Agenda packet — Norwalk City Council, November 6, 2024 (part 2 of 2)

CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
42 The Draft EIR analyzed three alternatives to the proposed project that could avoid or substantially lessen the project’s potentially significant impacts.

1. “No Project” Alternative
The “No Project” Alternative assumes existing conditions remain as is and the proposed project does not proceed. The proposed Specific Plan would not be adopted, and the transit-oriented development would not occur. As detailed in Draft EIR Section 3.3, Project Background and History, the property is currently owned by DGS who is leasing the property to the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) on a month-to-month basis for hospital use. Thus, this alternative assumes DSH continues to utilize the facility on an as-needed basis.

The existing structures on-site would remain and no new development would occur.

Conclusion:

The No Project/No Development Alternative would lessen environmental impacts in the areas of air quality, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, noise, population and housing, tribal cultural resources, and utilities and services systems. Weighing the tradeoffs between the proposed project and the No Project/No Development Alternative in regard to aesthetics, hazards and hazardous materials, land use and planning, and transportation, this alternative would result in similar impacts. Impacts related to hydrology and water quality, public services, and recreation would be greater. Last, this alternative would avoid the project’s significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions impacts.

The “No Project” Alternative would not achieve any of the project’s basic objectives. No new development would occur; therefore, this alternative would not provide any market rate or affordable housing onsite and would not assist the City in meeting its RHNA obligation. This alternative would not develop residential, commercial, hospitality, or open space uses to serve the community. A transit-oriented community would not be created and pedestrian and bicycle connections would not be constructed to connect to the nearby Metrolink Station. This alternative would not achieve this objective. No affordable to low and very low-income households would be afforded. Last, this alternative would not establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, or health and wellness-focused amenities.

Finding:

This alternative is rejected because it would not accomplish any of the objectives of the proposed project. The findings of the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic, and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration.

2. Reduced Density Alternative
The “Reduced Density” Alternative would reduce the overall density allowed by the Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan by 30 percent. The proposed buildings would be proportionately reduced. No hotel would be constructed as part of this alternative. All circulation improvements and utility improvements, proposed by the project, would remain the same. Draft EIR Table 7-1, Proposed Project and Reduced Density Alternative Comparison, shows a comparison between the “Reduced Density Alternative” and the proposed project. The “Reduced Density” Alternative would include 539 residential units, of which 40 percent would be affordable, 56,103 square feet of commercial uses, and 2.53 acres of park space; hotel use would not be developed. Similar to the proposed project, the “Reduced Density” Alternative would require a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan, Tentative Tract Map, and Development Agreement.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
43 Conclusion:

The “Reduced Density” Alternative would lessen environmental impacts in the areas of air quality, energy, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, and utilities and services systems. Weighing the tradeoffs between the proposed project and the “Reduced Density” Alternative in regard to aesthetics, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, transportation, and tribal cultural resources, this alternative would result in similar impacts. Last, this alternative would reduce the projects significant and unavoidable impact related to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, it is acknowledged that these emissions reductions would not be reduced to an insignificant level.

Significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions impacts for the “Reduced Density” Alternative would remain.

The “Reduced Density” Alternative would achieve the project’s objectives, but not to the extent of the proposed project. This alternative would construct a transit-oriented development. 539 market rate and affordable housing opportunities would be provided, which would assist the City in meeting its RHNA obligation, although not to the extent as the proposed project. Commercial uses would be afforded to serve the community. This alternative would still establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, and health and wellness-focused amenities. Although this alternative would provide 539 residential units with 40 percent reserved as affordable units, this alternative would not achieve the same number of affordable units as the project.

Finding:

3. All Residential Development Alternative
The General Plan identifies the project site as one of the City’s Opportunity and Special Site Studies (Opportunity Site). An Opportunity Site is one that inhibits both a current issue and future opportunity for redevelopment into a more neighborhood- and City-serving space. The former CYA facility qualifies as an Opportunity Site, given its incompatibility with surrounding residential uses. The General Plan recommends that the site be redeveloped into a residential community, including common open space and recreational facilities, potentially under the governance of a Specific Plan. Given the site’s proximity to existing transit, employment, and shopping, it is also recommended that circulation connectivity and alternative forms of mobility be considered to enhance the prospective residential community. As such, the “All Residential Development” Alternative assumes the entire Specific Plan area is developed into a residential community. The majority of the project site would be developed with single family residential uses, consistent with the R-1 zone.

In order to accommodate the 40 percent affordable housing to meet the requirements of the Surplus Land Act exemption, the non-residential parcel (proposed by the project) located at the western portion of the project site would be developed with an affordable housing apartment building (140 units). Since no existing zoning could apply to PA1 for the 140 apartment units, the project would still require a Specific Plan and this portion of the project site would be identified as MU-H designation of the Norwalk Transit Center Specific Plan. All other circulation and utility improvements would be constructed similar to the proposed project.

Draft EIR Table 7-2, Proposed Project and All Residential Development Alternative Comparison, provides a general comparison of the proposed project to the “All Residential Development” Alternative. The “All Residential Development” Alternative would include 350 residential units, of which 40 percent would be affordable, and three acres of park space. Commercial and hotel uses would not be developed. Similar to the proposed project, Resolution No. 24-58

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
44 the “All Residential Development” Alternative would require a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan, Tentative Tract Map, and Development Agreement.

Conclusion:

The “All Residential Development” Alternative would lessen environmental impacts in the areas of air quality, energy, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, and utilities and services systems. Weighing the tradeoffs between the proposed project and the “All Residential Development” Alternative in regard to aesthetics, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, transportation, and tribal cultural resources, this alternative would result in similar impacts. Potential impacts from land use and planning would be greater. Last, this alternative would reduce the projects significant and unavoidable impact related to greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is acknowledged that these emissions reductions would not be reduced to an insignificant level. Significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions impacts for the “All Residential Development” Alternative would remain.

