Sec. 26-127. - Recycling facilities.

The purpose of this section is to address the critical statewide issue of diminishing landfill capacity. Consistent with the waste diversion goals and objectives adopted as part of the City's source reduction and recycling element, this division is intended to conserve, to the extent possible, remaining landfill capacities, by promoting an integrated waste management approach whereby each waste stream is handled in the most efficient and environmentally sound manner and providing the public with convenient recycling and/or disposal alternatives. This division further seeks to guarantee the adequacy of the site for the proposed use and ensure the protection of the surrounding properties through review and consideration of physical design and compatibility with surrounding properties.

(a)

Permitted zones and required permit. No person or entity shall be permitted to place, construct, or operate a recycling facility, materials recovery facility, and/or a solid waste transfer station without first obtaining the required permit indicated in article II, division 2 of this Development Code. This permit is in addition to and is intended to supplement permits required by state law to protect local health, safety and welfare. Any business seeking a land use permit must obtain a business license.

(b)

Development standards. The following development standards, in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone, shall apply. In no case shall there be more than one (1) small collection facility, donation

drop box, and/or reverse vending machine located and approved on the same site, shopping center, and/or lot. Where the following code provisions conflict with other, the stricter requirements shall apply.

(1)

Small collection facility. Unless otherwise noted, the following requirements shall apply to all small collection facilities:

a.

The center shall be established in conjunction with an existing or planned commercial use, industrial use, or service facility (herein referred to as the "host use") which is in compliance with the zoning, building and fire codes of the City of West Covina.

b.

The center shall be no larger than five hundred (500) square feet, and the placement of a small collection facility shall not create a parking deficit.

c.

The center shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet from a right-of-way line, unless deemed adequately screened by the Community Development Director, or their designee, or Planning Commission and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

d.

No power-driven processing equipment except for reverse vending machines shall be employed.

e.

Containers shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof, leakproof and rustproof material, covered and locked when the center is not attended, secured from unauthorized entry or removal of material, and shall be of a capacity sufficient to accommodate the materials collected and the collection schedule.

f.

All recyclable material shall be stored in containers or in the mobile unit vehicle, and no materials shall be left outside of containers when the attendant is not present.

g.

The facility shall be maintained free of vermin, litter, and any other undesirable materials, and be swept at the end of each collection day and cleaned weekly.

h.

Noise levels shall not exceed sixty (60) dBA as measured at the property line of a residentially zoned or occupied site; otherwise, noise levels shall not exceed seventy (70) dBA.

i.

Attended facilities shall have a minimum distance of two hundred and fifty (250) feet of a site solely zoned for or occupied by a residential use. This minimum distance requirement does not need to be met if the facility is at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from a site zoned or occupied for residential use and is separated from that site by an arterial street.

j.

Attended facilities shall operate only during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

k.

Containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material which may be deposited; the facility shall be clearly marked to identify the name and telephone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation, and display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the containers.

l.

The facility shall not impair the landscaping required for any concurrent use.

m.

No additional parking spaces are required for customers of the recycling center when located in an established parking lot of the host use; one (1) space will be provided for the attendant, if needed.

n.

Small collection facility shall have an area clearly marked to prohibit other vehicular parking during hours when the mobile unit is scheduled to be present.

o.

Occupation of parking spaces by the facility and by the attendant may not reduce available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the primary host use unless all of the following conditions exist:

1.

The facility is located in a convenience zone or a potential convenience zone as designated by the California Department of Conservation.

2.

A parking study shows that the existing parking capacity is not already fully utilized during the time the recycling facility is in operation.

3.

If the permit expired without renewal, the recycling facility shall be removed from the site on the day following permit expiration.

4.

A twelve-inch by twelve-inch sign which states the redemption value offered shall be posted daily.

5.

The small collection facility shall be screened when determined by the review authority to reduce visibility impacts from off-site and main traffic areas on-site.

6.

Small collection facilities shall only be located on a property with a market that is greater than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in floor area.

(2)

Donation drop boxes. Unless otherwise noted, the following requirements shall apply to all donation drop boxes:

a.

Donation drop boxes must be attended by employee(s) per the schedule approved and posted on the site.

b.

Donation drop boxes shall be established in conjunction with an existing or planned commercial use, industrial use, or service facility (herein referred to as the "host use") which is in compliance with the zoning, building, and fire codes of the City of West Covina.

c.

