Time is Running Out on Existing Zoning Regulations in Norwalk, Connecticut

The deadline to submit applications to the City of Norwalk, Connecticut Department of Planning & Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning & Zoning Commission under the existing regulations and standards of review is February 16, 2024.  This includes zoning permits administratively issued by staff, and special permit, site plan review, coastal area management and variance applications to the city’s land use boards and commissions. After that date, all projects will be subject to the new zoning map, regulations and standards, which become effective on Monday, February 19, 2024. Applicants and property owners are also reminded that City Hall in Norwalk, Connecticut is closed on February 19, 2024 for the President’s Day holiday.

The city’s Planning & Zoning Commission adopted the new zoning map and zoning regulations on December 13, 2023.  It was the first comprehensive, citywide revision to the zoning regulations in nearly 40 years. A draft of the new regulations with annotations is available on the Planning & Zoning Department’s website.

During its deliberations last month, the Commission modified some of the proposed regulations including the method to calculate substantial improvement for non-flood compliant structures, nonconforming use regulations for permitted uses formerly within the Industrial No. 1 or Restricted Industrial Zone, and industrial processing and storage facilities dependent on waterborne transportation to the water dependent use table in the new code. The new regulations include building design standards, sustainability requirements and new height and bulk, landscaping, lighting and other guidelines.

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey continues to review the citywide zoning rewrite and any revisions that emerge in 2024.

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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.