The “All Residential Development” Alternative would achieve some, but not all, of the project’s objectives.

This alternative would provide 350 market rate and affordable housing opportunities, which would assist the City in meeting its RHNA obligation, although not to the extent as the proposed project. Although this alternative would provide 350 residential units with 40 percent reserved as affordable units, this alternative would not achieve the same number of affordable units as the project. This alternative would still establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, and health and wellness-focused amenities. However, as no non-residential square footage would be constructed, this alternative would not develop a transit-oriented community. Last, this alternative would not develop commercial or hospitality uses to serve the community.

Finding:

This alternative is rejected because it would accomplish some, but not all, of the objectives of the proposed project. The findings of the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic, and other issues set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration. The City Council rejects the “All Residential Development” Alternative for the following reasons: (1) this alternative would not provide the same number of affordable housing units as the proposed project; (2) this alternative would not develop a transit- oriented community; and (3) this alternative would not develop commercial or hospitality uses to serve the community.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
Table 7-3, Comparison of Alternatives of the Draft EIR, summarizes the comparative analysis presented above (i.e., the alternatives compared to the proposed project). Based on Table 7-3, the “No Project” Alternative is the environmentally superior alternative, as it would avoid or lessen most of the project’s environmental impacts, including the project’s significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions. According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e), “if the environmentally superior alternative is the “no project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives.” Accordingly, both the “Reduced Density Alternative” and the “All Residential Development” Alternative are considered environmentally superior to the proposed project, since these alternatives reduce the projects significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is acknowledged that these emissions reductions would not be reduced to an insignificant level. Significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions impacts for both the “Reduced Density Alternative” and the “All Residential Development” Alternative would remain.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
45 The “No Project” Alternative would not achieve any of the project’s basic objectives. No new development would occur; therefore, this alternative would not provide any market rate or affordable housing onsite and would not assist the City in meeting its RHNA obligation. This alternative would not develop residential, commercial, hospitality, or open space uses to serve the community. A transit-oriented community would not be created and pedestrian and bicycle connections would not be constructed to connect to the nearby Metrolink Station. This alternative would not achieve this objective. No affordable housing for low and very low-income households would be developed. Last, this alternative would not establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, or health and wellness-focused amenities.

The “Reduced Density” Alternative would achieve project’s objectives, but not to the extent of the project.

This alternative would construct a transit-oriented development. 539 market rate and affordable housing opportunities would be provided, which would assist the City in meeting its RHNA obligation, although not to the extent as the proposed project. Commercial uses would be afforded to serve the community; however, no hospitality uses would be constructed. This alternative would still establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, and health and wellness- focused amenities. Although this alternative would provide 539 residential units with 40 percent reserved as affordable units, this alternative would not achieve the same number of affordable units as the project.

The “All Residential Development” Alternative would achieve some, but not all, of the project’s objectives.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
46 III. STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081(b) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15093, the City of Norwalk has balanced the benefits of the proposed project against the following significant and unavoidable impacts associated with the proposed project and has adopted all feasible mitigation measures with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. The City also has examined alternatives to the proposed project. Based on Draft EIR Table 7-3, the “No Project” Alternative is the environmentally superior alternative, as it would avoid or lessen most of the project’s environmental impacts, including the project’s significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions to less than significant levels. According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e), “if the environmentally superior alternative is the “no project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives.” Accordingly, both the “Reduced Density Alternative” and the “All Residential Development” Alternative are considered environmentally superior to the proposed project, since these alternatives reduce the projects significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is acknowledged that these emissions reductions would not be reduced to an insignificant level. Significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions impacts for both the “Reduced Density Alternative” and the “All Residential Development” Alternative would remain.

Regarding a Statement of Overriding Considerations, CEQA Guidelines Section 15093 provides:
(a) CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance, as applicable, the economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including region-wide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks when determining whether to approve the project. If the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including region-wide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse environmental effects may be considered “acceptable.”
(b) When the lead agency approves a project which will result in the occurrence of significant effects which are identified in the final EIR but are not avoided or substantially lessened, the agency shall state in writing the specific reasons to support its action based on the final EIR and/or other information in the record. The statement of overriding considerations shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record.
(c) If an agency makes a statement of overriding considerations, the statement should be included in the record of the project approval and should be mentioned in the notice of determination. This statement does not substitute for, and shall be in addition to, findings required pursuant to Section 15091.

A. BACKGROUND
CEQA requires decision makers to balance the benefits of the proposed project against its significant unavoidable environmental risks when determining whether to approve the project. If the benefits of the project outweigh the significant unavoidable adverse effects, those effects may be considered “acceptable” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093[a]). CEQA requires the agency to support, in writing, the specific reasons for considering a project acceptable when significant impacts are infeasible to mitigate. Such reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the Final EIR or elsewhere in the administrative record (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093[b]). The agency’s statement is referred to as a Statement of Overriding Considerations.

