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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2382-10 - ADMIN Ordinance - City Council - 2010/04/05ORDINANCE NO. 2382-10 ORDINANCE APPROVING COMPOSTING REVISIONS AMENDING CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE III OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES THE CITY COUNCIL OF ST. LOUIS PARK ORDAINS: Section 1. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Chapter 22 is hereby amended as follows: Article III. Residential Composting Sec. 22-121. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Back Yard means the area between the rear lot and the rear face of the residential property Browns are carbon -rich materials such as dried grasses or leaves, straw, twigs, or dead plants. Compost is partially decomposed organic matter. It is dark, easily crumbles, and has an earthy aroma. It is created by biological processes in which soil -inhabiting organisms break down plant tissue. When decomposition is complete, compost has turned to a dark brown, powdery material called humus. Compost Structure is an enclosed container made of durable material such as wood, plastic or fiberglass, enclosed on the top and sides. Composting is the process of creating compost. It is a method of speeding natural decomposition under controlled conditions. Greens are nitrogen -rich materials like green leaves, coffee grounds, tea bags, plant trimmings, and raw fruit and vegetable scraps. Inorganic Material is derived from non -living material. Organic Material is derived from or produced through the biological activity of living things. Residential Property means a residential dwelling with four or fewer dwelling units. Yard waste means garden wastes, leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, shrub and tree waste, and prunings. (Ord. No. 2249, § 1, 9-2-2003) Sec. 22-122. Permits. No Permit is required to compost or to install a compost structure on the residential property. Ordinance No. 2382-10 -2- Sec. 22-123. Duties of Owner, Occupant or Tenant. Every owner, occupant or tenant of any premises who composts shall do so in a sanitary and environmentally sound manner, shall use a compost structure that meets the design standards described in this section, and shall meet all other standards set forth in this ordinance. Composting shall be allowed only on residential property. (Ord. No. 2249, § 1, 9-2-2003) Sec. 22-124. Conditions of Composting Composting is allowed on residential properties provided the following conditions are met: (a) Allowable Materials Only the following materials may be placed in a compost structure: leaves, grass clippings, straw, non -woody and woody plant trimmings, untreated/unpainted sawdust, raw fruit and vegetables—scraps, dry eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, or additional materials approved by the City. (b) Unacceptable Materials Under no circumstances shall any of the following items be placed in a compost structure: meat, bones, grease, eggs, dairy products, whole or partial animals, feces, or inorganic materials such as rock, plastics, or synthetic fibers. (c) Compost Structure Compost shall be contained in a structure. Compost structures shall be designed to limit odors as well as rodent and pest access. Compost structures shall be made of impenetrable, and durable material such as wood, plastic or fiberglass, enclosed on the top and sides, and not to exceed a total of 150 cubic feet in volume that provide adequate aeration. Wire structures, metal fencing or other open mesh materials shall not be used for composting. (d) Location on Property Compost structures shall be located in the back yard. Compost structures shall be located at least 15 feet from any inhabited building or edge of a surface water body, 3 feet from any City park, trail, alley or right-of-way. (e) Maintenance Compost shall be properly maintained at all times to minimize odors and to promote effective decomposition of the materials in a safe, secure and sanitary manner Properly maintaining the compost pile includes regularly turning the pile to increase air circulation, maintaining appropriate moisture levels and keeping the ratio of ingredients to approximately two parts green to one part brown. (Ord. No. 2249, § 1, 9-2-2003) Ordinance No. 2382-10 -3- Sec. 22-125. Nuisance. All compost structures or materials not in compliance with this section shall be declared a public nuisance and are subject to abatement and assessment as provided in Chapter 12 of this Code. (Ord. No. 2249, § 1, 9-2-2003) Sec. 22-126. Application to City Owned or Operated Compost Facilities. This Article does not apply to any compost facility or community garden owned or operated by the City. (Ord. No. 2249, § 1, 9-2-2003) Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after its publication. First Reading March 15, 200 Second Reading April 5, 2010 Date of Publication April 15, 2010 Date Ordinance takes effect April 30, 2010 dministration: Adopted by the City Council April 5, 2010 Attest: Approved as to form and execution. Ord 1,4-nce_ No. Z�$2- 0 • jj/St. Louis Park MINNESOTA (%jcPerienc e L-IfE- in the f ark Public Works Department Date:, 6/1/2010 To: File From: Scott Merkley, Public Works Coordinator Subject: Compost Ordinance Structure Size The following is a brief summary the compost structure requirements as fisted in Sec. 22-124 (c). • On 3/15/10, 1" reading of Compost Ordinance revision, the size of the compost structure was listed as 150 cubic feet. • On 4/5/10, 2nd reading of Compost Ordinance revision, the size of the compost structure was changed by staff to 15 cubic feet, which covered the typical 13.5 cubic foot standard size compost structure. • Following the second reading, it was determined by staff that some custom made compost structures are much larger and will not comply and the 15 cubic foot size. After some addition research staff recommended the structure size be increased. • On 6/1/10, this matter was discussed the City Attorney and he advised the being this matter was non -controversial and no residents attended either public hearing to comment on the ordinance changes, the size could be changed back to 150 cubic feet (as was listed in the 1st ordinance revision reading) administratively without the need for further Council action.