North Kingstown Planning Commission Meeting – October 20, 2026

On October 20, 2026, the North Kingstown Planning Commission held a regular meeting at Town Hall. The commission addressed several general business items, including waiver requests, a special use permit, and a development plan review for a hair salon expansion. Key actions included approval of two waiver requests and approval of the Lift Hair Studio expansion with conditions, following a public hearing and discussion about groundwater protection.

Consent Calendar

• Special Planning Commission Meeting: The commission set a special meeting for October 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM, primarily for the Pleasant Valley project.
• Minutes: The minutes of the August 25, 2026 site visit and the September 1, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lift Hair Studio Public Hearing: Two members of the public spoke.
  • Richard Welch expressed initial opposition but later supported the application, acknowledging the applicant's honesty. He emphasized the importance of protecting the sole source aquifer and recommended quarterly inspections of the filtration system and septic discharge. He noted that the town had previously opposed hair salons in groundwater recharge areas, but supported this application due to the applicant's integrity.
  • Ricky Thompson echoed Mr. Welch's concerns about groundwater protection and highlighted past failures in reporting compliance for similar systems. He supported quarterly reports to ensure accountability.
• David Barnes, the building owner, spoke in support of the applicant. He described the new septic system he installed, which included a large leaching field, and noted that the applicant's organic product use was a key reason he allowed the salon. He praised the applicant's conscientiousness and the immaculate condition of the space.

Discussion Items

• Waiver Request – Everyday Coffee Company (Dunkin'): The commission considered a waiver from development plan review for a fast-food restaurant under 1,500 sq ft in the Wickford Junction Plaza, located in a groundwater recharge area. The change is interior to an existing Walmart. The commission found no impact on drainage, circulation, or landscaping and approved the waiver unanimously.
• Waiver Request – Westerly Community Credit Union: The commission granted a waiver to defer submission of state permits (DEM septic, stormwater, and DOT physical alteration) until final plan review, citing state law incongruities and the applicant's schedule to break ground by March 2027. The waiver was approved unanimously.
• Lift Hair Studio Expansion – Special Use Permit and Development Plan Review:
  • The applicant, Candace Brisson, sought to expand her hair salon into an adjacent tenant space (from ~560 sq ft to double), with no new sinks or chairs. The site is in a groundwater recharge area.
  • Staff reported that the existing granular activated carbon filtration system, approved by the Water Department and URI in 2023, would remain unchanged. A missing maintenance plan was submitted and accepted.
  • Commission members expressed concerns about enforcement, reporting, and product changes. They discussed requiring quarterly vs. semi-annual filtration reports. The applicant stated she changes the filter every 3–6 months and uses organic, biodegradable products. The water department recommended twice-yearly reports with photos of the cartridge and housing connections.
  • The commission debated the need for quarterly inspections and oversight, noting past issues with report tracking. They decided to require semi-annual reports and directed staff to create a tracking checklist for future conditions.
• Administrative Actions: Staff reported approval of two minor subdivision adjustments (Trent Road lot merger, Pojack lot line adjustment) and a minor modification for Hollow Ridge (well house location).

Key Outcomes

• Waiver Granted – Everyday Coffee Company (Dunkin'): Motion made and seconded; all in favor. The waiver from development plan review was approved.
• Waiver Granted – Westerly Community Credit Union: Motion made and seconded; all in favor. The deferral of state permits to final plan was approved.
• Lift Hair Studio – Special Use Permit Approved: Motion made and seconded; all in favor. Findings of fact were read, concluding no change in use character, no threat to water supply (with filtration and septic), adequate sewage disposal, and minimal impact. Conditions include:
  1. Limited to two stylist chairs and one washing station.
  2. Only organic products represented in 2023 and October 20, 2026 meetings may be used; any product changes require administrative approval from the Water Department.
  3. Product changes must be noted with the Water and Planning Departments.
  4. Any additional stations or chairs require new Planning Commission review.
  5. Semi-annual maintenance reports (including cartridge inspection dates, photographs, and replacement dates) must be submitted to the Water Department.
• Lift Hair Studio – Development Plan Review Approved: Motion made and seconded; all in favor. Findings affirmed no changes to building exterior, traffic, or drainage. All conditions from the special use permit apply.
• Minutes Approved: August 25, 2026 site visit and September 1, 2026 meeting minutes were approved.
• Next Steps: Staff will add a discussion item on tracking compliance for planning conditions to the November 17, 2026 agenda.