02/14/2018

Proposal to allow limited sale of used cars at repair shop goes to Planning Board

The town is considering an ordinance update that would allow a car repair shop in town to also sell a small number of used cars on its lot.

The Town Council on Feb. 12, 2018 referred to the Planning Board a draft ordinance change that will allow car repair shops in one of the town's business-zone designations to sell up to three used cars on their lots.

The proposal comes from the Cape Elizabeth Service Center at 560 Shore Road, which is located in one of the town's two Business A districts.

Councilors voted unanimously to send the proposal to the Planning Board. "We as a town need to support small businesses," said Councilor Penny Jordan. "This is something that allows this business to leverage the work that they do in another way; to diversify," she said. "Is it going to become a huge used-car lot? If we craft this properly that isn't what will occur. But I believe in demonstrating support for small businesses in town."

Other councilors supported the referral, but were concerned about neighborhood reaction and about including regulations for signage that should instead by addressed in the sign ordinance.

The shop has historically sold a limited number of repaired vehicles at its Shore Road location, said Town Manager Matthew Sturgis. Although a state law allows sales of fewer than five used cars per year, according to Sturgis, selling used cars is not listed as an allowed use in the town's Business A district and is therefore illegal there.

The shop is proposing an ordinance amendment that would allow repair shops in the Business A district to have up to three dealer plates at a time, with one 8-1/2 by 11 inch sign "for sale" sign posted in each car window.

The Planning Board's task will be to review the proposal, hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the council, which will also be required to hold a public hearing if it decides to go forward with the request.