Commission OKs wetlands permit for single-family house at 357 West Pearl Road with posting and signposting conditions

The Torrington Inland Wetlands Commission on July 1 approved a wetlands permit for a single-family house at 357 West Pearl Road (WP-25-16), authorizing grading and construction of a footing drain and roughly 2,800–4,800 square feet of disturbance within the upland review area under specified conditions.

Applicant Megan Miller presented site plans and described the project as a building envelope placed outside the upland review area with localized impacts limited to a footing drain apron and minor grading. Miller said the lot is 1.44 acres and largely undeveloped; the proposed structure and most stormwater infrastructure are outside the upland review area. Miller explained the project includes an underground infiltration system for roof runoff and an infiltration trench to handle driveway runoff.

City staff recommended approval with the commission’s 11 standard conditions and three additional conditions: posting surveyed wetland boundaries with metal markers (design and spacing to be approved by the inland wetlands enforcement officer); amending the construction sequence to include signposting prior to clearing; and addressing city engineer comments dated June 19, 2025. The city engineer’s comments, staff said, related largely to work outside the upland review area (pavement cutting, spot grades, additional details) and would be covered under the permit as conditioned.

After brief discussion and confirmation that the applicant had addressed engineer comments or would do so before final administrative clearance, the commission approved the permit by voice vote. The motion carried.