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Norwalk Zoning Board grants continuance for Charles Street retaining‑wall variance
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Summary
The Zoning Board granted a continuance after the applicant requested more time to meet neighbors about concerns raised in a letter; the retaining‑wall variance (proposed up to 8.8 feet in a 4‑foot zone at 34 Charles Street) will return to the board next month and later require coastal site plan review.
At its March 19 meeting the City of Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals granted a continuance for a request from Charles 25 LLC to permit a retaining wall higher than the code allows at 34 Charles Street.
Staff read the application (Item 26-0319-01), noting the request was a variance to Table 4.3.1.d to allow retaining walls up to 8.8 feet where 4 feet is the maximum in the relevant zone and that the property lies in the coastal area management overlay. The staff memo referenced the Connecticut Coastal Management Act and said the board’s motion must address whether the proposal is consistent with CCMA goals and policies and whether it would adversely impact coastal resources.
The applicant’s attorney, Liz Sachi, told the board a neighbor letter received that day raised multiple issues and requested more time to meet with neighbors and respond: “We deem it necessary to ask that you grant us a continuance … we will endeavor to meet with the neighbors or the representative, answer their questions, and, hopefully, when we come back to you in April, they will be satisfied with the answers,” she said.
The chair moved to grant the continuance; a board member seconded and the motion passed with the members present voting in favor. The board noted that, after the board’s decision, the proposal will also require coastal site plan application to the Planning, Zoning and Conservation commission.
The applicant said they would meet with neighbors and return in April to present responses to the concerns raised. The item will be heard again at the board’s next scheduled meeting on April 16.
