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Alton ZBA approves auto-detailing special exception with septic and operational conditions
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Summary
The ZBA approved a special exception to permit an automotive detailing facility at a Route 28 property, limited to detailing and add-ons, and conditioned approval on a septic inspection and restrictions on on-site washing and runoff controls.
The Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 6 approved a special exception permitting an automotive detailing business at a Route 28 property, with conditions intended to limit environmental risk and clarify the scope of activity.
The board accepted application Z25-13 as complete and approved an exception under Article 400, Section 401(d)(7) to allow an automotive and truck motor-vehicle washing facility, but limited the use "solely to detailing and detailing add-ons" and added conditions requiring a septic-system inspection and controls on washing runoff.
Why it matters: the property sits near wetlands and the Merameeding River and marsh; both the Conservation Commission and the fire department raised concerns about potential runoff and containment. The board’s approval is conditioned to address those concerns before business operations begin.
What the board heard: Jeff Breen, the land surveyor representing owner Dan Devereaux, said the intended operation is a small, appointment-based detailing service using an interior bay (about 23 by 30 feet) and that most heavy washing would be done at commercial car washes off-site before vehicles arrive. Breen and the owner said detailing will involve mainly hand work, waxing, vacuuming and dry carpet treatments; they stated there will be no oil-change or heavy automotive-repair work on the site.
The Conservation Commission’s memo, read during the hearing, said: "the septic system should be inspected by a qualified inspector or evaluator prior to approval for this use as the system will be expected to handle a large volume of effluent. Are all the required oil and other containment traps in place and working? These safeguards are especially important to the location of the building being within 250 feet of Merameeding River And Marsh." The board incorporated an inspection requirement into its approval.
Board conditions and motion: the board’s motion approved the detailing use limited to detailing and detailing add-ons; it required a qualified inspection of the septic system and a review of any runoff/effluent before the business may open. The motion also stated that washing should generally occur off-site at commercial car washes and that any on-site wash activity must be limited and controlled so runoff does not reach the septic or nearby wetlands.
Next steps: the owner must complete the septic inspection and demonstrate containment safeguards to the satisfaction of the inspector and town staff before the use may commence. The board said those conditions will be noted in the formal notice of decision and that the approval runs with the lot (not the owner), so future changes in ownership would require the new owner to comply with the same conditions.
