Newtown Avenue owner told to apply for permits; case continued to April 16

At a Feb. 19 zoning hearing the owner of 101 Newtown Avenue described creating an expanded parking pad and using a portion of the property for parking to reduce danger from high‑speed traffic on Newtown Avenue and to deter vehicle larceny. Inspector photos from November, December and February show an expanded driveway area and a commercial van previously parked on the property.

Norwalk staff said commercial vehicles remained absent from recent inspections but the unpermitted driveway expansion and parking pad remain in violation of zoning rules. The owner said he had removed temporary piles of dirt and that vehicles were being kept off the street for pedestrian safety. He asked whether he could obtain permits; staff said parts of the existing configuration may not meet standard dimensional requirements and that a permitting conversation with staff and public works would be necessary.

Hearing Officer Gary Overst continued the matter to April 16 to allow the owner to apply for permits or otherwise document a plan to legalize the parking. The hearing officer said there will be no fine at this time, but warned that fines could accrue if the matter is not resolved by future hearings. City staff committed to meet with the owner and public works to help identify whether a permitable solution is possible.