Hearing officer continues Adamson zoning case; owner told attic may remain if not a separate unit

The Norwalk City zoning hearing officer continued enforcement proceedings in the Adamson (Adams/Adamson) matter on Jan. 15 after staff and the property representative discussed options for bringing the attic into compliance.

City zoning staff told the hearing that the complaint alleges a third dwelling unit in the attic without permits and that the property owner has not yet filed the zoning and building applications needed to legalize the space. Staff said a previous hearing on Nov. 13, 2024 had been continued to Jan. 15 for progress.

The staff explanation to the owner, Robert St. Cloud, spelled out what would make the attic compliant without remaining a separate unit: finished attic space is allowed if it is integral with the floor below and does not contain a functional kitchen. “The two thresholds are the kitchen must be removed, and it has to be integral with the floor below,” staff said, adding that doors between the floors must be non-locking (no deadbolt) or removed and that plumbing fixtures must be capped or removed behind walls.

St. Cloud said he intended to comply and asked for clarification about whether the attic could be rented as part of the second floor; staff confirmed it could only be rented as part of the second-floor unit, not as a separate tenancy. Staff also confirmed there are occupants currently living in the attic and that they would need to be removed if the space is required to be decommissioned as a rented unit.

Hearing officer Gary Obers continued the matter to the next scheduled hearing date and left the violation open. The parties were told the next hearing would occur in two weeks, with the inspector noting an upcoming hearing date of Jan. 29, 2025 for follow-up.

The hearing record includes prior notices and constable service documentation; staff invited the owner to submit the required zoning application and building permits to show progress before the next hearing.