Lake County, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Lake County Code Sec. 1 requires that all commercial and industrial refuse containers and dumpsters, and those used by multi-family dwellings with three or more units or residential care facilities with five or more units on one parcel, be kept within an enclosure of fences, walls, plantings, or other devices that stop litter from blowing loose and screen the containers from public view. Temporary containers used only for construction or renovation are exempt under Sec. 2. Sec. 4 sets the physical specifications: the enclosure must be no less than 10 feet wide, 7 feet 6 inches deep and 6 feet high, on a minimum 4-inch concrete slab with a 3-foot concrete apron at the opening; any gates must be double doors opening at the center and level with the access road; the access road itself must be all-weather, capable of bearing the collection vehicle's weight, and at least 12 feet wide; a turnaround with at least a 32-foot radius must sit near the enclosure; and overhangs, wiring or other obstructions must clear 13 feet 6 inches on the approach and 16 feet directly over the enclosure.

Sec. 3 requires any new, substantially remodeled, or expanded use needing an enclosure (defined as work equal to 51% or more of the structure's replacement value, as determined by the Director of Community Development) to submit a design reviewed and endorsed in writing by the franchise hauler before the county's Planning Division will approve it.