ZBA approves special permit for HBS Motors to open automotive repair shop at 2 Birch Road #306

The Middleton Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously April 23 to grant a Special Permit and approve the Site Plan for HBS Motors to operate an automotive repair facility at 2 Birch Road #306.

Edwin Diaz, the applicant, told the Board the business would convert a 1,780‑square‑foot unit to a maintenance, diagnostics and service facility, operate primarily by appointment with one employee and expect two to four customers per day. Proposed hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Planning Board reviewed the application and recommended approval.

The Board’s motion, made by Craig Hartwell and seconded by Linda Richards, accepted findings that the use meets relevant sections of the Town of Middleton Zoning Bylaw, including community need, vehicle and pedestrian safety, adequacy of utilities and consonant development within the M1 Light Industrial district. The Site Plan and Special Permit were approved subject to general conditions in Exhibit A and special conditions in Exhibit B; the decision references compliance with Chapter 235, §§9.4 and 9.5 of the Bylaw.

Department comments were incorporated into the decision. Conservation staff advised that vehicles that have been in accidents or are leaking fluids should not be stored outdoors to limit runoff to the Ipswich River. The Board recorded the restriction as part of the conditions accompanying approval.

The decision was unanimous. The Building Commissioner will issue the permit and is responsible for ensuring the exhibit conditions are met before the operation begins.

Next steps: the applicant must comply with Exhibit A and Exhibit B conditions and any required inspections before commencing operations.