Commission approves motor‑vehicle repair and sales at 16 Andrew Street with conditions

The Bristol Zoning Commission approved two related applications on May 11 for 16 Andrew Street: application 2553 (site plan for motor‑vehicle repair/service) and application 2554 (special permit for motor‑vehicle sales).

Attorney James Iogus (S6) described a lengthy review and modifications including lot mergers to eliminate nonconformities, parking plans that create repair bays, visitor and employee spaces and inventory areas, and proposed screening using a vinyl fence and arborvitae. Staff said most site plan comments have been addressed but noted outstanding items and enforcement history dating to 2020–2023, including a building addition constructed without permits.

The commission approved the site plan (2553) with conditions: final sign‑off after all remaining staff comments are addressed; allowance to reduce the required landscaped buffer to 10 feet as depicted on the latest revision; and a requirement that the unauthorized 576.04 square‑foot garage addition be brought into compliance within six months with an as‑built drawing to be provided at the November 2026 meeting. Any incomplete site improvements at certificate of occupancy time must be bonded per zoning regulations.

For the sales permit (2554), the commission authorized 33 vehicles for sale, 4 visitor spaces and 4 employee spaces. The special permit will not be issued until outstanding staff comments are satisfactorily addressed, and the commission will review the special permit in November 2026. Both motions passed by roll call with unanimous yes votes.

The approvals include specific deadlines intended to resolve unpermitted work and assure staff oversight during the six‑month compliance period.