Hawkins family confronts Torrington zoning officials over persistent light trespass issue

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Torrington, Connecticut, convened on June 30, 2025, to address several agenda items, with a significant focus on residential lighting issues raised by local residents.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding a complaint from Brent and Mary Hawkins, residents of 26 Lawton Street, concerning light trespass from a neighboring property at 85 Albert Street. The Hawkins expressed their frustration over what they described as a violation of Section 5.1.7 of the city zoning code, which mandates that outdoor lighting must be directed downward to prevent light from spilling onto adjacent properties.

Mary Hawkins detailed their attempts to resolve the issue amicably with their neighbor, including previous communications with the zoning office. However, they reported that their neighbor had not complied with the zoning office's directives, which included a requirement for the lighting to be angled appropriately. The Hawkins argued that the zoning office's enforcement of the regulations should be upheld, especially since they had received written confirmation of the violations.

Commission members acknowledged the Hawkins' concerns but noted that the zoning regulations were primarily designed for commercial and industrial properties, not residential ones. They expressed a desire to avoid becoming involved in disputes between neighbors over residential lighting, suggesting that such matters should be resolved privately between the parties involved.

The discussion highlighted the commission's intention to step back from regulating residential lighting issues altogether, citing a lack of resources and the complexity of neighbor disputes. The commission indicated that they would be revising the regulations to clarify their stance on residential lighting, with potential changes expected by December 2025.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by residents regarding light trespass and the commission's commitment to reevaluating its approach to residential lighting regulations. The Hawkins were advised to seek legal counsel if they wished to pursue further action against their neighbor, as the commission would no longer be involved in such disputes. The meeting then moved on to the next agenda item, signaling a shift away from the contentious lighting issue.