Planners give nod to recycling center

The planners agreed unanimously to recommend that Brian Cantrell be allowed to operate a metal recycling center in the Commerce Industrial Park. To do that, Cantrell needs a conditional use permit. The property is already zoned industrial.

Cantrell told the planning commission that bins for copper, aluminum and stainless steel will be located inside the building, while those for cans and scrap metal — including appliances and vehicles — will be outside.

By a 2-1 vote, the planning commission turned down Melissa Martin’s request for a variance in the zoning ordinance to put a six-foot chain link fence in the front yard of her Hood Street residence. The city ordinance restricts fences in front yards to five feet in height and bans chain link fences in front yards.

While the planners agreed that Martin needs a fence, they found that she did not meet the criteria for a variance under the city ordinance.