[Adopted 3-15-2011 by Ord. No. 6647]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
COLLECTING STRUCTURE
Any house, garage, building, or canopy that possesses a roof
drainage system utilized to collect rainwater in a rain barrel.
FRONT/CORNER SIDE YARD
For the purpose of this article only, a front or corner side
yard is any portion of a lot between the front or side of a structure
and a street.
RAIN BARREL
A manufactured, durable resin container designed specifically
to collect and disperse rainwater from a rooftop drainage system for
later use on lawns, gardens and for other outdoor uses.
[Amended 3-20-2012 by Ord. No. 6753]
The maximum capacity of a rain barrel shall be less than 100
gallons. One rain barrel is allowed to be directly connected at each
downspout located in the rear or interior side yard. Multiple interconnected
rain barrels may be utilized at downspout locations in the rear yard
only. More than two interconnected barrels must be completely screened
at all times.
The height of the rain barrel shall not exceed six feet above
the surrounding grade. An elevated platform is permitted, but the
height of the rain barrel and platform together cannot exceed six
feet in height.
[Amended 3-20-2012 by Ord. No. 6753]
The rain barrel may be enclosed by landscape features or screening
constructed of natural materials. In lieu of screening, the rain barrel
may be designed to appear similar to a planter, boulders, or similar
natural element.
Rain barrels shall be completely isolated from the potable water
source.
Rain barrels, screens, gutters, and downspouts must be kept
clear of debris and cleaned quarterly.
It is the owner's responsibility to direct the overflow runoff away from the adjoining property in accordance with Chapter
595, Stormwater Management.
A cistern or rain barrel installed below grade requires a building
permit, drainage plan, and approval by the City Engineer.
The provisions of this article are not intended to prevent the
installation of any material, or to prohibit any design or method
of construction not specifically prescribed by this article, provided
that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material,
design, or method of construction may be approved, where the Building
Commissioner finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies
with the intent of the provisions of this article, and that the material,
method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the
equivalent of that prescribed in this article in quality, effectiveness,
durability, and safety.