Watch the full May 12 TPZ meeting on YouTube
Sourdough, Sanity, and the Special Permit Process
The Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Monday evening to approve a special permit allowing resident David Becker St. Germain to operate a cottage bakery and small-scale bread pickup business from his home at 19 Ridgeview Drive.
His wife, Kat Becker-St. Germain, delivered the proposal, detailing operations for “Barking Beagle Breadworks,” a registered Connecticut cottage food business specializing in organic sourdough. With pre-order pickups from a cabinet on their porch and the option of occasional baking classes, the couple presented a low-impact operation with no signage, no employees, and a 100-foot driveway able to handle up to seven cars.
“Put Me On That List”: Commissioners React
Commissioners had few concerns and several compliments.
Rojia Offshar asked about traffic and parking; Kat assured her the driveway could accommodate all visitors and that many neighbors were expected to walk. Bob Canto probed the frequency and duration of proposed baking classes, which would max out at two per month, with no more than five students.
Commissioner Peter Zarella inquired about signage and whether neighbors had expressed support. âTheyâre all very excited,â Kat said.
The business nameâBarking Beagle Breadworksâearned grins, especially after she confirmed, âYes, we have a very cute beagle.â
Motion Passed, Public Hearing Closed
After no comments from the public either in person or online, the commission voted unanimously to approve the permit. The dual permitâtechnically a farm stand and home businessâcovers both baked good pickups and occasional classes. Kat had already exited the chambers by the time the vote was called. âShe dropped the mic and walked out,â a commissioner quipped.
Continuance for Contractor Buildings on New Britain Ave
The Commission also approved a continuance for the pending Richard Jones application to rezone land at 8556 New Britain Avenue from CR to C1 for a three-building contractor complex. That hearing is now scheduled for May 28.
The site plan also includes requests for work in the flood overlay zone and waivers for both impervious coverage and interior landscaping.
A New Shed for South Road
Farmington Housing Authority requested permission to install a 10×16-foot shed in the far corner of the 80 South Road complexâs parking lot. The unit, which does not require a full building permit, will be placed on existing pavement and used for storing maintenance equipment.
Planning staff required the floor be epoxy-sealed to prevent leakage into the stormwater system. No objections were raised, and the shed will move forward.
New Sign for Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Bankerâs relocation to the rear building of the 1055 Farmington Avenue (Cajinos Plaza) prompted a sign application. The small 80×24″ wall sign will be offset to reflect their half-unit occupancy and include a new light fixture. The sign was allowed to proceed administratively, pending standard conditions on lighting temperature and brightness.
Tree Removal on the RidgelineâNo Special Permit Needed
Homeowners at 16 White Oak Drive requested to remove several trees, mostly on the side of the house facing away from the protected ridgeline. One particularly tall tree is under review, pending an arboristâs report.
Staff reviewed sight lines and aerial imagery, determining that no special permit is required. Commissioners confirmed no trails or public visibility concerns exist and directed staff to proceed under current zoning authority.
Flooding, Gas Stations, and Quiet Weeks
Commissioners briefly discussed whether last weekâs heavy rain had caused any erosion or flooding issues tied to recent approvals. Staff reported no complaints or incidents from residents or the highway department.
A razed gas station at the corner of Route 6 and Pinneman remains idle. Staff confirmed the demolition was triggered by Farmingtonâs blight ordinance. The underground fuel tanks had been removed previously, and while no building permit has been filed, the property owner is reportedly seeking investors.
Minutes Approved, Meeting Adjourned
The Commission approved minutes from its April 28 meeting and wrapped the session with some discussion of tree species, driveway loops, and whether the town will ever tame Meadow Road drainage issues.
đ This Article Was Made Possible by the Fine Folks at Farmington Storage
If youâre running a low-traffic sourdough empire out of your kitchen and need a place to stash 40-pound bags of locally milled flourâor say, a statue of yourself in honor of your zoning complianceâvisit Farmington Storage. Weâre the only storage facility in Connecticut with âmuseum air.â Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, or call 860.777.4001 if your antique bread basket needs better ventilation.
đ About the Author
Jack Beckett is the senior writer for The Farmington Mercury, where he drinks enough coffee to qualify for a public hearing. You can find him most mornings at Sunoco across from Farmington High, strategizing over espresso like itâs a zoning board war game.
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