The Hallowell Planning Board is reviewing proposed updates to the City’s dumpster ordinances (Sections 5-401, 5-406, and 9-610) at its Wednesday, November 18 meeting before sending a recommendation to the City Council. The revisions are aimed at clearing up conflicting language in the current code and ensuring downtown and commercial property owners are not penalized for existing, compliant setups.
Here is what Water Street merchants and property owners need to know:
Existing Dumpsters Are Grandfathered In: If you already have a dumpster on your property prior to the ordinance's adoption, you will not need to apply for a new permit or add retroactive fencing/screening, provided your container meets basic safety, sanitation, and setback standards.
New 10-Cubic-Yard Permit Threshold: Currently, the code requires a municipal permit for any dumpster over 75 cubic feet (roughly 2.8 cubic yards). Under the proposed revision, only commercial-sized dumpsters holding 10 cubic yards or more will require a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
Downtown Space Constraints Considered: An early draft note proposing a 50-foot setback from building entrances was dropped after staff noted it would be unworkable in dense downtown areas like Water Street. The revised text requires a 5-foot setback from abutting property lines and prohibits blocking building entrances, exits, emergency routes, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way without express City authorization.
Screening & Waivers: Permanent dumpsters still require a 6-foot fence or visual planting barrier, unless you obtain written approval from the Code Enforcement Officer showing that site constraints make screening impractical or impossible—a key provision for tight downtown lots.
Temporary Renovation Dumpsters: If you bring in a dumpster for a storefront renovation or cleanout, permits run for 60 days (renewable up to 180 days total), no screening is required on private property, and the container must be removed within one week of project completion or permit expiration.
Sanitation Rules: All dumpsters must remain leak-proof, securely covered so animals cannot get inside, and emptied regularly to prevent odors or litter.
If you have feedback on how these changes might affect waste collection behind your business, you can attend the Planning Board public comment period on November 18 at 6:00 PM at City Hall, or reach out to HABOT so we can share merchant input before the proposal heads to the City Council.