Do You Need a Permit for a Dumpster Bin Rental?
If you are moving and require a dumpster to help declutter your home before the big day, then you may have a few questions in mind, especially if it is your first time. For instance, you may not be sure about what is involved in a bin rental, such as a permit. However, the answer to the aforementioned question may depend on where you live, as well as where you plan on setting or placing the dumpster that you’ve rented. Here, we will address such questions as well as explain what is required in order to obtain a permit for bin rental purposes
Do you need a permit?
Whether or not you require a permit for your bin rental will depend on several factors. For example, if you are thinking of erecting the dumpster on your driveway or your yard, then you will not require a permit to rent the dumpster. However, if you are planning on setting it near a public alley, on a street, or on the sidewalk, then you will need to obtain a permit from the Public Works Department in the city that you reside in.
How to Obtain a Permit
In some cases, you may be able to set the dumpster on your driveway or in your yard. However, some circumstances or scenarios may require a different placement locale, such as the sidewalk or the street. If the aforementioned scenario applies to you, then you will need to obtain either a road occupancy, street use, public works, or minor improvements construction permit from the city.
Please note that the permit that you will need to apply for will differ from city to city. However, the end result will be the same, as you will be legally permitted to set the dumpster in a public zone after you have obtained the necessary permit to do so.
Also, the process to apply for the permit is relatively simple. That is, in most cases you can apply for a permit by filling out an application form on the Public Works website of your city. As for what types of questions they will ask, you will likely need to provide them with a few personal details, such as your name, details on the specific project that you will be working on, and your address. Furthermore, they may also ask that you provide them with an illustration that depicts where you will set the rental bin, and the website will also inform you if you are legally able to have a rental bin on your property.
How long will it take to receive it?
The turnaround time, from application to receival, can vary greatly, depending on the city that you live in. The cost of the permit will also vary significantly, depending on the city, so it is best to plan ahead and apply as soon as you can. To illustrate, if you live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then you will be charged $25 per week to use the bin if it is for a residential property, and the application can be approved over the counter in some cases.
However, if you live in, say, Hamilton, Ontario, then you will need to wait a minimum of five days for the road occupancy permit to be approved, and the cost to obtain the permit will be roughly $50.
It is also important to note that your city may invalidate your permit during certain times of the year or during certain emergencies. For instance, your city may not issue permits, or may render your permit void for a limited period of time, in the event of a snow storm or street cleaning necessitated by a natural disaster or parade.
Moreover, you should be aware of any parking restrictions before you set the dumpster down, and it goes without saying that you will want to keep it away from fire hydrants. The exact distance will vary from city to city, so don’t forget to ask if you are uncertain.
What if I decide not to get a permit?
You will be legally obligated to obtain a permit for a dumpster that you intend on placing on public property. Failure to do so can lead to harsh penalties, such as having to pay hefty monetary fines or be issued tickets by the city. In some cases, your dumpster may also be impounded, which can cause further problems and headaches if you have rented it from a dumpster rental company in your city.
Now, some people may feel that taking a chance may be worth it, especially if the project is a one-day or weekend project. However, your city’s officials can be notified of an illegal parking violation via a simple email or phone call. That is, a neighbour, bystander, or pedestrian may decide to call your city’s officials if they feel that your dumpster has been illegally placed on city property.
If so, you will be legally required to provide the city official with a permit or be subject to harsh penalties. In fact, if you also decide not to pay the fine or ticket, then you may even be incarcerated for a period of time, so it is highly recommended that you obtain a permit before you rent a dumpster.
Homeowners vs. Contractors
It doesn’t matter if you are a contractor or if you are a homeowner. You will still require a permit in order to legally set the bin on the street. In addition, the amount of time that you can place the bin on public property will also vary from city to city, so you should ask ahead of time so that there are no unpleasant surprises in the future.
If you require a bin rental with free delivery and without any hassles, then please visit our website or give us a call at 905-230-1300 for a free, no obligation quote and consultation. At Gorilla Bins, we go bananas over junk!
Call us today! 
