The Lewiston Planning Board on Dec. 22 approved a self-storage development combining 1675 and 1717 Lisbon Street, subject to conditions intended to ensure stormwater controls and site completion before occupancy. The board found the proposal met the zoning and land-use standards cited in the motion, including Article 13, Section 4 approval criteria, and approved the project unanimously.

Staff told the board the two parcels are in the highway business zone and that storage uses are allowed there. Planner Craig Thibault said staff and public safety had reviewed the application and recommended approval with three conditions related to stormwater performance guarantees, permanent site stabilization, and a professional engineer’s certification of completed site improvements.

Applicant representative Mike Gatto described work on the existing Elks building at the site, saying, “The Elks building itself will be completely gutted, and cleaned and, will be re, modified to have interior climate control self storage and a small office towards the front building.” The project would add roughly 28,000 square feet of new impervious surface, the presentation said.

The board posed procedural and design questions; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. The approval motion required that, prior to a building permit, the applicant coordinate final language for a post-construction stormwater management performance guarantee and record that guarantee with the registry of deeds; that the site be permanently stabilized before issuance of a certificate of occupancy or a performance bond be provided; and that a professional engineer stamp a statement certifying stormwater and site improvements have been completed in accordance with the approved plan before occupancy.

The board took a roll-call vote and approved the application. Next steps are final engineering, recording the performance guarantee and issuance of permits; staff will monitor compliance with the stated conditions.