[Added effective 6-17-1951]
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
It is declared that the land uses described herein bring substantial
numbers of automobiles into the area in which they are located. Unless
provisions are made for off-street parking, such automobiles will
be parked on public streets, including, in many instances, streets
which are residential in character. Such on-street parking causes
congestion, hinders emergency access and tends to have a detrimental
and depreciating effect on the area subject thereto. It is essential
that all structures and land uses provide a sufficient amount of off-street
parking and loading spaces to meet the needs of persons making use
of them. Accordingly, it is declared that the provisions of these
sections are necessary for the protection of the public health, safety
and general welfare.
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
A.Â
Where, as of the effective date of these regulations, off-street motor vehicle parking and loading facilities are provided conforming in part or in whole with §§ 118-1200 through 118-1280 inclusive, such off-street parking and loading facilities shall not be reduced in quantity, reduced in area or otherwise altered below the requirements set forth herein. All off-street parking and loading facilities of five (5) or more spaces shall be subject to approval by the Zoning Inspector.
[Amended effective 7-15-1983]
B.Â
Parking and loading spaces shall not be used for any other purpose
or character of automobile parking or loading as to limit their availability
for automobile parking or loading.
C.Â
A building in existence at the time of adoption of this regulation may continue to be used without adequate parking and loading as required by §§ 118-1210 through 118-1260 of these regulations. However, should such building be increased in area or changed in use so as to require additional parking or loading, such additional parking or loading shall be determined by applying the standards set forth in §§ 118-1210 through 118-1260.
[Amended effective 2-27-1987; 7-28-1989]
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
A.Â
Seating capacity [applies to Subsection C(6) and (7)] shall be determined
on the following basis.
(1)Â
Without fixed seating, possible occupancy shall be computed
at the rate of one (1) person for each seven (7) square feet of floor
area intended for patron occupancy.
(2)Â
With fixed seating, possible occupancy shall be computed in
accordance with the number of individual seats provided and at the
rate of eighteen (18) inches in width per person in bench or bleacher-type
seating.
B.Â
Active commercial floor area.
(1)Â
Active commercial floor area [applies to Subsection C(12), (13)
and (15)] is the area the use of which is directly related to parking
generation and shall specifically exclude area devoted to the housing
of automated equipment, service equipment, inventory storage space,
space devoted to serving and maintaining the premises, employee service,
common lobby area in office buildings, etc.
(2)Â
Until the active commercial floor area is known, seventy-five
percent (75%) of the gross floor area shall be the basis for determining
the parking and loading required.
C.Â
The following off-street motor vehicle parking requirements shall
be minimum:
[Amended effective 6-11-1975; effective 1-11-1978; effective 7-19-1978; effective 9-29-1978; effective 7-11-1980; effective 7-25-1980; effective 7-24-1981; effective 1-16-1987; effective 6-12-1987; effective 8-29-1987; effective 4-29-1988; effective 11-27-1991; effective 9-25-1992; effective 12-24-1992; effective 2-26-1993; effective 7-30-1993; effective 1-27-1995; effective 3-29-1996; effective 3-9-2001; effective 3-30-2001; effective 5-18-2001; effective 1-27-2006; effective 1-30-2009; effective 5-25-2012; effective 3-1-2013; effective 12-19-2014; effective 4-27-2018; effective 6-13-2019]
Use
|
Parking Requirement
| ||
---|---|---|---|
(1)
|
Single-family residence
|
2 parking spaces
| |
(2)
|
Two-family residence
|
4 parking spaces
| |
(3)
|
Residence
| ||
(a)
|
Multifamily residence
|
1) 1.3 parking spaces per dwelling unit;
2) For mixed use developments, the greater of 1.3 parking spaces per residential unit or the aggregate, after applying any applicable mixed-use reductions listed in § 118-1220E, of the total required parking spaces for commercial uses and residential units parked at 1 space per unit
3) Within the SoNo Station Design District (SSDD) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at the East Avenue Railroad Station, the following applies: a) for multifamily developments, 1.3 parking spaces per dwelling unit; b) for mixed use developments, the greater of 1.3 parking spaces per residential unit or the aggregate, after applying any applicable mixed-use reductions listed in §118-1220E, of the total required parking spaces for commercial uses and residential units parked at 1 space per unit.
| |
(b)
|
Residence (other)
|
2 parking spaces per dwelling unit
| |
[1]
|
Planned residential development
|
2 parking spaces per dwelling unit
| |
[2]
|
Planned residential development, elderly
|
1 parking space per 2 dwelling units
| |
[3]
|
Congregate housing
|
1 parking space per 4 dwelling units
| |
[4]
|
Commercial planned residential development
|
1.5 parking spaces per studio or 1-bedroom dwelling unit; 2.0
parking spaces per 2-bedroom or larger dwelling unit (A dwelling unit
with 4 or more rooms shall count as 2 bedrooms.)
