Trash Enclosures and Screening

The information on this page applies to all dumpsters and trash storage areas on private property in Wheat Ridge. This information is a summary of section 26-614 of the City Code and applies to all zone districts. 

Permit Requirements

A zoning permit is required for all dumpster and trash enclosures. Permit submittals should include a site plan, elevation drawings, and a description of the enclosure materials and construction types. Masonry enclosures will require engineering. Complete permit applications may qualify for same day review, offered on Thursday and Friday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Required Screening

On private property in all zone districts, dumpsters and trash storage areas are required to be screened by a 6-foot tall enclosure to ensure that the trash area is:

• Not visible from the street, and
• Not visible from any single- or two-unit home within 100 feet.

Materials

Permitted materials for trash enclosures include materials that provide solid, opaque screening, such as:

• Masonry (such as concrete block, brick, or stone)
• Chain link with privacy slats
• Cedar fencing
• Some new trash enclosures may be required to match the primary building's materials and/or color, depending on the zone district and overlay.

Location

In all zone districts, the location of a trash storage area must meet the criteria below. The site plan provided with the permit application should show the enclosure location in relation to property lines, streets, buildings, parking, etc. 

• Must be located on a paved surface
• May not be located within five (5) feet of windows, doors, or combustible walls or roof eaves
• May not displace required landscaping or parking
• May not create a sight, traffic, or safety obstruction
• In mixed use zone districts, trash enclosures may not be located between a building and the street

Residential Dumpsters for Single- and Two-Unit Homes

Trash dumpsters are permitted for single- and two-unit homes in residential zone districts. The screening, materials, and location requirements outlined on this page apply, in addition to the following conditions:

• May be no larger than two (2) cubic yards
• May not be located in the front yard
• Must be screened from the street and all adjacent properties
• Wood screening is acceptable

Temporary Dumpsters

Temporary construction dumpsters are permitted at active construction sites with the following conditions:

• Sites must have an active building or site work permit
• Screening not required
• Zoning permit not required
• Must be located on private property. If there are no possible locations on private property (including in driveways), a temporary right-of-way permit may be considered.