Kenosha, WI Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Department of Public Works
- Right-of-way cap
- 1/3 of curb-to-curb width, curb side only
- Sidewalk clearance
- 4 feet minimum for pedestrians
- Hydrant/track buffer
- 25 ft from hydrants, 10 ft from tracks
- Insurance required
- $250k/$1M/$50k liability minimums
Summary
Placing a construction or demolition dumpster in a Kenosha street requires a Street Opening/Occupying Permit from Public Works, liability insurance, and compliance with curb, hydrant, and traffic-lane setbacks under Section 9.14.
9.14. - Street Occupancy for Dumpsters.A.General Provisions.1.Street Opening/Occupying Permits for Temporary Placement of Dumpsters. Street Opening/Occupying Permits issued by the Department of Public Works may be approved only for the temporary placement of dumpsters used during the course of demolition or construction... C.Permit Conditions...3.Obstruction of Fire Hydrant/Railway Track/Traffic Lanes/Arterial Streets. The Permit shall not authorize placement of dumpsters within twenty-five (25) feet of any fire hydrant, within ten (10) feet of any railway track, or in any active traffic lane or arterial street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
14 of Kenosha's Building Code governs placing dumpsters in the public right-of-way. 1 it may be approved only for the temporary placement of dumpsters used during demolition or construction, not for routine trash service. 2 showing liability coverage of at least $250,000 per person, $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for property damage. 1 caps the permit at no more than one-third of the right-of-way between curb lines, restricted to the portion closest to the curb, and any other portion needs separate written Public Works approval.
2 requires at least four feet of clear sidewalk width for pedestrians. 3 bars placing a dumpster within 25 feet of any fire hydrant, within 10 feet of any railway track, or in any active traffic lane or arterial street. 4. 6 requires denial of a permit wherever the dumpster would unreasonably interfere with public health, safety or welfare, or wherever there is sufficient room for the dumpster on the served premises itself.
Violations & Fines
Placing a dumpster in the right-of-way without a Street Opening/Occupying Permit, or violating a permit's curb-line, hydrant, railway or traffic-lane restrictions under Section 9.14.C, exposes the responsible party to enforcement by the Department of Public Works, including permit denial or revocation for any placement that unreasonably interferes with public health, safety or welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a roll-off dumpster in the street in Kenosha?
How close to a fire hydrant can a construction dumpster sit in Kenosha?
Can Kenosha deny my dumpster permit even if I qualify?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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