Torrington’s Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 17 approved a site plan for a new 1,600‑square‑foot bank with a drive‑through at 131 South Main Street, subject to multiple technical and filing conditions.

Applicant Matthew Germano of PAC Group described the project as a full‑service branch with walk‑in teller, drive‑through lanes and associated parking and landscaping. City planning staff reported the property is a 0.34‑acre former parking lot in the downtown district and that banks with drive‑in windows are a permitted use under the zoning code. The Architectural Review Committee reviewed building design and recommended brick cladding and supported the front‑yard setback and the proposed one‑way traffic flow to increase landscaping area.

City engineering raised several technical issues and required documentation: confirmation of whether the proposed building would be constructed over an existing 20‑foot sewer easement and, if so, written permission or relocation evidence; a required sanitary sewer discharge permit; sidewalk and curb modifications per city details; stormwater management design and grades; and showing utility service connections and dumpster locations on final plans. Staff also requested the planting plan identify species and meet the required number of trees and shrubs.

The commission moved to approve site plan 1588 with conditions requiring the applicant to work with the assistant planner on the planting plan, to submit corrected final plans addressing city engineer comments and stormwater design, to provide a copy of any sewer easement documents or permission to build over the easement prior to issuance of zoning permits, and to obtain required building and sanitary permits. The motion passed on a voice vote.

What happens next: the applicant must revise plans to respond to city engineer comments, provide sewer easement documentation or relocation, obtain the sanitary sewer discharge permit, and file required plan copies (including mylar) before construction permits can be issued.