ZBA approves small second‑story addition at 53 Rowayton Ave with impervious coverage offset condition

The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 21 approved variances to allow a partial second‑story addition and roof overhang at 53 Rowayton Avenue, requiring the applicants to offset the project’s small increase in impervious surface with on‑site measures such as additional planting or permeable paving.

The project seeks to add a partial second floor over the existing first‑floor footprint of a single‑family home that predates Norwalk’s zoning regulations (built in 1918). The board and staff agreed the vertical expansion over a legally nonconforming footprint is otherwise allowed as‑of‑right, but the proposed roof overhang and a small net increase in impervious coverage (approximately 30 square feet) required variances.

Why it matters: The property is in the CD‑1S zone and within the coastal area management overlay, so the statute requires the ZBA to state whether a variance within the CAM boundary is consistent with coastal policies. Staff reported the addition is not anticipated to adversely affect coastal resources, and the board made the required CCMA statement.

Board action and conditions: The board voted unanimously to approve the requested variances contingent on the applicants offsetting the 30 square feet of additional impervious coverage (for example, by substituting permeable surfacing or additional planting). The board also adopted the staff recommendation that the project is consistent with CCMA goals and policies and will not adversely impact coastal resources.

Applicant and presentation: Architect Dan Conlon presented site photos and a survey showing the existing footprint and described the proposed overhangs, the relocation of AC equipment to a rooftop fenced area above flood elevation, and the small change in impervious area. The architect and staff indicated the lot is undersized (about 4,012 square feet; 6,250 required), creating a practical hardship that supports the variance request for the overhang.

Follow‑up: The approval was conditioned on the applicants identifying and implementing an impervious‑coverage offset acceptable to staff prior to permit issuance.