Planners hit impasse

When the Chico City Council decides the ultimate fate of Chico Scrap Metal’s East 20th Street location, it will do so without a recommendation from the Planning Commission.

That’s because the commission failed to reach consensus on whether the recycler should be allowed to stay or have to move due to its noncompliance with current zoning. On Feb. 18, the panel voted 3-2 to reject a positive recommendation from city staff on the recycler’s proposed aesthetic improvements that would allow it to stay. Then last week (April 7), the commission failed to approve a negative recommendation with a 2-to-3 vote.

The business was ordered to move in 2006 and has since received several extensions. The issue is expected to come before the City Council on May 3.