Do I Need a Permit for My Dumpster Rental?

Roll-off dumpsters are used to help you complete various tasks, from basement and garage cleanups to commercial roof replacements. The dumpsters come in different dimensions so that you can find a suitable size for your project. Whether or not you need permission for dumpster placement depends on where you plan to use it. Here’s how to know if you need a legal permit for your dumpster rental:

Identify the Placement Location

Dumpster permits are usually required if the container is placed in public spaces like streets and sidewalks. A permit is also required for placements in shopping plazas, marketplaces, and mall parking lots. Other public spaces that require a permit include parks, piers, and convention centers. States usually require project managers to obtain temporary right-of-way permits to place dumpsters on streets or alleyways.

The city may approve a permit if you’re placing a dumpster rental in or near a city parking lot or building. Homeowner’s associations can request a permit for dumpsters placed on a community sidewalk or walkway. This is because placing a dumpster in public areas blocks or hinders public traffic. Even if the state and city don’t require permits, community member concerns may prompt the HOA to request a permit. If the dumpster is placed in the driveway of a residential space like your home or other private property, you don’t need a permit.

Speak to the Relevant Parties

You can speak to local authorities and other relevant parties to determine if a permit is necessary for dumpster placement. If your city requires a permit for dumpsters, you can find out from the public works department. This department also provides instructions on how to obtain a permit from state or city agencies. You can find contact information for these government departments online, fill out a digital permit application form, or visit the physical office for more information. Your local public works department can also provide information about temporary right-of-way permits because they know the state regulations on blocking roadways.

Contact the transportation department if your roll-off dumpster is placed in a public right of way. If you live in a community neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, check the organization’s by-laws. You can also speak to the property manager to find out if a special permit or permission is necessary. Contact the transportation department or HOA several weeks before your project to provide enough time for approval meetings and city turnaround times. Provide them with information about the dumpster rental company, project type and duration, and dumpster placement location. You can also note down potential obstructions like parking meters, bus stops, loading zones, and valet stands to help governing bodies make informed decisions about your permit.

Consult the Rental Company

Companies that rent out dumpsters know the different permits required in the cities they serve. You can ask the rental company about permits during the initial consultation. Permits are usually required based on dumpster size, interference caused, and duration of use. If the dumpster is used for several weeks, you’ll need a permit that covers the duration of use. Some short-term rentals, like dumpsters used for a couple of hours, don’t require a permit. Smaller trash bins used for party cleanups also don’t need a permit.

Involving the rental company in permit acquisition helps to align delivery and disposals with the dates and times allowed by the permit. The rental company can also provide insights into using the dumpster, including approved and prohibited materials. Permits are usually approved within a day, but some cities have slower turnaround times. Apply early to make sure you have the permit ready on the day your dumpster arrives.

Get a Dumpster Rental Today

Dumpsters are good solutions for containing trash and debris during construction, renovation, and cleanup projects. They keep your space clean and safe from potentially hazardous materials. You can rent one or more dumpsters, fill them up, and let the rental company handle disposal. Contact a dumpster rental company today to learn more about which dumpster size is right for your project.