The following sections provide a description of each of the project’s significant and unavoidable adverse impacts and the justification for adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
47 B. SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
The following impacts of the proposed project are considered significant, unavoidable, and adverse based on the Draft EIR, Final EIR, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and the findings discussed in Section II, Findings and Facts, of this document.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Impact GHG-1: The primary source of project-related emissions would be from mobile-source emissions generated by the project-related vehicle trips, followed by energy sector emissions and water demand sector emissions. The proposed project has development standards and design features that contribute to reducing GHG emissions. The project would redevelop the infill project site with a mixed-use transit-oriented community with a mix of office/retail, multi-family residential uses, and park land uses. The project is in proximity to the Norwalk-Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station, which is approximately 0.2- to 0.5-miles northeast of the project site. Further, the project site is located within a pedestrian-oriented area and would include pedestrian and bicycle connection to the nearby Metrolink station. The project site is in an urbanized area and within walking and biking distance to existing commercial and neighborhood-serving retail uses. The project would include a new neighborhood commercial center that would provide restaurants and businesses that provide goods and services that people would frequently use to take care of their personal and household needs. The project would also provide bicycle parking spaces in accordance with CALGreen Code. The proposed project would include operational emission reductions in compliance with Assembly Bill 341 (at least 50 percent of solid waste generated to be reduced, recycled, or composted). In addition, SCAQMD Rule 445 (gaseous-fueled fireplaces and stoves only; no wood burning devices) were applied to the proposed project CalEEMod run.

Mitigation Measures GHG-1 through GHG-4 would require 1) the installation of electric-vehicle- capable charging spaces in the non-residential development to meet the voluntary standards of California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen); 2) to the extent feasible, that the new residential buildings be primarily electric, meaning that electricity is the primary source of energy for water heating; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) (i.e., space-heating and space cooling); cooking; and clothes-drying; 3) exterior electric receptacles to support the use of electric landscape equipment; and 4) light color roofing and building materials to minimize heat-island effect. With implementation of requiring all electricity for residential heating/cooling, cooking, water heating, and other appliances (Mitigation Measure GHG-1), GHG emissions would be slightly reduced, but would continue to exceed the SCAQMD Working Group threshold of 3,000 MTCO 2e/yr as a result of mobile-source emissions generated by the nonresidential and residential land uses. As shown, emissions would continue to exceed the SCAQMD significance threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e per year. the project would incorporate features to encourage transit use throughout the day such as a mix of uses, high-quality pedestrian and bicycle access, narrow streets, and reduced parking requirements. The Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan would also develop Class II and III bike lanes. Pedestrian circulation would be provided throughout the project area via walkways and linear parks, as well as pedestrian crossings. The project would include features that promote alternative transportation methods, such as landscaped parkways, pedestrian walkways, bus transit stops, street furniture, and widened pedestrian zones, and electric vehicle charging stations. These design features would minimize GHG emissions during operation. The majority of the emissions come from mobile sources, which primarily depend on the prerogative of future residents/employees/visitors with regard to their preferred method of transportation. In addition, fuel efficiency and emission standards are regulated at the State level, and these regulations are becoming more stringent over the years to reduce mobile source emissions. However, as the individual preferences and Statewide regulations are beyond the control of the project applicant and City, it is not feasible to reduce the emissions to below the Resolution No. 24-58

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
48 threshold. Consequently, despite implementation of GHG-1 through GHG-4, project-related GHG impacts would continue to be significant and unavoidable. • Cumulative Impact: Project-related GHG emissions are not confined to a particular air basin; instead, GHG emissions are dispersed worldwide. No single project is large enough to result in a measurable increase in global concentrations of GHG emissions. Therefore, impacts identified under Impact Statement GHG-1 are not project-specific impacts to global climate change, but the proposed project’s contribution to this cumulative impact. GHG impacts are recognized as exclusively cumulative impacts, and there are no non-cumulative GHG emission impacts from a climate change perspective.

As such, significant direct impacts associated with the project also serve as the project’s cumulative impact. As analyzed in Impact Statement GHG-1 of the Draft EIR, the project would have significant and unavoidable impacts. Thus, the project would cumulatively contribute to GHG impacts and impacts in this regard would be significant and unavoidable.

C. CONSIDERATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING

CONSIDERATIONS
CEQA requires the lead agency to balance the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks in determining whether to approve the project. After balancing the specific economic, legal, social, technological, and other benefits, including regionwide or Statewide environmental benefits, of the proposed project, the City has determined that the significant, unavoidable, adverse environmental impacts identified above are considered “acceptable” due to the following specific considerations, which outweigh the significant, unavoidable, adverse environmental impacts of the proposed project.

Incorporates Mitigation Measures and Alternatives Analysis The City finds that all feasible mitigation measures have been imposed to lessen project impacts; and furthermore, that the alternatives to the project are infeasible because while they have similar or less environmental impacts, they do not meet project objectives or provide benefits to the same extent as the proposed project, or are otherwise socially or economically infeasible when compared to the project, as described herein.

SOC-1: Contributes Towards Meeting the City’s Housing Goals and RHNA Requirements As recently recognized by the California Legislature, “California has a housing supply and affordability crisis of historic proportions.” (Gov. Code § 65589.5; see also Gov. Code §§ 65009 [“The Legislature finds and declares that there currently is a housing crisis in California and it is essential to reduce delays and restraints upon expeditiously completing housing projects”].) In order to alleviate that crisis, the Legislature has taken a number of steps to ensure that local jurisdictions accommodate their share of needed housing, including by requiring that cities adopt, and update according to a fixed schedule, the Housing Element portion of their General Plan, and submit said element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for review. (Gov.

Code § 65585.) Among other things, the Housing Element is required to demonstrate how the city will meet its share of regional housing needs, known as its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (“RHNA”). (Gov. Code § 65583. If a city does not have adequate sites to accommodate its RHNA, it is required to rezone sites in order to meet its allocation. (See Gov. Code, § 65583(c)(1)(A); see also Gov. Code, § 65913.1 [requiring cities to “zone sufficient vacant land for residential use”].)
The 5th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan was adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council on October 4, 2012, and covers the planning period from October 15, 2013, to October 15, 2021. The 6th RHNA cycle covers the housing element planning period from October 2021 through October 2029. The 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan was adopted by SCAG on March 4, 2021.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
49 According to SCAG’s 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan, the housing needs of the City of Norwalk for the 2021-2029 planning period are 5,034 housing units; refer to Draft EIR Table 5.12-4, Norwalk 2021-2029 RHNA Allocation. Draft EIR Table 5.12-4 summarizes the specific number of housing units per income category anticipated to be provided between 2021 and 2029. Given that the project would provide up to 770 housing units (at least 40 percent of the residential units to be affordable to low and very low-income households), the project would be a step towards meeting the City’s affordable housing allocations and contribute towards the City’s future housing goals.

