The following open space requirements shall be adhered to for any development within the City of Norwalk:
1. Each principal structure of an apartment or office complex shall be separated from any other principal structure in the complex by an open space of not less than fifteen (15) feet in width except as required in Subsection 2 of this section.
2. Where door and windows in the exterior walls of a living unit face a wall of the same building and/or a wall of another building in the same apartment complex site, there shall be provided a minimum open space of not less than thirty (30) feet. Said distance to be measured on a line projected at right angles at the opening, from the wall containing the opening to the opposite wall.
3. Cantilevers and uncovered decks may project from the building wall into the required open space, provided an uncovered deck shall not cover more than 50% of the open space within the front yard. Open stairways may project from the building wall into the required open space not more than seven and one-half (7-1/2) feet. Stairways when located in the required open space shall be cantilevered or supported by the necessary columns only; support by a wall other than the exterior building wall is strictly prohibited.
4. On each lot there shall be provided an open space equal to at least the following percentage of the total lot area for each zoning district listed. Said open space shall be unencumbered with any structure, or off-street parking or roadways, ingress-egress access drives and shall be landscaped and well maintained with grass, trees and shrubbery, except for areas used for pedestrian walks, courtyards or plazas.
Districts | Percent of Open Space |
R, PC, and IC | 30% |
C-O, C-1, C-2, and TC | 25% |
C-3, C-4, and M | 20% |
A-R and CD | 50% |
5. Any existing use in the C-4 Old Town Business District shall be exempt from this chapter; however, all redevelopment or new development in the C-4 District shall be subject to compliance.