Utilities and Streets
Q: I want to erect a fence or plant bushes along the frontage of my house. How far
back is the City Right of Way from the edge of the pavement or curb?
A: Call the engineering office at 489-2234 / 489-2235 for more information. The engineering staff may visit your property to locate the Right of Way line. Objects such as fences, walls, bushes, trees, etc. shall not be located within the street Right of Way area.
Q: There is a street light out on my street. Who do I call to have it fixed?
A: Call 496-5908 to receive a pre-recorded message. Leave a message noting the street, pole number and problem. The pole number is located on the side of the pole approximately at eye height.
Q: There is a dead tree near the edge of the street line. Will the City remove it?
A: Call the Public Works Office at 489-2232 to request an inspection. The City will check to verify that the tree is dead and on the City right of way. If it is, then the City will make the necessary arrangements for its removal. If the tree is outside the street Right of Way on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed.
Q: Is a commercial or residential property connected to the City sewer system?
A: Call the Public Works Office at 489-2232 and provide the street address, an administrative assistant can verify if a connection exists.
Q: How do I hookup to the city sewer system?
A: A sewer connection permit can be obtained at the Public Works office. A sewer connection fee is $2500.00 for single family residential use. Connection fees for commercial and other type uses will be calculated on a case by case basis. Also, any work done in the street Right-of-Way or sewer easement shall be done under a Right-of-Way permit (see Item 1).
Q: How do I hookup to the water line in the city?
A: The public water supply is privately owned and operated by the Torrington Water Company. They can be contacted at 489-4149.
Q: How do I connect to the natural gas service?
A: Natural gas is supplied by privately owned Yankee Gas Company. Their contact number is (203) 596-3198.
Q: My mailbox was knocked down by the city snowplow? What can I do about it?
A: The following policy is adopted by the Public Works Department regarding mailboxes, to provide a fair and uniform resolution to disputes:
a) All snowplow drivers shall call in any mailbox damage at the time it occurs.
b) If a mailbox or post is pushed over or damaged by snow or slush coming off the snowplow, it is considered a winter hazard and the City will not repair or replace the mailbox or post.
c) If the plow directly contacts a mailbox and damages it, the City will replace the mailbox and/or post with a standard mailbox on a 4” x 4” post. Claims for “fancy” or custom-made mailboxes will be considered only when substantiated by original receipts.
d) All mailboxes should be securely fastened to a sturdy post which is sufficiently anchored in the ground to resist the impact of plowed snow or slush. In accordance with current postal recommendations, the mailbox should be 6” to 8” from the edge of the pavement or curb in order to prevent contact by the plow. The height of the bottom of the mailbox should be between 41” and 44”. See City of Torrington, Engineering Department Mailroom Installation Detail.
e) All claims for mailbox damage due to direct contact with a City snowplow should be directed to the Street Department at 489-2352.
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