Sonoma, CA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

43 Multifamily Objective Design Standards (current through Ordinance 13-2025, adopted December 3, 2025), sets the City of Sonoma's refuse-enclosure standard for multifamily residential development projects. Bins, carts and dumpsters for trash, yard waste, compost and recycling must be contained in covered refuse enclosures with an opaque gate; the only exception is for developments of three or fewer units, which may keep receptacles in a lighted area separated from parking and pedestrian areas instead of building an enclosure. The city does not fix a single enclosure size: enclosures must be provided "in the number, dimensions, and type required by the local waste hauler," so the hauler's specifications control.

Placement is restricted on three fronts: refuse containers cannot sit in front, side or rear setback areas and must be at least 20 feet from adjacent residences; they cannot be located on sidewalks or in the public right-of-way; and refuse areas must be designed so collection trucks can enter the property to service all garbage and recycling. Dumpster enclosures must include wheel stops to keep vehicles from striking the structure. A separate screening rule (item 12 of the same section) bars refuse enclosures from the front setback entirely and requires them to be screened from street view behind opaque landscaping or fencing at least six feet tall. 010.