Height & Bulk Regulations Adjusted in newly effective City of Norwalk, CT, Zoning Regulations

As part of a continuing effort to review the newly enacted citywide zoning regulations, the City of Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission (“Commission”) last week approved modifications to the height and bulk requirements of residential structures in certain zones. The Commission re-inserted maximum height requirements into the regulations to supplement the maximum story requirement. As a result, structures will be required to comply with both height and story standards.

Specifically, maximum building heights for principal residential structures in the CD-1L, CD-1M, C-1S and CD-2 zones would now be 2.5 stories and 35 feet in height to the midpoint of the roofline with a maximum of 40 feet to the peak of the roof as measured from finished grade. In addition, the regulations have been amended to include a maximum building height of 15 feet to the midpoint of the roofline and 20 feet to the peak of the roof as measured from grade for accessory structures.  Accessory dwelling units (ADU) have separate standards, so the revisions are not applicable to ADUs.

The Commission also revised the regulations to prohibit the parking of recreational vehicles in the front and side yards. As a result of the Commission’s action, recreational vehicles may only be parked in a property’s rear yards. The restriction does not apply to boats at this time.

Following months of public discourse, the Commission adopted the new zoning map and regulations in December 2023, marking the first, comprehensive city-wide zoning rewrite in 40 years.  The new map and regulations became effective on February 19, 2024, and the Commission has already adopted various revisions to address inconsistencies, conflicts and issues. A public session is also likely to be held in the fall of 2024 to gather additional insights and comments on the new regulations from residents, architects, design professionals and others.

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.