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USE PERMIT FOR A SCRAP METAL RECYCLING FACILITY AT 1020 EAST CHURCH STREET (P16-0143)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving a Use Permit for a scrap metal recycling facility at 1020 East Church Street.
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Summary
Applicant, H & B Recycling, is proposing to expand its existing recycling facility to operate a drive-through indoor scrap metal recycling center in a building totaling 6,768 square feet located at 1020 East Church Street, on the north side of Church Street between Union and Aurora Streets (Attachment A - Location Map and Aerial Photograph).
The General Plan designates the project site for Industrial land use. This land use designation along with the property’s Industrial, General (IG) zoning allows for a recycling facility with approval of a Use Permit.
DISCUSSION
Use Permit
The project is proposed to be an extension of an existing recycling facility located at 521 South Stanislaus Street and will operate as a drive-through indoor scrap metal recycling center on a 6,768 square foot parcel located at 1020 East Church Street. The site is zoned IG (Industrial, General), and is bounded to the:
• north and west by Industrial General (IG)
• east by residential properties zoned Residential, Low Density (RL)
• south by a public park, and Industrial General (IG)
The General Plan designates the project site for Industrial land use. This land use designation along with the properties Industrial, General (IG) zoning allows for a recycling facility with approval of a Use Permit.
The site will have a main entrance off of Church Street into the recycling center building and an exit onto Hazelton Avenue. All recycling, sorting and storage of materials will occur inside the building on site. The site will adequately provide the required on-site parking for customers and employees. The business will operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the operation will adhere to all City noise regulations.
The Planning and Engineering Division of the Community Development Department, the Police Department, Municipal Utilities Department, other City departments, and the surrounding neighborhood have been notified of this request.
In response, the Planning Division has received communications indicating several concerns from surrounding property owners (Attachment B - Letters of Opposition) including the possibility of illegally obtained recycling of scrap metal materials, possibility of increased crime and/or damage to property in the area due to metal theft, and noise concerns.
Planning staff also contacted Cal-Recycle and City of Stockton Code Enforcement Division to inquire as to whether there were any enforcement cases at the applicant’s current location at 521 South Stanislaus Street. Both groups indicated they currently have no complaints or open violations on file for this location.
In support of this request, the applicant has stated the facility follows all state and local guidelines that include:
• Photo documentation system acceptable to the City of Stockton Police Department will be used to document all sellers that come to recycle scrap metal items
• A three-day hold is placed on all recycled materials valued at $20 or above
• Work with other local recyclers, law enforcement and state registry boards to prevent metal theft
• If material received is listed on Scrap Alert and determined to be stolen, the operator of the facility will inform the police department in writing with pictures and a copy of the person's photo ID or driver's license
• The operator shall report daily or on the first working day after receipt or purchase of the secondhand property, on forms or through an electronic reporting system (such as Scrap Alert)
Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving a Use Permit for a scrap metal recycling facility at 1020 East Church Street.
Environmental Clearance
This request is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 Existing Facilities, Class 1, of the State CEQA Guidelines. The proposed project is located on a developed parcel that is surrounded by urban uses. Existing infrastructure is expected to be able to adequately serve the project.
VOTES
A vote of a majority, four (4), of the total authorized membership of the Planning Commission is required for the Commission to transact business or decide any matter.
Attachment A - Location Map and Aerial Photograph
Attachment B - Letters in Opposition