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Planning commission approves zoning change to allow gyms in Industrial Park
Summary
The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 11 to amend zoning text to allow gymnasiums and physical fitness centers as a permitted use in the IP Industrial Park zone, subject to site-plan review; city planning staff recommended approval as consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development.
The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 11 approved a text amendment to section 3.1, subsection 4.60 of the zoning regulations to allow gymnasiums and physical fitness centers in the IP Industrial Park zone by site-plan approval.
City planner Jeremy Leifer told the commission the amendment simply adds the use as a permitted entry in the IP zone’s table of uses, but that permitted status still requires site-plan review for parking, setbacks and access. “I recommend approval of this proposed regulation amendment,” Leifer said during his memo to the commission, adding that the change aligns with the Plan of Conservation and Development’s goals for business development and adaptive reuse of industrial buildings.
Applicant Bruce Worley said he plans to relocate Nautilus Plus Fitness from Winstead Road to the northern end of Torrington to draw patrons from surrounding towns while keeping the business in the city. He identified the proposed site at 230 Elagrosso Avenue and said there has been community interest in a fitness option in that part of town.
The commission opened the public hearing, received no public comment, and closed the hearing. Commissioner Donna Greco moved to approve the amendment; the motion was seconded and carried with recorded ayes. The amendment’s effective date was set as the day after publication of the legal notice of decision in the local newspaper.
The amendment does not remove site-plan review: Leifer emphasized permits will still require standard site-plan considerations, including parking and access. Staff endorsements attached to the file included comments from the Northwest Hills Council of Governments and multiple city department reviewers, who reported no apparent conflict with regional plans.
Next steps: with the text change approved, an applicant seeking to establish a gym in the IP zone must submit a site-plan application addressing parking, setbacks and other site-specific requirements.
