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Norwalk council introduces zoning changes to implement SB 9 and SB 450
Summary
City planning staff presented and the council introduced an ordinance to amend Norwalks municipal code to implement state laws SB 9 and SB 450, adjusting rules for urban lot splits, urban dwellings, definitions, and certain housing-element-related provisions; council voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance by title.
The Norwalk City Council on March 17 introduced zoning code amendments designed to implement state laws SB 9 and SB 450 that change how single-family lots may be split and developed.
Planning staffer Nancy Lee told the council the ordinance (No. 26-1768) adds chapters to Title 16 (subdivisions) and Title 17 (zoning) to codify "urban lot splits" and "urban dwellings," revise development and design standards, and add clarifying definitions required by state law. "SB 9 allows single-family residential zones to be subdivided into two parcels...upon completion of a lot split, up to four dwellings total can be built on a lot that was previously zoned for one lot," Lee said. Staff recommended the amendments be as conservative as possible while complying with state requirements.
Key staff recommendations include minimum parcel sizes for splits (rear parcel minimum 2,000 sq ft or 40% of lot), rear/interior side setbacks of 4 feet, 200 square feet of open space per unit, and one-car garage parking requirements unless criteria for parking exemption are met. Staff also proposed owner-occupancy requirements and prohibitions on short-term rentals for urban dwellings, and removal of accessory dwelling units from combination with urban dwellings.
The ordinance also includes multiple housing-element-related code updates including an updated emergency shelter definition, allowing certain multifamily projects by right if at least 20% of units are affordable, and clarifying group home allowances. The Planning Commission considered the ordinance on Feb. 25 and unanimously recommended council approval.
After questions and comments about the state-mandated nature of the changes and how the city sought to adopt conservative local standards, the council moved, seconded and approved introduction of Ordinance 26-1768 by title only; a subsequent meeting will be scheduled for final adoption.
"I really hope our residents understand that...it is not the city, but it is coming from a state mandate," Mayor Perez said during the discussion as he supported staff's approach to protect local standards where permitted.
The ordinance was introduced by a unanimous roll call vote.
