Yuma planners hear proposal for RC Metals recycling center; neighbor demands flood‑control wall

YUMA, Ariz. — The Yuma Planning and Zoning Commission heard a conditional use permit request for a non‑hazardous scrap metal recycling facility proposed by RC Metals on about 0.96 acres in the city's Light Industrial zone.

Joshua Adaro, assistant planner in community planning, summarized the application and staff report, saying the facility would include RC Metals' corporate offices and on‑site sorting and baling operations. Adaro said unprocessed material would be stored in a yard south of the building while baled material would be stored in a structure to the north, and that the proposed use requires a conditional use permit and must comply with applicable light‑industrial standards and the conditions summarized in Attachment A.

John Matthews of Pankressee Real Estate, representing the applicant, confirmed the property had previously been used for recycling catalytic converters and described the proposed operation as a "kinder and gentler" recycling use that would be brought up to code.

Marcus Shapiro, an adjacent property owner and managing general partner, told commissioners stormwater from the subject site has previously flowed onto his property and damaged pavement and tenant units. He asked the commission to require a six‑foot concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall with city permitting and inspection and specific reinforcement. "I want it not only 6 foot high and solidly...and that it has rebar," Shapiro said, pressing for a reinforced base to hold back the recurring floodwater.

Commissioners and staff discussed screening and wall permits. One commissioner noted walls under six feet may not require a city permit, while walls over six feet typically must be engineered; staff pointed to Attachment A and Condition 1 as the source of screening and related requirements and confirmed the applicant will be required to meet city criteria for the wall and other improvements.

There was no formal motion or vote recorded in the transcript on the conditional use permit during the provided segment; the commission moved on after questions and public comment.

Next steps: the commission returned the item to discussion and asked for clarification of the screening requirement and permit conditions; any formal action, vote, or additional conditions would be reflected in subsequent minutes or a later hearing.