The Saco Planning Board voted Aug. 19 to grant conditional‑use approval to Baruby Equipment Rental to add a state‑authorized vehicle inspection service at 1040 Portland Road, after a continued public hearing and a set of conditions the board adopted to address public safety and environmental concerns.

Why it matters: the business operates equipment rental and repair activity on Portland Road. The requested change means the business will be certified to put state inspection stickers on customer vehicles and operate as an automotive repair services use in addition to existing on‑site uses. Planning staff explained the change requires approval because the accessory repair use on site had been limited to work on the applicant’s own equipment; expanded inspections for customers create a new, broader repair service that triggers conditional‑use review in the Portland Road zoning district.

Conditions and safety measures: board members and staff pressed for clear conditions limiting potential environmental exposure and neighborhood impacts. Planning board member Jeff Brusciau proposed, and the applicant accepted, a condition that no vehicles that require DOT placarding due to loaded cargo—i.e., hazardous or placarded vehicles—may be parked on the site for longer than 24 hours, and the site shall not be deemed a “safe haven.” The applicant told the board its insurance already prohibits acceptance of loaded hazardous tankers on site; the board added a condition intended to make that requirement enforceable for future owners. Fire Department and code‑enforcement comments were incorporated into the proposed findings and conditions; the board adopted the findings and eight conditions of approval and then approved the conditional use permit.

Board action: The board adopted the findings of fact (vote 5–0, one abstention), adopted the conditions of approval as amended (vote 5–0, one abstention) and granted the conditional‑use approval (vote 5–0, one abstention). The abstention noted in the record was by one board member on procedural votes.

Quotes: “We are very concerned with the safety aspect… If something were to happen or there would be a spill, it would be devastating for us as a small business,” the applicant said, describing existing insurance and operating practices. Planning Board member Jeff Brusciau asked for the 24‑hour limit and said it would protect neighbors and future owners.

Next steps: the conditions require the applicant to meet outstanding Fire Department and code‑enforcement comments and to proceed under the adopted conditions; the permit is effective with those conditions in place.