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Property owners told to pursue special‑permit options after clearing more than 10,000 sq. ft.; case continued to March
Summary
Owners who cleared more than 10,000 square feet of vegetation were told they likely need a special permit; staff asked for surveys and a landscape plan and the hearing was continued to late March to allow coordination with conservation and building staff.
Owners Dominic and Patricia Franco appeared Jan. 22 to discuss large‑scale clearing on their property. Zoning staff told the hearing that satellite mapping and on‑site measurements indicate the disturbance exceeds the 10,000‑square‑foot threshold that triggers a special‑permit review under the city code, and the department recommended a continued process to identify options.
Brian (zoning technical staff) and Mister Hall told the Francos they must obtain an accurate survey and a landscape plan to determine whether administrative relief is possible or if the Planning & Zoning Commission must decide a special‑permit application. Hall said the administrative threshold would apply if the cleared area is measured and brought under 10,000 square feet; otherwise the commission review and special permit are required. Hall advised the owners to meet with zoning and the conservation officer to craft a remediation plan; the hearing officer continued the matter to March to allow that work to proceed.
Why it matters: The Norwalk code triggers additional review and replacement requirements for clear-cutting or soil disturbance above specified thresholds to protect woodland, drainage and wetlands interests. Staff noted that dead underbrush can be cleared with less restriction but removal of vegetative cover at the scale documented triggers the special‑permit pathway.
Next steps: Owners were instructed to obtain a survey and a landscape plan, coordinate with the conservation officer and Brian (zoning staff) and return with paperwork before planting season. Staff said no fines were recommended at this time; the case was continued to March 26 to allow review and a joint site meeting with conservation and zoning staff.
