Norwalk · Zoning · R-4
Norwalk R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Norwalk's R-4 zone, generally the front setback is 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required, the side setback limit is 5 ft for first story; 10 ft for second story and the rear setback limit is 20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required, with the conditions listed below (Norwalk code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required (first story)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft for first story; 10 ft for second story
- Minimum rear setback: 20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 60%
- Maximum density: 23 to 30 dwelling units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 23, at most 30)
R-4 (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-4
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.
| Minimum front setback | 15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required Applies: first story § 17.05.420 · code textEvery lot and every parcel in an R-4 zone shall have a front setback from the front property line of not less than 15% of the lot depth, provided that such front setback depth need not exceed 15 feet for the first story. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft for first story; 10 ft for second story § 17.05.430 · code textEvery property shall have a side setback from the side property line on each side of the property of not 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 § 17.05.440 · code textEvery lot and parcel in the R-4 zone shall have a rear setback from the rear property line of not less than 20% of the lot depth but need not exceed 20 feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 17.05.444 · code textThe maximum allowable lot coverage shall not exceed 60% of the lot size. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 60% § 17.05.446 · code textThe maximum allowable floor area ratio shall not exceed 60% of the lot size. |
| Maximum density | 23 to 30 dwelling units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 23, at most 30 § 17.05.470 · code textThe allowable density for every lot or parcel in the R-4 zone shall be between 23 and 30 dwelling units per acre. |
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, lot size limit for R-4 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 minimum front setback in Norwalk's R-4 zone?
15% of lot depth, no more than 15 ft required (first story) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.420.
What is the minimum side setback in Norwalk's R-4 zone?
5 ft for first story; 10 ft for second story — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.430.
What is the minimum rear setback in Norwalk's R-4 zone?
20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.440.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Norwalk's R-4 zone?
60% — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.444.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Norwalk's R-4 zone?
60% — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.446.
General information, not legal advice.
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