TITLE
Title
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND AND READOPT THE GUILFORD COUNTY SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2018
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
J. Leslie Bell (Lorelei Elkins and Clyde Harding) / Jim Albright (Stephen Thomas and Robert Carmon)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The current Guilford County Solid Waste Ordinance was adopted February 3, 2011. As both organizational and other changes have occurred, these amendments are intended to reflect such changes and incorporate best practices in solid waste compliance and enforcement for which Guilford County is responsible. The attached proposed amendments reflect collaborative efforts between the Planning and Development's Environmental Services Division, Emergency Management Services' Fire Marshal’s office with further review and input by the NC Division of Air Quality staff, Forestry Service, and Sheriff’s Department.
The most notable proposed changes include:
• Updated changes in responsibility (the Health Department no longer has designated staff to carry out those functions previously assigned in the current Ordinance)
• Proposed changes to mirror state regulations such as burning from 8 am to 6 pm instead of 10 am to 4 pm (as it is currently) and removing the restriction on burning stumps or logs more than 6 inches in diameter for homeowners
• Condensed the Fines section to include progressive penalties ranging from $150 to $500 for residential violations/offenses and from $1,000 to $3,000 for commercial violations/offenses
• Added additional requirements for solid waste hauler licenses (e.g., current garbage and recycling collection routes) for more accountability to local government regarding performance
• Updated definitions (e.g., abandoned and junked motor vehicles, electronics)
• Added hyperlinks to NCGS, where appropriate (also makes it more user-friendly for citizens that access the Ordinance electronically seeking additional State guidance)
• Included language on burn bans (air quality and State Forestry bans)
• Added language indicating that the Board of County Commissioners may at any time choose to franche specific area(s) of the County to solid waste haulers
• Made it easier and more efficient for enforcement officers to work across agencies and County Departments (e.g., Sheriff's office, Fire Marshal's office, Forestry Service) to address and resolve illegal burning and illegal dumping complaints (both during and after hours)
Additionally, to aid in compliance efforts staff has created a user-friendly flow chart for complaint response and will create an electronic complaint form on the County's website that will be accessible 24 hours per day and available to both citizens and after hours staff (i.e., Sheriff's Dept.).
To date, public outreach and education efforts have included:
• Fire Station Chiefs, Environmental Health, and Sheriff's Dept. were provided a copy of the draft Ordinance for review prior to requesting a Public Hearing
• Posted notice of changes at Cooperative Extension Service and Soil and Water Conservation District office
Further public outreach and education efforts are intended to be conducted and will include, at minimum,
• Final presentations at Fire Chief’s meetings and with fire station staff, law enforcement, and citizen’s groups
• Provide, upon request, informational presentations to municipalities throughout Guilford County
• Post information at libraries and have the new Ordinance available on the Guilford County website with a link from the NC Forestery Service website, as well
Thus, staff recommends approval with an effective date of November 1, 2018.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
[NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY DOLLARS]
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Hold public hearing on amendments to the Guilford County Solid Waste Ordinance and readopt with an effective date of November 1, 2018.
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