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Phippsburg planning board approves Don's Garage permit with limits on car sales
Summary
The Phippsburg Planning Board approved a permit for Don's Garage and Auto Sales at 115 Stony Brook Road, allowing vehicle and marine repair and boat storage while imposing conditions: hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m. six days a week, after-hours work confined to the garage, lawful handling of waste oil and antifreeze, sign limits per ordinance, and car sales capped at 12 per year.
Phippsburg — The Phippsburg Planning Board voted to approve an application by Donald Fortin to operate Don's Garage and Auto Sales at 115 Stony Brook Road, with conditions aimed at limiting noise, lighting and sales activity.
Donald Fortin, the applicant, told the board he plans to "repair cars, trucks, [and] store boats" at the site and may offer occasional car sales in the future. Neighbors and board members pressed for specific operational limits during a public hearing March 30, 2023.
The board imposed a set of conditions read into the record by Marie, chair of the planning board: hours of operation shall be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., six days per week; any repairs performed after those hours must take place inside the garage; antifreeze and waste oil must be handled "in a lawful manner"; signage must conform to the town's sign ordinance; and car sales are limited to 12 vehicles per year. The applicant was also required to obtain any other permits needed to run the business.
Residents raised concerns about vehicle storage, debris, traffic and nighttime security lighting. "We're just looking for no trash, debris — you know, just keeping it in good order," said resident Keith Sikora, who lives nearby and recalled prior restrictions when a different business operated on the property.
Board members said the portion of the parcel the applicant is leasing includes a berm and trees that will help screen the operation from neighbors and noted prior reviews had not identified site-plan problems for the leased area. The applicant confirmed he will not sell fuel on site and will not perform outboard motor repairs; he said some services (for example, body work or tires) may be sublet to outside contractors.
A committee member moved to approve the application "as presented with all of the added rules," a motion that was seconded and carried. The record does not include a roll-call vote; board members read the required findings under the town's land use ordinance (section 12 d 3 and related standards) before approving the application.
The board told the applicant that if he wishes to increase vehicle sales in the future beyond the statutory threshold that triggers a dealer's license, he must return to the board for a follow-up hearing and additional approvals. The applicant indicated he understands that obtaining a dealer license would require a separate application and process.
The planning board concluded the hearing after administrative wrap-up and payment instructions; residents and members offered congratulations on bringing a local business to the town.
The applicant must secure any outstanding certified mail signatures and other required permits before beginning operations.
