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Concord ZBA renews and approves variances allowing Chapel Tractor to expand outdoor storage and operations
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Summary
The board unanimously approved four related variances for a Chapel Tractor operation (Br adcor Holdings) to continue and expand a long-standing sales, rental and repair operation, allow outdoor storage nearer the street, waive some screening, and increase storage area; applicants said prior approvals existed but site-plan work delayed implementation.
The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment granted four related variances that will let Chapel Tractor (operating at Break A Day Drive) continue and expand a long-standing sales, rental and repair operation and formalize outdoor storage arrangements.
Attorney Courtney Herz (Sheehan Phinney) and engineer Brent Cole (Granite Engineering) told the board the operation historically sold and displayed large construction equipment and that a previous set of variances had been approved in March 2023. Herz said the project remains delayed by required planning-board site improvements (including widening Break A Day Drive) and that the owner recently purchased an adjacent lot to expand outdoor storage and display.
Herz summarized the four variances sought: (1) continuation and expansion of an existing nonconforming use for sales/rental/repair of construction equipment; (2) allowing outdoor storage within 10 feet of the street (where 50 feet is required); (3) allowing outdoor storage without the usual screening; and (4) allowing roughly 39,600 square feet of outdoor storage where 22,841 sq ft are permitted. The applicant said the outdoor storage primarily consists of displayable product (tractors, excavators) rather than junk and that consolidating operations would improve site safety and function.
Board members noted the prior approvals and the practical need to move the site toward compliance with a formal site plan; each variance was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous vote. The board also concurred with staff that the applications were not developments of regional impact (DRI).
Practical outcome: the approvals allow the applicant to finalize site planning and proceed with the expanded outdoor storage and service-bay improvements, subject to the planning-board and permit-review process.
