The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 18 approved a small front-setback variance for 68 Shorefront Park to allow a two-story addition that will house an elevator and provide vertical access to elevated living floors.

Counsel for the applicant, Chris Russo of Russo & Rizzio LLC, told the board the site sits within a FEMA flood zone and the house’s required elevated living floors limit compliant locations for an elevator. “We’re requesting to go to 28.6 feet, so it’s only 1.4 feet into the setback,” Russo said, adding the encroachment represents “a little over 21 square feet” and is the minimal relief necessary to provide access for residents with mobility limitations.

Board members and staff noted the addition will keep living areas out of the coastal buffer and that staff found no obvious compliant alternative location on the site. Commissioners suggested accessibility improvements in addition to the variance — one commissioner recommended adding a ramp to the primary entrance so residents using the elevator could reach grade more comfortably.

The application included a petition of neighborhood support signed by three nearby residents; counsel read the petition into the record. Public comment at the hearing was minimal, and the board closed the hearing before moving to a unanimous vote to approve the variance.

Next steps: the applicant will refine final construction drawings to include any accessibility features discussed and apply for building permits. The board noted any architectural details (for example, window placement) are design considerations separate from the zoning relief.