Clearlake planning commission approves auto body shop and drive‑up recycling center

The Clearlake Planning Commission on April 7 unanimously approved two conditional use permits for new neighborhood businesses: an auto body repair shop at 14915 Olympic Drive and a drive‑up CRV recycling center at 2450 Augulan Canyon Road.

Chair Williams opened the hearing on CUP 2026‑01 for CNG Auto Body Repair, and staff described the proposal to use units G and O in Olympic Plaza. According to the staff presentation, unit G would house the repair operation (including a paint booth and up to five work bays) and unit O would be for storage; the application listed three employees and indicated vehicles would be stored inside when complete. Staff noted the project is in a general commercial zone and is on an existing developed lot. The staff report listed operating hours in the record as 8:00 to 5:00 and described the project as categorically exempt from CEQA for work in an existing facility.

Commissioners asked about on‑site parking, storage of in‑operable vehicles, and restroom accessibility. Commissioner Silva confirmed staff conditions prohibit outside storage of in‑op vehicles. Vice Chair Smallley…