Board grants waiver and approves final site-plan amendment for Biddeford Auto Wash

The planning board unanimously approved both preliminary and final site-plan amendments for Biddeford Auto Wash (BAW Holdings) at 547 Alfred Street, contingent on updated guardrail details and structural verification.

Tom Saucier of Site Design Associates described a proposed widening of the rear access drive from roughly 12'12.5 feet to about 19 feet to create separate lanes for a new tunnel wash and touch-free bays, reduce queuing conflicts and improve circulation. The application requested a waiver of the 10-foot pavement setback because the site abuts the turnpike; staff and engineering reviewed stormwater and wetland impacts and concluded the changes would not increase impervious area beyond thresholds requiring a DEP stormwater permit.

Saucier said the plan was revised to include a guardrail where there is a 3-5 foot drop and showed two guardrail options; the applicant agreed to provide stamped structural engineering showing the wall can support the proposed pavement and guardrail. Staff said engineering and code enforcement had worked with the applicant and that the guardrail detail and a structural sign-off would satisfy outstanding concerns.

A motion to approve both preliminary and final site-plan amendments (Project 2026.22) passed unanimously; approval was conditioned on updated plans showing the guardrail, concrete filling behind the wall, and a structural engineer's stamp to verify the wall can handle the added stress.