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Board debates proposal to allow limited 'accessory' auto sales in CV district; members urge careful drafting
Summary
A planning board member proposed allowing accessory car sales (up to three vehicles) at automotive-repair businesses in the CV district by special permit; members agreed the idea merits discussion but urged strict limits, setbacks and work with the zoning bylaw committee before advancing to town meeting.
A planning board member proposed amending the zoning bylaw to allow "accessory car sales" in the CV district, permitting businesses principally engaged in automotive repair or service to keep up to three cars on their lots for sale by special permit. The sponsor argued the change would formalize a practice already occurring at some businesses and would not increase traffic because the vehicles would be kept in existing parking areas.
Board members asked whether the use would be allowed by right or require a special permit; members favored a special-permit route through the planning board. Several members said any change should include conditions — setbacks from the street, limits on signage or price displays, and annual licensing reviews tied to the select board's licensing process — to prevent the CV district from turning into multiple used-car lots. One member suggested involving the zoning bylaw committee to draft detailed language prior to placing it on a town-meeting warrant.
The board did not adopt any bylaw language during the meeting but agreed a more detailed draft and coordination with the zoning bylaw committee and town staff would be the next step before proposing a fall town-meeting article.
