Commission approves Mel's Tires license but flags zoning, occupancy and compliance issues

The City of Chelsea Licensing Commission voted on July 14 to approve a garage-and-repair license for Mel's Tires and Auto Services at 200–224 Everett Ave, but the commission and city staff warned the operator that the approval is contingent on the property’s temporary occupancy permit and potential zoning requirements.

Melina (the business owner) appeared with an interpreter, Agueda, and told commissioners the shop plans to sell new and used tires and perform mechanical work. She said the facility has nine bay doors in total, of which she currently plans to operate seven (six in front, two in back) and that the lot provides about 24 parking spaces, six of which are reserved for employees.

City staff and commissioners said Mel's opened in November without securing a city license and that inspectors had issued a temporary occupancy permit that runs for one year from the date last November. Mike (addressing inspection and code matters at the hearing) told the commission the temporary occupancy was granted so the business could open, but that the property’s current use as a garage is not allowed under current zoning without additional approvals. City staff advised the owner to begin a zoning/permit application with the planning office immediately and named John DePrez, director of planning and land use, as the point of contact for that process.

Commissioners and inspectors described several complaints and compliance concerns that triggered the licensing review: late-night music played by an employee (the owner said that employee was dismissed), alarms that required service, and the presence earlier of a U-Haul truck and moving-unit use that the owner said were removed when staff notified her. Inspectors also noted historical issues at the location, including past owners using a large number of parking spaces for vehicle storage rather than customer parking; the application package shows the property’s parking capacity as roughly 24 spaces, with licensing staff advising the licensee to keep spaces available for customer use.

The commission voted to approve the garage-and-repair license with the hours listed on the application and directed the licensee to work with the planning office to pursue the zoning approvals needed for continued operation after the temporary occupancy permit expires. Commissioners emphasized that the license is valid only while a valid occupancy permit is in effect; staff said that if the temporary permit lapses in November without replacement, the license will be nullified and the business would be required to cease operations until zoning and occupancy issues are resolved.

The owner said she has already begun steps to address compliance, will remove unauthorized vehicles, and will contact planning staff and legal counsel about how to pursue a permanent solution. Licensing and inspection staff advised the owner to start the zoning/variance process well before the November expiration to avoid an enforced closure.

The commission approved the license on a voice vote. Licensing staff will monitor compliance and follow up on required zoning or permit actions before the occupancy permit expiration.