King City City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
78 OPERATING REGULATIONS FOR RECYCLING FACILITIES
§ 17.78.010 Purpose.
It is the intent of this chapter to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community by establishing specific standards, design criteria, environmental sensitivity and review procedures for the collecting and loading of recyclable materials. This chapter also provides standards that will ensure adequate areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials that are compatible with surrounding land uses, in order to encourage diversion of solid waste by facilitating source reduction, recycling, and composting activities.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms mean:
means any individual bottle, can, jar, carton or similar receptacle which is redeemable pursuant to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act of 1986 and any other aluminum beverage container.
means a road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, public street, private street, parking lot lane and access roadway.
means storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than twelve feet in height.
means a temporary or permanent, freestanding structure, with one or more openings, and not exceeding one hundred twenty square feet, from which service is provided to the patron through a walk-up or drive-up window or opening.
means a center that may occupy an area of more than five hundred square feet, and may include permanent structures.
means a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way.
means a properly licensed automobile, truck, trailer or van which is used for the collection of recyclable beverage containers. Also included in this definition are bins, boxes or containers transportable by said vehicles.
means a structure or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials for shipment, or to an end-user’s specifications, by such means as baling, briquetting, cleaning, compacting, crushing, flattening, grinding, mechanical sorting, re-manufacturing and shredding. Processing facilities include the following types, both of which are included under the definition of “Scrap and dismantling yards,” below:
“Light processing facility”
occupies an area of under forty-five thousand square feet of collection, processing and storage area, and averages two outbound truck shipments each day. Light processing facilities are limited to baling, briquetting, compacting, crushing, grinding, shredding and sorting of source separated recyclable materials sufficient to qualify as a certified processing facility. A light processing facility shall not shred, compact, or bale ferrous metals other than food and beverage containers; and
“Heavy processing facility”
is any processing facility other than a light processing facility.
means an automated mechanical device which accepts one or more types of empty beverage container including, but not limited to, aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles and issues a cash refund or redeemable credit voucher for not less than the redemption value of the container as determined by the state. A reverse vending machine may sort and process containers mechanically provided the entire process is enclosed within the machine.
means outdoor establishments primarily engaged in assembling, breaking up, sorting, and the temporary storage and distribution of recyclable or reusable scrap and waste materials, including auto wreckers engaged in dismantling automobiles for scrap, and the incidental wholesale or retail sales of parts from those vehicles. Does not include: landfills or other waste disposal sites.
means a center that may occupy an area of not more than five hundred square feet, and may be:
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.030 Permit requirement.
Where permitted in a district, recycling facilities are subject to a conditional use permit.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.040 Permitted districts.
(a)
Reverse Vending Machines. State certified reverse vending machines and mobile recycling units, as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall be permitted in any commercial or industrial zone with plot plan review, provided that the use is located within a convenience zone designated by the State of California Department of Conservation.
(b)
Small Collection Machines. Small collection machines, as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts with plot plan review, with the exception of the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan districts, where they are prohibited.
(c)
Large Collection Facilities. Large collection facilities as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall be permitted in industrial districts with conditional use permits. The uses are prohibited within or immediately adjacent to the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan district and along First Street.
Large collection facilities include:
(1)
Light Processing Facilities. Light processing facilities, as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall be permitted in industrial zones subject to a conditional use permit and meeting all the standards in the municipal code and other applicable laws.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.050 General development standards.
All recycling facilities, as defined in Section 17.78.020, are subject to the following general standards.
(1)
The city may specify what types of materials could be stored or processed and in what quantities.
(2)
Material shall be stored inside containers or inside the mobile vehicles. No outside storage shall be allowed.
(3)
Recycling areas or the bins or containers placed therein must provide protection against adverse environmental conditions, such as rain or wind, which might render the collected materials.
(4)
The design and construction of recycling areas shall not jeopardize security of any recyclable materials placed therein.
(5)
The recycling facility shall be constructed and maintained of durable waterproof and rustproof material.
(6)
Collection containers, site fencing, and signage shall be of such color and design so as to be compatible with the surrounding uses and neighborhood.
(7)
Driveways, and/or travel aisles shall provide unobstructed access for collection vehicles and personnel in conformance with building code requirements for garbage collection access and clearance.
(8)
A sign clearly identifying all recycling and solid waste collection and loading areas and the materials accepted therein shall be posted adjacent to all points of direct access to the recycling areas.
