If you’ve chosen to rent a dumpster from us, we’re thrilled to assist. Our dumpsters are easy to rent, from order to pickup. However, one important aspect of renting a dumpster that we want to make sure you’re well-versed in is rental permits.
It may seem silly, but unless you’re planning to place your roll off dumpster right on your driveway or another piece of land that you own, almost all cases will require you to hold a dumpster permit in order to use one. In this guide, we’ll walk through some common questions surrounding dumpster permits and their not-so-complicated answers.
How Do I Know If I’m Exempt from Needing a Dumpster Permit?
There are very few cases where you can get by using a dumpster without a permit. All of those scenarios include placing the dumpster on private property. For example, unless you’re planning to place it on your driveway, another area of land that you own, or private property that you are working on on a personal basis, you’ll need a permit. Even in these cases, which we’ll discuss below, a permit might be required.
How Do I Know If I Need a Dumpster permit?
As mentioned above, the odds are high that if you’re planning to use a dumpster, you’ll need to plan to obtain a permit as well. Some examples of locations where you plan to place your dumpster that will either definitely or most likely require a permit to do so include parks, public construction sites, schools, parking lots, sidewalks, neighborhood streets – the list goes on.
Who Enforces the Need For a Dumpster Permit?
Typically, local ordinances have regulations around whether a permit is needed and which areas of land are acceptable to use for dumpster placement. If you are planning to use a dumpster in your neighborhood and you belong to a homeowners’ association, it’s wise to check with them on whether they have rules surrounding dumpster use and permit requirements. As mentioned above, a permit may sometimes be required by local ordinances or associations in the case that they prefer that your dumpster be out of sight of the public, including neighbors, to maintain desired location aesthetics.
Okay, Got It, I probably Need a Permit. How Do I Get one?
The specifics of obtaining a permit will vary by location across the country, but generally, your best bet is to search online for dumpster permits in your area. If you cannot easily access an online application, your next best bet is to call or visit a local government office.
I’m Not Finding What I’m Looking For Under a “Dumpster Permit” Search In My Area. Is It Always Called That?
Good question. As a matter of fact, no. The exact name used to refer to this type of permit can differ by location. While the most commonly used name is “dumpster permit,” it can also be referred to as “street-closing permit,” “right-of-way permit,” or “encroachment permit,” to name a few.
What Do I Need to Provide in My Application?
The exact information requirements will vary per application, but most applications are likely to ask you for basic identification information such as name, age, and address. In terms of purpose of application, you will likely need to provide the reason that you need a dumpster permit, such as the nature of the work that you’ll be using it for. You’ll also likely need to specify the length of time you’ll need the permit.
How Long Do Dumpster Permits Last?
Once again, it depends on which state, city, or town you’re applying to receive the permit in. Generally, the length of permit time ranges from one week to one month. It’s important that you confirm how long your permit lasts. If your project extends longer than the permit limit, you’ll need to be sure to extend your permit time. This might mean you need to submit a new application and pay another permit fee.
How Much Do Permit Fees Cost?
Generally, the cost of a permit fee for the length of a week can range from about $10-100. If and when you renew the duration of your permit lease, you’ll likely need to pay another fee again.
What If I Don’t Know Yet How Long I’ll Need the Permit?
There may be cases where you’re renting a dumpster from us, but you’re not sure yet exactly how long your project will last. That’s okay! As mentioned above, extending your dumpster permit lease beyond the initial time frame is typically no problem, and may only be a nuisance in the form of submitting another application and shelling out cash for an extended fee payment. One important note here is to make sure that the permit period covers the period of time when we’ll drop off the roll off dumpster for you to begin using it.
All That Being Said, What If I Don’t Get a Permit?
Using a dumpster without first obtaining a permit can lead to civil action, such as fines, and in some cases, the city could seize the dumpster. Let’s put it this way: It’s a lot easier to get a dumpster permit before using a dumpster than after!
We hope this guide to dumpster permits has been helpful to you as you complete this necessary step of dumpster rental. If you have any questions, we’re here to assist you at any point in your process. Give us a call at 1-888-413-5105, and you’ll be greeted by one of our Advisors, specially trained in making the rental process as easy and seamless as possible.