[Adopted 8-8-2012 by Ord. No. 538]
It is the purpose of this article to protect the public health,
safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Isanti
by requiring residential composting standards. Such standards, while
promoting the reuse of organic materials and yard wastes, ensure that
such activities will not constitute a nuisance by reason of appearance,
odor, sanitation, location, or other types of hazards due to failure
to dispose of or maintain residential composting areas properly.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A microbial process that converts plant materials to a usable
organic soil amendment or mulch, a mixture of decayed plant matter.
A.
Composting containers; areas. Composting shall be conducted within
a composting area or within a composting container not to exceed five
feet in length, five feet in width, and four feet in height. All compost
areas shall be fenced or enclosed on at least three sides to prevent
the scattering of compost materials. Compost containers shall be constructed
of a durable material, including, but not limited to, sturdy woven
wire fencing, rot-resistant wood, or a commercial purchased composting
unit that will provide for adequate aeration. Containers shall be
constructed and maintained in a structurally sound manner.
B.
Only one composting area or container shall be permitted per residential
property.
Compost containers or areas shall be located in the rear yard,
no closer than 10 feet to any rear or side, property line, and no
closer than 20 feet to any habitable building, other than the resident's
own home, or public right-of-way. No compost site may be closer than
50 feet to any body of water or wetland. Compost sites shall not be
located within an easement.
Materials such as grass clippings, leaves, soft-bodied plant
materials, straw, sawdust, fruit or vegetable scraps, flowers, lake
plants, coffee grounds, pine cones, eggshells, and commercial available
compost ingredients may be placed in compost containers. Materials
such as meat, bones, fat, oils, grease, dairy products, whole eggs,
brush greater than 1/4 inch in diameter, weeds heavily loaded with
seeds, human or pet waste, plastics, synthetic fibers, or other garbage,
recyclables or refuse shall not be placed in compost areas. Compost
cannot be treated with any kind of herbicide or pesticide.
Compost materials shall be managed to minimize odor and promote
effective decomposition of the materials and prevent rodent harborage,
fire hazard or other nuisances.
All compost containers, areas, and/or compost materials not in compliance with this article shall be declared a nuisance and are subject to abatement as provided in § 216-6 of the Isanti City Code.
