City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter regulates donation drop-off bins (closed metal containers for depositing used clothing and other items) placed on private property within the City of Pottsville, requiring a permit for their placement and operation.

Who this affects

Anyone who wants to place a clothes donation bin in the city — including charities, businesses, and other organizations — except the City of Pottsville itself, which is exempt from the permit requirement.

Key rules

• Donation bins are prohibited unless a permit is obtained.
• It is unlawful for anyone other than the City of Pottsville to maintain, place, empty, or remove a bin without a permit.
• Bins must be located on private property so as not to interfere with sight triangles, on-site circulation, required setbacks, landscaping, or parking, and must sit on a concrete or stable paved surface.
• Bins on commercial property must not face a residential area.
• Bins must have a receiving door and be locked so contents cannot be accessed by anyone other than those responsible for retrieval.
• Each bin cannot cover more than five feet by five feet of ground surface area, nor be more than six feet in height.
• Permit applications must include the applicant's name, address, and phone number; the proposed bin location; the property owner's name and phone number; the name and phone number of the person placing the bin; and the schedule for emptying or removing the bin.
• The City's Code Department and Police Department review and approve permit applications, and a permit must be on file at City Hall.
• The bin must display, in clear lettering, the registrant's name and phone number along with the City-issued permit.
• If a bin is sold or transferred, a new permit issued to the new owner must be affixed before the bin is placed back in service.
• A permit is valid for one year and is renewable annually.
• An application processing fee of $25 is charged in advance for each one-year period, waived for registered nonprofit organizations that submit a copy of their registration.

Penalties

"Any person violating any provision of this chapter, shall be fined not more than $600 and, in default of payment of the fine and costs, be imprisoned not more than 90 days."

Notable and archaic details

• Violators who don't pay the fine can be imprisoned for up to 90 days in default of payment.