Planning commission grants variance so On Call Tire can operate under two business names

The Mayflower Planning Commission voted to grant a variance that lets an existing towing and tire business continue operating at its current location after the owner split the towing side into a separate legal entity.

Planning staff told the commission the automotive sale and service use in the overlay district had been allowed under a prior variance and that today’s request was effectively a technical change because the business is not proposing new services or new buildings. Planning staff member Chris said the use appears to be the same and that "we're just kind of looking at just a name change essentially." Roger, the business owner, said the split is largely for accounting and payroll — "I'm just splitting it up where the companies ain't one tax deal." He added he currently operates only two tow trucks and has no immediate plans to expand vehicle storage.

Commissioners asked about fences, storage areas and the potential for vehicles to accumulate. Commissioner Mark raised concerns that towing businesses can sometimes leave vehicles in storage long enough that the site begins to look like a junkyard; the commission pointed to existing overlay design criteria for fences and said any future changes to the site's footprint or visible storage would require a return to the commission.

After discussion, a motion to grant the variance passed on a roll call vote: Rusty Waters, Camp Brown and James Snut voting yes. The commission recorded the approval conditioned on no immediate physical changes; commissioners said the owner must return for review if he seeks to alter the footprint, add visible storage areas, or change fencing that affects the site's appearance.

The commission moved on to other agenda items.