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

The dumpster rules for apartments and other multifamily housing sit in Table 5.8.B of Zoning Code Section 5.4.3.C, which applies to new construction, retrofits and remodels of multifamily residential projects in every zone where they are allowed. Projects governed by a specific plan, special planning area or neighborhood preservation area standard follow that document instead. The table was last amended on 09-10-2026, and the underlying subsection carries an earlier 09-09-2022 amendment.

The enclosure itself must be a masonry structure. All waste collection containers go inside an enclosed masonry area with a surrounding wall at least six feet high and no taller than eight feet, closed by an appropriate solid gate. A chain-link pen, a bare pad or a screen shorter than six feet does not meet the standard, and neither does a wall taller than eight feet.

Location is controlled by three setbacks listed under Waste Enclosure Setbacks: 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. Footnote 1 of the table adds that setbacks, encroachments and internal street widths are subject to review by local service providers, so the hauler's access needs are part of the layout review. The enclosure must also be located for functional use by occupants and for safe collection by commercial franchise waste haulers.

Design details come from the stormwater side of the County. Enclosure areas must follow the County's latest stormwater quality source control design standards, including drains and covers, if required. They must be adequately sized to hold commercial garbage, recycling and organic material containers, so a three-stream enclosure is the baseline rather than a trash-only box.

Sizing is performance-based rather than a fixed container count. Garbage, recycling and organics containers must be adequately sized, with appropriate collection frequency, to meet the waste generation needs of the business or residents, pursuant to SCC 6.20, the County's solid waste chapter.

Two general provisions of the same table apply to the enclosure. Under Maintenance, all development standards must be continuously met for every project, and premises must be kept free of junk, debris and abandoned vehicles. Under Section 5.4.3.A, all multifamily residential projects are subject to Design Review, and alternatives to the standards can be approved through a Minor Special Development Permit or a Special Development Permit from the Zoning Administrator under Section 6.4.6.D, but only if the intent and purpose of the standards are met.