The drop box location shall be no larger than one thousand (1,000) square feet.

d.

The drop box shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet from a right-of-way line, unless deemed adequately screened by the Community Development Director or their designee or Planning Commission and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.

e.

Donation drop boxes shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof, leakproof and rustproof material, covered and locked when the center is not attended, secured from unauthorized entry or removal of material, and shall be of a capacity sufficient to accommodate the materials collected and the collection schedule.

f.

All donated material shall be stored in the drop box and no materials shall be left outside of containers.

g.

The drop box shall be maintained free of vermin, litter, and any other undesirable materials, and be swept at the end of each collection day and cleaned weekly.

h.

Noise levels shall not exceed sixty (60) dBA as measured at the property line of a residentially zoned or occupied site; otherwise, noise levels shall not exceed seventy (70) dBA.

i.

Donation drop boxes shall have a minimum distance of two hundred and fifty (250) feet of a site solely zoned for or occupied by a residential use.

j.

Donation drop boxes shall operate only during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

k.

An approved donation drop box shall be open and attended at least six (6) days of the week. If the donation drop box is open only six (6) days in a week, an attendant shall patrol the donation drop box on any day that the donation drop box is not open to clean up any discarded items within the site.

l.

Donation drop boxes shall be open at least six (6) hours a day on weekdays and four (4) hours a day on weekends.

m.

Donation drop boxes shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material which may be deposited; the facility shall be clearly marked to identify the name and telephone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation and display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the containers.

n.

The facility shall not impair the landscaping required for any concurrent use.

o.

No additional parking spaces are required for customers of the donation drop box when located in an established parking lot of the host use; one (1) space will be provided for the attendant, if needed.

p.

Occupation of parking spaces by the facility and by the attendant may not reduce available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the primary use.

q.

Graffiti-resistant coatings shall be used on approved donation drop boxes to assist in deterring graffiti.

r.

If the permit expires, the donation drop box shall be removed by the owner of the donation drop box from the site on the day following permit expiration or when the business ceases. The provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, section 150 et seq. are incorporated by reference here.

s.

This section does not apply to religious facilities or non-profit businesses which place and operate their own donation boxes on the property at which they operate.

(3)

Reverse vending machines.

a.

Provide and maintain a minimum illumination level of two-foot candles within a minimum twenty- five-foot radius around the reverse vending machines from dusk to dawn.

b.

Provide an eight-foot wide unobstructed clear walkway area in front of the reverse vending machines. Consideration may be given to alternative solutions such as recessing the machines into the building frontage of the adjacent lease space.

c.

The placement of the reverse vending machines shall not obstruct any portion of a storefront window or door and shall be placed immediately in front of or inserted into, the facade of the building.

d.

Where practicable, the reverse vending machines shall be placed in a location away from the most heavily traveled pedestrian areas within the vicinity of the store being served and in compliance with the other provisions of this Code.

e.

The machines shall be located within thirty (30) feet of a primary entrance to the commercial structure, and shall not obstruct pedestrian, handicapped or vehicular circulation. If a more suitable location presents itself because of the layout and/or architecture of the development, the Community Development Director or their designee may approve a variation to the location.

f.

The machines shall not occupy parking spaces required by the primary use(s).

g.

The machines shall occupy no more than fifty (50) square feet of floor space per installation, including any protective enclosure, and shall not be more than eight (8) feet in height.

h.

The machines(s) shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof material.

i.

Reverse vending machines shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited, operation instructions, and the identity and phone number of the operator or responsible person to call if the machine is inoperative.

j.

The machines shall be maintained in a clean, vermin free, and litter free condition daily. This shall include the cleaning of the machines and the surrounding walkways to reduce the discoloration, stickiness, and likelihood for attracting vermin. A cleaning schedule shall be submitted for approval via a Community Development Director or their designee's modification to the approved precise plan for the site. Said cleaning schedule shall identify the tasks to be undertaken, and the frequency of those tasks.

k.

Operating hours shall be at least the operating hours of the primary host use.

l.

A twelve-inch by twelve-inch sign which states the redemption value offered shall be posted prominently on or adjacent to the machines.

m.

Reverse vending machines do not require additional parking spaces for recycling customers.

(4)

Material recycling facilities and solid waste transfer or processing stations. These requirements are minimum land use requirements which supplement the requirements of state law permits. Additional requirements may be required through the conditional use permit process.

a.

