Zoning Board of Appeals - 2026-02-19
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for 3 McIntosh Road to allow parking in the front setback as an ADA reasonable accommodation, enabling conversion of a two-car garage into living space for a resident with multiple sclerosis. The Board denied a variance request at 7 Shore Haven Road for a second kitchen/kitchenette, finding no hardship, and continued the application for 10 Winthrop Avenue regarding a rear setback variance for garage expansion to allow the applicant to revise their plans.
Key Decisions (3)
ADA Parking Variance at 3 McIntosh Road
Variance approved to allow parking within the front setback for Kirk and Angela Hogman to convert existing two-car garage into at-grade entryway and living space. The applicant has progressive multiple sclerosis and needs ground-level access. The property requires two parking spaces which would both need to be in the driveway within the front setback. Vote was unanimous.
Second Kitchen Variance at 7 Shore Haven Road
Variance denied for David and Ashley Gold to allow a proposed kitchenette/second kitchen on the 1st floor in addition to existing primary kitchen on 2nd floor. The single family home was constructed in 2001 with kitchen on 2nd floor. Staff and Board found no hardship meeting variance requirements. Applicants argued the regulation language does not limit kitchens but Board disagreed this constitutes hardship.
Rear Setback Variance at 10 Winthrop Avenue
Application continued for Mark Barrett and Jillian Mylak seeking variance of rear setback (15 feet required, 6.7 feet existing/proposed) to connect existing detached garage to principal residence and add second story living space above garage. Property at 10 Winthrop Avenue, District 5, Block 5, Lot 125. Board found self-created hardship and suggested applicants revise plans.
Development Activity (3)
Garage Conversion to Living Space
Conversion of existing two-car garage into at-grade entryway and living space at single family residence, plus rear addition including bedroom. Home is raised ranch style constructed in 1963.
First Floor Kitchenette Addition
Proposed kitchenette/second kitchen on 1st floor of single family home constructed in 2001. Existing kitchen on 2nd floor. Property in AE flood zone.
Garage Expansion and Connection
Proposal to expand existing 18x18 foot detached garage to 21x21 feet, add second story with 420 square feet of living space (playroom, bathroom, work area), and connect to principal residence via 11-foot breezeway. Home constructed in 1928 on corner lot.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Homeowners seeking to expand living space within existing properties through garage conversions and additions rather than relocating.
Sentiment
Neighborhood opposition expressed concern about density increases and variance approvals undermining zoning protections, with one resident noting irony of property owner who opposed ADUs during zoning rewrite now seeking expansion.
Other
Planning and Zoning Commission considering amendments to allow wet bars in residences, with definition limiting counter area to 8 feet, sink to 1 square foot, no cooking facilities, and only small under-counter mini fridge.