Each week, Louis Dettorre will provide the PublicCEO Staff Report of the Week. Nominate yourself or a colleague by e-mailing ldettorre@publicCEO.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The City Council of Rancho Cucamonga is considering an ordinance establishing mandatory payment for residential, commercial, and industrial waste collection services. The proposed ordinance offers some exceptions for residential, commercial, and industrial property owners.

The Ad Hoc Committee of Refuse Service Level and Illegal Dumping wants to curb illegal dumping and assist in the upkeep of properties and eliminate community eyesores.

Staff’s research found nearly 50 percent of city refuse policies have mandatory payment requirement and apply a lien on the property for non-payment after 90 days. Exceptions are applicable in these cities when the property is unoccupied or if the owner applies for a self-haulers permit.

View the ordinance on page 168.

Rancho Cucamonga’s current policy does not allow for any exceptions and requires mandatory payment even if the land is unoccupied. The proposed ordinance changes the refuse policy in the following ways:

  1. Lien Provision – Any account delinquent for a period of at least 60 days shall constitute a lien on the parcel of land where the refuse is provided. The mandatory payment of service is imposed jointly on the property owner and tenant.
  2. Self-Haul Exception – Occupants of a residence or business who would like to collect and dispose of their own waste can apply for and purchase a self-haul permit and avoid the mandatory refuse payment. Evidence of the minimum proper disposal in the form of weigh receipts is required along with proof of compliance every six months.
  3. Vacancy Exception – A residence or business that is unoccupied for 60 days or more may apply for an exception from the mandatory service requirement by providing to the City Manager that the parcel has been unoccupied.

Any person or corporation found in violation of the proposed ordinance is subject to a $1,000 fine and or six (6) months in prison.

The ordinance proposed by Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer Mark Steuer.

Louis Dettorre can be reached at ldettorre@publicCEO.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.