The following regulations have been adopted to ensure that placement
of outdoor storage units, commonly known as "pods," and dumpsters/refuse
containers comply with the health, safety and aesthetics objectives
of the Borough of Chester and the requirements of the NJPDES Municipal
Stormwater Regulations Program (N.J.A.C. 7:14A-25 et seq.). This chapter
regulates the placement of outdoor storage units and dumpsters in
order to promote the health and safety within the Borough and to preserve
the aesthetic value of its residential and historical neighborhoods.
This chapter further requires that dumpsters and other refuse containers
that are outdoors or exposed to stormwater be covered at all times
and prohibits the spilling, dumping, leaking, or otherwise discharge
of liquids, semiliquids or solids from the containers to the municipal
separate storm sewer system(s) operated by the Borough of Chester
and/or the waters of the state so as to protect public health, safety
and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for the failure to comply.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases,
words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein
unless their use in the text of this chapter clearly demonstrates
a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words
used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural
number include the singular number, and words used in the singular
number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory
and not merely directory.
APPLICANT
The person that owns, rents, occupies, or controls the subject
property within the Borough and is required to register the outdoor
storage unit or dumpster with the Borough.
DUMPSTER
A transportable, open-topped or -sided container designed and used for collection of debris and waste from construction, demolition, landscaping and other operations, also known as "roll-off containers." Such container shall not be considered an accessory structure as provided in Chapter
163 of the Code of the Borough of Chester.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated
by the Borough of Chester or other public body, and is designed and
used for collecting and conveying stormwater.
OUTDOOR STORAGE UNIT
An enclosed transportable unit designed and used primarily for temporary storage of building materials (before they are utilized for building purposes), household goods, furnishings, and other materials, including but not limited to enclosed trailers, shipping containers, trucking containers and the like, also commonly referred to as "pods." Such unit shall not be considered an accessory structure as provided in Chapter
163 of the Code of the Borough of Chester.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
REFUSE CONTAINER
Any waste container that a person controls whether owned,
leased, or operated, including dumpsters, trash cans, garbage pails,
and plastic trash bags.
STORMWATER
Water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow)
that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface,
is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewerage or drainage
facilities, or is conveyed by snow removal equipment.
SUPPLIER
The company or vendor that supplies the outdoor storage unit
or dumpster to an applicant.
WATERS OF THE STATE
The ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams and bodies
of surface water or groundwater, whether natural or artificial, within
the boundaries of the State of New Jersey or subject to its jurisdiction.
The following requirements shall apply to the placement of outdoor
storage units and dumpsters:
A. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to place or permit
the placement of an outdoor storage unit or dumpster within the Borough
without registering the outdoor storage unit or dumpster with the
Borough and obtaining a permit as provided above.
B. Outdoor storage units and dumpsters shall be placed in the rear yard
of the property unless no access to the rear yard exists and only
then may an outdoor storage unit or dumpster/refuse container be placed
in driveway, parking area or side yard of the property.
C. Outdoor storage units and dumpsters shall be located at such address
for a maximum of 180 days, inclusive of the days of delivery and removal,
unless a dumpster is located on the property in accordance with an
approved site plan. An extension may be granted upon written application
to the Mayor and Borough Council, for a reasonable additional time
period in an amount not to exceed 180 days.
D. A property is limited to a maximum of one registration per calendar
year, and a minimum of 15 days shall elapse between the end of one
registration period and the beginning of another, unless a dumpster
is located on the property in accordance with an approved site plan,
in which case the dumpster need only be registered upon placement
or change of supplier.
E. The applicant, as well as the supplier, shall be responsible for
ensuring that the outdoor storage unit and/or dumpster is maintained
in good condition, free from evidence of deterioration, weathering,
discoloration, graffiti, rust, ripping, tearing or other holes or
breaks, at all times.
F. No outdoor storage unit shall be used to store solid waste, construction
debris, demolition debris, recyclable materials, business inventory,
commercial goods, goods for property other than at the property where
the outdoor storage unit is located (i.e., used for retail sales)
or any illegal or hazardous material. Upon reasonable notice to the
applicant, the Borough of Chester may inspect the contents of any
outdoor storage unit at any reasonable time to ensure that it is not
being used to store said prohibited materials.
G. No dumpster shall be used on any residential property to store or
dispose of any illegal or hazardous material; food or animal waste;
or any other waste with the potential to undergo rapid biodegradation
or to emit unpleasant or noxious odors.
Outdoor storage units are not permitted at any nonresidential
properties.
[Amended 8-17-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-29]
This chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department, Zoning
Officer, Municipal Engineer, Construction Official, and/or Health
Officer/Official or contractual health agency for the Borough of Chester.
[Amended 8-17-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-29]
Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine as set forth in §
1-17 of the Code of the Borough of Chester. Each day in which a violation exists shall be considered to be a separate offense.