Farmington TPZ Moves on Gas Station Signage, Historic Expansions & More
By Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Farmington, CT — The Farmington Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ) met on February 10, 2025, tackling everything from gas station signage to expanding the town’s historic district and new food truck regulations.
Go Happy Gas Station Gets the Green Light for New Signage
The commission approved a signage application from BB Development LLC for the Go Happy gas station at 368 Plainville Ave. The plan includes:
- A 5×5-foot monument sign with exterior illumination via two spotlights.
- Two non-illuminated building signs (12×4 ft & 10×3.5 ft) with gooseneck lighting.
- Updated dispenser imaging for four fuel pumps, including racing fuel and diesel signage.
During the discussion, Commissioner Rosia asked, “Is this whole thing identical to what you already have on Route 4?”
Chris, the applicant representative, responded, “It’s very similar but slightly different.”
Chairman Matthew Bandle added, “I think I’m all set as well. Oh, actually, I had one question on the monument sign—is it one or two lights?”
Chris clarified, “Two lights on each side of the sign.”
With no further objections, the motion passed unanimously after confirming that lighting adjustments would comply with town regulations.
Historic District Expands—Two New Properties Added
The Farmington Historic District Commission (FHDC) sought positive referral on a report recommending the addition of:
- 1 Mountain Spring Road
- 729 Farmington Avenue
Both properties are already under FHDC ownership, with 729 Farmington Avenue recently purchased as the new FHDC headquarters.
Town Planner Shannon Rutherford explained, “These have been to the State Historic Preservation Office, and SHPO was able to accommodate these on their agenda last week, February 5th. They were both approved.”
Commissioner Matt Bandle commented, “I was actually surprised it wasn’t already part of the district. It just makes sense.”
The proposal received State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval and will now head to a public hearing before final Town Council approval.
Playground Plans for Westwoods Upper Elementary Move Forward
With preschool students consolidating at Westwoods Upper Elementary, TPZ reviewed plans for a new three-to-five-year-old playground. Located in an existing alcove, the playground will feature:
- A mulch surface with possible under-drain work to improve water flow.
- Fire marshal-approved gated enclosures to preserve emergency egress.
Commissioner Bruce Polsky noted, “The wetlands commission had no issue with this, since it’s all an area that has been disturbed already.”
The project now moves directly to building permits without requiring a formal site plan application.
Farmington’s Food Truck Future—Public Hearing Set for Feb. 24
A public hearing on February 24 will finalize new food truck regulations. The draft proposal requires:
- A primary business on-site—No standalone food trucks on vacant lots.
- 500-foot clearance from brick-and-mortar restaurants, which must also approve.
- Signed approval from property owners before permits are issued.
- No pop-up tents—only single-pole umbrellas allowed.
Commissioner Bob Canto questioned whether food trucks could interfere with local business, prompting Shannon Rutherford to explain, “Any restaurant within 500 feet also has to sign off on this, ensuring fairness to established businesses.”
Other Business: New Gas Station Generator & Open Sign Crackdown
A new emergency generator for a gas station at the end of Route 4 was also reviewed.
- The generator will be relocated to meet 15-foot setbacks.
- Noise level calculations confirmed compliance with the town’s ordinance.
- A fence will be added as a buffer for nearby residences.
Meanwhile, TPZ is cracking down on advertising violations, including unsanctioned signage on gas station bollards. Town Planner Shannon Rutherford reminded businesses, “We have to remind them when we see these things. If they don’t comply, we’ll take enforcement action.”
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About the Author: Jack Beckett ☕
Jack Beckett writes Farmington’s best zoning articles, fueled by bad coffee and mild existential dread. When he’s not covering TPZ meetings, he’s probably complaining about them.
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