Torrington — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 17 to adopt a standard zoning enforcement policy and procedures that formalize steps from initial warning letters through cease-and-desist orders, citations and court action.

Zoning enforcement staff (Nate) said the written policy provides templates and a procedural framework the office has long followed in practice. He explained the policy clarifies when the office may skip initial warning steps for repeat or egregious violations, specifies when certified mail will be used, and delegates citation-review authority to a three-person staff committee with the ability to report certain items to the full commission. The commission adopted the resolution by motion and voice vote.

In a related correspondence update, enforcement staff reported 78 open enforcement cases at year-end, with four new since November and 24 under active cease-and-desist orders. Staff highlighted several cases of note: Dos Amigos (910 East Main) — ongoing issues including incomplete sidewalks, landscaping, ADA-accessible-parking concerns and alleged vehicle sales from the property, with daily fines assessed and limited owner response; 1050 East Main — recently brought into compliance and removed from active holds; 516 Mountain Road — combined wetlands and zoning violations with ongoing work, and staff said they may seek a court order to stop work; and the Winstead/Bridal property on Winstead Road with complex wetlands, floodplain and site-plan issues and substantial outstanding citations. Staff said the citation ordinance cleanup clarified procedures and provides options including court enforcement or fiscal recovery through assessment via Superior Court where appropriate.

Commissioners asked about the use of certified mail, lien procedures, and the town’s options to recover fines; staff explained administrative steps and timelines (including a 12-month window to pursue liens or court assessment) and said the principal objective is compliance rather than revenue. The commission voted to adopt the enforcement policy and will receive monthly enforcement reports.