SOC-2: Redevelops an Underutilized Property into a Mixed-Use Development The project represents an opportunity for the City to provide a walkable transit-oriented community, located less than one quarter mile from the Norwalk-Santa Fe Spring Metrolink Station, that brings residents in closer proximity to existing and proposed commercial and open space uses within a single property. The project constitutes infill development that maximizes the beneficial and functional use of a site in an urban location that is presently underutilized for the community benefit. A mix of land uses within close proximity to one another in the project area would offer more active transportation opportunities (e.g., walking, bicycling, and transit use), thus encouraging alternative modes of travel and resulting in reduced vehicle trips and lengths. The project would establish a community with multi-modal transportation, walking trails, community connectivity, sustainable landscaping, health and wellness-focused amenities, and within proximity to job centers, such as downtown Los Angeles and Orange County.

SOC-3: Contribute Towards Economic Development
The proposed project is a mixed-use, transit-oriented community with approximately 80,147 square feet of commercial uses as well as a 150-key hotel. The proposed non-residential land uses are forecast to create approximately 254 new jobs through project buildout, based on an employment generation rate of one employee per 447 square feet of commercial use and one employee per 883 square feet of hotel use. The new commercial uses along with new employee spending within city limits will generate additional sales and use tax revenue or potentially $200,000 annually for the City. Additionally, the 150-key hotel would provide a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax, or potentially $500,000 annually, that would benefit the City’s tax base. Once constructed, the proposed project will generate an estimated $173,143 annually in additional property tax revenues for the City.

SOC-4: Implements VMT Reduction Strategies
The Specific Plan would guide the implementation of a mixed-use transit-oriented development at the project site, located in close proximity to the Norwalk-Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station (approximately 0.2- to 0.5- miles northeast of the project site). The Specific Plan would incorporate features to encourage transit use, such as a mix of uses, high-quality pedestrian and bicycle access, narrow streets, and reduced parking requirements.

The Specific Plan would serve both planning and regulatory functions including circulation patterns and development standards. The project would comply with relevant goals and objectives outlined in the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. One of the goals of the Specific Plan is to reduce the reliance on single occupant passenger vehicles, and as such, the project site design aims to maximize pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity between the diverse uses within the Specific Plan Area and to the greater Norwalk area. The proposed project would construct Class II and III bike lanes on-site that would connect to the existing and future City-wide bicycle system.

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CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Norwalk Transit Village Environmental Impact Report
50 SOC-5: Provides Open Space and Recreational Amenities in an Underserved Area The project would allow development of on-site open space through a combination of common and private, active, and passive recreation areas, including a 1.56-acre park and 2.06 acres of linear parks; the 2.06 acres would be comprised of a 1.53-acre linear park and a 0.28-acre contiguous dog run. A publicly accessible network of parks and linear parks/greenways would run through the Norwalk Transit Village site and connect it to Zimmerman Park. A variety of community and wellness-oriented amenities that promote health, social, and mental well-being would be distributed throughout the open space network. Examples of those amenities may include a tot lot with play structures, shade structures, walking trails, par course or fitness equipment, community gathering areas, community gardens, outdoor seating, dog runs, etc. As such, the project would introduce new public open space and recreational amenities to the project area, which currently has minimal publicly accessible open space/recreational amenities.

SOC-6: Improves the Visual Character and Quality of the Project Area The project site is currently developed with a former youth correctional facility, which is currently in a blighted condition. The proposed project, although a change to the existing visual quality of the site, would enhance the visual attributes of the project site and surrounding area by creating an attractive, well-designed mixed-use project with high quality details and design articulation, landscaping, and streetscaping. Provisions of the proposed project, including the Development Standards and Design Guidelines, would ensure design details of the proposed project are context-sensitive and of high quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship.

SOC-7: Fulfills Land Use Goals and Policies in the City’s General Plan The project fulfills the land use goals and policies contained in the adopted Norwalk General Plan by providing a mixed-use project consistent with the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The project would create a well-balanced community by careful land use and urban design, which provides for the housing, employment, social, economic, recreational, and service needs of its residents and which maintains and enhances a high quality of life; the project provides a range of well-integrated housing types which will serve the various needs of all the residents of the City.

SOC-8: Satisfies Government Code 11011.28 (Assembly Bill 518) The project satisfies the stated purpose and intent of Government Code 11011.28 (Assembly Bill 518) in which the State Legislature authorized the sale of the project site to the City to provide housing to persons and families of low or moderate income. Specifically, the project would provide up to 770 housing units with at least 40 percent of the residential units to be affordable to low and very low-income households.

D. CONCLUSION
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081(b) and the Guidelines Section 15093, the Norwalk City Council has balanced the project’s benefits against the significant unavoidable project impacts. The City Council finds that the project’s benefits of implementing the proposed Norwalk Transit Village Project outweigh the project’s significant unavoidable impacts, and those impacts, therefore, are considered acceptable in light of the project’s benefits. The City Council finds that each of the benefits described above is an overriding consideration, independent of the other benefits, that warrants approval of the project notwithstanding the project’s significant unavoidable impacts.

