Norwalk City Zoning Code

   1.   Statement of Intent. The M-2 District is intended to provide areas of the city suitable for large, resource intensive data centers and technological uses.

   2.   Principal Permitted Uses. The use of buildings, structures, or land listed in this section shall be permitted in the M-2 District:

      A.   Any use permitted in the M-1 Zoning Districts, provided such use shall comply with the minimum requirements of the M-2 District.

      B.   Data Centers

      C.   Electric Substations

      D.   Any use which is found by the Zoning Administrator to be similar to one of the above named uses, and in his/her opinion conforms to the intent of the section.

   3.   Permitted Accessory Uses. The following uses may exist as part of, or in accessory to the principal permitted or special uses.

      A.   Any accessory uses permitted in the M-1 Zoning District, provided such use shall comply with minimum requirements of the M-2 Zoning District.

      B.   Concrete batch plant in association with a data center construction that is removed at the end of construction.

      C.   On-site energy generation, except that only solar and wind energy generation shall be permitted.

      D.   Accessory shelters for a watchman, caretaker, or gate guard.

      E.   Private water towers and onsite water storage. Private water towers or onsite water storage shall not be permitted until the City Council determines sufficient capacity and quantity of water in the public system exists pursuant to the Site Plan Design Standards in Chapter 175I.

      F.   Enclosed energy and fuel storage facilities.

      G.   Battery Energy Storage Systems.

   4.   Special Uses. The following uses may be permitted in the M-2 Technology Industrial District in areas compatible with the Comprehensive Plan and subject to approval of a Special Use Permit by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with Chapter 175J, after notice and public hearing.

      A.   Any special use permitted in the M-1 Zoning District, provided such use shall comply with minimum requirements of the M-2 Zoning District.

      B.   Accessory uses that require a height greater than 65 feet, other than towers for substations, water towers, and other utility towers.

   5.   Special Use Permit Considerations. In its deliberation on the proposed special use, the Board and Commission shall consider all of the following provisions:

      A.   That the proposed location, design, construction, and operation of the particular use adequate safeguards the health, safety, and general welfare of persons residing or working in adjoining or surrounding property. To this end the Commission and Board may require that appropriate landscaping, walls, fences, or other artificial screens be provided as buffers to minimize the effects of these uses on adjoining or surrounding property.

      B.   That such use shall not impair an adequate supply of light and air to surrounding property.

      C.   That such use shall not unduly increase congestion in the streets, or public danger of fire and safety.

      D.   That such use shall not impair the City utility systems in adjoining or surrounding property; and in such a manner that the City could not adequately serve existing and planned development.

      E.   The best practical means known for the disposal of refuse matter or water carried waste, the abatement of obnoxious or offensive odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise, or similar nuisance, and protection of air and water quality shall be employed.

      F.   All heavy industrial uses and structures permitted by special use permit in the M-2 Zoning District shall be located more than two hundred (200) feet from any R District and within areas designated for General Industrial use within the Comprehensive Plan.

      G.   That such use shall be in accord and with the intent, purpose and spirit of this ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan of the City.

   6.   Maximum Height Regulations. The maximum height for principal buildings and accessory structures shall not exceed sixty-five (65) feet in height, except for the following:

      A.   Utility towers associated with an electrical substation for a data center, provided the towers meet the Special Use requirements for towers identified in Chapter 175H.

      B.   Water towers associated with a data center, provided the water tower meets the Special Use requirements for towers identified in Chapter 175H. Water towers shall be subject to City review to determine the ability to serve the tower.

   7.   Bulk Regulations. The following minimum bulk requirements shall be observed in the M-1 General Industrial District:

 

Data Center Complex on a Single Lot - a data center project, wherein the owner of the data center constructs multiple principal buildings for the data center on a single lot, shall be permitted in the M-2 District. A private drive serving a complex shall maintain connectivity throughout the site. The complex shall have a minimum separation that meets the standard of the Norwalk Building and Fire Codes.

   8.   Fencing for Data Center Security. The security needs of data centers necessitates the inclusion of security fencing that exceeds traditional fencing requirements for the City. Security fencing shall meet the following requirements:

      A.   Maximum fence height not to exceed 12 feet

      B.   Front yard setback of 50 feet, no other setback requirement for side & rear yards

      C.   Black metal post security fencing along all lot lines, except:

         (1)   May utilize black chain-link fencing with uncoiled barbed wire for security along lot lines that do not have public street frontage.

   9.   Open Space and Landscaping Requirements. See Chapter 175D.

   10.   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Shall comply with Chapter 175E, except as follows:

      A.   1 parking space / 1,000 sf of office use. Parking spaces are not required for designated data hall areas; or

      B.   A reduction in parking spaces required by Subsection A above may be granted through the site plan approval process where an applicant can demonstrate through the submittal of a study showing that a lower number of spaces will be adequate if:

         (1)   The reduction will be adequate to meet projected demand; and

         (2)   The reduction will not generate an off-site impact to neighboring properties

      C.   Construction parking lots shall be removed after construction of the facility is completed.

   11.   Buffer Requirements. See Chapter 175F. Additionally, a 50 foot buffer is required in the front yard setback along all public street frontages that complies with the following:

      A.   The width and required plantings shall not be reduced

      B.   Be located with the 50’ setback areas on the front of a lot

      C.   Utilize the planting requirements for a 50 foot Type 2 buffer per Chapter 175F.04

      D.   Include security fencing that shall meet fencing requirements for Data Centers per Chapter 175B.18A.08

   12.   Architectural Standards. See Chapter 175G.

   13.   Sign Regulations. See Chapter 175H.

   14.   Site Plan Requirements. Shall comply with Chapter 175I, except as follows:

      A.   A Data Center Complex may be constructed in phases and the approved Site Plan shall be valid for two (2) years and may be extended with Community Development Director approval.