The enforcement of a dumpster screening ordinance that was adopted more than 25 years ago in Warrenton will begin this Friday following a one-year grace period to bring properties into compliance.

All residential and commercial property owners who use a dumpster must have a screening a minimum of 6 feet high and completely enclosed. A chain-link fence is allowed but only if it has privacy slats included. 

The city ordinance states that no trash bin shall be visible from off the property.

All properties must be in compliance Oct. 1.

Earlier this month, Building Commissioner Jim Daly said he sent approximately 40 letters to property owners using dumpsters who had yet to comply with the ordinance. Numerous enclosures were being built across the city this week.

“They are going up,” Daly said.

For the ones who have yet to construct an enclosure, a 10-day notice will be issued for failure to comply. Once that period is over, a summons will be issued. According to the city’s code book, an offender could be charged up to $100 each day for failure to comply or up to $250 daily if the violation is deemed purposeful.

Last September, the board agreed to give property owners a one-year grace period after property owners were informed about the city’s intent to step up enforcement.

Terri Thorn, director of operations/finance officer, indicated that the city would likely be lenient on properties where owners are still in the process of constructing the dumpster screening.

“We will give them as much leeway as we can, but Oct. 1 we will start enforcing that,” she said. “The board has been unwavering. They have made it clear to what the city’s intent is.”

The ordinance was adopted in 1983, but had not been strictly enforced over the years and essentially only for new site plans. However, aldermen in previous meetings stated they have fielded complaints from residents about littering in the city and felt increased enforcement would help clean up problem areas.

The city’s decision has been met with opposition. A group of property owners criticized the city during a June work session, complaining about the expense to erect an enclosure during an economic recession and questioned the future upkeep of the screenings. They also said the city should cite those responsible for the trash.

City officials previously stated that a variance will only be considered in hardship cases. The cost to build an enclosure is not considered a hardship.

Two taxpayer-supported governmental entities have indicated they will not comply with the city ordinance. Both Warren County and the Warren County R-III School District have chosen to not erect screenings at this time.