Commission approves broad zoning text amendments covering siding, permit expirations, artist live/work rules, and more

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted Nov. 26 to adopt a wide-ranging package of zoning text amendments intended to fix technical problems and adjust policy settings following Norwalk’s recent zoning rewrite.

Staff presented changes grouped across articles: allowing corrugated/sheet metal siding in light industrial zones; aligning zoning permit expiration language with Connecticut statutes; making artist live/work uses an as‑of‑right option with tailored limits; capping setback encroachments for eaves/gutters at 24 inches or 20% of the setback; removing an automatic merger clause for adjacent nonconforming lots and excising a reference to a nonexistent historic district commission; adding a clearer definition of frontage buildout; refining sport‑field and lighting rules; increasing storage allowance for vehicle repair uses from 24 hours to a longer period (commission ultimately set this at 30 days by amendment); clarifying accessory structure definitions, driveway width flexibility with TMP approval, dumpster screening in CD‑2, and adjusting duplex height rules to align with community district maximums subject to flood‑zone standards.

Commissioners discussed several specifics: whether to exempt single‑family developments from new sidewalk/curb/tree requirements (commission agreed to remove item 13 for later discussion), how to structure artist live/work workforce incentives, and the mechanics and enforceability of the vehicle storage timeframe. The commission approved an amendment to remove the sidewalk requirement (item 13) from the package and to set the vehicle storage limit at 30 days, plus a concession to limit duplex heights by community district with a 3.5‑story upper cap in some cases.

Staff will prepare final ordinance text and implementation guidance and will return any removed items for additional study.