Norwalk City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 75
Mixed-Use Developments
§ 118-750 Mixed-use developments.
A.
Purpose and intent. The purpose of this regulation is to encourage multifamily dwellings and a diversity of compatible uses in the same building or on the same parcel of land. Mixed-use development permits the efficient use of land; places housing convenient to employment, shopping, services and related activities; and creates a market for and adds vitality to commercial areas. Further, mixed-use development tends to reduce traffic, increase pedestrian use and increase public safety. Due to the unique characteristics of mixed-use developments and the desire to create an attractive environment, these regulations are intended to be flexible to allow mixed-use developments to maximize their benefits to the city.
B.
Regulations.
(1)
Mixed-use developments shall be permitted by site plan review in accordance with the provisions of § 118-1451 and shall comply with the additional standards set forth herein:
(a)
This regulation shall apply to mixed-use developments permitted in Executive Office, Business No. 1 and Business No. 2 Zones and in the South Norwalk Business District.
[Amended effective 10-1-1987; effective 6-28-1991; effective 11-27-1991; effective 5-26-2000]
(b)
Mixed-use developments shall consist of multifamily dwellings and other compatible uses which are not noxious or offensive due to emissions of noise, pollutants or waste.
(2)
The Commission may modify the lot and building requirements of this section up to a maximum of 10% where it can be demonstrated that such modification will permit a mixed-use development to better achieve the purpose and intent of this section. A modification may be granted solely where the Commission determines that it will not adversely affect adjacent properties or the public health, safety and welfare.
(3)
Open space shall include natural and landscaped areas, pedestrian plazas, courtyards, walkways, recreation areas and the like. Open space on the roof of a structure shall be permitted, provided that the minimum open space requirement extends neither more than 10 feet nor more than one story above the center-line elevation of the street.
C.
Additional standards.
(1)
Mixed-use development shall comply with the following lot and building requirements:
(a)
Maximum height: commercial and industrial building, same as permitted in the Schedule for Commercial and Industrial Uses; residential building, in whole or in part, four stories and 45 feet.
(c)
Yards, front, side and rear: same as permitted in Schedule for Commercial and Industrial Uses.
(d)
Maximum building area: 40% building, 80% building and parking, 20% open space, subject to § 118-750B(3).
(e)
Recreation area: 150 square feet per dwelling unit. Recreation area may include balconies, courtyards, indoor recreational facilities, landscaped roofs and outdoor recreation areas.
(f)
Maximum floor area ratio: same as permitted in the Schedule for Commercial and Industrial Uses.
(2)
(a)
Twenty percent of the parking required for the residential use may be met by the parking provided for the nonresidential use. However, where it can be sufficiently demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Commission that a nonresidential use occurs predominantly during the weekday and daytime hours, for example, offices, then up to 50% of the parking required for the residential use may be met by the parking provided for such nonresidential uses. A use which occurs predominantly during the weekday and daytime hours shall not be changed to a use which does not occur predominantly during the weekday and daytime hours.
(b)
The principal use and structure of the property shall be located between the front yard and the street wall of a parking structure which is more than three feet above the center-line elevation of the street, for a minimum of 50% of the length of the parking structure. Any portion of a parking structure which is more than three feet above the center-line elevation of the street and which extends to the front yard shall be effectively screened.
(3)
Except where modified by this section, all other provisions of these regulations shall apply.