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Dorchester County BZA approves special exception for tow-yard outdoor storage with site-plan conditions
Summary
The Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals on March 26 approved special-exception SE2051 to allow outdoor storage of salvaged vehicles at a Mixed Use Community (MUC)–zoned site, contingent on a revised site plan that meets federal, state and county requirements and review by the county Technical Review Committee.
Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals members voted to approve special-exception SE2051 on March 26, allowing outdoor storage of salvaged and inoperative vehicles at a property in the MUC (Mixed Use Community) district, conditioned on submission of a revised site development plan and Technical Review Committee (TRC) approval.
The decision matters because the proposed use — storage of nonrunning or salvaged vehicles (categorized by staff as Use Group 22a) — is not automatically permitted in the MUC zone and requires the board’s special-exception approval. Staff told the board the site appears able to meet required buffering and security standards once the applicant revises the site plan.
Zoning staff outlined the request and the legal framework. The county’s zoning administrator said the MUC district permits towing businesses generally, but storage of vehicles not in running condition requires a special exception. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the applicant revise the current site plan to meet all applicable federal, state and county regulations and obtain final review and approval from the TRC.
Applicant David Broughton, testifying under oath, said he is leasing the property for a towing business and that roughly 80% of vehicles stored at the site leave after insurance processing. He said some vehicles are taken by body shops and, at times when shops are full, some vehicles are delivered to Copart until they can be processed; vehicles that are not picked up may be salvaged. Broughton estimated the proposed storage area could accommodate about 70 vehicles and said his business is seeking a county rotation for vehicle towing similar to its arrangement with Somerville police.
Board member questions focused on the nature of the stored vehicles and site capacity. Mr. Diggs asked if the vehicles would be “end of life” or temporarily stored; Broughton replied most are temporary pending insurance or repair, while some are salvaged. Staff noted the site may require enhanced buffering, security fencing and possibly a traffic-impact analysis at TRC depending on the number of vehicles and trips.
Board member Ms. Harper moved to approve the special exception following staff recommendations; the motion received a second and passed on a voice vote with five ayes and no opposition. The approval was expressly conditioned on the applicant submitting a revised site development plan that meets federal, state and county requirements and on TRC review and approval.
The board closed public comment after hearing from the applicant. Staff said it will follow up with the applicant on next steps and file requirements; the applicant was told staff would email him with instructions.
Votes at a glance: SE2051 — special exception for outdoor storage (Use Group 22a) — Motion to approve by Ms. Harper; second not specified in the transcript; vote recorded as five ayes, zero opposed; outcome: approved with conditions requiring site-plan revision and TRC approval.
The board moved next to other agenda items after the recorded approval; staff indicated the TRC will determine any further technical requirements such as traffic analysis once a revised plan is submitted.
