FARMINGTON — After a few modifications were suggested, the planning board this week approved the plans as presented for AutoZone Parts, Inc. to construct a new 7,381-square foot store in the area between Burger King and the Wal-Mart driveway.

Dustin Roma, civil engineer for the project, said it made total sense to use the existing driveway to Wal-Mart rather than create a new one. Negotiations are underway for that access and permission to remove some of the granite to allow turning into the new business.

There is already a storm drain on the site and three more catch basins will be added for self-containment. All runoff water will be captured and not sent toward Wal-Mart. The public water supply on the Wilton Road will be tapped into.

The sidewalls will be monolithic style concrete and slip form concrete around the property will give a continuous look. Lighting will be designed so that limited lighting will go off the property.

Roma said a lot of time was spent reviewing the landscaping requirements. He feels the plan meets or exceeds those. The plans propose a planting of white pine and other softwoods along the Burger King side.

There will be a free standing pylon sign and 37 parking spaces are planned. While the minimum would be 30 spaces, similar sites for the business provide 3540. 458 average daily trips to the business are anticipated.

Planning board member Tom Eastler asked where the frost depth of 48 inches came from. 4-6 feet is typical in this area. He said, “Look at the Wal-Mart parking lot and see how it has weathered. They under-designed the frost characteristics and didn’t go down deep enough.” It may take 5-10 years for those characteristics to be seen.

Board chairman Clayton King asked about snow removal and if there might be an alternative to the color scheme which is really bright. Roma said most of the snow removal would be contracted and that while there are other types and styles, the one proposed is the preferred one.

Roma also explained that there would be no loading dock as everything comes in by dolly through a large door. Most deliveries would be made before the store opened for business.

Board member Lloyd Smith asked if the low growing sumac were native plants or invasive ones. He also said the three softwoods suggested would spread out a lot and encroach over the Burger King parking lot. Needles dropping on a flat roof might also be a problem. Roma indicated that the sumac are not invasive and he is willing to look at the softwoods.

Easter suggested that Roma work with Smith and code enforcement officer Steve Kaiser to determine the best trees to use. Smith said maple might be a bit hardier than oak. Roma said if hardwoods were used, there would be fewer of them planted with a bit more space between them.

The board voted to approve the site review application as presented. Lloyd Smith voted in opposition. The soil erosion control and storm water management application was unanimously approved.

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