Bangor Zoning Board grants parking variances for 1011 Union Street

The City of Bangor Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously granted variances to Nathan Woodard for his auto repair business at 1011 Union Street, allowing him to maintain a one-foot setback and expand his parking lot without a 20-foot buffer. The board found that strict enforcement of the setback and buffer requirements would prevent the property from yielding a reasonable return and create significant safety and operational hardships for the business.

Key points

• The board unanimously approved a variance for the front parcel, allowing Woodard to keep his existing one-foot setback instead of the required five feet.
• The board unanimously approved a variance for the rear parcel, waiving the 20-foot buffer and five-foot setback requirements to allow for parking expansion.
• Applicant Nathan Woodard testified that city staff had previously indicated the one-foot setback could be extended, and that losing parking space would severely impact his ability to service vehicles.
• Code Director Jeff Labrie noted that the 1987 site plan required a five-foot setback and buffer, but the property has operated with a one-foot setback for decades.
• The board also voted to allow member Jordan LaBouff to participate remotely in future meetings while he is out of state for work.

Read the full transcript