Norwalk · Zoning · C-M
Norwalk C-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Norwalk's C-M zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft, with the conditions listed below (Norwalk code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (or 35 ft, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required
- Minimum rear setback: None required (properties that abut an alley or other commercially zoned properties)
C-M (Commercial Manufacturing 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 C-M
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 | 35 ft Applies: or 2 stories, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit § 17.06.200 · code textNo building or structure in a C-M zone shall exceed two stories or 35 feet in height, whichever is less, except that greater heights may be permitted subject to the issuance, existence, and validity of a conditional use permit. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: or 35 ft, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit § 17.06.200 · code textNo building or structure in a C-M zone shall exceed two stories or 35 feet in height, whichever is less, except that greater heights may be permitted subject to the issuance, existence, and validity of a conditional use permit. |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 17.06.210 · code textEvery lot or parcel in the C-M zone shall have a front yard of not less than 10 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | None required § 17.06.220 · code textNo side yard is required in the C-M zone except for the street side of a corner lot where the setback shall be 10 feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: properties that abut an alley or other commercially zoned properties § 17.06.230 · code textFor properties that abut an alley or other commercially zoned properties, no rear yard is required in the C-M zone. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-M:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Street side of a corner lot § 17.06.220
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Abuts property in an R zone and does not abut an alley or other commercially zoned properties § 17.06.230
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-M 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 C-M zone?
35 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.06.200.
What is the maximum number of stories in Norwalk's C-M zone?
2 stories (or 35 ft, whichever is less; more may be allowed with a conditional use permit) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.06.200.
What is the minimum front setback in Norwalk's C-M zone?
10 ft — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.06.210.
What is the minimum side setback in Norwalk's C-M zone?
None required — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.06.220.
What is the minimum rear setback in Norwalk's C-M zone?
None required (properties that abut an alley or other commercially zoned properties) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.06.230.
General information, not legal advice.
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