Dothan, AL Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Dothan City Code § 114-83(e) governs commercial building design and orientation, including refuse storage. Subsection (e)(2) bars any dumpster enclosure, accessory building, or outdoor storage area from being located forward of the principal building regardless of lot configuration, and requires all loading and service areas to be screened to the planning commission's satisfaction. Subsection (e)(4) sets the enclosure standard itself: dumpster enclosures must be four-sided structures that completely conceal trash receptacles; if visible from a public street, the enclosure's color and architecture must be compatible with the building it serves, though a chain link gate with metal or plastic inserts woven into the material is allowed.

If the enclosure is not visible from a public street, a six-foot chain link fenced enclosure is acceptable as long as it also carries the woven metal or plastic inserts. These architectural standards apply to nonresidential and nonagricultural buildings undergoing new construction or a facade alteration of 50 percent or more, per § 114-83(b), and are reviewed as part of development plan approval by the Development Review Committee under § 114-76. Agricultural buildings in A-C districts and buildings in a bona fide industrial park are excluded. Any deviation from these standards may be appealed to the planning commission under § 114-83(b)(3).