Planning & Zoning Regulations & Applications: Torrington, Connecticut (CT)
The purpose of the Planning & Zoning Commission is to guide the growth and development of the City of Torrington so as to promote beneficial and convenient relationships among residential, commercial, industrial and public areas within the town in accordance with Section 8 of the Connecticut General Statutes and the City of Torrington Planning & Zoning Regulations. Planning & Zoning is responsible for the issuance of permits related to commercial projects as well as additions or accessory structures.
The function of the City of Torrington Planning & Zoning Commission includes but is not limited to: adopt, amend and administer the Subdivision Regulations, deciding upon applications for approval of subdivision or resubdivision plans; to adopt and amend the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, to review and make recommendations on all proposed municipal improvements.
Permits are typically required for: new buildings, structures and accessory structures, home occupations, signs, tennis and other sports courts, swimming pools, fences, patios, decks, remodeling that will change a buildings use, proposed uses of existing and proposed buildings and properties, such as commercial uses.
Below please find various application forms and the actual City of Torrington Zoning Regulations. If you have any questions relative to whether your proposed activity requires a zoning permit, please do not hesitate to contact us at (860) 354-9346 so that we may assist you. We also offer full service land use permitting where we handle the entire permitting process from beginning to end.
Torrington Development Guide
This document provides guidance for anyone proposing an activity or project in the City of Torrington.
Torrington Zoning Regulations
Adopted in December 24, 1957, last revised October 22, 2009, the City of Torrington Zoning Regulations should be consulted prior to performing any activity that requires a zoning permit. The Zoning Regulations exist to provide for the orderly and responsible growth of the City from a residential, commercial and industrial perspective.
Torrington Zoning Map
Open this map to determine what zone the property you are interested is in. The zone of the property impacts how close you can have a structure to your property line, how big a structure can be on your property and what uses are allowed for the particular zone (i.e. – commercial or residential.)
Torrington Zoning Permit Application
This application must be filled out for someone who is proposing an activity which requires a zoning permit such as a house or addition in the City of Torrington. This application requires a survey and civil engineering services which we will be happy to provide for you.
Torrington Site Plan Application
A site plan is required per Section 8.4 of the Zoning Regulations for the construction, expansion, outside alteration, or change of use of any building or structure. It is also required for the erection of any sign 50 square feet or greater, the alteration or expansion of a parking area or any change of use of the lot. Only one, two and three family residences are exempt from Site Plan approval. A site plan application typically requires a survey and civil engineering services which can be performed in house by our staff for you.
Torrington Special Exception Application
A Special Exception is required per Section 8.2 of the Zoning Regulations for uses that have a uniqueness and must be looked at on a case by case basis. Please refer to the Section 3.1 Table of Uses to determine which uses require a Special Exception approval. A public hearing is required. A Special Exception will require a Public Hearing at which you must inform your neighbors of the hearing date and the public at large will have the opportunity to comment on your development. A Special Exception application typically requires a survey and civil engineering services which can be performed in house by our staff for you.
Torrington Application to Change Zoning Regulations
This application is needed anytime someone wishes to ask the Planning & Zoning Commission to change the official Zoning Regulations. A public hearing will be required.
Torrington Grading Permit
A grading permit is required under Section 7.3.2 & 3 of the Zoning Regulations for any grading, stripping, or other disturbance of an area except for agricultural use; where the area is less than 1/2 acre or is at a single family residence not part of a subdivision. A bond is required for sedimentation and erosion controls.
Torrington Zone Change Application
This application is needed anytime someone wishes to ask the Planning & Zoning Commission to change the zoning district of a certain area or parcel, thereby changing the official Zoning Map for the city. A public hearing will be required.
Torrington Sign Permit Application
A sign permit is required for any new sign for a business or home occupation. Please contact the Zoning Enforcement Officer to determine what type and size of sign is permitted for your property and circumstances.
Torrington Motor Vehicle Location Approval Application
A location approval is required by the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for all licensed car dealers and/or repair shops and gas stations for changes to the area of the business or change in ownership. All car dealers and repair shops obtain their location approval through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Under new legislation, all gas stations obtain their location approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Torrington Certificate of Zoning Compliance
A certificate of Zoning Compliance is a free document provided to a property owner, attorney, mortgage company, potential purchaser or other interested property to verify that there are no outstanding zoning violations on the property or that a change to the property (whether use or construction) does not require a zoning permit.
Torrington Design Guidelines for Downtown Historic Area
This documents provides design review guidelines for development in the Downtown Historic Area.
Torrington Subdivision Regulations
Adopted February 16, 1956, last revised March 17, 2006, the City of Torrington Subdivision Regulations should be consulted prior to considering a subdivision or resubdivision. The Regulations spell out the requirements relative to splitting your land into multiple building lots.
Torrington Subdivision Application Form
This is the application form that must be filled out for anyone proposing to subdivide or resubdivide their land. A set of subdivision plans typically consist of a survey, site development plan, stormwater management plan, and sedimentation and erosion control plan which can all be performed by our office. Please contact us at (860) 354-9346 for more information on how we can help you subdivide your property.
Torrington Floodplain Permit Application
This application must be filled out by anyone proposing an activity within a floodplain.
Torrington Plan of Conservation and Development
The City of Torrington Plan of Conservation and Development , adopted 2010, provides a framework of needs, policies, actions and priorities that will guide community decision makers on land-use management, community facilities development, parks and recreation, open space and environmental conservation, transportation and traffic improvement, utilities services and economic development. At least once every ten years the Commission must prepare or amend, and must adopt a Plan of Conservation and Development.
Connecticut Public Act 05-124
This Act states that an applicant cannot file a permit application other than for interior work in an existing building or for exterior work that does not expand or alter the footprint of an existing building if the subject property is encumbered by a conservation restriction or preservation restriction. Please read the above Act fully to ensure that your permit will not be unnecessarily overturned if it is to be appealed.
Archive
Torrington Plan of Conservation and Development
2005 Version
If you have any questions regarding the interpretation of a local land use regulation or application or you are interested in working with us on a project, contact us at (860) 354-9346. We look forward to speaking with you!
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Torrington Building Department Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Health Department Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Planning & Zoning Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Department of Engineering Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Water Pollution Control Authority Regulations & Application Forms
Torrington Zoning Board of Appeals Regulations & Application Forms
Please note that you should always contact the City of Torrington to determine if the Regulations and/or application forms have recently changed.