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Attachment No. 2
RESOLUTION NO. 24-56

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2022-01 (2024-01)

ADDING A SPECIFIC PLAN AREA LAND USE DESIGNATION AND

CHANGING THE CURRENT DESIGNATION FROM INSTITUTIONAL TO
SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17
WHEREAS, the City has received General Plan Amendment (GPA) No. 2022-01 (2024-01), a request from the City of Norwalk (“Applicant”) to amend the General Plan to add a specific plan area land use designation and change the land use designation of 13200 Bloomfield Avenue (“Subject Site”); also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) 8045-008-902; from Institutional (I) to Specific Plan Area (SPA); and WHEREAS, Zone Change No. 2022-01 (2024-02), Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17, and Environmental Impact Report SCH No. 2022070103 were received in conjunction with this request (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, Section 17.02.105 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) requires a recommendation of approval by the Planning Commission to City Council on General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-01); and
WHEREAS, the subject site was identified as an opportunity site to enhance public enjoyment and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill (AB) 518, effective January 1, 2021, authorized the Director of the Department of General Services, until January 1, 2025 to sell the property to the City of Norwalk at fair market value; and
WHEREAS, Under the provisions of AB 518, the City is pursuing the purchase of the project site from the State and proposes a Specific Plan with mixed-use development; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on July 10, 2024 to consider General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-01), at which time oral and documentary evidence related to the project were received and the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-07, 24-08, 24-09 and 24- 10, recommending that the City Council Approve GPA No. 2022-01 (2024-01), Zone Change No. 2022-01 (2024-02), Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-04) to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17, and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) SCH No. 2022070103; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on October 15, 2024 and November 6, 2024 to consider the Final EIR and the proposed Project, and to solicit comments on the documents from staff, the public, the applicant, and the City’s consultant team; and
Resolution No. 24-56 Page 2 of 6
WHEREAS, the City has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report (“Final EIR”), which consists of the Draft EIR and its associated technical appendices, comments to the Draft EIR and its associated technical appendices, and written responses to comments on the Draft EIR, which analyzes the potential significant environmental impacts of GPA No. 2022-01 (2024-02) along with other aspects of the Project; and WHEREAS, all of the requirements of the Public Resources Code and the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines have been satisfied by the City in connection with the preparation of the Final EIR, which is sufficiently detailed so that all of the potentially significant environmental effects of the Project have been adequately evaluated; and
WHEREAS, the Final EIR sufficiently analyzes the Project’s potentially significant environmental impacts and a reasonable range of feasible alternatives capable of reducing these effects to less than significant levels to the extent feasible; and WHEREAS, the Final EIR for the proposed Project, including GPA No. 2022-01 (2024-01), was certified by the City of Norwalk City Council on November 6, 2024 and November 6, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58, and the City Council approved a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations.

WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK HEREBY DETERMINES, FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated as substantive findings in this Resolution.

Section 2. The City Council certified that (i) the Final EIR has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, (ii) the Final EIR was presented to the City and the City has reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final EIR prior to considering adoption of the Project, and (iii) the Final EIR reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City.

Section 3. The City Council certified the Final EIR, adopt the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration on November 6, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58.

Section 4. The General Plan contains a thorough inventory, assessment, and analysis of social, physical, and economic issues related to the long-range development of the community. The proposed General Plan Amendment is not detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. It will improve the economic development of the property and surroundings.

Resolution No. 24-56 Page 3 of 6
Section 5. The City Council approves GPA No. 2022-01 (2024-01) amending the General Plan and Land Use Map to reflect changes contained in Exhibit “A” and “B” based on the facts and findings set forth in Section 1.5 of the Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan, which are hereby incorporated as part of these findings and the findings below which are consistent with the overall policies, goals, and objectives of the City’s General Plan, adopted specific plans, and the Norwalk Municipal Code:

A. Land Use Element. Citywide Objectives: (1) To establish a positive image for Norwalk as a growing city and take steps towards maintaining this positive image; (2) To provide for larger comprehensive developments along the City’s major arterials which will enhance the overall character of the streetscape and will include adequate parking, buffering and landscaping; (3) To concentrate commercial density in the City Center area and establish it as an urban and sub-regional core; and (4) Encourage the maintenance and enhancement of areas important to the creation of a positive image for Norwalk.

The proposed Project would implement the City’s Economic Development Opportunities Plan by revitalizing the project site with a vibrant, community- focused, mixed-use development that contributes to the City’s economic base allowing the City to grow and maintain and improve a positive image of the City. In addition the proposed project provides for the comprehensive planning of the project site through the preparation of a specific plan and utilizes a public/private partnership between the City of Norwalk and a developer to redevelop the site consistent with the specific plan established for the project site providing a larger comprehensive development along Bloomfield Avenue and enhance the overall character of the streetscape and provide adequate parking, buffering, and landscape consistent with the design standards set forth under the Specific Plan.

B. Open Space Element. Open Space Element Objectives: (1) To establish quality residential neighborhoods and commercial environments through the provision of adequate private and group open space; (2) Usable private and group open space should be provided in adequate amounts and locations to meet the needs of all on-site users; (3) Suitable amenities should be provided within private and group open space areas to encourage their use; (4) To establish a quality public open space environment which enhances the overall identity of the City; (5) to establish a consistent approach to public streetscape, including sidewalks, landscaping, signage, furniture and lighting; (6) encourage development of a cohesive streetscape through the City; (7) Encourage coordination between private development and public streetscape, including landscaping, signage and lighting.

The proposed Project would include 3.7 acres of publicly accessible, but privately maintained open spaces. Open spaces will consist of a 1.6-acre park allowing active and passive recreation uses. In addition, 2.1 acres of trails/linear parks with two small pocket parks will connect the various planning areas within the project.

The Specific Plan’s Open Space development standards provide a framework for a variety of open space configurations while maximizing useability and sustainability.

