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Changing the zoning code to support small-scale manufacturing

Text adapted from https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5091/f/uploads/small_scale_manufacturing.pdf

"In 2020 the City of Torrington proposed a change to the Zoning Regulations to include Small Scale Manufacturing to allow for the development of new small-scale industries.Small-scale manufacturing has emerged as a way to tie opportunity to place, and can fill a key missing piece in our downtown and community development efforts. Data suggests that this form of manufacturing is rapidly growing along commercial districts across the country, expanding and diversifying the employment and retail opportunities found in our districts, as well as offering businesses a competitive advantage over online, national chain and big box competitors. The causes are two-fold: Technologies like 3-D printing, high speed sewing equipment and food processors at scale are shrinking the building needs and cost of entry into traditional manufacturing This is combined with rapidly changing consumer preferences that are tired of homogenous products that can essentially be purchased anywhere. Today’s consumers are looking for products with a story, made locally and appealing to their unique individualism. As a result, from micro brewers to apparel and bike manufacturers, many more people are beginning to blend retail, manufacturing and wholesaling opportunities at a much smaller scale, leading to growing tourism, diversified employment, and well-paid job opportunities for local communities. Small Scale Manufacturing is any establishment where shared or individual tools, equipment, or machinery are used to make or grow products on a small scale, including the design, production, processing, printing, assembly, treatment, testing, repair, and packaging, as well as any incidental storage, retail, or wholesale sales and distribution of these products. These small scale producers or maker businesses include those producing goods in textile, hardware, wood, metal, 3-D printing, and food. This also includes distilleries and local food production and packaging."