STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: December 13, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Code Compliance
EXECUTIVE: Carl Simpson
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 7A, “Anti-Litter Regulations,” of the Dallas City Code by adding Section 7A-4.1; (1) providing an application process for unattended drop box permits; (2) providing regulations for unattended drop boxes; (3) providing a penalty not to exceed $2,000.00; (4) providing a saving clause; (5) providing a severability clause; and (6) providing an effective date - Estimated Revenue: General Fund $99,349.00 (This item was deferred on October 25, 2023)
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BACKGROUND
The Department of Code Compliance identified 384 unattended drop boxes (UDBs) owned or operated by 25 different organizations. Since August 2022, 21 percent of the UDBs have been reported for litter, debris, and graffiti. Box owners/operators are not regularly monitoring the boxes or maintaining the area, which leads to community blight. UDBs also pose community safety concerns due to structural issues and inadequate locking mechanisms.
A UDB is any unattended or unstaffed outdoor container, box, receptacle, or similar device or facility, designed with a door, slot, or other opening that is used for soliciting and collecting donations of textiles, clothing, shoes, books, toys, dishes, and other salvageable items of personal property to be used by the operator for distribution, resale or recycling. The term does not include unattended boxes intended for the collection of mail or parcels conveyed by the United States Postal Service or private shipping companies.
A UDB permit applicant must submit an application for a UDB permit each year for each drop box it plans to operate. The application includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable $248.00 application fee and requires the applicant to submit the following information: the proposed UDB location, a site plan, emergency contact information, authorization form from the property owner, property manager, or authorized agent saying that the UDB is permitted on the property (if applicant is not the property owner), elevations showing the appearance and dimensions of the UDB, a description of the locking mechanisms to be used on the UDB, and a maintenance plan to prevent litter and debris in the area. Unattended drop box operators must renew the permit and pay the application fee each year.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee was briefed on the proposed Unattended Drop Box Registration Program on August 15, 2022.
The Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee was briefed on the proposed Unattended Drop Box Registration Program on June 12, 2023.
The City Council will be briefed on the “Unattended Drop Box Registration Program” on October 18, 2023.
On October 25, 2023, this item was deferred by Councilmember Adam Bazaldua.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue: General Fund $99,349.00