of withstanding repeated washing and scrubbing.

(Prior code § 4814; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.070 - Illumination.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall have a vent or window to provide light during daylight hours. Every structure intended for use at night shall have provision for artificial light therein.

(Prior code § 4815; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.080 - Ventilation.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall be adequately ventilated. Ventilation openings shall comprise at least four (4) square feet and shall be screened with 16-mesh screen or its equivalent.

(Prior code § 4816; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.090 - Storage tanks.

Chemical toilet storage tanks shall be enclosed within the structure, properly vented, watertight, and in good repair.

(Prior code § 4817; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.100 - Toilet seats.

The toilet seat shall be a commercial, split-front type, oval in shape with a smooth, impervious surface, and installed as to be easily cleaned. The seat shall be centered over the hole to prevent the deposition of fecal matter on sides of the drop tube.

(Prior code § 4818; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.110 - Drop tubes.

Every drop tube shall have sides installed vertically or flared out at the connection to the storage tank. Every drop tube shall follow the shape of the toilet seat and fit smoothly into the top of the tank enclosure. It shall have a noncorrosive surface. There shall be no cracks or rough edges around this opening or in the entire bench. Circular openings shall be permitted only if their diameter is at least equal to the largest dimension of the toilet seat opening.

(Prior code § 4819; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.120 - Distance from edge.

No chemical toilet opening shall be more than two (2″) inches from the front wall of the tank enclosure.

(Prior code § 4820; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.130 - Urinals.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet intended for male use shall also contain a urinal located at least twenty (20″) inches from the toilet seat opening. The urinal shall be made from durable, noncorrosive, impervious material finished with smooth surfaces and proper slopes so that it is easily cleaned and readily drains. A splash board of similar material at least eight inches (8″) higher than the overflow rim shall be provided. Hoses or pipes used to drain urinals shall be a minimum of one inch (1″) inside diameter, shall be securely attached, and shall be constructed of a noncorrosive, watertight, easily cleanable material. The urinal shall be designed to minimize splashing.

(Prior code § 4821; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

Exceptions & meaning →

4.76.140 - Toilet paper.

Every structure housing a chemical toilet shall have a toilet paper dispenser which must at all times be supplied with toilet paper in a quantity sufficient for the normal use of the toilet.

(Prior code § 4822; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.150 - Maintenance.

A chemical toilet shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times. The interior of the structure and tanks shall be cleaned upon installation, at least once a week while the units are in use, more frequently when necessary to maintain them in a clean and odor-free condition. The units shall be repainted when necessary.

(Prior code § 4823; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.160 - Tank chemicals.

After each cleaning, there shall be placed in the tank a solution of a type which effectively controls odors. When initially filled, and at all times when in use, the tank shall contain sufficient solution to cover all solids accumulated and to prevent fly breeding.

(Prior code § 4824; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.170 - Sewage disposal.

Sewage from chemical toilets shall be disposed of only in a sanitary sewer system approved by the County Health Officer and the legal entity responsible for the sanitary sewers.

(Prior code § 4825; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

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4.76.180 - Variation from standards.

The County Health Officer may authorize variations from the standards prescribed by this chapter where he finds a proposed variation to provide sanitary protection equivalent to that required by such standards.

(Prior code § 4830; Ord. 2413, 01/11/77)

Exceptions & meaning →

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