Site location criteria:

1.

Said facilities shall not substantially increase vehicular traffic, noxious odors, or existing noise levels in adjacent residential areas on local residential streets or shall be mitigated.

2.

Said facilities shall not substantially lessen the usability and suitability of adjacent or nearby properties for their existing use.

3.

The site shall be served by an improved arterial street adequate in width and pavement type to carry the quantity and type of traffic generated by said use without significantly lowering the existing level of service of that arterial.

4.

The site shall be adequate in size and shape to accommodate said use, and to accommodate all yards, walls, vehicular stacking, parking, landscaping, and other required improvements.

b.

Site development standards.

1.

All buildings, structures or improvements shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone. Setbacks may be used only for the following purposes: passage or temporary standing of automobiles, landscape areas or light poles.

2.

All waste unloading, loading, and processing equipment and activities shall be contained within an enclosed building with only sufficient openings for ingress/egress of vehicles and ventilation.

3.

Sufficient off-street parking shall be provided to accommodate all company, employee, and visitor vehicles on-site.

4.

On-site truck stacking and maneuvering area shall be provided as necessary to accommodate the anticipated vehicular usage of the facility, depending on the size and nature of the facility. No truck stacking and maneuvering area shall be permitted within the required front and street side yard setback and shall be completely screened by solid masonry walls not less than six (6) feet in height with appropriate landscaping and irrigation.

5.

Any leachate and other liquid flow that may result shall be contained on-site and disposed of through an on-site treatment and/or sewer system to a regular or industrial sewer. Such leachate must also be handled pursuant to the requirements of the integrated waste management board, regional water quality control board, and Los Angeles County Department of Health.

Average noise levels shall not exceed seventy (70) dBA as measured at the property line of the facility in cases where any abutting nonresidential zoned property is impacted, and sixty (60) dBA as measured at the property line of the facility in cases where any abutting residentially zoned property is impacted.

7.

Adequate safety features (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, materials screening program, emergency procedures) shall at a minimum be incorporated into the design of the facility.

8.

Adequate dust, odor and noise controls shall be incorporated into the facility to minimize generation and off-site transmission of dust, odor, and noise.

9.

All materials stored outside shall either be in processed bales or kept within storage bins constructed and maintained with durable waterproof, leakproof and rustproof material, covered and locked when the center is not attended, secured from unauthorized entry and removal of material, and of a capacity sufficient to accommodate the materials collected and the collection schedule.

10.

All lighting shall be focused and directed and so arranged as to prevent glare or direct illumination on streets or adjoining property.

11.

The lighting system shall be so designed to produce a minimum maintained average lighting level of one (1) footcandle on the entire facility's horizontal surface.

12.

If the MRF/transfer station facility is located within five hundred (500) feet of property occupied by residential use, operating hours of operation shall at a minimum be restricted to between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and the average noise levels during this time shall be in accordance with subsection (b)(4)b.6. above, except for indoor activities such as, but not limited to, dispatching of vehicles and administration. Said hours may be extended for some or all activities when appropriate mitigation measures and acceptable noise performance standards during these extended operating hours, as determined by the Planning Commission or Community Development Director, or their designee, are in place.

13.

All open areas, other than landscaped planter beds, shall be paved with not less than two and one-half (2½) inches of asphaltic concrete or an equivalent surface meeting the established standards and specifications of the engineering department, shall be graded and drained to adequately dispose of all surface water and shall be maintained in good repair at all times.

No operating portion of the site shall be visible from public view. This requirement may at a minimum be satisfied by a solid masonry wall not less than six (6) feet in height, landscaping, existing topographic conditions, or a combination thereof.

15.

A minimum of twenty-foot (20'-0") wide planters shall be provided along all street frontages except for driveway openings.

16.

A daily cleaning program for floors, equipment and facility buildings and grounds and ongoing maintenance program shall be established to the approval of the West Covina Enforcement Waste Management Agency.

17.

Refuse shall be handled as quickly as possible to avoid long term exposure on-site.

18.

All incoming or outgoing trucks shall be completely enclosed or equipped with an impermeable tight-fitting cover to suppress odors and prevent spillage of materials.

19.

No waste, trash except for separated recyclables, shall be stored at the facility overnight for longer than twenty-four (24) hours, unless the facility is properly permitted to do so.

20.

