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Farmingdale business told to revise oversized sign and outdoor storage plan while ZBA holds special-exception request
Summary
Express Diagnostics sought zoning approval for a Farmingdale location; the board raised concerns about an oversized sign, outside vehicle storage and rear sheds, and asked the owner to return with smaller sign options, an outdoor storage plan and fire marshal sign-off before a decision.
The Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals on June 5 continued hearings on two Farmingdale applications (25070 and 25071) for an automotive diagnostics business operating as Express Diagnostics (DBA Express Diagnostics / ADAS Hempstead). The board kept the record open and reserved decision while requesting follow-up on signage, outdoor storage and fire-marshal items.
Architect Brian Fisher and owner Steve Piero described the business as primarily a mobile diagnostics and recalibration service that operates with vans and conducts some work at the Farmingdale site, including wiring and recalibration; they said no mechanical oil changes or heavy mechanical repairs take place on site. Fisher told the board the tenant learned it needed zoning approval after being contacted by the Department of Motor Vehicles and that the existing ground sign predates the current tenant’s lease. Piero said the sign was there when the landlord purchased the building in 2008 and that he had not altered it.
Board members and staff raised several concerns: the sign is “too big” and not in compliance with the code; the board suggested the applicant consider removing or downsizing the sign and landscaping the base; the board asked for alternative, smaller sign proposals. The board also asked for a plan for outdoor storage and use of vans: Piero said the business operates several vans and that some are staged at the property when preparing for multi-state jobs; he described two back-yard sheds used for seasonal tools and equipment and said they are not permanent structures. The board asked the applicant to provide accurate, contemporaneous plans for outdoor storage and to document how many vans would be stored overnight.
Fire marshal requirements were also discussed: the owner said he had addressed three outstanding fire-marshal items and that the fire marshal plans to reinspect within 30 days. The board asked the applicant and architect to return with a specific sign-reduction proposal, a plan for outdoor vehicle storage and to obtain final fire-marshal clearance before the board advances the application.
The hearing was closed and decision reserved; the board instructed the applicant to submit sign alternatives, a written outdoor-storage proposal and to coordinate final fire-marshal approval with the zoning office.
