Council approves first reading to amend Orchard Hills PUD, allowing expanded residential area and locking a commercial corner
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Summary
After a public hearing with no public comments, council approved the first reading to amend the Orchard Hills PUD. The proposal expands Parcel 1B for residential uses and locks Parcel 1A into C‑1 commercial; staff said the design is more street‑fronted and aligned with the updated comprehensive plan.
At a Feb. 5 meeting, Norwalk city staff presented and the council approved the first reading of an amendment to the Orchard Hills planned unit development that will change parcel lines and zoning designations at a corner near the North Avenue water tower.
Luke (city staff/planner) gave a history of the parcel: when Orchard Hills was originally zoned the corner was C‑1 commercial, and a 2010 PUD amendment left Parcel 1 with the option of either C‑1 or R‑4 but required an amendment at the time of development. He said a senior housing proposal approved in 2025 for part of the parcel did not proceed, and that the current request (a different development team) would expand Parcel 1B (residential) up along North Avenue while reducing Parcel 1A and locking Parcel 1A into commercial (C‑1).
Luke described the proposed development form as a street‑fronted project — "rather than a lot of apartment complex you might see...put that parking up against the street," he said — and noted the change aligns with recent comprehensive plan land‑use guidance favoring a mix of uses and a stronger public realm. Staff said there were no oral or written public comments on the item; the public hearing was opened and closed the same night. Council approved the first reading by roll call.
The ordinance will return for subsequent readings before it becomes final.
