Novato, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- New non-residential projects and additions to them
- Buildings of 0-5,000 sq ft
- 12 sq ft solid waste plus 12 sq ft recycling
- Addition trigger
- Floor area up 30 percent or more in 12 months
- Allowed locations
- Enclosure, interior court, rear or interior side yard
- Screening
- Hidden from view on at least three sides
- Barred locations
- Required front yard, street side yard, parking area
Summary
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, non-residential buildings must provide solid waste and recycling storage areas sized by floor area, kept out of required front yards, street side yards, parking areas and landscaped areas. Section 19.20.120 of the Novato zoning ordinance sets the sizes, the allowed locations and the design.
C.Required Storage for Non-residential Structures and Uses. Non-residential structures and uses within all zoning districts shall provide solid waste and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with Table 3-4. These requirements apply to each individual structure, and shall apply to both new structures, and additions to existing structures which increase floor area by 30 percent or more within any 12-month period. ... 1.Solid waste and recyclable materials storage shall be located adjacent to or combined with one another as practically feasible. They may only be located inside a specially-designated structure, on the outside of a structure within an approved fence or wall enclosure, a designated interior court or yard area with appropriate access, or in rear yards and interior side yards. Exterior storage areas shall not be located in a required front yard, street side yard, parking area, landscaped or open space areas or any areas required by the Municipal Code to be maintained as unencumbered;
Full Breakdown
Section 19.20.120 of the Novato Zoning Ordinance implements the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act (Public Resources Code Sections 42900 et seq.). It applies to new multi-family residential and non-residential projects and to additions to existing non-residential projects. The section speaks of storage areas for solid waste and recyclable materials and of individual bins or containers rather than dumpsters or roll-offs, and the zoning definition of building coverage counts trash dumpster enclosures as accessory structures.
Subsection C requires every non-residential structure and use, in every zoning district, to provide storage areas under Table 3-4. A building of 0 to 5,000 square feet of floor area needs 12 square feet for solid waste and 12 for recycling, 24 in total. The table steps up to 24 and 24 (48 total) for 5,001 to 10,000 square feet, 48 and 48 (96) for 10,001 to 25,000, and 96 and 96 (192) for 25,001 to 50,000. For 100,001 square feet and up, every additional 25,000 square feet adds 48 square feet for solid waste and 48 for recyclables. The requirement applies to each structure, and to additions that increase floor area by 30 percent or more within any 12-month period.
Subsection D controls placement. Solid waste and recyclable storage sit adjacent to or combined with one another as practically feasible, and only inside a specially-designated structure, within an approved fence or wall enclosure, in a designated interior court or yard area with appropriate access, or in rear yards and interior side yards. Subsection E requires driveways or aisles to give unobstructed access for collection vehicles and personnel. Subsection F requires securing against unauthorized access, a concrete pad inside the enclosure with a concrete apron for handling bins, protection from adverse weather, and screening from view on at least three sides in a way that is architecturally compatible with nearby structures. Separately, section 5-28.008 requires refuse areas to be screened by a solid fence or wall not less than six feet in height.
Violations & Fines
Under section 19.59.040, a structure or use contrary to the zoning ordinance is a public nuisance, charged as a misdemeanor or an infraction at the City's election. The Director issues a written Notice of Violation giving 30 days to correct under section 19.59.080, or less if the violation is a hazard to public health or safety. Failing to maintain trash receptacles and enclosures at a parking facility is a listed property maintenance violation under section 19.31.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a commercial dumpster go on a Novato lot?
How much storage space does a Novato business need?
Does a Novato trash enclosure need a concrete pad and screening?
Do these rules reach an existing commercial building in Novato?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Novato
California rules heatmap·Compare Novato to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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How other cities in Marin County handle dumpster rules.