Commission discusses zoning tweaks for vehicle storage and vocational schools; staff to draft amendments

At its Feb. 19 meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed proposed zoning amendments to: (1) clarify and limit outdoor motor-vehicle storage and to better categorize indoor vehicle storage as a warehouse use; and (2) create a tiered approach to permitting vocational or trade schools based on their aggregate floor area.

Staff told commissioners the current rules list "motor vehicle storage" in two different sections with inconsistent permissions. The proposed approach would more clearly treat indoor storage as a warehouse-type use (when no vehicle repairs or sales occur) and would consider deleting or limiting outdoor vehicle-storage uses that simply park large numbers of vehicles on industrial lots.

On vocational schools, staff proposed allowing trade and vocational training uses in many commercial zones but using floor-area thresholds to determine the level of scrutiny: as-of-right up to 10,000 square feet, site-plan review for 10,000–20,000 square feet, and special permit review above 20,000 square feet. Staff said the thresholds aim to allow small instructors while ensuring larger operations receive review for traffic and parking impacts.

Commissioners expressed differing views about whether outdoor vehicle storage should be retained in light industrial zones; several said Norwalk's limited industrial land argues against preserving uses that merely store vehicles. Commissioners directed staff to prepare formal text amendments and to post the changes for public hearing so the commission can take public feedback before deciding.

No vote was taken; staff will draft amendments and return them to the commission for referral and public hearing.