Zoning Citation Hearings - 2026-01-28
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Zoning Citation Hearings on January 28, 2026 addressed multiple property violations across Norwalk. Key matters included continuing violations at 48 Elmwood Avenue (unpermitted parking), 349 Martin Luther King Junior Drive (contractor's yard with $150/day accruing fines since November 5, 2025), 280 Connecticut Avenue (illegal tobacco/vape shop), and 238 West Rocks Road (unauthorized commercial event space at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church). A $500 fine was imposed at 32 Adamson for parking violations on grass in the front setback.
Key Decisions (5)
Fine Imposed at 32 Adamson
Property owners fined $500 for parking vehicles on grass in the front setback area in a CD-2 two-family zone. Citation issued October 14, 2025. Owners must relocate vehicles to their Bridgeport property. Case closed with fine.
Continuation at 48 Elmwood Avenue
Property with five sheds previously built without permits. Sheds now permitted and compliant. Remaining issue is approximately 530 square feet of unpermitted parking in front setback that needs to be removed. Paving companies dormant in winter.
Continuation at 349 Martin Luther King Junior Drive
Light industrial (SCLI) zone property operating as unauthorized contractor's yard with building materials, vehicles, and equipment storage. Previously fined $30,000 by Judge DePampolis, paid through tax sale process in 2023. New citation issued November 5, 2025 with $150/day accruing fine. Owner Anthony D'Antonio absent citing medical reasons but was seen at property same day.
Continuation at 280 Connecticut Avenue
Tobacco/vape shop operating without permits in location that cannot be permitted due to one-mile radius restriction from existing approved vape shop on Washington Avenue. Tenant never obtained building permit when they had opportunity to grandfather in. Sign permit also required.
Continuation at 238 West Rocks Road - Saint George Greek Orthodox Church
Church community center being used as commercial event space by Nikki Collective caterer for non-church events including bar mitzvahs. Violates 2006 special permit condition restricting use to church purposes only. Located in CD-1L residential zone. Neighbors complained of events running until 1-2 AM with loud music. Church preparing special permit modification application.
Market Signals (2)
Commercial Demand
Tobacco and vape shop regulations have tightened with one-mile radius restrictions from existing approved shops, limiting new retail opportunities in this sector.
Sentiment
Residential neighbors actively opposing commercial event space operations in residential zones, citing noise complaints until 1-2 AM and disruption from catering operations.