Norwalk · Zoning · R-3
Norwalk R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Norwalk's R-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required, with the conditions listed below (Norwalk code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (or 30 ft, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit)
- Minimum front setback: 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required (first story)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft first story; 10 ft second story
- Minimum rear setback: 20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required (subject to exceptions the code lists after this rule)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 50%
- Maximum density: 3 units for lots of 5,000 sq ft or more
R-3 (Multi-Family High Density Residential 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 R-3
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 | 30 ft Applies: or 2 stories, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit § 17.05.210 · code textNo primary building or structure shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is the lesser; except multiple dwellings equipped with elevators and other permitted buildings if either is approved by conditional use permit; and except as provided by Section 17.03.230 for certain roof and similar structures. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: or 30 ft, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit § 17.05.210 · code textNo primary building or structure shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is the lesser; except multiple dwellings equipped with elevators and other permitted buildings if either is approved by conditional use permit; and except as provided by Section 17.03.230 for certain roof and similar structures. |
| Minimum front setback | 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required Applies: first story § 17.05.220 · code textEvery lot and every parcel in an R-3 zone shall have a front yard of not less than 15% of the lot depth, provided that such front yard depth need not exceed 15 feet for the first story. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft first story; 10 ft second story § 17.05.230 · code textThe side yard on each side of the property shall not be less than five feet for the first story and 10 feet for the second story. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required Applies: subject to exceptions the code lists after this rule § 17.05.240 · code textEvery lot and parcel in the R-3 zone shall have a rear yard of not less than 20% of the lot depth but need not exceed 20 feet subject to the following exceptions: |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.05.244 · code textThe maximum allowable lot coverage shall not exceed 50% of the lot size. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 50% § 17.05.246 · code textThe maximum allowable floor area ratio shall not exceed 50% of the lot size. |
| Maximum density | 3 units for lots of 5,000 sq ft or more § 17.05.270 · code textFor every lot or parcel containing not less than 5,000 square feet of area the number of units permitted is three. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft farther back than the first story — second story § 17.05.220
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft first story — where abutting an R-1 zone § 17.05.230
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft farther back than the first story — second story, where the side yard abuts an R-1 zone (first story 20 ft) § 17.05.230
- Maximum density: 22 dwelling units per acre — lot or parcel containing not less than 9,000 square feet; one dwelling unit for each 1,980 square feet of net area § 17.05.270
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size limit for R-3 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 R-3 zone?
30 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.210.
What is the maximum number of stories in Norwalk's R-3 zone?
2 stories (or 30 ft, whichever is less; multiple dwellings with elevators may exceed this with a conditional use permit) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.210.
What is the minimum front setback in Norwalk's R-3 zone?
15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required (first story) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.220.
What is the minimum side setback in Norwalk's R-3 zone?
5 ft first story; 10 ft second story — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.230.
What is the minimum rear setback in Norwalk's R-3 zone?
20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required (subject to exceptions the code lists after this rule) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.240.
General information, not legal advice.
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