Article III — O-S Zone, Open-Space Zone

The O-S zone is intended to assure the permanent availability of open space for public parks and recreation areas in conformance with goals and policies established in the open space, recreation element of the Norwalk general plan. The establishment of an open space zone recognizes that open space land is a limited and valuable resource which must be conserved. Appropriate action to preserve open space is essential in order to assure that ample land will be available to meet future open space and recreation demand. (Prior code § 27-4.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

In an O-S zone, no building shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as is hereinafter specifically provided and allowed by this chapter, and subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.03 , Article II, governing off-street parking requirements, and Section 17.02.205 , governing precise development plans.

No use shall be established pursuant to this article except upon a finding that the establishment of such use is consistent with the open-space, Recreation Element of the General Plan.

In an O-S zone, the following uses are permitted.

• A. Open space-related uses including:

  1. Public parks and playgrounds and other public areas set aside for outdoor recreation;

  2. Pedestrian, bicycle, and other similar trails;

  3. Public malls and plazas;

  4. Freeway, street, railroad, and public transit rights-of-way;

  5. Drainage channels, water courses, reservoirs, and similar uses;

  6. Public utility easements and corridors;

  7. Tree farms, agriculture, and horticulture including nurseries;

  8. Buildings and structures accessory to such. permitted uses, provided however, that no commercial recreation uses, where an admission fee is charged, will be permitted except as is specified in subsection B of this section;

  9. Public parking accessory to permitted uses.

• B. The following, subject to the issuance, existence, and validity of a conditional use permit as provided for in Section 17.02.210 of this title and subject to full compliance with each and every condition thereof:

  1. Public utility facilities and public service uses, provided, however that such use is primarily oriented to outdoor and open-air activity and that any intensive development shall only be permitted if it is accessory to the outdoor and open-air activity;

  2. Public educational facilities;

  3. Commercial recreational facilities and uses of an open space nature, such as golf courses and private clubs and parks where an admission fee, use fee, or membership fee is charged.

(Prior code § 27-4.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2; Ord. 23-1746, 12/5/2023)

The Planning Commission shall determine whether the proposed development is in compliance with regulations of the Norwalk Municipal Code and provisions of this article, and whether such development will be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare or will adversely affect property values or the present and future development of surrounding areas.

• A. The Planning Commission, in compliance with the foregoing, shall consider the following criteria in its review:

  1. All buildings and landscaping shall have scale and proportions which are appropriate to the surrounding areas and the intent of the O-S zone.

  2. Building elevations shall be designed to be compatible with the characteristics of the surrounding areas and the intent of the O-S zone.

  3. Landscaping, exterior lighting, walls, fences, screen planting, and other similar appurtenances shall be designed, provided, and maintained in a manner which is compatible with the characteristics of the surrounding areas and the intent of the O-S zone.

  4. Adequate traffic and pedestrian circulation, access ways and parking shall be required to be provided and improved as necessary to avoid congestion and to prevent adverse effects on neighboring property.

  5. All buildings or structures shall be so arranged as to permit convenient access for emergency and service equipment, fire hydrants, standpipes, and other fire protection devices.

  6. Any proposed development shall not present a hazardous situation due to any soil, erosion, flooding, topographic, or seismic condition applicable to the site.

• B. The Planning Commission, in compliance with the foregoing, shall give special consideration to the retention of existing vegetation and land formations in their natural state. Modification of such natural features, including the removal of mature trees and grading for which a grading permit is required, shall only be permitted subject to precise development plan approval.

(Prior code § 27-4.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

No building in an O-S zone shall exceed two stories or 25 feet in height, whichever is the lesser, provided, however, that no building shall exceed 10 feet in height if located within 10 feet of a property line.

(Prior code § 27-4.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

• A. Every lot or parcel, in an O-S zone shall have a front yard of 20 feet. Greater or lesser setbacks may be established by adoption of an official zoning plan, provided, however, that no setback which is less than the required setback on adjacent properties shall be permitted.

• B. The required front yard area shall only be used for landscaping, fences and walls, and driveways.

(Prior code § 27-4.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Every lot or parcel in an O-S zone shall have a side yard of 20 feet. Greater or lesser setbacks may be established by adoption of an official zoning plan. (Prior code § 27-4.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Every lot or parcel in an O-S zone shall have a rear yard of 20 feet. Greater or lesser setbacks may be established by adoption of an official zoning plan. (Prior code § 27-4.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The maximum coverage of a lot or parcel by all structures shall not exceed 20% of the lot area. (Prior code § 27-4.8; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Before a change of zone from the O-S zone to any other zone is granted, it shall be shown:

• A. That there is sufficient open space and recreational land in the immediate area.

• B. That the granting of such change of zone will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare, now or in the future.

• C. That the continued maintenance of the O-S zone is not necessary to insure the satisfaction of the open space needs and desires of the population.

• D. That the granting of such change of zone is consistent with the general plan and its elements, especially the open-space, recreation element.

(Prior code § 27-4.9; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)