| |
[5]
|
Housing for the elderly
|
1 parking space per unit
| |
[6]
|
Artist live/work space
|
0.5 parking space per unit
| |
(5)
|
Auditoriums, stadiums, theaters, and places of assembly
|
1 parking space per 5 seats, based on the maximum seating capacity,
except that in the CBD, no parking is required, provided the property
is within 1,000 feet of a municipal parking facility.
| |
(6)
|
Libraries
|
No parking is required, provided the property is within 1,000
feet of a municipal parking facility.
| |
(7)
|
Churches, places of worship
|
1 parking space per 5 seats, based on the maximum seating capacity
| |
(8)
|
Hotels, motels and extended stay hotels
| ||
(a)
|
Hotels and motels
|
1 parking space per guest sleeping room
| |
(b)
|
Extended stay hotels
|
1 parking space per living unit, plus 1 parking space per worker
employed at any one time except for extended stay hotels in WSDD,
then only 1 parking space per living unit
| |
(9)
|
Clubs
|
1 parking space per 4 members, based on the maximum membership
to be accommodated
| |
(10)
|
Sanatoriums and nursing homes
|
1 parking space per 3 beds, plus 1 parking space per 2 workers
employed or to be employed at any one time
| |
(11)
|
Hospitals
| ||
(a)
|
In-patient facilities
|
2 spaces per licensed bed
| |
(b)
|
Out-patient facilities and clinics
|
1 space per 250 square feet of active floor area
| |
(c)
|
Offices for private physicians
|
1 space per 200 square feet of active floor area
| |
(12)
|
Retail stores
| ||
(a)
|
Retail stores, including personal and business service establishments,
and retail accessory to boutique manufacturing
|
1 parking space per 200 square feet of active commercial floor
area, except that in the CBD and SSDD, 1 parking space per 1,000 square
feet of active commercial area
| |
(b)
|
Retail furniture stores
|
1 parking space per 400 square feet of gross floor area
| |
(c)
|
Nail salons
|
1 parking space for each chair or station
| |
(d)
|
Retail home improvement store
|
1 parking space per 350 square feet of gross floor area
| |
(13)
|
Banks and office buildings
| ||
(a)
|
Medical offices including physicians, dentists, chiropractors
and related medical facilities
|
1 parking space per 200 square feet of gross floor area; 5 parking
spaces minimum
| |
(b)
|
Banks and other offices
|
1 parking space per 334 square feet of gross floor area; except
for offices in development parks, 1 parking space per 370 square feet
of gross floor area; and except for banks in the SSDD, 1 parking space
per 1,000 square feet of active commercial floor area
| |
(c)
|
Data recovery center
|
1 parking space per 1,200 square feet of gross floor area and
a utilization plan approved by the Commission
| |
(14)
|
Stations
| ||
(a)
|
Truck and railroad freight stations
|
1 parking space per 2 workers employed or to be employed at
any one time
| |
(b)
|
Bus and railroad passenger stations
|
1 parking space per 100 square feet of platform and station
area, plus 1 space per 2 workers employed or to be employed at any
one time
| |
(15)
|
Restaurants
| ||
(a)
|
Restaurants, taverns
|
1 parking space per 45 square feet of active commercial floor
area
| |
(b)
|
Take-out restaurants
|
1 parking space per 100 square feet of active commercial floor
area, with a minimum of two parking spaces required
| |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the SSDD, 1 parking space
per 200 square feet of active commercial floor area
| |||
(16)
|
Industrial and warehouse uses
| ||
(a)
|
Industrial and manufacturing establishments
|
1 parking space per 300 square feet of active floor area
| |
(b)
|
Warehouses and wholesale establishments
|
1 parking space per worker employed at any one time, plus 1
parking space per 5,000 square feet of floor area or fraction thereof;
where the number of workers cannot be determined, 1 parking space
per 500 square feet of active floor area
| |
(17)
|
Bowling lanes, paddle tennis, tennis courts
|
5 parking spaces per unit
| |
(18)
|
Boats
| ||
(a)
|
Marinas
|
1 parking space per mooring or dock space; 1 parking space per
3 boat rack storage spaces
| |
(b)
|
Sight-seeing boats (public passenger carrier)
|
1 parking space per 4 passengers based on the United States
Coast Guard rating of the boat or vessel
| |
(c)
|
Fishing party boats (public passenger carrier)
|
1 parking space per 2 passengers based on the United States
Coast Guard rating of the boat or vessel
| |
(19)
|
Motor vehicle service and gas stations
| ||
(a)
|
Motor vehicle service station (may include gas pumps)
|
10 parking spaces, plus 1 space per 2 workers employed or to
be employed at any one time
| |
(b)
|
Gas station (no motor vehicle service)
|
1 parking space per pump island
| |
(20)
|
Car washes
|
1 parking space per 2 workers employed or to be employed at
any one time, plus 10 reservoir spaces or reservoir space equal to
5 times the maximum number of vehicles capable of being processed
at any one time, whichever is greater
| |
(21)
|
Funeral homes
|
1 parking space per 60 square feet of area intended for public
