From
Chris Hartmann
Title
Discuss regulations for off-premise donation collection bins.
Presenter
David P. Jones, Chief City Planener
Recommended Action
Discussion
Analysis
This item is in response to a proliferation of commercial and not-for-profit donation bins that have been installed in Grand Prairie. The bins are usually found on commercial property in parking lots or on street corners for visibility. Problems arise when the bins are not maintained or emptied regularly and when they are used as dumping locations. Bins tend to be concentrated in one location which compounds these issues. Several cities have adopted ordinances regulating the installation and operation of the bins through permitting and code enfocement as summarized below:
· Arlington
o One donation box per lot.
o 50 square feet maximum size.
o Must be registered in Texas as a non-profit.
o Donation boxes must be screened from the right-of-way.
o Can only be used to solicit clothing and household materials.
o Must be a minimum 200 feet from a residential dwelling district.
o The permit holder and property owner are jointly liable for the maintenance, upkeep, and keeping the area clean of donations and other debris.
· Southlake
o One donation box per lot.
o 512 cubic feet maximum size.
o Must disclose intended recipient of collected items and the percentage of the funds or items to be given to a charitable organization.
o Must have a minimum separation of 1,000 feet.
o Must be collected at least once every 2 weeks.
o Must be a minimum 300 feet from the property line of a school.
o The permit holder must maintain the bin, keep the area around the bin free of litter, and remove graffiti within 48 hours of discovery.
o Lot size must be a minimum of 1 acre.
· La Porte
o Two donation boxes per lot.
o 108 cubic feet maximum size.
o Must be a minimum 150 feet from a residential dwelling district, and 500 feet from a residential dwelling.
o Must be collected at least once a week.
o The p...
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