(9)
The facility and/or containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited, operating instructions and hours, and the identity and phone number of the facility operator to call if the machine is inoperative, and shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling enclosure of containers.
(10)
Facilities shall meet the sign requirements of the zone designation as set forth in the zoning ordinance, unless otherwise specified; directional signs may be installed with the approval of the community development director.
(11)
The facility shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner free of litter and any other undesirable materials on a regular basis, including mobile facilities.
(12)
Developments and transportation corridors adjacent to recycling areas shall be adequately protected from any adverse impacts such as noise, odor, vectors, or glare, through measures including, but not limited to, maintaining adequate separation, fencing, and landscaping.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.060 Specific development standards.
(1)
Reverse Vending Machines. Reverse vending machine(s), as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall comply with the general and following specific development standards:
(A)
Accessory Use. Shall be installed as an accessory use to a commercial or manufacturing use which is in full compliance with all applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance and municipal code.
(B)
Use Location. Shall be located within thirty feet of the entrance to the structure and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.
(C)
Maximum Size. Shall occupy no more than fifty square feet of floor space per installation, including any protective enclosure, and shall be no more than eight feet in height.
(D)
Signage. Shall have a sign area of maximum four square feet per machine, exclusive of operating instructions.
(E)
Illumination. Shall be illuminated to ensure comfortable and safe operation if operating hours include hours between dusk and dawn.
(F)
Parking Spaces. No additional parking spaces shall be required for customers of a reverse vending machine located at the established parking lot of the primary use.
(G)
Operating Hours. Operating hours shall be consistent with the operating hours of the primary use.
(2)
Small Collection Facilities. Small collection facilities, as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall comply with the general and following specific development standards:
(A)
Accessory Use. Shall be installed as an accessory use to an existing use which is in full compliance with all applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance and municipal code.
(B)
Maximum Size. Shall be no larger than five hundred square feet.
(C)
Location/Setbacks/Landscaping/Screening. Shall be subject to structure setbacks, landscaping, and/or screening requirements of the zoning district designation in which it is located, except as modified or increased as part of the conditional use permit.
(D)
Materials Accepted. Shall accept only eligible CRV aluminum, bi-metal, glass, and plastic containers, papers and reusable items.
(E)
Equipment Used. Shall use no power-driven processing equipment except for reverse vending machines.
(F)
Security of Facility. Containers shall be covered when site is not attended, secured from unauthorized entry or removal of material, and of a capacity sufficient to accommodate materials collected and collection schedule.
(G)
Mobile Unit Requirements. If a mobile unit is used:
(i)
All recyclable materials shall be stored in the mobile unit vehicle and shall not be left outside of the unit when attendant is not present; mobile facilities, at which truck or containers are removed at the end of each collection day, shall be swept at the end of each collection day.
(ii)
The area shall be clearly marked prohibiting other vehicular parking during hours when the mobile unit is scheduled to be present.
(H)
Signage. Signs may be provided as follows:
(i)
Identification signs with a maximum sign area of fifteen percent per side of a structure or sixteen square feet, whichever is less. In the case of a wheeled facility, the side will be measured from the ground to the top of the container.
(ii)
Signs shall be consistent with the character of their location.
(iii)
Directional signs, consistent with the sign ordinance, may be installed with the approval of the community development director, if found necessary to facilitate traffic or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.
(I)
Parking. No additional parking space shall be required for customers of a small collection facility located at the established parking lot of the primary use.
(J)
Hours of Operation. Small collection facilities may operate seven days a week. The hours of operation shall only be between the hours of eight a.m. to six p.m.
(3)
Large Collection Facilities. Large collection facilities shall comply with the general development standards found in Section 17.78.050 and the specific development standards as follows:
(A)
Light Processing Facilities. Light processing facilities, as defined in Section 17.78.020, shall comply with the general and following specific development standards:
(i)
No Abutting Residential Zone or Use. The facility shall not abut a residentially designated zone or use.
(ii)
Screening. Processing facilities shall operate within a completely enclosed structure.
(iii)
Equipment. Power-driven processing shall be permitted provided all noise level requirements are met. Light processing facilities shall be limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding and sorting of source-separated recyclable materials and repairing of reusable materials.
