Damariscotta’s planning council unanimously approved a change in use on Monday, February 3 that will allow for the opening of a fishing tackle store on School Street.

Matt Poole plans to open Tightlines Tackle Co. at 60 School Street in about a month. The property once housed a hairdressing salon.

Poole said the store will specialize in gear for commercial tuna fishing, but will also offer gear and bait for freshwater fishing.

Poole said he bought the business from Dave Mason of Walpole about a year ago.

Poole said he had received a permit for a small addition, but will wait until construction to see if he needs additional space. The license is good for one year.

Poole is the CEO of Colby & Gale Inc., based in Damariscotta, and will continue in this role. He will own the tackle store, but someone else will oversee day-to-day operations.

According to town planner Bob Faunce, a change in use typically requires a review of the site plan, but Poole’s plans will not generate additional traffic, require additional parking, or affect drainage.

The planning board agreed to exempt the change in use from a site plan review.

Faunce said the city was working on an amendment to its land use ordinance that would remove the requirement for the planning council to approve a change in use that does not generate more traffic, does not require additional parking space, does not increase soil size or affect drainage.

Change of meeting date

The planning board will hold its next regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday March 9, a date change from March 2.