San Mateo County, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- CMU-1 District, North Fair Oaks
- Minimum size
- 10 ft by 10 ft
- Enclosure height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Street setback
- 20 feet unless in-building
- Access path width
- 5 feet, unobstructed
Summary
New commercial and mixed-use development in San Mateo County's CMU-1 (Commercial Mixed Use-1) zoning district, the unincorporated North Fair Oaks area, must build at least one refuse and recycling collection area at least 10 feet by 10 feet, fully enclosed by a 6-to-8-foot wall or fence.
(4) Refuse and Recycling Collection Areas (a) Every project shall have not less than one (1) refuse and recycling collection area. (b) Refuse and recycling collection areas shall not be less than ten (10) feet wide and ten (10) feet deep. (e) Refuse and recycling collection areas that are not within a building shall be fully enclosed by a solid wall or opaque fence between six (6) feet and eight (8) feet in height, except to provide access on one side.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Under the CMU-1 District design standards, every project needs a refuse and recycling collection area not less than 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep, with a paved, unobstructed access path at least 5 feet wide for collection crews. The area must sit at least 20 feet from a street right-of-way unless it is fully enclosed inside a building, and if it's outdoors it must be screened by a solid wall or opaque fence 6 to 8 feet high, with any access gate at least 4 feet high.
Violations & Fines
This is a development-permit standard, not a standalone fine: the Director of Planning and Building won't approve a CMU-1 site plan or building permit that doesn't meet it, though a minor design exception can be granted if the Director finds it necessary and consistent with the General Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply county-wide?
Can a project build a smaller enclosure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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