(iv)
Maximum Size. A light processing facility shall be no larger than forty-five thousand square feet.
(v)
Maximum Number of Truck Deliveries. Shall have no more than an average of two outbound truck shipments of material per day.
(vi)
Prohibit Operation. Shall not shred, compact or bale ferrous metals other than food and beverage containers.
(vii)
Setbacks/Landscaping Requirements. Structure setbacks and landscaping requirements shall be those provided for the zoning district designation in which the facility is located.
(viii)
Daily Erosion/Dust Control. Loose debris shall be collected on a daily basis and the site shall be secured from unauthorized entry and removal of materials when attendants are not present.
(ix)
Parking Space Requirement. One parking space shall be required for each two thousand five hundred square feet of area devoted for storage.
(x)
Hours of Operation. Light processing facilities may operate seven days a week. The hours of operation shall be from eight a.m. to six p.m.
(xi)
Signage. Per the zoning district designation and municipal code.
(B)
Heavy Processing Facilities. Heavy processing facilities are defined in Section 17.78.020 and shall comply with the general and following specific development standards:
(i)
No Abutting Residential Zone or Use. The facility shall not abut a residential zone or use.
(ii)
Screening. Processing facilities shall operate within a completely enclosed structure.
(iii)
Mechanical Equipment. Power-driven processing shall be permitted provided all noise level requirements are met.
(iv)
Setback/Landscaping Requirements. Structure setbacks and landscaping requirements shall be those provided for the zoning district designation in which the facility is located.
(v)
Daily Erosion/Dust Control. Loose debris shall be collected on a daily basis and the site shall be secured from unauthorized entry and removal of materials when attendants are not present.
(vi)
Parking Space Requirement. One parking space shall be provided for each two thousand five hundred square feet of area devoted for storage. (Also reference Section 17.78.070.)
(vii)
Hours of Operation. Heavy processing facilities may operate seven days a week. The hours of operation shall only be between the hours of eight a.m. to six p.m.
(viii)
Signage. Per the zoning district designation and municipal code.
(C)
Scrap and Dismantling Yards. Scrap and dismantling yards are defined in Section 17.78.020 and shall comply with the general and following specific development standards:
(i)
Screening and Fencing. All newly established salvage yards shall be screened from public view on all sides by fence, walls, building or other barrier. Screening must be set back at least fifty feet from the center line of any public road or twenty-five feet beyond the dedicated right-of-way. Screening shall be kept in repair and neat finish.
(ii)
The use must be conducted within a solid screening fence of wood, concrete or chain link with slats, except where specifically note at least eight feet high and when all materials are stacked below the top of the screening fence.
(iii)
Lot Size. All newly established salvage yards shall be at least three acres in size.
(iv)
Buffers. All scrap vehicles and junk associated with the salvage yard must be at least fifteen feet from the inner edge of the screening device. For all newly established salvage yards, the operator shall maintain a fifty-foot vegetated buffer for side and rear yard areas beyond the screening device. The planning commission may vary the buffer requirements due to unusual site characteristics, provided that the site is adequately screened from public view.
(v)
Office. All newly established salvage yards shall contain an on-premises office building not less than one hundred square feet for the purpose of conducting the salvage yard business transactions.
(vi)
Screening. All newly established salvage yards shall be screened from public view on all sides by fence, walls, building or other barrier. Screening must be set back at least fifty feet from the center line of any public road or twenty-five feet beyond the dedicated right-of-way. Screening shall be kept in repair and neat finish.
(vii)
Access. Access to the salvage yard must be secured by mechanical means, such as a gate, door or removable section of screening.
(viii)
Paving of Yards. All projects shall comply with the following pavement standards:
(a)
All areas of the yard open to vehicular passage shall be paved with asphalt surfacing or concrete to prevent emission of dust or tracking of mud onto public rights-of-way provided, however, the planning commission may approve other paving materials which provide, in its opinion, the equivalent in service and useful life.
(b)
Areas designated for storage or restricted to vehicular passage shall be indicated on the plot plan and be so maintained unless surfaced as provided herein.
(ix)
Landscaping. At least two square feet of landscaping shall be provided for each linear foot of street frontage and said landscaping shall be developed in accordance with a landscape plan which complies with the following criteria.
(a)
Landscaping shall be distributed along said frontage in accordance with the landscape plan approved by the planning commission.
