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Torrington council approves planning commission ordinance on first reading, reduces membership and clarifies plat process
Summary
On first reading the council approved an ordinance amending the planning commission code: it reduces the commission to five members, establishes a three-member quorum and clarifies that council may act on plats if the commission cannot meet, among other changes.
The Torrington City Council approved on first reading an ordinance on Sept. 16 that revises Chapter 2.2 of the Torrington Municipal Code governing the Planning Commission.
City staff said the existing ordinance dated from the 1980s and created procedural problems when the commission lacked a quorum. The proposed ordinance reduces the commission from seven members to five, establishes a three-member quorum for decisions, imposes term limits (a 10-year cap described by staff), and clarifies that the city council, sitting as the Board of Adjustment, has final authority if the commission cannot act. Planning staff and the mayor said the changes aim to reduce delays for applicants who otherwise face reapplication and fees when a planning-commission quorum is absent.
Attorney James A. Eddington read the ordinance title at the meeting. Planning staff and city legal counsel said the revision retains the commission’s responsibilities but provides more practical language for current development volumes. Councilman Deal moved approval on first reading; Councilman Kelly seconded. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote.
Outcome: Ordinance approved on first reading; two additional readings remain for final adoption. The mayor said he plans to appoint a new five-member commission, to be presented for council approval early next year if the ordinance is adopted on final readings.
