Norwalk · Zoning · O-S
Norwalk O-S zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Norwalk's O-S zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 20 ft, with the conditions listed below (Norwalk code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft (or two stories, whichever is less; no building may exceed 10 ft within 10 ft of a property line)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be set by an official zoning plan, but none less than the required setback on adjacent properties)
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan)
- Maximum lot coverage: 20%
O-S (Open-Space Zone) is a zoning district in Norwalk. Every value below was read from the Norwalk Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in O-S
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 25 ft Applies: or two stories, whichever is less; no building may exceed 10 ft within 10 ft of a property line § 17.08.100 · code textNo 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. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.08.100 · code textNo 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. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: greater or lesser setbacks may be set by an official zoning plan, but none less than the required setback on adjacent properties § 17.08.110 · code textEvery 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. |
| Minimum side setback | 20 ft Applies: greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan § 17.08.120 · code textEvery 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. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan § 17.08.130 · code textEvery 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. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 20% § 17.08.140 · code textThe maximum coverage of a lot or parcel by all structures shall not exceed 20% of the lot area. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in O-S:
- Maximum building height: 10 ft — located within 10 feet of a property line § 17.08.100
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR, density limit for O-S in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Norwalk Municipal Code.
Other Norwalk zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Norwalk's O-S zone?
25 ft (or two stories, whichever is less; no building may exceed 10 ft within 10 ft of a property line) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.08.100.
What is the maximum number of stories in Norwalk's O-S zone?
2 stories — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.08.100.
What is the minimum front setback in Norwalk's O-S zone?
20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be set by an official zoning plan, but none less than the required setback on adjacent properties) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.08.110.
What is the minimum side setback in Norwalk's O-S zone?
20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.08.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Norwalk's O-S zone?
20 ft (greater or lesser setbacks may be established by an official zoning plan) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.08.130.
General information, not legal advice.
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