(b)
No planting area shall have a horizontal dimension of less than three feet.
(c)
A permanent water system of hose bibs shall be provided which satisfactorily irrigates all planted areas. When hose bibs are utilized, they shall be so located as to permit the watering of planted areas with a fifty-foot hose.
(d)
All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.
(x)
Required Parking. The following minimum required parking spaces and adequate access thereto, shall be maintained on the same lot or parcel of land as that upon which the yard is located:
(a)
One parking space for each seven thousand square feet of yard area, or fraction thereof, up to the first forty-two thousand square feet.
(b)
One parking space for each twenty thousand square feet of yard area, or fraction thereof, in excess of forty-two thousand square feet.
(c)
Regardless of size of the yard area, a minimum of three parking spaces shall be provided.
The parking spaces required herein shall not be used for the parking of vehicles used in the operation of the material storage yard business. All required parking areas and driveways shall be developed in accordance with city standards unless otherwise specified herein. (Also reference Section 17.78.070.)
(xi)
Noise. The facility shall not exceed noise levels of sixty dBA as measured at the exterior property line of residentially zoned property. In no event shall the noise level exceed seventy dBA.
(xii)
Hours of Operation. Scrap and dismantling yards may operate seven days a week. The hours of operation shall only be between the hours of eight a.m. to six p.m.
(xiii)
Signage. Per the zoning district designation and municipal code.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.070 Building and safety standards.
(1)
Exterior Structure.
(A)
Van Space(s). One in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be served by a loading and unloading access aisle ninety-six inches wide minimum placed on the side opposite the driver’s side when the vehicle is going forward into the parking space and shall be designated van accessible as required by Section 1129 B.4, where parking spaces are required.
(B)
Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of (jurisdiction to insert height in inches). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
(C)
Accessory Structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
(D)
Sidewalks and Driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
(E)
Structural Members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.
(F)
Foundation Walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.
(G)
Exterior Walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.
(H)
Window, Skylight and Door Frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight. Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.
(2)
Interior Structure.
(A)
General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition.
(B)
Structural Members. All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound, and be capable of supporting the imposed loads.
(C)
Storage Rack Structures. The structural integrity of storage racks shall be maintained.
(D)
Interior Doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably well within its frame and shall be capable of being opened and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs, headers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware.
(E)
Path of Travel. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way. Means of egress shall comply with the California Fire Code.
(F)
Aisles. The required width of aisles in accordance with the California Fire Code shall be unobstructed.
(G)
Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies. The required fire resistance rating of fire-resistance-rated walls, fire stops, shaft enclosures, partitions and floors shall be maintained.
(H)
Refrigerators. Refrigerators and similar equipment not in operation shall not be discarded, abandoned or stored on premises without first removing the doors.
(3)
Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements.
(A)
General. All plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained in working order, and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and be capable of performing the function for which such plumbing fixtures are designed. All plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary and functional condition.
(B)
Maintenance. Every plumbing stack, vent, waste and sewer line shall function properly and be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects.
(4)
Electrical Equipment, Wiring Hazards.
(A)
Installation. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.
(B)
Extension Cords. Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.
(C)
Maintenance. Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)
§ 17.78.080 Fire safety standards.
(1)
General. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the International Fire Code.
(2)
Fire Extinguishers. A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-BC shall be provided along the path of egress travel at intervals not exceeding seventy-five feet. Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding forty pounds (18.14 kg) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than five feet above the floor. In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor be less than four inches. Extinguishers shall be installed on approved hangers, brackets or in cabinets.
(3)
Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles.
(4)
Address Identification. Address identification buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of four inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch.
(5)
Fire Protection Equipment. Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems, sprinkler risers and valves, or other fire detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for the use of the fire department. Approved signs required to identify fire protection equipment and equipment location shall be constructed of durable materials, permanently installed and readily visible.
(6)
Aisles Width/Sprinkled Buildings (High Piled Storage). Aisles in sprinkled buildings shall be a minimum of forty-four inches wide. Aisles shall be a minimum of ninety-six inches wide in high-piled storage areas exceeding two thousand five hundred square feet in area, that are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities.
(7)
Aisles Width/Non-Sprinkled Buildings (High Piled Storage). Aisles in non-sprinkled buildings shall be a minimum of ninety-six inches wide.
(Ord. 705 § 1, 2014)