ARTICLE 60, Research and Development Zone
§ 118-600. Research and Development Zone. [Added effective 5-20-1957; amended effective 12-5-1973; 9-15-1975; 4-14-1977; 4-25-1980; 7-25-2003]
A. Purpose and intent.
(1) It is declared that a need has developed in Norwalk for the provisions of a Research and Development Zone, to be known as an "R-D Zone," which cannot be provided within the scope of the present building zone regulations.
(2) It is the purpose of this zone to permit a limited number of executive offices, executive and management educational facilities for use by companies, corporations and organizations exclusively for their business use, and research and development firms which will contribute to the economic base of the city and will constitute a harmonious and appropriate part of the physical development of the city. The provisions of this zone are intended to ensure that all permitted uses and structures will be compatible with and will provide protection to adjacent residential areas and will maintain the character of the neighborhood in which they are located. [Amended effective 7-25-2003]
B. Uses and structures.
(1) Principal uses and structures. Premises and buildings shall be used only pursuant to Special Permit as defined in Subsection B(2), except that if the zoning district existing prior to the amendment of the Zoning Map establishing this zone was a residence zone, the use of premises and buildings shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of such prior district.
(2) Special Permit uses and structures. The following uses and structures and no others shall be permitted by Special Permit, in accordance with the provisions of Article 140, § 118-1450, Special Permits, and subject to the additional standards set forth herein:
(a) Office buildings for business and professional establishments other than those primarily providing services to customers or clients on the premises.
(b) Research and development facilities which involve no production or fabrication of products for sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the manufacture of limited quantities of products solely for research purposes may be permitted as specifically authorized by the Commission.
(c) Executive and management educational facilities for use by companies, corporations and organizations for executive or management educational training purposes, or meetings of their officers, directors, shareholders, members, and/or employees, provided that, during any one (1) calendar week, no more than twelve (12) companies, corporations or organizations shall utilize such facilities. [Amended effective 12-26-1986; 7-26-1991; 1-28-1994; 7-25-2003]
(3) Uses which are not permitted in Subsection B(1) and (2) above shall not be permitted by variance in a Research and Development Zone. [Added effective 4-24-1992 EN52 ]
(4) Additional standards for Special Permit uses.
(a) The uses permitted by Special Permit in the R-D Zone shall be subject to the following additional standards:
[1] Environmental impact. No use shall be allowed which would have an adverse effect upon adjacent properties by reason of the emission of smoke, particulate matter, noise, dust, glare, fumes, odor, ionizing radiation, vibration, heat or any other noxious pollutant or waste.
[2] Storage of materials. All materials stored on the premises shall be in completely enclosed structures.
[3] Sanitary facilities. Public sewer facilities shall be utilized and adequate provision for storm drainage shall be made as determined by the Commission.
[4] Location and access. Each parcel shall have direct access on an arterial or collector street, designated upon the Urban Systems Map, as amended, capable of providing safe and adequate access to the site.
[5] Density.
[a] Office buildings and research and development facilities. The maximum number of employees permitted on each lot shall not exceed twenty-five (25) per acre or fraction thereof.
[b] Executive and management educational facilities. The maximum number of executives or management persons undergoing educational training at any one time or on any one day together with supporting staff persons shall not exceed a combined total of six (6) per acre or fraction thereof. [Amended effective 7-25-2003]
[6] Hours of operation.
[a] Office buildings and research and development facilities. Hours of operation shall be limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., except for maintenance purposes, data and communications processing and research and equipment requiring continuous operation or study.
[b] Executive and management educational facilities. Hours of operation shall be limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except for overnight lodging and boarding purposes, recreational activities and maintenance purposes.
[7] Illumination. Exterior illumination shall be controlled by design or screening so as not to intrude upon adjacent streets and properties.
[8] Existing buildings and structures. Buildings of historical or architectural significance which exist on the site shall be preserved and adapted for reuse in a manner which maintains the character of the building.
[9] Landscaping. All areas of a site not used for building, parking, walks and drives shall be suitably landscaped. New construction shall be designed and carried out in a manner which results in the least defacement to the existing landscape features of the site.
(b) Application for Special Permit shall include plans, drawings and other documentation which the Commission deems necessary for it to evaluate the standards for Special Permit listed under § 118-1450C and the additional standards set forth herein. The Commission may refer such applications to appropriate city agencies and departments for review and recommendations.
(5) Accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures which are incidental to and customarily associated with the principal use of the premises shall be permitted subject to the setback requirements for the principal use and subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Office buildings and research and development facilities. Lodging shall be for the temporary accommodation of not more than ten (10) employees or visitors.
(b) Executive and management educational facilities. Lodging shall be for the temporary accommodation of not more than ten (10) employees or visitors and for the accommodation of not more than four (4) executive or management persons undergoing educational training for each acre or fraction thereof within the total site.
(c) Recreation facilities shall be for the exclusive use of employees and guests.
(d) Permanent living quarters may be provided solely for a managing director, assistant managing director, custodian, a caretaker or watchman and family of each named position.
(E) Non-business related ceremonies and rituals shall not be allowed. [Added effective 7-25-2003]
C. Lots and building requirements. See Schedule of Commercial and Industrial Uses and all other applicable sections of these regulations. Not withstanding the foregoing, no executive or management educational facility shall be located upon a lot of less than fifty (50) acres. [Amended effective 7-25-2003]
D. Off-street parking and loading requirements. See §§ 118-1200 through 118-1260 and, in addition:
(1) Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be located in accordance with the required building setback lines.
(2) Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be effectively screened from view from adjacent streets and properties.
E. Sign regulations. See §§ 118-1290 through 118-1295. [Amended effective
6-28-1985; 9-13-1985]
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