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Torrington ZBA leaves appeal open after heated exchanges over use of historic driveway at 246 Mountain Road
Summary
The Torrington Zoning Board of Appeals kept open a public hearing on March 9 over a zoning enforcement officer’s denial for a house at 246 Mountain Road, after attorneys and staff debated whether a 14.29% driveway qualifies as a transferable preexisting nonconforming use. The applicant granted a 35‑day extension so commissioners and staff can review additional materials.
The Torrington Zoning Board of Appeals on March 9 left open a public hearing over an appeal of a zoning enforcement officer decision about access to 246 Mountain Road.
Chair Mark Trevella opened the meeting and called forward a memorandum read into the record by Zoning Enforcement Officer Nate Nardi Cyrus. Nardi Cyrus’s memo described the lot as 2.505 acres split off under Connecticut’s "first cut" statute (Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-18), and identified two principal concerns raised by city staff: sight‑distance and a driveway grade exceeding the zoning maximum. "The denial of this zoning permit was because of the proposed driveway grades greater than 12% in violation of section 5.13.2g2 of the Torrington zoning regulations," Nardi Cyrus said, citing vehicle traction, emergency access and icing risks.
Attorneys for the applicants and the abutting owners vigorously disputed the zoning office’s legal conclusion. Attorney Jim Strube, representing Kathy and Charles…
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