Additional noise controls including use of the best available noise suppression and control technology shall be used if necessary to achieve the established noise control performance standards.

21.

The facility operator shall prepare and implement a noise monitoring and abatement program, which shall be approved by the City Enforcement Waste Management Agency. The program shall monitor noise levels at the property line of at a minimum of three (3) sensitive receptor locations within the potential impact zone of the project. If noise levels at these locations exceed performance standards the operator shall notify the City within twenty-four (24) hours and institute additional noise reduction measures to bring noise emanating from the facility into compliance with the standards within thirty (30) days or otherwise seek City approval for a time extension. Data from all noise monitoring activities are to be recorded and made available for review by the City upon request.

22.

The facility shall comply with Rule 402 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

23.

Upon detection, extremely odorous loads entering the MRF shall be transferred as soon as possible.

24.

When necessary, the MRF operator shall treat waste in the MRF with odor suppressants to comply with the baseline odor standards. A certified industrial hygienist shall establish baseline indoor odor standards and perform quarterly inspections to monitor odor levels.

25.

Additional odor controls, including the base available odor suppression technology, shall be used if necessary to minimize the release of fugitive odors.

26.

The facility operator shall prepare and implement an odor monitoring and abatement program, which shall be approved by the West Covina Enforcement Waste Management Agency. The program shall ensure that odor levels within the facility are kept within the baseline odor standards and that odors emanating from the facility shall not exceed the odor detection thresholds at the facility's boundary line. The program shall use the services of a certified industrial hygienist to monitor odor levels on a quarterly basis, both within the facility and at a minimum of three (3) sensitive receptor locations within the potential impact zone of the project. If odor levels at these monitoring locations exceed the odor detection thresholds, the operator shall notify the City within twenty-four (24) hours and institute additional odor reduction measures to meet the specified odor performance standards. The facility operator shall bring the odor level into compliance with the baseline odor standards within thirty (30) days or shall otherwise request an extension of time from the City in order to reach compliance. Data from all odor monitoring activities are to be recorded and made available for review by the City upon request.

c.

Load inspection program. All material recovery facilities, solid waste transfer stations or other solid waste management facilities will be required to institute a load inspection program (LIP) as part of their daily operations. The requirements for the LIP are as follows: The facility operator shall prepare and implement a program for screening loads at the facility gate house, and for checking loads at the facility building(s) and areas of operation. The load inspection program shall include inspection for hazardous wastes and other ineligible wastes and shall include procedures for their handling and disposal. Specifics of the program will be submitted to the City in a written report for their review and comment. The program shall be approved by the West Covina Enforcement Waste Management Agency.

(c)

Signage. Reverse vending machines shall have a sign area of a maximum of two (2) square feet per machine, exclusive of operating instructions.

(1)

Recycling centers may have signage provided as follows:

a.

Identification signs with a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet.

b.

The signs must be consistent with the architectural style and character of the host use.

c.

Directional signs, bearing no advertising message, may be installed on the site with the approval of the Community Development Director or their designee, if deemed to be necessary to facilitate traffic circulation, or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.

(2)

Materials recovery facilities and solid waste transfer or processing stations shall have signs as provided for the zone in which they are located.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)

Sec. 26-128. - Restaurants, limited-service, take-out, delivery-only only.

The purpose of this section is to ensure that limited-service, take-out, delivery only restaurants do not result in adverse impacts on adjacent properties and residents or on surrounding neighborhoods by reason of customer and employee parking demand, traffic generation, noise, light, litter, or cumulative impact of such demands in one (1) area. Limited-service, take-out, and delivery-only restaurants shall be located, developed, and operated consistent with the following standards.

(a)

Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to all new limited-service and take-out only restaurants, and to any existing such restaurant that is expanded by more than ten (10) percent of the gross floor area or increase of more than twenty-five (25) percent of the number of seats.

(b)

Litter. Employees shall collect on-site and off-site litter including food wrappers, containers, and packaging from restaurant products generated by customers on the subject property and abutting public parking at least once per business day. On-site trash and recycling containers shall be maintained and kept from overflowing.

(c)

In addition to meeting the standards of chapter 12 garbage and rubbish collection, one (1) on-site outdoor trash and one (1) recycling receptacle shall be provided for each entrance to the establishment.

(d)

Equipment. No noise-generating compressors or other such equipment shall be placed on or near the property line adjoining any residential district or any property used for residential uses.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)