TITLE
Recommendation to adopt a Minute Order declaring a moratorium, against the establishment, placement, construction, expansion, or issuance of any permits, for the placement of unattended donation/recycling collection boxes or bins on any public or private lot in the City; and request City Attorney, in cooperation with the Department of Development Services, to prepare an interim (moratorium) ordinance pursuant to Chapter 21.50 of the Long Beach Municipal Code for notice and placement on the City Council agenda for hearing at its third meeting following adoption of this Minute Order.
DISCUSSION
Unattended donation boxes (UDBs) are typically up to seven feet in width and height that are designed to accept textiles, clothing, shoes, books or other salvageable personal property to be used by the operator for distribution, resale, or re-cycling. Generally, UDBs are placed outside at grocery stores, gas stations, schools, in strip mall parking lots, or near various other types of businesses. They are placed by a variety of organizations, including non-profit organizations that operate locally, as well as non-local organizations that may resell donations for a profit. UDBs are not specifically addressed in the Long Beach Zoning Code and are therefore not a permitted use under the City's permissive zoning regulation structure (i.e., unless a land use is specifically permitted as a matter of right, or permitted with a discretionary permit, it is considered an unlawful use).
Other cities have reported that unmonitored UDB's can become a public nuisance as they create visual blight, trash, attract graffiti, scavenging and illegal dumping in the vicinity of a UDB. Sometimes they are placed in required business parking spaces or vehicle maneuvering areas, which can affect vehicle and pedestrian circulation and safety. In some instances, UDBs are placed so that donated items spill over into setbacks, parking areas, or adjacent city sidewalk or public right of way are...
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