Valley Center approves special use for pallet recycling at 201 S. Cedar with 90‑day permit timeline

The Valley Center City Council approved second reading of Ordinance 1434-25 to allow a pallet recycling facility at 201 South Cedar, contingent on the site coming into full compliance with building, fire and zoning regulations and meeting several conditions, including quarterly fire-inspection checks and a 90-day timeline tied to permit issuance.

Council action followed an extended discussion between city staff, council members and facility representatives about compliance steps the business must take before expanding operations. The council’s final motion required that rough‑in inspections be completed within 90 days of permit issuance and that final inspections follow within a further 90 days. The council also directed the Valley Center Fire Department to perform quarterly safety and compliance inspections and required notification to the city zoning administrator of any ownership changes.

Why it matters: Residents had raised concerns about dust, large outdoor piles of mulch and pallet material, and whether the site was operating before necessary approvals. Council members pressed staff and the business for concrete timelines and technical assurances…