occupancy
| |
(22)
|
Schools
| ||
(a)
|
Nursery or child day-care center
|
5 parking spaces, plus 1 parking space per every 2 workers employed
at any one time
| |
(b)
|
Elementary
|
1Â 1/2 parking spaces per worker employed or to be employed
at any one time
| |
(c)
|
Middle
|
1Â 1/2 parking space per worker employed or to be employed
at any one time
| |
(d)
|
High school
|
1Â 1/2 parking spaces per worker employed or to be employed
at any one time, plus 1 parking space per 4 students of school capacity
| |
(23)
|
Boarding- or rooming house
|
2 parking spaces, plus 1 space for every 2 guest rooms
| |
(24)
|
Animal care center
|
1 parking space per 10 animal suites and 1 space per 200 square
feet of active floor area devoted to animal grooming facilities
|
D.Â
Reasonable and appropriate off-street parking requirements for buildings
and uses not specifically provided for shall be determined by the
Zoning Inspector, upon consideration of all factors entering into
the parking needs of such use and by comparison with the uses enumerated
above.
E.Â
Where one (1) establishment has two (2) or more distinct uses, each
such use shall be measured separately for the purpose of determining
the number of parking and loading spaces required. However, for mixed-use
projects, the parking required for one use may be met in part by the
parking provided for another use where it can be sufficiently demonstrated
to the satisfaction of the Commission that the two uses have different
peak hours, in accordance with the following criteria:
[Amended effective 10-26-2007; effective 12-21-2007; effective 6-13-2019]
Mixed Use Parking Overlap Criteria
| ||
---|---|---|
Use
|
Use
|
Reduction in Parking Requirement
|
Office
|
Residential
|
50%
|
Office
|
Hotel
|
50%
|
Office
|
Theater
|
50%
|
Office
|
Retail
|
30%
|
Office
|
Restaurant
|
30%
|
Residential
|
Retail
|
25%
|
Residential
|
Restaurant
|
10%
|
Retail
|
Restaurant
|
10%
|
NOTE: Must reduce the larger by the percent listed, but no more
than the number provided by the lesser. For the purposes of the mixed-use
overlap, office includes medical office. For purposes of the mixed-use
overlay, office includes medical office.
|
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. Parking facilities for mixed-use
developments shall not limit the use of or place any restrictions
on the shared parking spaces and shall not reserve or restrict the
use of any parking spaces for specific office or retail tenants or
residential units.
|
In addition to the mixed use parking overlap criteria above,
the Commission may, by Special Permit, allow a mixed-use project,
to reduce up to an additional ten percent (10%) of the parking required
under these regulations, provided that:
|
The total square footage of the development exceeds
250,000 square feet;
|
More than 500 parking spaces are required as part
of the development;
|
The development, has three (3) or more distinct
uses; and
|
It is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Commission
that the nature of the development, or its uses and the factors which
determine parking demand, result in fewer parking spaces to meet actual
parking needs than required by these regulations.
|
F.Â
All off-street parking facilities shall be located upon the same
lot where the use occurs. However, in business and industrial zones,
parking facilities may be located within 600 feet measured along adjacent
streets.
[Amended effective 3-2-1979]
G.Â
Any land use, the major use of which is during the weekend or evening
hours, may meet 50% of the required parking facilities through the
use of parking spaces provided for land or buildings the major use
of which is during the weekday or daylight hours and is within 600
feet measured along adjacent streets.
[Amended effective 3-2-1979]
H.Â
All off-premises parking sites as provided in Subsections F and G shall be subject to approval by the Zoning Inspector for accessibility, safety, convenience and ready identification. A long-term instrument, approved by the Zoning Inspector, which dedicates the use of such off-premises parking site shall be recorded in the Norwalk land records. A "long-term instrument" shall be defined as a legal instrument including, but not limited to a lease or easement, having a term of not less than twenty (20) years and which is filed in the Norwalk land records. The long-term instrument may consist of a base term with a renewal option, provided that the total number of years identified in the instrument equals at least twenty (20) years. While the long-term instrument need only be for a term of twenty (20) years, if off-premises parking is provided as set forth in Subsections F and G, it shall be provided in perpetuity. At the termination of the initial long-term instrument, the parking easement or lease shall be extended for another twenty-year period or another long-term instrument must be entered into for off-premises parking. Any renewal or new long-term instrument shall be subject to approval by the Zoning Inspector.
