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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Setback from right-of-way
25 feet minimum
Setback from residential zoning
15 feet minimum
Setback from private road easement
15 feet minimum
Enclosure wall height
6 to 8 feet, masonry, solid gate
Applies to
all new multifamily construction, retrofits, remodels
Alternative path
Minor/Special Development Permit under § 6.4.6.D
Violation
misdemeanor under Zoning Code § 6.6.9

Summary

Every new multifamily project in unincorporated Sacramento County must build its trash, recycling and organics containers into a walled masonry enclosure, not just wheel out bins for pickup. Zoning Code Section 5.4.3.C and Table 5.8.B set the enclosure back 25 feet from any public right-of-way and 15 feet from residentially zoned land or a private road easement, sized to Waste Management and Recycling Department container standards.

City-specific rules exist: Sacramento, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Elk Grove have their own dumpster rules rules that differ from Sacramento County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

All multifamily projects shall be subject to the development standards of Table 5.8.B. Waste Enclosure Setbacks. 25 ft. from any public right-of-way. 15 ft. from residentially-zoned property. 15 ft. from the edge of a private road easement. Waste Enclosure Requirements. All waste containers shall be located within an enclosed masonry area with a surrounding wall at least six feet high and no taller than eight feet in height, with an appropriate solid gate. Enclosure areas shall be designed to the County's latest stormwater quality source control design standards, including drains and covers, if required. Container sizes for waste, recycling and/or organics shall meet the requirements of Waste Management and Recycling Department. There shall be adequate area provided for required waste containers within enclosures. Enclosures shall be located for functional use by occupants and by the disposal and hauling companies, providing collection services.

Full Breakdown

C, applies to every multifamily residential project permitted in any zoning district outside a specific plan, special planning area or neighborhood preservation area, covering new construction, retrofits and remodels alike. The waste enclosure itself must sit at least 25 feet from any public right-of-way, at least 15 feet from residentially zoned property, and at least 15 feet from the edge of a private road easement. Inside those setbacks, the code requires an enclosed masonry area with a surrounding wall no shorter than six feet and no taller than eight feet, closed off with a solid gate.

The enclosure has to be engineered to the County's current stormwater quality source control design standards, including drains and covers where required, and the container sizes for solid waste, recycling and organics must match what the Waste Management and Recycling Department specifies for that project's generator type. The standard also requires enough room inside the walls for the required containers to be usable by residents and accessible to the hauling company's trucks on collection day. D if the intent of the enclosure standard is still met. B are also subject to County Design Review before building permits issue.

Violations & Fines

Building or occupying a multifamily project without a code-compliant enclosure is a Zoning Code violation under Section 6.6.9: a misdemeanor punishable under County Code Section 1.09.190, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense. The Director can withhold a certificate of occupancy or building permit until the enclosure conforms, revoke a permit already issued, or issue a stop-work order; an owner may appeal a permit revocation to the Planning Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must a dumpster enclosure sit from the property line in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Table 5.8.B under Zoning Code Section 5.4.3.C requires at least 25 feet from any public right-of-way, 15 feet from residentially zoned property, and 15 feet from the edge of a private road easement for multifamily waste enclosures.
What must a multifamily trash enclosure be built out of?
The enclosure must be an enclosed masonry area with a surrounding wall between six and eight feet high and a solid gate, engineered to the County's stormwater quality source control design standards and sized to Waste Management and Recycling Department container requirements.
Can a developer get a smaller waste enclosure setback approved?
Yes. Section 5.4.3.A allows the Zoning Administrator to approve an alternative to the Table 5.8.B standards through a Minor Special Development Permit or Special Development Permit under Section 6.4.6.D if the enclosure standard's intent is still met.
What happens if a project is built without a compliant waste enclosure?
It is a misdemeanor under Zoning Code Section 6.6.9, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation. The County can withhold or revoke building permits and certificates of occupancy, or issue a stop-work order, until the enclosure is brought into compliance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sacramento County

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