City of Norwalk Continues to Revise Zoning Regulations

As part of its continuing effort to review the newly enacted, citywide zoning regulations, the City of Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission (“Commission”) will commence review of myriad additional revisions to the newly enacted zoning regulations at its August 21, 2024, meeting.

Some of the proposed language generated by the Department of Planning & Zoning staff to be discussed includes the definition, storage and location of trailers and tractor trailers; assorted revisions to vehicular parking and driveways; setbacks for retaining walls; height of fences, walls, structures and plantings for corner lots at driveways; parking for accessory dwelling units; storage of commercial vehicles; encroachments into setbacks such as stoops, fences, hedges, parking and loading areas, mailboxes, artistic objects, driveways and outdoor dining and others; prohibition against tandem parking (excluding valet systems), additional notice requirements for applications, and various other suggested revisions. Adjustments to the building coverage and imperious coverage regulations are expected to be forthcoming.

Following Commission review and discussion of the draft adjustments, a public hearing on proposed modifications will be scheduled in upcoming weeks. All proposed language can be viewed on the Planning & Zoning Department’s website under the ‘Pending Applications’ tab.

The Commission approved various amendments since the effective date of the new regulations including, most recently, modifications to the height and bulk requirements of residential structures in certain zones. In December 2023, following months of public discourse, the Commission adopted the new zoning map and regulations, marking the first, comprehensive city-wide zoning rewrite in 40 years.  The new map and regulations became effective on February 19, 2024.

The Real Estate & Land Use practice group at Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey continues to monitor this matter.

This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.