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Planning board approves Hampton River Rentals' mini‑storage project at 420 School Street
Summary
South Berwick planners approved a site‑plan amendment and conditional use for a commercial mini‑storage and maintenance facility at 420 School Street, requiring fully shielded 3,000‑K lighting, compliance with stormwater BMP operations, DEP permitting for pond work, and re‑review if the project lapses after three years.
The South Berwick Planning Board approved a site‑plan amendment and conditional use on June 4 for a commercial mini‑storage and maintenance facility at 420 School Street.
The board adopted three conditions of approval: replace all exterior fixtures with fully shielded lights not exceeding 3,000 Kelvin; require the applicant to comply with the submitted operation and maintenance program for stormwater best‑management practices; and require the project to return to the board for review under any new ordinances if it is started but not completed within three years.
"If the project is started and not completed within 3 years, the project must come back for review under any new ordinances," said James Bellissimo, the town planner, as he read the amended condition aloud to the board. The board approved the findings of fact, the conditions as amended, and the application by voice vote after a motion and second.
Board members said a pre‑meeting site walk answered most questions and that lighting and stormwater were the key outstanding items. A representative for the applicant noted two lights on the frontage would be adjusted and that the applicant preferred a verbal commitment over producing a full lighting plan; the board kept lighting limits as a condition.
The applicant and board also discussed pond reconstruction tied to the project’s grading. The applicant was told DEP permitting is required before pond construction may begin and that the DEP will review the site‑wide stormwater treatment plan.
The vote approving the site‑plan amendment and conditional use was taken by voice. No public commenters attended the hearing for this application.
The board will treat the project as a single, phased permit; if the applicant fails to meet the 3‑year start/completion condition the unfinished work must be resubmitted for review under then‑current ordinances.
