Chicken Food Truck, Home Bakery Approved By Farmington PZC

FARMINGTON, CT — When does a town's zoning board play a major role in a community's culinary scene?

When it says "yes" to two new food operations that will allow small business owners to sell their eats in town.

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission did just that at its last meeting, March 24 in the form of two unanimous permit approvals.

In doing so, the town's land-use board allowed for a chicken-themed food truck to set up shop locally as well as for a home bakery to operate and sell bread and other items.

Chicken From A Truck

Following a public hearing, the PZC approved a special permit/site plan for applicant Eric Stagl to operate a Craftbird Food Truck at 17 Depot Place in the Unionville section of town.

Craftbird sells chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and even chicken quesadillas, along with side dishes and beverages.

Stagl was on hand at the PZC meeting to answer questions and present his plans during the hearing on March 24.

He said he obtained permission to operate the truck from the property owner, as well as from three eateries located within 500 feet of where he plans to operate — the Daily Grind, Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant, and the Puente-American Latino Pub.

Stagl told the commission he plans to have an online/takeout ordering system in place for three days a week to start.

He said he would operate the food truck from 3 to 8 p.m. on days of operation.

Only one person spoke at the hearing, Unionville resident Ann Waters, who said she supported the application, but did express concerns about Stagl's use of a generator on site and the impacts it would have.

Stagl said the Honda generator he plans to use is not loud and "does not emit fumes or exhaust that would pose a health or safety issue."

According to Stagl, he doesn't yet plan on putting up picnic tables at the site, but may do so depending on how business is once he opens later this spring.

Once the hearing was closed, the PZC easily said "yes" to the application.

The approval came a couple of weeks after the PZC approved zoning regulation revisions that allow food trucks to operate in commercial/industrial zones.

Bread from home

Right after the PZC said "yes" to a chicken truck, the zoning board unanimously said yes to a local resident's plans to operate a home bakery business.

Ashley Chapman, who lives at 46 Hillside Ave., Farmington, sought and received a special permit to operate a home business (a cottage food bakery) in a residential zone.

Chapman, along with Tyler Hoge, operates "Dough Mama," a cottage food bakery operation in which customers place an order through an app, then pick up their orders locally.

Dough Mama specializes in artisan sourdough breads, bagels, and cookies, among other items.

During the public hearing, four of Chapman's neighbors on Hillside Avenue spoke in favor, but one Hillside Avenue resident opposed the application.

Annmarie Safcak said she was concerned about the narrow road and the potential for Dough Mama customers turning around in her driveway and other driveways, possibly damaging lawns.

Chapman and Hoge also said they will include specific directions to customers so they can find Dough Mama and implement specific pickup protocols.

After the hearing was closed, the PZC unanimously supported the application.

For the minutes of the March 24 Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From March 10: 'Food Trucks Now Allowed In Farmington'