PCAgenda_07Apr24 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission • 4/24/07 ITEM: Proposed Ordinance Amendment on Compost SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Zoning and Planning Director REVIEWED BY: Justin Miller, City Administrator Roger Knutson, City Attorney Baclgiround The Falcon Heights residents planning a new community garden approached staff with a concern about the language regarding composting in the City's zoning code. The existing ordinance permits composting as an accessory use in residential zones but restricts the materials that may be composted to yard waste, excluding fruits and vegetables. The residents were concerned because: • Plans for the community garden include a compost area or structure. • The restriction in the city code does not represent current "best practice" in organic gardening. Fruits and vegetables and plant based kitchen trimmings are excellent additions to compost. (Food waste of animal origin is also compostable but not recommended because it can amact rodents and other pests.) Analvsis• The proposed ordinance makes the following changes to Section 113-174 of the city code • • Replaces the phrase: "of leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings (not including fruits and vegetables)" • With the following: "of plant material including leaves, grass clippings, plant trimmings, fruits, vegetables and peels, but excluding animal derived materials such as bones, eggshells, meat scraps and dairy products" This change would apply city-wide in all residential zones where composting is currently allowed as an accessory use. According to the City Attorney, the underlying R-1 zoning at the site of the community garden (Community Park) means that composting can be conducted there as well, as part of the community garden. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance. Attachments• • Legal notice for the public hearing, published in the Roseville Review • Proposed ordinance. • Reference excerpts related to composting from the current code. • "How to Make Compost, a Composting Guide" (http://www.compostguide.com/) Actions Requested: • Hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance • • Vote on a recommendation to the City Council Staff Report: Proposed Code Amendment on Composting, Apri124, 2007 Page 1 of 1