Farmington Zoning Approves Trucks at 155 Scott Swamp; Septic System Repair in Ridgeline Zone Also Gets Green Light
By Jack Beckett | July 24, 2025 | The Farmington Mercury
FARMINGTON, CT — It was a busy night for the Town Plan and Zoning Commission on July 21, but let’s cut to the chase: the Commission voted to approve a site plan modification allowing U-Haul truck rentals at 155 Scott Swamp Road.
Yes, that 155 Scott Swamp Road.
Yes, the one that houses Farmington Storage, our sponsor.
No, we didn’t plan this. But yes, we’re leaning in.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s ethical to both cover and promote a business in the same sentence: we already picked up our check and moved it into climate-controlled storage—available now with coded gate access seven days a week.
U-Haul Trucks: Now Official
Charlie Talmadge of Development Planning Solutions presented the application on behalf of Farmington Heritage Trail Crossing LLC and co-owner James Calciano, seeking formal permission for U-Haul rentals at the existing self-storage site. The business, perhaps inspired by Farmington’s unofficial motto of “ask forgiveness, not permission,” had already been operating the rentals.
“We sort of overran the tips of our skis,” Talmadge admitted.
The Commission approved the request with limited front-lot visibility: only one or two vehicles parked near the entrance, with the rest tucked behind the building, mostly near the dumpster. This, officials acknowledged, would still act as signage—but one that moves, unpredictably, and sometimes parks itself.
“It’s a harmonious use,” said Calciano, noting that customers already using storage often need rental trucks.
It’s not subtle. But in zoning, compatibility counts—and trucks plus storage is peanut butter plus jelly.
Septic System Replaced in Ridgeline Zone
Elsewhere in the meeting, engineer Joe Green spoke on behalf of Michael Pollard to request permission for a new septic system at 2 Old Pinnacle Road. The existing system had failed so catastrophically that laundry now happens offsite. Not metaphorically—at his dad’s house.
Initial test pits revealed ledge, fill, and a confetti mix of car parts, bottles, and ash. A new testing area to the northwest proved viable, albeit within the town’s strict Ridgeline Setback Zone.
Pollard, who attended the meeting, simply said: “We can’t run a washing machine.”
Approved unanimously. Family plumbing crises, solved one permit at a time.
New Hearings Scheduled
Public hearings were scheduled for September 8 on two new applications:
- A warehouse and outdoor storage proposal by More Entry Services at 55 Depot Place and 82-84 Fourth Street.
- An application by Robert Gundel and Judith Rothschild for a pool, patio, and retaining wall at 84 Pinnacle Road, also within the Ridgeline Setback.
Both passed quickly—by Farmington standards, anyway.
The Library Sign Will Now Pop (Tastefully)
The Farmington Village Green and Library Association plans to add a blue background panel to the existing silver-letter sign at Town Hall. The change won’t increase the sign size by much, and the light bar stays put.
Commissioners liked it. Someone even said “pop.”
We all moved on.
Depot Building Vestibule Upgrades
Badeen Realty requested a redesign of the entry vestibule and ramp at 108–112 South Main Street in Unionville. Though the site lies in the Unionville Village District, ADRC (Architectural Design Review Committee) was content to review via email.
The upgrades are minor, mostly to fix uneven entrances and parking. The Commission approved oversight through staff.
Electric Vehicles Are Heavy, and That’s a Zoning Problem Now
Planning Director Shannon Rutherford reopened discussion on how to regulate commercial vehicles in residential areas—specifically, how to define “commercial” when a Ford F-350 weighs less than a Tesla Cybertruck but gets flagged for dual rear wheels.
Rutherford presented new weight classification charts, DMV plate logic, and curb weight calculations for electric vehicles. Commissioner Mike Koster, new to the board but not to truck specs, noted that a “personal” pickup might still require commercial plates depending on the model year.
The Commission debated whether lot size, storage method (garage vs. driveway), or number of axles should guide new policy. A draft text amendment is expected by September.
Also, someone said “dually” again.
Public Stormwater Survey Incoming
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is circulating a survey on public understanding of storm drains—and floating the idea of a future stormwater tax. The Planning Department will distribute the link in coming weeks. Participation is encouraged, especially if you’ve ever dumped paint down a drain and said “it’s biodegradable.”
Sponsor Break 😇
This article is literally about Farmington Storage and is brought to you by Farmington Storage. We’re not saying we’re biased; we’re saying that if you need secure, clean, climate-controlled units with sufficient airflow to store a 19th-century oil painting or your ex-husband’s entire Funko Pop collection, come to 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT. Or call 860.777.4001. Just don’t park your truck out front and call it “advertising.”
About the Author
Jack Beckett is the senior writer for The Farmington Mercury, where he keeps one eye on the Planning Department and one hand on his French roast from Dunkin’. The only thing he stores at Farmington Storage is resentment.
Catch more of Jack’s civic tales, zoning drama, and broken septic dreams at wearefarmington.com, including:
And if your browser still hasn’t crashed, slide into our mentions on X (Twix) — we’re always here for your zoning gripes, policy tips, or jokes about trucks that double as billboards.
Creative Commons License
© 2025 The Farmington Mercury / Mercury Local
This article, “Zoning Board Backs U-Haul Plan—at the Storage Facility That Sponsors Us,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“Zoning Board Backs U-Haul Plan—at the Storage Facility That Sponsors Us”
by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
