Can You Put A Dumpster In The Street? (Find Out Now!)
During remodeling or renovating a house, having a roll-off dumpster on site is almost a must. A convenient place to put demolition material and construction waste is always a good idea. However, the street is the only place large enough for a roll-off dumpster on some small residential lots. Most homeowners wonder if you can put a dumpster in the street during construction.
Most cities of any size will require a permit if you want to place a dumpster on the street during construction. The process and the requirements vary from place to place. Your permitting office is the best source of information. Permitting fees vary but tend to average around $45 in most metropolitan areas.
Most large cities require you to have a construction dumpster when doing major work on your home. Local ordinances may even prohibit putting construction debris in the regular trash pickup. Being informed before you order your dumpster delivered is a good way to avoid hassles with your city inspectors, zoning inspectors, and your neighbors.
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Getting a Dumpster Permit
In some localities, a little preliminary work dropping a dumpster in the street in front of your home is required. Before you go to the permits office, you should have the following information available.
- You should know how long the dumpster will be in the street. Your contractor should be able to give you an estimate of the project timing. Add a few days to the front and back to allow for site preparation, delivery, and pickup of the roll-off dumpster.
- Know where the dumpster will be located. You will need the address of the location. In addition, you should be able to describe where the dumpster will be located at this address. Is it on a side street? Will it be directly in front of the address? A map of the property with a drawing of the dumpster location might not be a bad idea.
- You will need the name and address of the company that will supply your dumpster. A copy of your dumpster contract won’t hurt.
You can apply for and get your dumpster permit online or over the phone in some major metropolitan areas. Of course, you can always go to the permit office if you have questions or aren’t sure about the rules and regulations.
Permit Regulations Vary from City to City
Every city has its own regulations and requirements. Before you order your dumpster, be sure that you are aware of these regulations and that your dumpster placement won’t cause problems in the future.
Most roll-off dumpster companies are familiar with the requirements and can give you suggestions about putting a roll-off dumpster on the street. However, the best place to get your information is from the permitting department in your city. However, there are some common points among most city dumpster placement regulations.
Protect the Dumpster and Traffic
Many cities require that you provide adequate visual protection of the dumpster on the street. Placing traffic cones around the dumpster is often necessary. The rules may specify where the cones must be placed. Some dumpster companies will provide the traffic cones as part of the rental agreement. Otherwise, you will need to rent or purchase traffic cones.
Don’t Block Your Neighbors Access or Property
Your roll-off dumpster should be clear of your neighbor’s access, such as driveways or gates. If you and your neighbor share a common drive entrance, you should avoid putting the dumpster in front of any part of the driveway. The dumpster should be within your property’s boundary lines, allowing enough room to access the dumpster from the ends.
Keep it Clean
You must keep the area around the dumpster free of any trash or debris. Don’t allow large pieces of construction trash to lean against the dumpster or lay on the ground beside it. Instead, pick up small trash regularly. If your area is prone to winds, you should ask the dumpster company about a net tarp to put over the dumpster to prevent the trash from blowing out.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Keep your neighbors in the loop. Let them know that you will be placing the dumpster in the street. Give them a schedule showing when the dumpster will arrive and when it will be picked up. You want to stay on good terms with your neighbors. Good communication is a key issue in these circumstances.
Keep Your Permits Handy
Inevitably, a policeman, an inspector, or a neighbor will show up asking questions about the dumpster in the street. You should have your dumpster permit handy. This will ensure that the police and inspection people don’t give you problems. We aren’t sure having a permit will help with an agitated neighbor, but you can show them you are doing things correctly.
Work With The Dumpster Company
The company you chose to supply your dumpster can give you a wealth of advice about placing your dumpster. They will want to know about any special considerations. If you live on a steep hill, the dumpster company may need to make special arrangements before setting the dumpster.
Dumpster size is also important. Most dumpster companies have a variety of sizes and shapes. You want the smallest dumpster that can adequately serve your project. On the other hand, you don’t want a dumpster that requires multiple pickups and trips to the landfill. Typically the dumpster company will charge a pickup and delivery fee for each trip.
Using a Contractor
If you elect to hire a contractor for your job, your problems may seem to disappear. Trash removal is almost always part of the job estimate and relieves you of the problems of locating a dumpster. The contract will arrange for the dumpster and manage the permitting process as part of his job duties.
In many instances, the contractor already has an agreement with the dumpster company they use. Your contractor may also be familiar with the inspectors who will visit your project site. This familiarity may allow the contractor to anticipate possible issues.
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Taking Out the Construction Trash
Keeping a job site clean and safe is a primary concern. Having a roll-off dumpster on your job site makes things much easier in the long run. In most cities, you can put a roll-off dumpster on the street adjacent to your property. You must follow the local rules and regulations. In most cases, you are required to get a permit to set your dumpster on the street.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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