Stanislaus County staff recommends permit for scrap metal recycler in south Modesto

Stanislaus County planning staff recommends approval of a land use permit for a controversial scrap-metal recycling business in south Modesto.

The county permit would allow Central Valley Recycling on South Ninth Street to collect up to 2,000 tons of scrap metal per month. The business had asked for a monthly maximum of 2,500 tons.

Other conditions would require that two excavators operate at least 150 feet away from the east fence, which partly screens the 2-acre site from a residential neighborhood. The noisy equipment could crush cars from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays but not on weekends.

The county Planning and Community Development Department also recommends that the Planning Commission review how well the company complies with the permit requirements after one year.

The Planning Commission will consider the proposal at its meeting Thursday.

Central Valley was facing a county abatement action in 2013 after a code enforcement investigation confirmed it created a noise and dust nuisance for nearby residents. The business uses a grappler to crush and stack discarded vehicles. The scrap-metal company rapidly grew after a county business license was issued in 2009, resulting in numerous complaints from neighbors.

County supervisors allowed Central Valley to apply for a use permit and show it could minimize the effects on the neighborhood.

A staff report for Thursday’s commission meeting credits the business with making changes to its operation that reduced the noise and dust.

Staff members found the business is consistent with other recyclers in the area that process metal and other materials. Universal Service Recycling on South Ninth was granted a use permit in May 2014, and Zaff’s Scrap Metal has operated for 25 years.

Central Valley would boost its operation from a monthly average of 1,350 tons and increase from nine to 18 full-time employees, plus five part-time workers, according to a report. The site also is a state-certified redemption center for aluminum, plastic, glass and other recyclables.

The proposed improvements include a 10-foot block wall on the east boundary, a system to prevent polluted stormwater from running off-site, and landscaping along Bystrum Road.

The Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the basement chambers of Tenth Street Place, at 1010 10th St., Modesto.

This story was originally published May 3, 2015 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Stanislaus County staff recommends permit for scrap metal recycler in south Modesto."