Norwalk ZBA continues hearing on after‑the‑fact garage conversion, orders applicant to return with parking plan

The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 21 continued a variance hearing for 34 Garner Street after staff reported the house contains an after‑the‑fact conversion of a single‑bay garage into living space and alleged rooming‑house conditions that prompted an active zoning violation and investigation.

Zoning staff told the board the converted garage and a separate lower‑level kitchen and locked bedroom doors were installed without permits; staff also reported an online listing that suggested a non‑residential animal‑care business might be associated with the property and that allegation remains under investigation. The board said the conversion created a self‑created zoning issue and asked the applicant to present a clear technical plan for meeting the city’s parking location rules or to restore the garage to compliance.

Why it matters: The property’s current layout places required parking within the front setback and proposes tandem parking — both contrary to the CD‑1S zone standards described in the staff report. Restoring the garage or producing a site plan showing compliant parking would resolve the cited violations; without that, the property remains the subject of enforcement action.

Board members expressed concern that the conversion created the hardship the applicant now seeks relief from and repeatedly asked for an alternate driveway/site plan showing how two compliant spaces could be provided behind the 30‑foot front setback. The applicant’s representative said he had recently been retained and did not bring a full alternate plan; he requested an adjournment to prepare a complete submission.

Action and next steps: The board granted a continuation to the next ZBA meeting on Sept. 18, 2025, and instructed the applicant to return with a site plan showing any alternative parking layout or documentation that the garage restoration option is infeasible. The board also directed the applicant to review and respond to written public comments submitted to staff before the next hearing. Neighbors were present on the Zoom call but were told public comment is not permitted while the item is continued.

Background details: The house was built in 1960; at that time zoning required at least one parking space be located behind the front setback. The staff report noted that current regulations require two spaces for the use being claimed but that those spaces must be located behind the front setback and that tandem parking is prohibited for a single‑family dwelling in this zone. The staff report recommended restoring the garage to return the dwelling to its legally nonconforming parking arrangement.

Board context: Board members emphasized they cannot grant a variance solely on cost grounds and said the applicant must coordinate with Tammy Maldonado, the city’s zoning enforcement officer, before returning. The board warned the applicant that extensions are limited and that failure to provide adequate materials could lead to denial or further enforcement.