Probate and permitting delays stall resolution of work‑without‑permits case at 47 Woodward

Officials at the April 23 Norwalk zoning citation hearing said progress on a work‑without‑permits case at 47 Woodward has been slowed by estate and probate complications, and the matter was continued to allow time for the estate’s executor to file necessary permits and schedule inspections.

Deputy Zoning Inspector Dean Hall summarized the file: inspectors found work without permits at the front, back and side of the property, including a small exterior staircase and basement conversions that had created additional units. Hall told the hearing the property history shows previous conversions and that lot size limits the number of permitted units in the CD‑3 zone, so the zoning office must verify whether the current configuration meets lot‑area rules.

An owner representative said the property’s owner died in November and that the estate is now in probate; Hall and Maslow said only an appointed fiduciary or executor can sign applications or represent the owner. The owner representative said probate filings are pending and that an attorney is acting as the estate’s fiduciary. Zoning staff advised the representative to obtain a permit application, arrange an inspection, or provide documentation from probate showing the authorized agent.

Hall said staff would continue the matter to May 28 and that the office will conduct a final review after any necessary permit or survey is filed. If no progress is made, fines or other enforcement steps were discussed as possible next steps. The hearing officer urged the parties to meet with zoning staff in the interim to clarify what filings are required.