Resolution No. 24-56 Page 4 of 6
C. Community Design Element. Community Design Goals: (1) The City of Norwalk will be recognized as a place of visual order and exceptional quality in design; (2) new residential, commercial, and right of way developments should be reviewed to determine consistency and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, district, and the overall community; and (3) Community Design Policy: Existing residential, commercial, industrial, and public facility and right of way improvements should be maintained to support a positive community image.

D. The proposed Project developed in accordance with the development standards and regulations set forth in Chapter 2 of the Specific Plan for the Specific Plan area will ensure that new development will comply with the Community Design Element goals, policies, and objectives and are developed in a manner consistent with and compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods, district, and the overall community.

E. Housing Element. Housing Element Goals: (1) Attain a housing supply adequate to meet the needs projected for the City; (2) provide a variety of rental and homeownership housing opportunities for all income groups of the City; (3) attain a housing market where all families can find adequate housing within their financial means; and (4) achieve an assisted housing supply that provides a full range of affordable ownership and rental housing opportunities.

The proposed Project would allow for the development of up to 770 new residential units with at least forty percent (40%) being designated as affordable. The new residential units developed under the proposed Project would assist the City in meeting its regional housing needs and the State’s overall housing goals, which is a statewide concern.

Section 6. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution and it shall go into effect immediately upon its adoption.

Section 7. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Norwalk and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed assistant, is directed to attest thereto.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 6th day of November 2024.

MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
ATTEST:

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 24-56 Page 5 of 6
Exhibit “A”
Existing General Plan Land Use Designation

Resolution No. 24-56 Page 6 of 6
EXHIBIT “B”
Proposed General Plan Land Use Designation

Attachment No. 3
RESOLUTION NO. 24-57

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 2022-01 (2024-02) TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12300 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE FROM
INSTITUTIONAL (I) TO SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17
WHEREAS, the City has received Zone Change (ZC) No. 2022-01 (2024-02), a request from the City of Norwalk (“Applicant”); to rezone 12300 Bloomfield Avenue (“Subject Site”); also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) 8045-008-902; from Institutional (I) to Specific Plan Area No. 17 (SP) to facilitate the re-development of a 32.3- acre site for mixed-use development and associated site improvements; and WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-01), Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17, and Environmental Impact Report SCH No. 2022070103 were received in conjunction with this request; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.02.290.C of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing upon the initiation of a Zone Change; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.02.290.D of the NMC requires that the Planning Commission provide the City Council with a written recommendation including the findings constituting the basis for the recommendation; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on July 10, 2024, to consider Zone Change No. 2022-01 (2024-02), at which time oral and documentary evidence related to the project were received and the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-08, recommending that the City Council Approve ZC No. 2022-01 (2024-02); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared to address the potential environmental effects of the Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan (NTVSP) and impose mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts resulting from project implementation; and WHEREAS, the Final EIR for the proposed Project, including ZC No. 2022-01 (2024-02), was certified by the City of Norwalk City Council on October 15, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-57, and the City Council approved a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK HEREBY DETERMINES, FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Resolution No. 24-57 Page 2 of 4
3 6
8 7
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated as substantive findings in this Resolution.

Section 2. The proposed Zone Change is in compliance with the NMC and the Norwalk General Plan goals, policies and objectives by providing adequate local-serving commercial uses, services supporting economic growth, and establishing a positive image for Norwalk and for the reasons set forth in Section 1.7 of Specific Plan Area No. 17, which are incorporated herein by this reference. The proposed project would revitalize underutilized parcels, increase commercial amenities, ensure consistency with adjacent properties, and activate the streetscape. The proposed zoning designation of Specific Plan Area No. 17 is consistent with the Specific Plan land use designation.

Section 3. The proposed Zone Change will be in the public interest and reflects the contemplated land uses of the property. The zone change would allow for consistency in zoning for the entire site and facilitate the development of a site that has remained underutilized for several years.

Section 4. The City Council approves ZC No. 2022-01 (2024-02) amending the Zoning Map to reflect changes contained in Exhibit “A” and “B”.

Section 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution and it shall go into effect immediately upon its adoption.

Section 6. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Norwalk and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed assistant, is directed to attest thereto.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 6 th day of November 2024. ______________________________
MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 24-57 Page 3 of 4
Exhibit “A”
Existing Zoning

Resolution No. 24-57 Page 4 of 4
EXHIBIT “B”
Proposed Zoning

ATTACHMENT NO. 4

ORDINANCE NO. 24-1754

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING ZONING
TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2022-02 (2024-04) ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC PLAN AREA NO. 17, THE “NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN”

WHEREAS, the City has received Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04), a request from The City (“Applicant”) to establish Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” at 13200 Bloomfield Avenue (“Subject Parcel”); also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) 8045-008-902; and

WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 2022-01 (2024-01), Zone Change No. 2022-01 (2024-02), and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) SCH No. 2022070103 were received in conjunction with this request; and

WHEREAS, once the City adopts its general plan, it may prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the general plan for all or a part of the area covered by the general plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65450; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 65454, a specific plan must be consistent with the City’s general plan; and

WHEREAS, Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” would allow for the redevelopment of the former California Youth Authority site as vibrant and interactive mixed-uses and open spaces; and

WHEREAS, Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is consistent with the goals and policies in the City’s General Plan; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.02.260.C of the Norwalk Municipal Code (“NMC”) requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing upon the initiation of a Zoning Text Amendment; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.02.105 of the NMC requires a recommendation of approval by the Planning Commission to City Council on Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04); and

WHEREAS, on July 10, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Text Amendment 2022-02 (2024-04); and

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 2 of 63
WHEREAS, the project requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to be certified and a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Findings of Fact be adopted for significant and unavoidable impacts pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and

WHEREAS, the EIR for the proposed Project, including Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04), was certified by the City of Norwalk City Council on November 6, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58 ; and

WHEREAS, on October 15, 2024 and November 6, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this ordinance and considered all oral and documentary evidence presented thereto.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated as substantive findings in this Ordinance.

