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Dumpster Permits
When You Need One and How to Get It
What Is a Dumpster Permit?
A dumpster permit is a document issued by a city or county to a resident or contractor who wants to rent a roll off dumpster. Whether or not you need a permit — and the type of permit required — varies by municipality and where you plan to keep your dumpster while you work.
Common Permit Names
Just like permit requirements vary by town, the name of the permit you need can vary too.
Some of the more common permit names are:
• Street Closing Permit
• Lane Closure Permit
• Street Use/Temporary Use Permit
• Dumpster Permit
• Right-of-Way Permit
• Encroachment Permit
When Do I Need a Permit for a Dumpster Rental?
If Your Dumpster Will Block the Street or Sidewalk
Keeping your roll off dumpster in the street or on the sidewalk are the most common reasons you may need a permit. This is particularly true if your bin will block a public right-of-way.
Even a 10 yard dumpster can be a hazard to motorists, obstruct vision or interfere with work done by city road crews. A permit ensures city officials are aware of the temporary placement and holds the resident or contractor accountable for any rules or regulations that aren’t followed.
In certain situations, you may not need a permit to keep your bin in a public right-of-way. But you might need to notify the local administration building or police department. Your town’s government office will let you know which permit you need, if any, and who you need to speak to.
When you call to order, one of our expert team members will help you choose the best place to deliver your roll off dumpster. If your town doesn’t allow street placement, or you want to avoid applying for a permit, we’ll work with you to find a way to place your dumpster on private property.
If You’re Keeping Your Bin in Your Driveway
It’s not common, but some cities require a dumpster permit to park your dumpster rental on private property, such as your driveway. If that’s the case, you’ll need the permit even if your bin isn’t encroaching on a sidewalk or public street.
If You’re Part of a Homeowners Association
A homeowners association, or HOA, enforces rules and bylaws for members living in a self-governed neighborhood, condo community or co-op. They may have certain permits or restrictions related to roll off dumpsters, even if the municipality doesn’t. If you live in a community governed by an HOA, you must abide by its terms and fees.
How Do I Apply for a Dumpster Permit?
Some cities make it easier to find what you're looking for than others. Here are a few methods to search for what you need.
Check the Website of Your City or Town
Most local government websites have a page that lists available permits. First, see if your town’s website has a “How Do I?” tab at the top. An “Apply for permit” link may be there.
Other websites list permits on department pages. Check the pages for the Public Works, Building, Zoning, Planning and Development, or Street departments. If the website has a search bar, try searching for terms like “dumpster,” “dumpster permit,” “right-of-way” or “permits.”
Contact Your Municipality
If you can’t find a dumpster permit online, the next best option is to call your local government office. The department that handles permits varies from city to city, but some common departments include:
- Clerk’s Office
- Public Works Department
- Building Department
- Zoning Department
- Planning and Development Department
- Street Department
- Police Department
Calling your local government gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get the most detailed information. You can also discuss options with local officials if street placement isn’t allowed.
Contact Your HOA
Finding the contact info for your HOA isn’t always a simple task. Unless you already have it handy, you’ll have to do some digging. Search your community’s name or subdivision through your county recorder’s office or the state division of corporations. The name should be on your property deed or mortgage.
You're looking for your HOA’s declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, or CC&R. These documents should include your HOA board's location and contact information, as well as any bylaws and restrictions.
If you’re still having trouble finding what you need, try calling your real estate agent or title company to get the info.
Reach Out to Budget Dumpster
Our team has extensive experience working in the communities we serve. While we can’t issue the permit you need, we'll let you know if you need a permit, the type of permit you need and how you can get one. Call us at 866-284-6164 to speak to a member of our team.
Some local governments require the dumpster rental service to get the permit instead of the homeowner. We’ll let you know when you order your roll off dumpster if applying for a permit is your responsibility or ours.
When Should I Get My Dumpster Permit?
You will need any necessary permits after you’ve ordered your dumpster rental, but before it’s delivered. Be sure to factor approval time into your cleanup project timeline. Processing times vary between cities. We recommend applying for a permit at least one week before your scheduled delivery date. While most applications take a day to be approved, it may take time to enforce no parking zones and create space on the street for your dumpster.
In some cities, we may need a copy of your permit or the permit number to finalize your order. Our team member will let you know if this is the case. If it is, be sure to reach out right away with your permit information to prevent any service delays.
If you have questions about where to place your dumpster, give our team a call. Our dumpster rental experts will walk you through the process and help you select the best spot for your roll off container.
Find More Detailed Permit Information in Your Area
Frequently Asked Questions About Dumpster Permits
How much does a dumpster placement permit cost?
Fees for dumpster permits vary depending on the type of project and how long you need your dumpster. Costs also vary by town but are usually less than $200.
Why do I need a dumpster permit?
A dumpster permit allows you to use property that isn’t your own. Keeping your bin in the street may lead to blocking parking spots and/or a lane closure, which requires resources from the city to manage. The permit is an agreement between you and the city to minimize public inconvenience while working in the right-of-way.
In cases where you’re keeping the dumpster in your driveway or other private property, the city or Homeowners Association wants to verify that it’s only a temporary additional structure on the property. They may also want to verify the purpose of the dumpster rental, since it could be tied to other projects that require building permits.
What information do I need to apply for a permit?
Your government office may ask for the rental period dates, a traffic control plan (if needed) and project information. You may also need to provide a diagram that shows where the roll off dumpster will be placed.
How long can I keep my dumpster in the street?
Each municipality is different. Time restrictions on a dumpster permit vary depending on the location and the type of work you’re doing. Typically, time limits range from a few days to a month. The average rental period for our customers is seven to 10 days.
Does a dumpster permit have any special requirements?
Depending on the city, you will need to abide any time limit restrictions for your dumpster rental, even if it’s placed in your driveway. Some other common requirements include:
- Covering your dumpster when it’s not actively in use.
- Using reflective tape, cones and No Parking signs in the street.
- Maintaining maximum distances from intersections or sidewalks.
- Taping a copy of your permit to the bin.
Be sure to follow any additional rules and regulations outlined in the permit. Not doing so could result in the city forcing you to stop work or remove the dumpster altogether.
What happens if I don’t have a permit?
If you don’t have the necessary permit at the time of delivery, the driver won’t drop off the bin and you’ll be charged a trip fee from Budget Dumpster. Your city could cite you and order the bin removed if it's delivered and you don't have a needed permit. If Budget Dumpster has to move your roll off dumpster and you are at fault, you will get a trip fee.
Have Questions About Dumpster Permits in Your Area?
Budget Dumpster will help you figure out what you need and how to get it.