Mobile Planning Commission Approves Plan for Auto Shredder

The city of Mobile, Ala., has recommended rezoning a location in the city from light industrial to heavy industrial that would let David's Auto Shredding install an auto shredder at its scrap yard. The recommendation comes with several comments from city officials. Engineers note that the operation must comply with all stormwater and flood control ordinances, and the driveway number, size, location and design need to be approved by the city Traffic Engineering department.

The location where the auto shredder is looking to be installed is on 9.5 acres of land, and it has been a scrap metal facility for around 50 years.

According to the Mobile Planning Commission, “Any use permitted in the proposed district would be allowed at the location if the zoning were changed. Furthermore, the Planning Commission may consider zoning classifications other than that sought by the applicant for the property.

The owner of the property is looking to replace a shear with an auto shredder. The company expects to operate the auto shredding facility seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Parties have 14 days to comment on the Planning Commission’s decision. According to a representative with Mobile’s Planning Commission, the Planning Commission’s decision is the final step in the process before the company can break ground on the project.

The site received preliminary subdivision approval from the Planning Commission in late 2005. Staff has signed the final plan. However, completion of the subdivision process would be required prior to permitting.

In recommending the rezoning, the Commission included several conditions: completion of the Subdivision process; the site be developed in compliance with the planned unit development; depiction of a stormwater detention basin, if required; approval of all applicable federal, state and local agencies prior to the issuance of any permits; full compliance with the landscaping and tree planting requirements; submission of a disposal plan for the unrecoverable waste associated with the process; and full compliance with all municipal codes and ordinances.