[Added effective 3-2-1979; amended effective 3-1-1985; effective 2-2-1990; effective 4-29-2016]
I.Â
Planned residential developments approved prior to January 11, 1978,
without adequate parking as required herein, shall not, by reason
of that fact, be rendered nonconforming.
[Added effective 1-11-1978]
J.Â
All off-street parking and loading facilities, including all parking
aisles and backup spaces needed for vehicle maneuvers into and out
of parking spaces, shall be located to the rear of the required front
setback line as now or hereafter established. The area between the
street line and the front setback line and on a corner lot, the side
setback line along a street, except for the required access driveway
and pedestrian sidewalk leading from the street to the off-street
parking and loading area, shall be landscaped with lawns or other
appropriate planting. Where the required parking space is provided
by a garage or other covered space or by roof parking, the location
of such garage or structure shall be in conformity with the zoning
regulations relating to the class of building involved.
[Amended effective 5-26-2000]
K.Â
All required off-street parking and loading spaces must remain available as approved for the specifically designated uses and cannot be used by the developer, owner or tenant for any other use than that for which it has been approved unless otherwise permitted in Subsection G.
[Added effective 3-1-1985]
L.Â
Municipal parking in Norwalk Center.
[Added effective 12-24-1992; amended effective 10-27-1995; effective 9-26-1997; effective 8-27-1999; effective 8-31-2001; effective 9-26-2003; effective 11-25-2005; effective 11-23-2007; effective 11-27-2009; effective 11-25-2011; effective 12-20-2013; effective 11-27-2015; effective 11-24-2017; effective 6-13-2019]
(1)Â
No off-street parking shall be required for a change of use
within an existing structure, provided that the structure is no more
than one thousand (1,000) feet from a municipal parking facility,
as measured along a public right-of-way.
(2)Â
Additions to structures listed on a local, state or national
historic inventory are exempt from providing parking, provided that:
(a)Â
A narrative, prepared by an historic architect, shall be submitted
with the application describing in detail the proposed work to be
done to the exterior of the historic structure. The historic architect
shall be qualified for "Historic Architecture" as listed under 35
CFR Part 61 of the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualification
Standards and submit proof of same;
(b)Â
The proposed revisions are consistent with the Secretary of
the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, Numbers 9 and 10, or as
amended:
New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction
shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property.
The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible
with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect
the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
|
New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall
be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment
would be unimpaired
|
(c)Â
(Reserved)
(d)Â
The proposed number of stories does not exceed four (4);
(e)Â
The lot area does not exceed one-quarter (1/4) acre;
(f)Â
Any additions proposed above an existing structure is sufficiently
set back from the existing facade so the addition does not detract
from the existing facade and there is a clear delineation between
the existing facade and the addition;
(g)Â
The Commission shall refer the application to the Historical
Commission for review and recommendations, who may also refer the
application to the State Historic Preservation Office for comment.
If the Historical Commission does not endorse the application, a two-thirds
majority vote of the Zoning Commission is required for approval;
(h)Â
The Commission determines the structure(s) in question contribute
to community character or possesses a degree of historic significance
(to be evidenced by its age, architectural uniqueness, or cultural
value);
(i)Â
The proposed development complies with the bulk and height requirements
in the Schedule Limiting Height and Bulk of Buildings.
(3)Â
For all new construction on properties with street frontage
on West Avenue, Belden Avenue, Wall Street and Main Street, the principal
use and structure shall be located between the street line of the
above-mentioned streets and all parking facilities. Underground parking
facilities, the roofs of which are less than three (3) feet above
the center-line elevation of the street, shall be exempt from this
requirement. Properties with street frontage other than those noted
shall provide a ten-foot buffer between all parking facilities and
the street line.
(4)Â
Parking areas and structures located in CBD-W shall be set back
twenty-five (25) feet from the mean high-water mark and shall be suitably
landscaped to provide an appropriate transition between the public
accessway and parking facilities.
(5)Â
The required amount of loading may be met on the same lot where
the use occurs or on an adjacent lot, subject to approval by the Commission.
(6)Â
Wherever possible, vehicle access to parking and loading facilities
shall be confined to less active, secondary streets and shall utilize
a minimum of curb cuts.
(7)Â
A minimum ten-foot buffer is required for at-grade parking areas
which abut a residence zone.
(8)Â
For mixed-use projects, twenty percent (20%) 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 fifty percent (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.
(9)Â
By a two-thirds vote, the Commission may, by Special Permit,
allow automated parking for developments requiring two hundred (200)
parking spaces or more and located entirely within the CBD, subject
to approval by the Commission.
