Planning commission approves one-year permits for two textile donation bins after debate over maintenance and crime concerns

The Yucaipa Planning Commission on Aug. 20 approved one-year special use permits for two textile donation facilities — each comprising three 4-by-4-by-7-foot collection bins — proposed for 33644 Yucaipa Boulevard and 31515 Yucaipa Boulevard. The applicant is Green Team Worldwide, which operates donation bins nationally.

The permits were approved after commissioners debated concerns raised by city staff, the sheriff’s/public-safety representatives and local residents about possible nuisance, litter and crime around the bins. The approvals include a 12-month term so the city can reassess operations and enforcement if problems arise.

City planning staff told commissioners the two proposed sites are at existing shopping centers and meet development-code setback standards (staff cited Development Code Section 84.0625 in the project packet). Staff reported that Green Team formerly operated bins at one Yucaipa shopping center without an approved land-use permit and was cited by code enforcement in…