Torrington panel approves 400‑sq‑ft accessory dwelling at 442 High Street

The Torrington Planning & Zoning Commission voted Jan. 15 to approve site plan application #1547 to construct an 18‑by‑24 detached accessory structure containing a 400‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 442 High Street.

Staff told the commission the proposal complies with zoning rules for detached ADUs — including the minimum floor area requirement of 400 square feet and setback rules — and recommended approval with conditions. City planner Jeremy Leifert summarized staff findings and recommended approval, saying in part, “I recommend that the commission approve site plan number 1547 to construct a detached 18 by 24 accessory structure containing a 400 square foot accessory dwelling unit at 442 High Street, subject to the following conditions.”

The applicant, identified on the record during the meeting as Jan Blasto, described the project as a detached unit sited behind the existing single‑family house and said the living space would be above a one‑car garage. “We'd like to build a ... accessory building in the back of the property,” the applicant said on Zoom, noting the proposed layout conforms to the 400‑square‑foot minimum.

The commission approved the site plan with conditions that the applicant must: follow the assistant planner’s comments on lighting and signage; obtain a sanitary sewer discharge permit prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy; obtain all necessary building permits and submit complete construction documents; and allow staff or the city engineer to verify a minimum 8‑foot side yard setback using survey pins in lieu of a full engineered site plan. The approval included a staff waiver of the engineered site plan requirement contingent on the field verification of setbacks.

Staff records read into the meeting noted reviews by multiple departments: Engineering (review pending when a zoning permit is submitted), Economic Development (William Wallach reported no concerns), WPCA (Edward Tausi noted a sanitary connection and discharge permit will be required), and the Torrington Area Health District and Police Traffic Division (no comments). Building official Kevin Gillette’s comments require that complete construction documents be submitted when applying for permits.

The commission’s approval was recorded by voice vote. The applicant was thanked by the chair and advised to proceed with permitting and the sanitary connection required by WPCA.

Next steps: the applicant must submit required permitting materials and obtain sanitary sewer approvals before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.