Section 2. The City Council certified the EIR on November 6, 2024 through City Council Resolution No. 24-58.

Section 3. The proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 ( 2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan” is in compliance with the NMC and the Norwalk General Plan, in conjunction with the recommended General Plan Land Use designation of Specific Plan Area No. 17 . It is consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as it will provide housing opportunities, including affordable housing, allow for the development of a variety of uses including, residential, commercial, hospitality, and open space, and promote transit ridership and multimodal opportunities.

Section 4. Specific Plan. Once the City adopts its general plan, it may prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the general plan for all or a part of the area covered by the general plan. (Government Code Section 65450). In order for a specific plan to be adopted, it must be consistent with the City’s general plan. (Government Code Section 65454). As such, the City Council hereby adopts Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) establishing Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” based on the following findings of fact:

A. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is consistent with the City’s General Plan goals, objectives, and objectives set forth in Section 1.5 of Specific Plan Area No. 17.

B. Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is compatible with present and future development of the property within the

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 3 of 63
immediate vicinity because the project is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.

C. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare or adversely affect property values or the present and future development of surrounding areas.

Development of the subject site will be compatible with surrounding residential and commercial uses.

D. The permitted uses and development standards adopted as part of the Specific Plan would not be detrimental to present and potential surrounding uses but would have a beneficial effect which could not have been achieved under pre- existing zoning.

E. The streets and thoroughfares are adequate in size to accommodate the traffic volume generated by Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan, ” which is served by major roadways, including Interstate 605, and Interstate 5. Local access to the Project is provided by Imperial Highway, and Bloomfield Avenue, which are adjacent to the Project.

F. The existing or proposed utility services and facilities are adequate for the proposed population densities and residential uses under Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan, ” because the on- site improvements include public and private facilities and utilities. In addition, “will-serve” letters have been received from the utility companies.

G. Based on proposed development standards contained in Specific Plan Area No. 17, the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan, ” buildings and structures are to be situated in a manner that minimizes impact on existing uses.

H. Specific Plan Area No. 17 , the “ Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan,” is in compliance with the Norwalk Municipal Code and the Norwalk General Plan, in conjunction with the recommended General Plan Land Use designation of Specific Plan. It is consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan as it will allow for the development of a variety of uses, including residential , commercial, hospitality, and open space, and promote transit ridership and multimodal opportunities.

Section 5. The City Council of the City of Norwalk, State of California hereby adopts Zoning Text Amendment No. 2022-02 (2024-04) as indicated in Exhibit “A”.

Section 6. Severability. If any section, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause

Ordinance No. 24-1754 Page 4 of 63
and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared unconstitutional.

Section 7. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2024.

MARGARITA L. RIOS
MAYOR
ATTEST:

THERESA DEVOY, CMC

CITY CLERK

Norwalk Transit Village
Speciﬁ c Plan
City of Norwalk, California
July, 2024
Exhibit A

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i
Table of Contents
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................1

1.2 L OCATION AND SURROUNDING USES ...................................................................................1

1.3 E XISTING CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................1

1.4 P ROJECT BACKGROUND AND HISTORY .................................................................................2

1.5 S PECIFIC PLAN OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................4

1.6 P URPOSE AND AUTHORITY OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN .................................................................4

1.7 R ELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAND USE REGULATIONS ...............................................................4

1.8 E NVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ................................................................................................5

1.9 T HE PLANNING PROCESS .................................................................................................6

1.10 S PECIFIC PLAN ORGANIZATION .....................................................................................6

1.11 E CO DISTRICT VISION ..................................................................................................6

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9

2.1 G ENERAL PROVISIONS ....................................................................................................9

2.2 L AND USE PLAN .........................................................................................................11

2.3 L AND USE DESIGNATIONS .............................................................................................12

2.4 P LANNING AREAS .........................................................................................................12

2.5 P ERMITTED USES ........................................................................................................13

2.6 D EVELOPMENT STANDARDS ............................................................................................16

2.7 P ARKING AND LOADING .................................................................................................30

2.8 U SEABLE OPEN SPACE..................................................................................................32

2.9 L ANDSCAPE STANDARDS ................................................................................................32

2.10 S IGNAGE .................................................................................................................32

2.11 L IGHTING ................................................................................................................33

2.12 F IRE STANDARDS ......................................................................................................33

2.13 T RASH AND RECYCLING ...............................................................................................34

2.14 O FF-ROAD CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT STANDARDS ............................................................34

2.15 D ESIGN GUIDELINES ...................................................................................................34

2.16 D EFINITIONS ............................................................................................................35

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 37

3.1 R EGIONAL ACCESS .......................................................................................................37

3.2 S TREET SECTIONS .......................................................................................................38

3.3 P EDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION ............................................................................44

3.4 ACCESS TO TRANSIT .....................................................................................................45

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Planii Table of Contents

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47

4.1 I NFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES .......................................................................................47

4.2 G RADING ..................................................................................................................49

4.3 P UBLIC SERVICES .......................................................................................................49

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51

5.1 A DMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REVIEW .......................................................................51

5.2 T YPE OF REVIEW PROCEDURES ......................................................................................51

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iii
Table of Contents
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan TABLES

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9
TABLE 2.1 LAND USE SUMMARY .................................................................................... 10 TABLE 2.2 PERMITTED USES ........................................................................................ 14 TABLE 2.3 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ................................................................ 16 TABLE 2.4 FRONTAGE TYPE STANDARDS ........................................................................... 21 TABLE 2.5 MIXED USE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FRONTAGE STANDARDS (MU-C) ......................... 25 TABLE 2.6 MIXED USE-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT FRONTAGE STANDARDS (MU-H) ......26 TABLE 2.7 OPEN SPACE TYPE STANDARDS ........................................................................ 28 TABLE 2.8 VEHICULAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 30 TABLE 2.9 BICYCLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 30 TABLE 2.10 USABLE OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS .............................................................. 32

