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 asked whether the existing restroom would meet Chapter 11B accessibility requirements; staff said accessibility issues are typically addressed during the building permit phase. A member of the public, identified as Michael, questioned the hours listed in the record, saying he thought the stated hours were incorrect; staff said they would correct the record as needed. The applicant confirmed the business is operating at the site and said it will work with insurers for business. Commissioner English voiced support: "We want you here. We want you to succeed," he said.

The commission moved to adopt Resolution PC 2026‑01. Commissioner English made the motion, Vice Chair Smallley seconded, and the roll call vote was Smallley Aye, English Aye, Silva Aye, Chair Williams Aye. The motion passed and the conditional use permit was approved.

On the second agenda item, staff introduced CUP 2026‑02, a proposed drive‑up recycling center to accept California CRV materials at a fenced 3,600‑square‑foot area within a roughly 1.44‑acre parcel at 2450 Augulan Canyon Road. Staff said the proposal—presented by applicant "Cindy no" and representative Richard Nol—would locate two sheds inside the fenced area for processing and storage, include solar security lighting, and store materials inside during nonoperational hours. Staff described a site improvement of about 20–30 feet of the access road with an all‑weather surface and said the operation was proposed to run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; staff also cited CEQA Section 15303 as the categorical exemption.

Commissioners asked about utilities (whether power, water or sewer would be connected) and restroom arrangements. Commissioner Silva asked whether restroom access relied on a neighboring tenant; staff and the applicants said restroom use was primarily for employees and that the public restroom issue would be managed but that employees would have access. Representative Richard Nol estimated queuing capacity: "there could be room for as many as nine vehicles" between the gate and the center if drivers line up in an orderly fashion, and said transactions typically take about five minutes. A nearby resident who said they live across the street raised concerns that the site could draw long lines and cause people to cross the highway to reach the center.

After discussion, Commissioner English moved to adopt Resolution PC 2026‑02; Commissioner Silva seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous (Smallley Aye, English Aye, Silva Aye, Chair Williams Aye) and the conditional use permit for the drive‑up recycling center was approved.

Votes at a glance • CUP 2026‑01 (CNG Auto Body Repair, 14915 Olympic Drive): Motion by Commissioner English; second by Vice Chair Smallley. Vote: Smallley Aye, English Aye, Silva Aye, Chair Williams Aye. Outcome: Approved. • CUP 2026‑02 (drive‑up CRV recycling center, 2450 Augulan Canyon Road): Motion by Commissioner English; second by Commissioner Silva. Vote: Smallley Aye, English Aye, Silva Aye, Chair Williams Aye. Outcome: Approved.

What happens next Both approvals carry standard conditions of approval and are subject to building permit review where accessibility and construction details will be verified. Staff said some operational details (restroom access and access‑road paving) will be further addressed in permit processing and site improvement plans.