Norwalk panel approves narrow text amendment to allow high-grade vinyl in CD-3W

The Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 26 voted unanimously to amend the zoning regulations to permit specified high‑grade vinyl siding in the CD‑3W zone for single‑ and two‑family dwellings.

Attorney Liz Saatchi, representing applicants Mary and Paul Kokius of 9 Cove Avenue, told the commission the change was needed after she and her clients learned the material they planned to use was not permitted in that narrow CD‑3W strip even though similar vinyl is allowed in adjacent residential zones. Saatchi said the requested material is a “very high grade vinyl” produced by CertainTeed and argued the industry has improved to produce wind‑, mold‑ and humidity‑resistant products. She said the applicants had no objection to staff’s proposed limits restricting the material to principal single‑ and two‑family structures and requiring high‑quality product standards.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on scope and implementation details, including whether accessory buildings would qualify (staff: the provision applies to principal structures) and whether abutters required separate notice (applicant: legal notices were published in accordance with state statute). Staff also reported that referrals to WestCOG and the Harbor Management Commission produced no findings of inconsistency with regional or harbor plans.

After brief discussion the commission acted on a resolution that incorporated staff edits to effective dates and the limiting language. The vote was unanimous.

The amendment applies narrowly to the CD‑3W areas specified in the text and does not change siding allowances in other zones. The city’s zoning staff will update permit review checklists to reflect the new allowable material and to enforce the limitation to principal structures only.