(10)Â
(Reserved)
(11)Â
Curb-cut reduction credit. The Commission may, by Special Permit,
permanently grant a property a reduction of one on-site parking space
for each on-street public parking space added through the removal
and or reduction of curb-cuts, provided that the Commission makes
affirmative findings that the proposed development will result in
a significant community benefit such as:
M.Â
Municipal parking in South Norwalk.
(1)Â
No off-street parking shall be required for a change of use
within an existing structure, where the subject property is located
within an area defined as "Exempt Area for Change of Use in South
Norwalk" as shown on a map entitled "Designated Properties for Fees
In Lieu of Parking in South Norwalk."[2] This provision shall be effective until December 31, 2019.
[Amended effective 11-25-2011; effective 12-20-2013; effective 11-27-2015; effective 11-24-2017]
[2]
Editor's Note: The map is on file in the City offices
and may be examined there during regular office hours.
(2)Â
The off-street parking requirement for the first two floors
of any new mixed use building where the first floor is devoted exclusively
to retail uses, the second floor is devoted exclusively to multifamily
or office uses and the building is located within the designated area
boundary as shown on a map entitled "Designated Properties for Fees
in-Lieu of Parking in South Norwalk" may be met in whole or in part
by utilizing municipal parking facilities, subject to the following
conditions:
(a)Â
The applicant shall present to the Zoning Officer proof that
the appropriate number of annual parking permits has been obtained,
or if the use is temporary, that six-month permits have been obtained;
and
(b)Â
Prior to receiving a zoning approval, the applicant shall sign
an affidavit guaranteeing that the same number of parking spaces will
be renewed annually as long as the use exists and shall establish
an escrow account in an amount equivalent to three (3) years of such
parking fees. Should the use be terminated prior to the end of the
three-year period, a prorated balance shall be returned to the applicant;
and
(c)Â
All uses located above the second floor shall provide required parking or shall comply with the payment of a fee in lieu of parking requirements in § 118-1222, Payment in lieu of parking; and
(d)Â
This regulation shall not apply to properties proposing the
demolition of any building listed on the Norwalk Historic Resources
Inventory. External building modifications for any building listed
on such Historic Resources Inventory shall be consistent with applicable
design guidelines.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former
Subsections M and N as Subsection N and O, respectively.
O.Â
Seasonal outdoor dining. No off-street parking shall be required
for seasonal outdoor dining from April 1 through November 1 on City
property and/or private property where the subject property is located
in a commercial zone within six hundred (600) feet of a municipal
parking facility as referenced on the maps entitled "Designated Properties
for Fees In Lieu of Parking," subject to annual renewal of required
zoning approval and to permission by required City agencies.
[Added effective 12-24-2004]
(1)Â
No off-street parking shall be required for seasonal outdoor dining
from April 1 through November 1 on City property and/or private property
where the subject property is located along Main Street in a designated
area as referenced on a map entitled "Main Street: Designated Properties
for Outdoor Dining Parking Exemption,"[4] subject to the annual renewal of required zoning approval
and to permission by required City agencies.
[Added effective 4-27-2012]
[4]
Editor’s Note: The map entitled "Designated Properties for Outdoor Dining Parking Exemption" is included at the end of this chapter.
(2)Â
No off-street parking shall be required for seasonal outdoor
dining from April 1 through November 1 on City property and/or private
property where the subject property is located in a designated area
as referenced on maps entitled "East Norwalk: Designated Properties
for Outdoor Dining Parking Exemption,"[5] subject to the annual renewal of required zoning approval
and permission by required City agencies.
[Added effective 3-25-2016]
[5]
Editor's Note: The East Norwalk: Designated Properties for Outdoor Dining Parking Exemption Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.
P.Â
Valet parking requirements.
[Added effective 4-24-2009]
(1)Â
Off-street parking for a hotel, extended stay hotel and a hotel
with a separate office space may be provided through the use of indoor
valet parking facilities, subject to approval of an operating plan
by the Commission.
[Amended effective 12-19-2014]
(2)Â
Off-street parking for residential developments containing more
than fifty (50) units and located in the Washington Street Design
District may be provided through the use of valet parking, tandem
spaces, compact and/or vehicle stacker devices, subject to approval
by the Commission and submission of a parking operation and management
plan.
[Added effective 6-28-2013]
[Added effective 7-24-1981]
A.Â
The Commission may waive the improvement of up to fifty percent (50%) of the parking spaces required by § 118-1220 of these regulations where it is determined that a building or use does not presently need the required number of parking spaces, provided that:
(1)Â
The applicant sufficiently demonstrates that the nature of the
building or use and the factors which determine parking demand result
in fewer parking spaces to meet actual parking needs than those required
by these regulations.
