Farmington TPZ Greenlights New Gas Station Signage, Historic Expansions & More šŸ›ļøāœØ

A black and white stipple illustration of a formal town planning meeting. Officials sit around a long table, reviewing zoning maps and architectural blueprints. One person gestures towards a large document while others listen attentively in a structured municipal setting.

Farmington TPZ Moves on Gas Station Signage, Historic Expansions & More

By Jack Beckett

Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury

Farmington, CT ā€” The Farmington Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ) met on February 10, 2025, tackling everything from gas station signage to expanding the townā€™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:

  • AĀ 5×5-foot monument signĀ with exterior illumination via two spotlights.
  • TwoĀ non-illuminatedĀ building signs (12×4 ft & 10×3.5 ft) with gooseneck lighting.
  • UpdatedĀ dispenser imagingĀ for four fuel pumps, includingĀ 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, “Itā€™s very similar but slightly different.”

Chairman Matthew Bandle added, “I think Iā€™m all set as well. Oh, actually, I had one question on the monument signā€”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 Expandsā€”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 wasnā€™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:

  • AĀ mulch surfaceĀ with possibleĀ under-drain workĀ to improve water flow.
  • Fire marshal-approvedĀ gated enclosures to preserve emergency egress.

Commissioner Bruce Polsky noted, “The wetlands commission had no issue with this, since itā€™s all an area that has been disturbed already.”

The project now moves directly to building permits without requiring a formal site plan application.


Farmingtonā€™s Food Truck Futureā€”Public Hearing Set for Feb. 24

public hearing on February 24 will finalize new food truck regulations. The draft proposal requires:

  • A primary business on-siteā€”No standalone food trucks on vacant lots.
  • 500-foot clearance from brick-and-mortar restaurants, whichĀ must also approve.
  • Signed approval from property ownersĀ before permits are issued.
  • No pop-up tentsā€”onlyĀ single-pole umbrellasĀ 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

new emergency generator for a gas station at the end of Route 4 was also reviewed.

  • The generator will beĀ relocated to meet 15-foot setbacks.
  • Noise level calculationsĀ confirmed compliance with the townā€™s ordinance.
  • A fence will be addedĀ 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, weā€™ll take enforcement action.”


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About the Author: Jack Beckett ā˜•

Jack Beckett writes Farmingtonā€™s best zoning articles, fueled by bad coffee and mild existential dread. When heā€™s not covering TPZ meetings, heā€™s probably complaining about them.


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