Planning commission approves patio renovation at 17 East Beach that reduces impervious coverage

Norwalk — The Norwalk City Planning Commission on Monday unanimously approved a minor modification to the site plan for 17 East Beach Drive to renovate existing rear patios and remove a parking space, a change staff said reduces the approved impervious area.

Robert Sandolo, a professional engineer representing SC Miner, said the previously approved plan (January 2023) had left an existing patio in place but that a later revision expanded that patio area and required retroactive approval. ‘‘This revised plan is, in fact, less impervious area than what was originally approved,’’ Sandolo said, noting the revised total lot coverage falls from 4,778 square feet to 4,701 square feet and that the project will retain stormwater on-site using a stormwater infiltration system included in the approved plan.

Commissioners asked for details on lot coverage and stormwater standards. Sandolo said the lot is about 7,636 square feet, with roughly 60 percent impervious coverage under the revised plan, and that the collection system was sized for at least a 10-year storm and may be sized to a 25-year storm pending confirmation. Staff clarified that because this is a minor modification to a prior approval, the project is held to standards applicable to the original approval.

Commissioner Luke (first name used in the meeting) said he did not view the building expansion as a safety hazard and would support the project. Commissioner Chapin moved to approve the resolution; Darius seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote with unanimous support.

The commission recorded no conditions beyond the standard permit requirements; Sandolo said he would confirm final stormwater sizing with staff before permitting. The commission moved on to the next agenda item.