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Planning commission backs Maple Heights PUD changes on unit types, garages and ADU rules
Summary
The commission recommended approval Feb. 10 of a Maple Heights planned unit development amendment that splits Parcel B into B1/B2, allows a limited number of single‑family units without garages, reduces garage requirements in one parcel, and removes an owner‑occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in defined areas.
The Norwalk City Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 10 recommended approval of an amendment to the Maple Heights PUD that changes residential parcel boundaries, adjusts garage requirements, and alters rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Luke, a city planning staff member, explained the amendment splits the existing Parcel B into B1 and B2. B1 would include alley‑loaded single‑family ‘‘villa’’ units and some townhome‑style products; B2 would permit more traditional townhomes with alley access and units fronting common open space. Parcel F would be redefined to allow traditional single‑family lots and, where specified, duplexes.
The amendment proposes flexibility on garages: in Parcel B1 a limited number of single‑family units could be built without garages (staff and the applicant clarified no more than three such units could be adjacent, and staff said they limited consecutive no‑garage units to avoid clustering). In Parcel F the code would allow one‑ or two‑car garages rather than mandating two‑car garages on every lot. Luke said townhome products would still be required to include at least a one‑car garage.
The amendment also removes the PUD’s previous owner‑occupancy requirement for ADUs in the applicable areas and replaces it with deed‑restriction language preventing separate sale of an ADU apart from the main dwelling; staff described the change as intended to allow the city to pilot ADUs and evaluate their performance without creating enforcement difficulties tied to owner‑occupancy rules.
Developers’ representatives, including Jamis and other members of the development team, said the changes are meant to provide product variety, improve affordability, and make some parcels more marketable. Commissioners discussed on‑street parking, driveway and off‑street parking solutions for units without garages, and whether parcel labeling should be refined for legal clarity; staff said public perimeter streets would allow on‑street parking while internal private streets and alleys would serve alley‑loaded units.
After deliberation the commission voted to recommend the amendment to City Council. Commissioners recorded no public comments at the hearing specific to this item.
