Businesses engaged in the bulk storage of materials, as defined herein, may cause excessive noise, traffic and odor and may otherwise impact the health safety and welfare of Bellingham residents. As a consequence, all existing and proposed bulk storage operations must obtain a bulk storage license from the Board of Selectmen.
BULK STORAGE
The outdoor storage of materials, such as, but not limited to, sand, mulch, lumber, coal, or other bulk materials not for retail sales on premises whether as a primary or accessory use of the subject property; and the bulk storage of liquids in tanks except underground as an accessory use.
No more than five bulk storage licenses shall be granted and in effect at any one time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each bulk storage use existing as of the effective date of this bylaw may be entitled to a license and such license may be renewed, provided that said bulk storage use applies for a license within 60 days from the effective date of this bylaw and provided further that such existing use is compliant with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and accepted standards for such use. In the event that there are more than five existing bulk storage uses that obtain licenses, as aforesaid, no new licenses may be granted until the number of such active licenses falls below five.
Bulk storage licenses must be renewed annually. Each such license shall terminate on December 31. An application for renewal must be received by no later than November 15 of any given year. The Board of Selectmen shall vote to issue such renewals at duly posted meeting.
When determining issuance or renewal of a bulk storage license the Board of Selectmen may take into consideration any concerns regarding health, safety and welfare of the residents of Bellingham, as well as any environmental concerns. The Selectmen may impose conditions on the issuance or renewal of a bulk storage license. The Selectmen may impose reasonable conditions on any bulk storage license.
In the event that any bulk storage licensee is found to be in violation of its license or of any law, regulation, bylaw or other accepted standard, the Selectmen may commence a proceeding for revocation of the license. Such proceeding shall be commenced by written notice to the licensee of a hearing before the Selectmen, not less than seven days following the date of delivery of such notice. The licensee shall be provided with an opportunity to present evidence and testimony at any such hearing. The Selectmen's decision shall be issued, in writing no later than 21 days following the close of such hearing.