Zoning board grants variance for 296 Hillside Ave to allow two-family conversion

At its Oct. 14, 2025 meeting, the Torrington Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to grant a front-yard setback variance and a lot-width variance for the property at 296 Hillside Ave, allowing the owner to convert the structure from a single-family to a two-family dwelling pending administrative processing.

The variances would reduce the required front-yard setback from 25 feet to 15.5 feet (a 9.5-foot variance) and reduce the required lot width from 75 feet to 65.4 feet (a 4.6-foot variance), according to the legal notice read into the record. Nate Nardi, assistant city planner, recommended approval in a written memo, saying the change is “in keeping with the uses in the neighborhood, as well as the size and position of many of the residences in the neighborhood.”

Owner Felipe De Carmo testified that he purchased the property about three years ago and later discovered it had been operated as a multifamily dwelling. De Carmo said he and his attorney filed paperwork and applied for variances after a zoning enforcement inspection. He told the board that he had purchased an adjoining parcel to correct a rear-setback deficiency and to meet minimum impervious-area requirements, and that the front setback could not be altered because of the street alignment. “I first purchased this property about 3 years ago,” De Carmo said.

De Carmo’s partner, Veronica King, said the owners do not plan to alter the building’s footprint or the street-facing appearance: “There will be no changes made, any change made to the property. We are asking for, to the appeal, to the change, to the variance because that’s how we purchase. … We are not changing anything. We’re not building anything. We’re not modifying anything.”

Nardi’s staff memo explained that, if the board grants the setback and lot-width variances, the Planning/Land Use Office could administratively approve the conversion to a two-family dwelling under Section 3 of the Torrington zoning regulations. Nardi stated, “If the setback is variance is granted, staff may administratively allow the conversion per sections 3 of the Torrington zoning regulations.” The board was explicit that it was deciding only on the dimensional variances, not on use.

The motion to approve the variances was made by Ken Edwards and seconded by Steve Thompson. Chair Mark Trevella conducted a roll call: Ken Edwards — aye; Steve Thompson — aye; Randy Stelma — aye; Mark Trevella — aye. The motion carried and the board instructed the applicant to complete required filings with the city clerk and the Land Use Office to finalize administrative steps.

Board staff said the variances take effect immediately upon filing the required paperwork with the city clerk and completing the administrative conversion process.

Votes at a glance Ken Edwards — motion to approve variance for 296 Hillside Ave (mover) — aye Steve Thompson — second — aye Randy Stelma — aye Mark Trevella, chair — aye