(2)Â
The site plan shows all required parking spaces, including those
for which a waiver is requested. No structures or other improvements,
except parking, driveways and underground utilities, may be constructed
within the unimproved parking area, and said area shall be suitably
landscaped.
B.Â
The Commission may require that the area for which a parking waiver
has been granted be properly improved if, after public hearing, the
Commission determines that the improvement of such parking area is
necessary to meet the parking needs of the building or use. A legal
instrument or bond with good and sufficient surety shall be posted
to guarantee that the parking area, or a portion thereof, is properly
improved. The legal instrument or bond shall be in force for a period
not to exceed two years from the date of issuance of a certificate
of zoning compliance for the structure generating the parking requirement.
[Amended effective 12-11-1981]
C.Â
A parking waiver may be amended by the Commission if an alternative parking layout which complies with the provisions of § 118-1221A is submitted. A parking waiver may be removed by the Commission if by reason of changes in the zoning regulations the parking spaces for which a waiver has been granted are no longer necessary to meet the parking requirement.
D.Â
For any hotel located on a property within the "Designated Properties for Fees in Lieu of Parking," the Commission may waive the improvement of up to fifty percent (50%) of the parking spaces required by § 118-1220 of these regulations where it is determined that the hotel does not presently need the required number of parking spaces, provided that:
[Amended effective 4-24-2009]
(1)Â
The applicant sufficiently demonstrates that the nature of the
building or use and the factors which determine parking demand result
in fewer parking spaces to meet actual parking needs than those required
by these regulations; and
(2)Â
For a period of two (2) years after a certificate of zoning
compliance is issued for the hotel, the owner or proprietor shall
purchase parking passes from the Norwalk Parking Authority to adjust
for any shortfall in the total number of required parking spaces and
shall deposit a sum equal to the total number of parking passes purchased
for two (2) years with the City. After the expiration of two (2) years,
the Commission shall waive the continued purchases of parking passes
where the applicant, owner or proprietor has demonstrated to the satisfaction
of the Commission that fewer parking spaces have been sufficient for
such hotel use, which waiver shall not be unreasonably withheld.
[Amended effective 12-19-2014]
[Added effective 2-27-1987; amended effective 12-24-1992; effective 7-28-2000]
A.Â
Purpose. Within the Central Business District and South Norwalk Business
District, when the off-street parking requirements cannot be physically
met on the subject property, they may be met in full or in part by
the payment of a fee-in-lieu of parking to the City. Such payments
will allow the City of Norwalk to acquire land, finance, design, construct
and carry out capital repairs and perform other necessary and desirable
actions to provide municipal off-street parking facilities in the
designated area.
[Amended effective 6-13-2019]
B.Â
Applicability. By a two-thirds vote, the Commission may, by Special
Permit, allow for a permanent reduction of all or a portion of the
parking spaces required, provided that the applicant pays a fee in
lieu of the required parking spaces, provided that:
[Amended effective 4-30-2010; effective 6-13-2019]
(1)Â
Funds collected from such payments shall be deposited and used
solely in accordance with the provisions of Section 8-2c of the Connecticut
General Statutes and hereafter amended.
(2)Â
A payment of a fee in lieu of parking shall apply only to new
construction.
(3)Â
Payment of a fee in lieu of parking shall be limited to properties
within 1,000 feet from a municipal parking facility.
(4)Â
Any off-street parking requirement met in this manner shall
constitute a covenant running with the land such that a change in
ownership shall not require payment of an additional fee, aside from
required annual parking passes.
(5)Â
One (1) parking pass is obtained for each required space and
not more than 25% of the spaces in a municipal lot are utilized to
meet such off-street parking requirements.
(6)Â
The property owner shall present to the Zoning Officer proof
that the appropriate number of annual parking permits have been obtained.
(7)Â
Prior to receiving a zoning approval, the applicant shall sign
an affidavit guaranteeing that the same number of parking spaces will
be renewed annually as long as the use exists and shall establish
an escrow account in an amount equivalent to three (3) years of such
parking fees. Should the use be terminated prior to the end of the
three-year period, a prorated balance shall be returned to the applicant.
(8)Â
Properties that are within 1,000 feet of a municipal parking
facility may not obtain a variance from Zoning Board of Appeals.
(9)Â
The Commission shall conduct an annual review of the use of
fees in lieu, in conjunction with the Norwalk Parking Authority to
evaluate the effectiveness of the regulation and the structure of
the fee.
C.Â
The fee shall be determined as follows:
[Amended effective 11-28-2008; effective 6-13-2019]
D.Â
Conditions of payment.
