Torrington council approves ordinance tightening planning commission rules after months of debate

The Torrington City Council voted 3–2 Tuesday to adopt an ordinance amended and reenacting Chapter 2.2 of the Torrington Municipal Code governing the city’s planning commission.

The measure, read by City Attorney Eddington on the council floor, updates the membership and administrative language for the city’s planning commission and adds language specifying the administrator, zoning officer or their designee as part of certain processes.

Mayor Herb Dobie outlined the ordinance’s legislative history, saying the item first appeared June 17 and had been through multiple work sessions and readings. “When I look at the number 5, I’m not saying it’s magical, but by tradition and practice, 5 is the best number to have for councils and commissions,” Dobie said during discussion, describing why the city settled on a five-member commission structure.

The council debated statutory authority and local practice before taking the final vote. Dobie cited Wyoming statutes including Title 15 provisions allowing cities to establish planning commissions and described the governing body’s discretion to set membership and procedures. Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Dennis Estes told council staff recommended approval and that he had not received public opposition during the staff review.

Councilman Deal moved to approve the ordinance on third reading; Councilman Kelly seconded. After no further discussion, the council recorded a 3–2 vote in favor of adoption.

The ordinance follows earlier council action: it failed on a 2–2 vote at first reading in June, later passed first reading 4–1 on Sept. 16 and passed second reading 4–1 on Oct. 7. The new language added after second reading identifies “the administrator, zoning officer or their designee” in the relevant municipal code section.

Council passage means the city will proceed with the planning commission structure set by the new Chapter 2.2 language. Implementation steps, including appointments or procedural changes, will follow under the authority of the mayor and council.

Context: the planning commission advises the city on land use and development, and local officials said the ordinance clarifies an existing local practice and aligns the commission’s membership rules with long-standing municipal procedures.

The council returned to other agenda items after the vote.