Zoning Board Clears Path for Morin Tree Service Expansion 🌲
On December 16, 2024, the Farmington Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance request by Morin Tree Service, a family-owned tree care company based in Farmington, CT. The 6-0 vote allows the business to relocate parking at its undeveloped property at 55 Depot Place, creating a more efficient layout while reducing the non-compliant area within zoning setback limits.
The Farmington Town Hall meeting streamed on YouTube, featured a robust discussion of the application’s benefits to the business and the surrounding community. Watch the entire meeting here.
Details of the Variance
The approved modification moves parking spaces farther from residential zones along Forest Street and maintains compliance with the building’s footprint.
The revision decreases the non-compliant area from 1,620 square feet to 1,067 square feet, representing a net reduction in zoning impact. The parking redesign also minimizes vehicle noise and enhances operational flow for Morin Tree Service’s fleet of trucks and equipment.
Chad Morin, owner of Morin Tree Service, emphasized the project’s focus on community considerations:
“Our goal is to balance our operational needs with respect for our neighbors. This plan ensures we’re further from residential properties and reduces overall disruption.”
The property will maintain a 50-foot landscaped buffer between the parking area and nearby homes, as required by zoning regulations.
Who Voted and What They Said
Board Chairman John Schoenhorn, alongside commissioners Kate Grady Benson, Stephen Walsh, Liz Callahan, Michael Gemsky, and Vikram Subramanian, all voted in favor of the variance request.
Chairman Schoenhorn remarked during deliberation:
“This proposal reduces the impact on residential zones compared to the 2019 plan while supporting a valued local business.”
Community Benefits
The updated layout allows Morin Tree Service’s vehicles to back into the facility and leave facing forward, minimizing noise and eliminating unnecessary maneuvers.
The Board also confirmed the following:
- Noise Control: Wood chipping and material storage will remain limited to designated zones and occur infrequently.
- Special Permit Review: Additional oversight by the Planning and Zoning Commission will regulate hours of operation and site-specific uses.
No members of the public objected to the application, and no written objections were submitted.
What’s Next?
With the variance approved, Chad Morin will proceed with site plan and special permit applications to finalize operational details. These additional steps ensure full compliance with Farmington’s zoning regulations.
Thank You to Farmington Storage!
This article is proudly sponsored by Farmington Storage, your reliable storage solution in Farmington, CT. Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, they’re just a call away at 860-777-4001. Thank you for supporting local journalism!
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