Understanding ADU Zoning in Norwich CT

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Norwich, Connecticut, is an example of how zoning rules can seem straightforward until you actually try and apply them to a real situation. So for example, they allow accessory apartments in the MF or multi-family district in Norwich. However, if you then go to the back of the zoning bylaw and read the definition of the accessory apartment, it makes it very clear that they mean single families only.

There's also an inconsistency when you go between these two sections of what size is allowed. The ADU section says, "The lesser of 900 square feet or 30% of the home, whichever is less."

Whereas in the definition section, it says, "The lesser of 900 square feet or one-third of the principal structure." As we remember from math class, 30% does not equal one-third.

So this is where there's a lot of nuance and you have to try and dig in and understand what's most likely allowed, and this is all just for pre-feasibility, of course. When it's time to actually, proceed, it's very important to have a conversation with the building department and confirm what's relevant for that particular property.

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