Blackstone selectmen continue home-occupation hearing for ZJ's Home Improvement after zoning and building concerns

The Town of Blackstone Board of Selectmen continued a public hearing on April 8 on a home-occupation permit application for ZJ's Home Improvement after town staff and neighbors raised concerns about exterior storage, an open building permit and documentation showing ownership of the property.

The hearing opened under a public notice citing Chapter 5, Section 21 of the Town bylaws. The Office of Inspectional Services and the Building Commissioner told the board they have received complaints and documented evidence about trash, trailers and what appears to be an in-use accessory structure that may not comply with required setbacks or a completed building permit.

Mr. Tremblay, who told the board he lives at the property and is seeking the home-occupation permit, said the site is primarily used by him and his family and that the trailers referenced by neighbors belong to his parents. “The only traffic we are is my truck. Those trailers aren't mine,” he said. Tremblay described the business as “handyman work, trash removals and landscaping.”

Gino Tayroni, zoning agent and building official in the Office of Inspectional Services, told the board he had discussed the matter with the applicant and asked the selectmen to consider whether the operation meets the bylaw standard for a home occupation. Tayroni said his concerns center on “exterior display and the outwardly display” of equipment and materials and on an accessory structure that may not meet the district’s setback requirements. He said a building permit for the structure remains open and that his office has not confirmed the as-built location is consistent with the plot plan submitted with that permit.

Selectmen and staff also noted a written complaint from a neighbor alleging repeated trash accumulation and the burning of debris; the board was told the complainant has filed photographs and reports with the Board of Health, Inspectional Services and the Town Administrator. The board was warned that the home-occupation bylaw requires no exterior storage or exterior indication of a business and that traffic from the business must not exceed normal residential volumes.

The panel asked whether the applicant owns the property; the application packet indicated the property was owned, but the applicant said his parents are the property owners and have the permit in their name. Town staff said a signature or affidavit from the property owner is required before the board can issue a license.

After discussion about outstanding building and zoning questions, off-street parking requirements and the need for owner authorization, a motion to continue the hearing to the next meeting so the applicant can provide documentation and work with the building inspector passed unanimously.

The board advised the applicant to coordinate with the Office of Inspectional Services and the Building Commissioner to resolve the open permit, confirm setbacks, and address exterior storage and parking before the continued hearing.