Accessory Structures in Norwalk, CT (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Norwalk, Connecticut, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Norwalk allows accessory apartments only in AAA, AA, A and B Residence Zones, and only inside single-family homes that have stood for at least three years. Lots must meet the zone's minimum area and width, with B Residence Zone lots needing 1.25 times the usual minimum. The Zoning Inspector approves every application.
Norwalk Accessory Apartment Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsNorwalk Code § 118-420
A. Purpose and intent. The intent of this regulation is to encourage the creation of accessory apartments in existing single-family residences for the purpose of providing rental housing for the elderly, single persons and small families... B. Regulations. Accessory apartments shall be permitted in AAA, AA, A and B Residence Zones, subject to the following requirements: (1) Accessory apartments...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Norwalk requires the property owner to live on site as a condition of keeping an accessory apartment. Under Code § 118-420(B)(2) and (D)(2), the owner must file a signed affidavit with the Zoning Inspector every year by January 31 confirming continued residency and unchanged conditions.
Norwalk Accessory Apartment Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsNorwalk Code § 118-420(B)(2), (D)(2)
(2) The owner of the property must reside on the premises. ... D. Procedure for approval. (1) Applications for accessory apartments shall be subject to approval solely by the Zoning Inspector. (2) A certificate in the form of an affidavit which verifies that the owner continues to reside on the premises and that all other conditions met at the time of the original application remain unchanged s...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Norwalk caps every accessory apartment at 400 to 700 square feet, one bedroom, and three occupants with no more than two adults. Code § 118-420(C)(2) and (C)(3) also require the principal dwelling to stay at least 800 square feet and add a dedicated off-street parking space for the unit.
Norwalk Accessory Apartment Size And Occupancy Caps
Some RestrictionsNorwalk Code § 118-420(C)(2), (C)(3)
(2) The accessory apartment shall be a minimum of four hundred (400) square feet in area but not more than seven hundred (700) square feet in area. The area of the principal dwelling shall not be reduced to less than eight hundred (800) square feet. (3) An accessory apartment shall contain not more than one (1) bedroom, and occupancy shall be limited to three (3) persons, not more than two (2) ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Norwalk keeps sheds and other accessory buildings in residence zones off the street-facing part of the lot and away from the rear line. A shed must sit at least 5 feet from the rear lot line (10 feet on lots deeper than 100 feet) and may rise no more than 15 feet if it occupies the required rear yard.
Norwalk Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsNorwalk Code § 118-910A, E
Accessory buildings in residence zones shall conform to the following regulations as to their location upon the lot: A. In the case of an interior lot fronting upon only one street, no accessory building shall be erected or altered so as to encroach upon that half of the lot depth nearest to the street. ... E. No accessory building shall be located within five feet of its rear lot line. In the ...