(1)Â
One hundred percent of the payment due for each designated property
choosing to utilize this regulation shall be made to the City of Norwalk
prior to the issuance of a zoning permit to the applicant. The city
may accept 25% of the payment prior to the issuance of a building
permit and the balance prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
at the discretion of the Commission.
[Amended effective 6-13-2019]
(2)Â
Funds paid to the City of Norwalk as a fee in lieu of parking
shall not be refundable for any reason.
(3)Â
Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the City to undertake
the acquisition, construction, expansion or development of any particular
off-street public parking facility.
[Amended effective 4-1-1975; effective 5-30-1980]
A.Â
All off-street parking and loading spaces shall be arranged in an
orderly manner to avoid unsafe conditions and to provide adequate
access for vehicles and pedestrians using the area.
B.Â
Parking stalls for full-size vehicles shall be provided in accordance
with the following:
C.Â
Parking stalls for compact vehicles shall be provided in accordance
with the following:
[Amended effective 12-10-1982; effective 5-26-2000]
(1)Â
The minimum dimensions for each parking stall shall be seven
feet six inches in width and 15 feet in length.
(2)Â
Compact parking stalls shall be permitted only for parking provided
in a development park or in a parking structure for hotels and those
uses set forth in § 118-1220C(3), (4), (13)(b) and (16),
provided that:
(a)Â
Not more than 35% of the parking spaces required by these regulations
shall be for compact vehicles;
(b)Â
The minimum number of parking spaces required by these regulations
shall be in excess of 50 spaces; and
(c)Â
Compact parking stalls shall be grouped in contiguous, uniform
stalls and shall have signs placed in appropriate locations indicating
PARKING FOR COMPACT VEHICLES ONLY.
(3)Â
All or any part of the parking spaces provided in addition to
those required by these regulations may be for compact vehicles.
(4)Â
To obtain approval of a parking layout with compact parking
stalls, a site plan must first be submitted to the Zoning Inspector
for approval which demonstrates that sufficient parking is capable
of being provided to meet the minimum requirements of these regulations
for full-size parking stalls. Upon such demonstration, the Zoning
Inspector may then approve an alternate and different site plan containing
compact parking stalls, in accordance with the requirements set forth
herein. In no event shall the provision of compact parking stalls
result in an increase in the floor area or the number of dwelling
units permitted with the provision of full-size parking stalls.
D.Â
Minimum aisle widths.
(1)Â
The minimum aisle width required to provide maneuvering space
and access to parking stalls shall be as follows:
Full-Size Vehicles
|
Compact Vehicles
| |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Parking Angle
(degrees)
|
Stall Width
(feet)
|
Aisle Width
(feet)
|
Stall Width
(feet)
|
Aisle Width
(feet)
|
0
|
7
|
12
|
7
|
12
|
45
|
8.5
|
13
| ||
9.0
|
12
|
7.5
|
12
| |
9.5
|
12
| |||
60
|
8.5
|
18
| ||
9.0
|
16
|
7.5
|
14
| |
75
|
8.5
|
22
| ||
9.0
|
21
|
7.5
|
17
| |
9.5
|
20
| |||
90
|
8.5
|
24
| ||
9.0
|
23
|
7.5
|
22
| |
9.5
|
22
|
(2)Â
The stall width shall be measured perpendicular to the direction
of parking. When columns occur along the side lines of parking stalls
located within a building or structure, the width of the stall shall
be determined by dividing the clear dimension between column faces,
measured perpendicular to the direction of parking, by the number
of stalls between adjacent columns whenever the width of the stall
so determined is less than nine feet. In such cases, the painted side
stripe defining each stall adjacent to a column shall be placed at
the face of column rather than at the center line of the column, and
the space between the column faces shall be divided into stalls of
equal width.
(3)Â
The aisle width dimensions as set forth in the chart in Subsection D(1) assume one-way circulation for all parking angles. At a parking angle of 90° the same dimensions apply for two-way circulation.
(4)Â
For a parking angle of zero degrees, add 10 feet to the aisle
for two-way circulation.
E.Â
Where parking stalls of different dimensions share the same aisle,
the parking stall requiring the greater aisle width shall govern.
F.Â
All access drives and parking and loading access shall be paved with
an appropriate hard surface pavement that is durable, dust free and
maintained in good condition. In Special Permits for multifamily dwellings
containing 12 or more units, the surface and subsurface driveways
must conform to the following minimum requirements:
[Amended effective 10-28-1983; effective 4-12-1985]
G.Â
Individual parking and loading spaces, aisles, crosswalks and entrances
and exits shall be suitably identified with lines and arrows, subject
to the approval of the Zoning Inspector.
