Belfast planning board approves CG Bikes’ move to 34 North Port Ave.

The Belfast Planning Board on July 24 approved a Type 8 nonconformity use permit and a site‑plan amendment to allow CG Bikes to relocate into the former Bloods Garage at 34 North Port Avenue (Map 36, Lot 82).

Chris Gardner, owner of CG Bikes, told the board he wants to move the shop from 39 Main Street to gain visibility, provide customer parking and expand service capacity. The application proposes reusing the existing 1,260‑square‑foot garage, adding a 384‑square‑foot storage structure, six parking spaces (including one accessible space), a bike rack and a small, covered bike‑wash area.

"We're looking to move ... to have a little bit more visibility, more space," Gardner said. He described the wash station as a covered, membrane‑lined collection area designed to capture runoff for evaporation and later disposal of solids, estimating about 2–3 liters of water per bike and roughly five bikes washed per day.

Bob Fournier, the city’s planning and codes director, said the board applied standards in the City Code (Chapter 90 site plan review; Chapter 102 zoning nonconformity provisions; Chapter 98 technical standards) and determined the proposal meets the new Type 8 criteria adopted in 2023 that allow a legally established nonconforming commercial use to change to another commercial nonconforming use when impacts are not increased. "This is the first Type 8 nonconformity review that the planning board in Belfast has ever conducted," Fournier said.

Staff findings cited a small estimated wastewater volume (up to about 2.5 gallons per day), a commitment to dispose of any collected material at a licensed solid‑waste facility (with no discharge to storm drains or the municipal sewer), and a comparison of trip generation tables showing the bike shop would generate equal or less vehicle traffic than the prior auto‑repair use. Fournier also said the applicant expects about one UPS delivery per week and one semi truck delivery roughly once a month.

During the public hearing, Bruce Snyder, chair of the Pedestrian Transportation and Accessibility Committee, spoke in support of the project, saying he and the committee view CG Bikes as an asset that promotes human‑powered transportation and bicycle‑oriented tourism on Northport Avenue. "Northport Avenue is a major pedestrian and bike thoroughfare, and we feel like this is an excellent place to put a bicycle‑oriented business," Snyder said.

Board discussion focused heavily on whether allowing the proposed 384‑square‑foot shed constitutes approval of a "new commercial structure" in a Residential‑1 zone. Member Louie Baker repeatedly asked how a new commercial building could be permitted in a district that does not generally allow new commercial structures. Fournier and other members replied that the Type 8 use permit and accompanying site‑plan amendment are the proper mechanism under the nonconformity article, that dimensional and setback standards still apply, and that the board can require conditions and future review if the applicant increases impermeable surface, adds buildings or alters parking beyond thresholds set in the conditions.

"If there are other permits that somebody someday says you need as well, we'll cross that bridge," Fournier said, describing a finding that the board would require review and approval for subsequent amendments that increase impermeable surface, add buildings or change parking beyond 500 square feet or alter height.

The board moved to accept the drafted findings of fact and conditions (the motion was seconded). One member registered a vote against the findings; the board then voted separately on the Type 8 use permit and on the site‑plan amendment. The use permit passed unanimously; the site‑plan amendment was also approved.

Conditions included maintaining six parking stalls (one accessible), proper striping and signage for accessible parking, regular snow removal, adherence to the approved site layout, and obtaining any additional permits required by in‑town design review or the State Fire Marshal as needed. The board also directed staff to consider clarifying language in the Type 8 nonconformity section of the zoning ordinance for future cases.

The board closed the item, thanked the applicant and moved on to other business. Fournier used the evening to update the board on scheduling (proposed August 21 meeting) and other city planning matters including a district court order related to the former Bradbury Building (a demolition order accompanied by civil penalties) and short‑term rental registration totals used to inform housing work.

The planning board adjourned at the end of the meeting.