Torrington council approves conditional‑use permit for in‑home daycare at 132 Holly Drive

Torrington, Wyo. — The Torrington City Council, meeting May 5 and sitting as the board of adjustment, voted to approve a conditional‑use permit allowing Tammy Foos to operate a licensed in‑home daycare at 132 Holly Drive.

The decision came after neighbors raised concerns about parking, traffic and precedent, and after council members reviewed letters and agency input. Mayor Herb Dobie emphasized that a conditional‑use permit is personal to the applicant and “does not run with the property,” saying the council had heard “both sides of the argument” and that both had been “very well presented.”

Council discussion highlighted two competing interests: residents who value the street’s quiet, cul‑de‑sac character and homeowners’ expectations, and working families who say available child care is insufficient. Councilman Victorin and others noted the local shortage; Mayor Dobie and city staff relayed that state Department of Family Services staff told the city there are lengthy wait lists for quality care in the area. The mayor said applicants reported they would serve roughly five to ten children, with a maximum cited of 10.

Neighbors told the council they worry about a modest rise in vehicle trips at drop‑off and pick‑up, potential on‑street parking pressure and liability for adjacent property owners. Mayor Dobie said the council listened to letters from nearby homeowners and had also reviewed follow‑up communications from residents who opposed the application.

Supporters, including staff who inspect and license daycares, told the council that Tammy Foos’ prior day‑care operations have been clean and well run. The mayor relayed a Department of Family Services inspector’s assessment that daycares operated by Foos were “spiff, spick and span” and that her inspections show Foos to be an experienced provider.

The board voted by voice to approve the conditional‑use permit; the mayor recorded no nays. The mayor also explained practical limits: the permit does not change the property’s R‑2 zoning and is personal to Foos — it would expire if she stops operating the daycare or transfers the property.

The council did not attach additional operating conditions in public minutes beyond existing licensing and municipal requirements; state licensing and routine inspections remain in place.

What happens next: the permit is effective immediately for the named operator. Any future change in operator or use would require a separate application and council review.