I.Â
Automated parking: Where permitted, an automated (robotic) parking
system is exempt from the aisle widths and parking space dimensions
required herein, provided that the facade of an automated (robotic)
parking garage system is architecturally compatible with adjacent
properties and complies with applicable design guidelines.
[Added effective 8-29-2008]
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
A.Â
Entrances and exits.
(1)Â
Entrances and exits to parking and loading areas shall be by
means of clearly limited and defined drives. Said entrances and exits
shall be located to prevent conflict with pedestrian and vehicular
traffic by providing for the stable flow of vehicles at all times.
Entrances and exits shall be arranged to prevent any vehicle from
exiting a parking area by backing onto or across a sidewalk and onto
a street.
[Amended effective 4-27-1990]
(2)Â
All entrances and exits shall comply with the provisions of
the City of Norwalk Department of Public Works Roadway Standards.
Entrances and exits onto state roads or highways shall comply with
the applicable requirements of the State Department of Transportation.
B.Â
All parking and loading areas shall be suitably graded, drained and
maintained to prevent erosion and stormwater runoff onto adjacent
streets and properties. The Zoning Inspector may require that drainage
plans be certified by a civil engineer and, in addition, may refer
said plans to the Department of Public Works for its review and recommendations.
C.Â
All parking and loading areas to be utilized during the nighttime
shall be adequately lighted. Such lighting shall be located to reflect
the light away from adjacent streets and properties.
D.Â
Stable traffic flow.
[Added effective 4-27-1990[1]]
(1)Â
"Stable traffic flow" shall mean that site-generated traffic
shall not adversely affect pedestrian or vehicular safety, conflict
with the pattern of highway circulation or increase traffic congestion
to a level of service (LOS) considered unacceptable by the Commission.
(2)Â
The Commission shall not approve developments which fail to
maintain stable traffic flow unless provision has been made for the
improvement of inadequate conditions.
[1]
Editor's Note: This amendment also provided for the redesignation
of former Subsection D and Subsection E.
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
A.Â
All off-street parking and loading areas of five or more spaces,
located between a building or use and the street on which it fronts,
shall be separated from the street with a buffer strip. Said buffer
strip shall be a minimum of five feet in width and landscaped with
trees and shrubs to provide for driver and pedestrian safety and to
improve the appearance of the parking area.
B.Â
All uses permitted in residence zones with off-street parking of
five or more spaces shall provide a buffer strip, a minimum of five
feet in width, on all sides which abut a residence zone or use permitted
in a residence zone.
C.Â
All off-street parking and loading areas of 20 or more spaces shall
be provided with planting islands. Said planting islands shall be
a minimum of eight feet six inches in width and 19 feet in length
and shall be landscaped with trees and shrubs to channel internal
traffic flow, prevent indiscriminate movement of vehicles, aid pedestrian
circulation and improve the appearance of the parking area. The location
and frequency of planting islands shall be subject to the approval
of the Zoning Inspector.
[Amended effective 5-26-2000]
D.Â
The treatment of the buffer strips and planting islands shall be
subject to the approval of the Zoning Inspector. All buffer strips
and planting islands must be kept free of rubbish and maintained to
the satisfaction of the Zoning Inspector.
E.Â
Where parking and loading spaces abut sidewalks, buffer strips, planting
islands or similar construction, a curb or wheelstop shall be provided
to prevent vehicles from overhanging or otherwise damaging said construction.
[Amended effective 4-1-1975]
A.Â
There shall be provided clearly marked and posted off-street loading
spaces to serve the following types of buildings and uses: hotels,
hospitals, stores, office buildings, wholesale manufacturing and industrial
buildings, warehouses and railroad and truck freight stations.
B.Â
The minimum area required for each loading space shall be 10 feet
in width, 25 feet in length and 14 feet height clearance. Each loading
space shall adjoin a loading dock or entryway and be provided with
adequate apron space for access and maneuvering.
C.Â
Loading space provided shall be based upon building floor area plus
outside storage area, as follows:
[Amended effective 11-27-1991]
Floor Area
|
Loading Space Requirement
| |
---|---|---|
3,000 to 25,000 square feet
|
1 space
| |
25,000 to 80,000 square feet
|
2 spaces
| |
Over 80,000 square feet
|
2 spaces, plus 1 space for each additional 100,000 square feet
of floor area
|
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 118-1270, Motor vehicle
parking space to be provided in urban renewal projects, amended effective
4-1-1975, was repealed effective 2-27-1987.
[Amended effective 4-1-1975; effective 3-2-1979; effective 7-30-1982; effective 5-26-2000]
The off-street area of any lot may, however, be reduced by the
portion thereof as is conveyed, with the approval of the Norwalk Traffic
Authority, to said Norwalk Traffic Authority to be used for parking
subject to the metering charges, management, control and regulations
of the Authority.