St. Charles Tightens Ordinance on Charitable Donation Boxes

The city of St. Charles tightened its control over donation boxes randomly set up around the city by charitable organizations and for-profit entities.

On Monday night the city council approved an ordinance allowing the placement of donation boxes only at shopping centers, and no more than three boxes per complex. No donation box will be allowed in a shopping center that is 100 percent vacant. The ordinance also limits the size of the boxes and where the boxes can be placed on the property.

The property owner will also have to provide written permission for the boxes to be placed on the property, according to the ordinance.

The ordinance also prohibits boxes from being placed in the public right of way, which has become an issue with some donation boxes across the city.

Last week the city Planning and Development Committee saw photographs of the numerous donation boxes placed throughout the city, some of which blocked sight-lines at shopping complexes or were overflowing with donations that spilled outside of the boxes.

Staff members said they were unaware of the number of donation boxes in the city, but said it is apparent the number has increased over the past year.

Ward 3 Alderman Raymond Rogina questioned why the city even allowed donation boxes since many charities will now come to homes to pick up donations.

During last week’s committee meeting Alderman Jim Martin agreed there might not be a need for the boxes.

For now placing a new donation box in St. Charles will cost $50 for for-profit companies, but charitable organizations are exempt. According to the ordinance a charitable organization must have a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.

The new ordinance takes effect in 10 days.