Planning board approves Jonathan Billings' vehicle restoration use in local commercial unit

The West Bath Planning Board approved a request May 13 from Jonathan Billings to use a commercial space for vehicle restoration and occasional marine maintenance. Billings told the board the work would be semi-retired, hobby-scale activity — generally one or two full restorations per year — and that operations would not be full-time or routinely disruptive.

Billings said he had a lease from the building owner (listed in the record as 'State LLC') and provided a fire-department form for review. Board staff confirmed the proposed use is a permitted use under the zoning for that property and that the town water service serves the unit. The applicant described some light manufacturing tasks (machining small parts, laser-cut brackets) in addition to vehicle work.

Board members reviewed the submitted lease and site details, asked about access and doors, and verified there were no immediate fire-safety objections in the submitted checklist material. A motion to approve the new business 'as presented' passed on a voice vote. Members noted that some approvals require a simple administrative form and that town staff would follow up on any building or fire-code permits as necessary.

What happens next: Billings may begin permitted operations consistent with the approved use and must comply with any follow-up building, fire-safety or zoning requirements identified by staff during permit processing.