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 3 7

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47
TABLE 5.1 STUDENT GENERATION .................................................................................. 50

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Planiv Table of Contents

FIGURES

1. INTRODUCTION 1
FIGURE 1-1 R EGIONAL LOCATION .................................................................................... 3 FIGURE 1-2 V ICINITY MAP ............................................................................................. 3

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9
FIGURE 2-1 L AND USE PLAN ....................................................................................... 11 FIGURE 2-2 B UILDING HEIGHT ..................................................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-3 H EIGHT TRANSITION FOR PAS 3, 4 AND 5 ....................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-4 H EIGHT: 8-FOOT STEPBACK ABOVE 4 STORIES ................................................... 17 FIGURE 2-5 S ITE PERMEABILITY .................................................................................... 18 FIGURE 2-6 B UILDING SETBACKS .................................................................................. 18 FIGURE 2-7 F RONTAGE OCCUPANCY ............................................................................... 19 FIGURE 2-8 M ASSING BREAKS ...................................................................................... 19 FIGURE 2-9 F ACADE LENGTH BEFORE ARTICULATION ........................................................... 20 FIGURE 2-10 M ASSING BREAK AT ENTRY ......................................................................... 20 FIGURE 2-11 F RONTAGE TYPES .................................................................................... 22 FIGURE 2-12 F RONTAGE TYPES .................................................................................... 23 FIGURE 2-13 P ARKING FRONTAGE ................................................................................. 24 FIGURE 2-14 R ETAIL FRONTAGE ................................................................................... 25 FIGURE 2-15 T OWNHOME FRONTAGE ............................................................................. 26 FIGURE 2-16 I NTERNAL BUILDING CIRCULATION ................................................................ 27 FIGURE 2-17 S EMI-ENCLOSED COURTYARD ..................................................................... 28 FIGURE 2-18 C ORNER COURTYARD ................................................................................ 28 FIGURE 2-19 U TILITY PLACEMENT AND SCREENING ............................................................ 29 FIGURE 2-20 S EMI-ENCLOSED COURTYARD FENCE .............................................................. 29

3. C IRCULATION AND MOBILITY 3 7
FIGURE 3-1 V EHICULAR CIRCULATION ............................................................................. 38 FIGURE 3-2 N ORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 108-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY ............................... 39 FIGURE 3-3 N ORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - NORTHERN ................ 40 FIGURE 3-4 S OUTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - SOUTHERN ................. 41 FIGURE 3-5 N ORTH-SOUTH STREETS - 50-FOOT RIGHT OF WAY - ........................................ 42 FIGURE 3-6 E ASTERLY PROMENADE/FIRE LANE FRONTAGE TO ZIMMERMAN PARK ...................... 43 FIGURE 3-7 P EDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION .......................................................... 44 FIGURE 3-8 T RANSIT ACCESS ....................................................................................... 45

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES 47

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 51

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1 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW
The City of Norwalk has the unique opportunity to rehabilitate a blighted state property located on Bloomﬁ eld Avenue, by transforming it with new homes, community-enhancing ac Ɵ vaƟ on and recrea Ɵ onal areas for the enƟ re city to enjoy—a Transit Village for Norwalk. The Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan (NTVSP) will guide the development of a mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) with a mix of commercial, mulƟ -family residenƟ al and park land uses. The proposed NTVSP Transit-oriented development is a compact, walkable, high-density mixed-use residen Ɵ al and commercial area located within one-quarter mile of the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink StaƟ on transit staƟ on. The NTVSP proposes features to encourage transit use throughout the day such as a mix of community serving land uses, high-quality pedestrian and bicycle access, narrow streets, and reduced parking requirements. The NTVSP includes land use types such as residen Ɵ al, restaurant, hotel, retail and ground- ﬂ oor acƟ ve commercial/quasi-public spaces and will prioriƟ ze transit access.

1.2 LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The proposed Mixed-Use Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) (project) site is located at 13200 Bloomﬁ eld Avenue, in the City of Norwalk. The City of Norwalk (City) is within the southeastern porƟ on of Los Angeles County; refer to Figure 1.1, Regional Loca Ɵ on. Surrounding ci Ɵ es include the City of Santa Fe Springs to the north, the City of La Mirada to the east, the City of Cerritos to the south, and the City of Downey to the west.

Locally, the site is situated within a predominantly residen Ɵ al area, with a townhome community to the north, a neighborhood park (Zimmerman Park) to the east, single-family residen Ɵ al units, a senior residen Ɵ al community and a hospital (Norwalk Community Hospital) to the south, and single-family residenƟ al units to the west, across Bloom ﬁ eld Avenue; refer to Figure 1.2, Vicinity Map. The Speci ﬁ c Plan area includes a single property project site (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN] 8045-008-902) that is currently owned by the California Department of General Services.

Regional access to the site is provided via the Interstate 5 Freeway (I-5).

Local access is provided via Imperial Highway, which is north of the Speciﬁ c Plan Area, and Bloomﬁ eld Avenue, which bounds the Speciﬁ c Plan area to the west. Transit access is available for the NTVSP area via the Norwalk/ Santa Fe Springs Metrolink StaƟ on, located approximately 0.25 miles north of the Speciﬁ c Plan area. Also, the Union Paci ﬁ c Railroad is located to the east of the Speciﬁ c Plan area, east of Zimmerman Park.

1.3 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The exis Ɵ ng site is currently developed with approximately 35 to 40 structures and is currently being u Ɵ lized by the California Department of State Hospitals as a temporary hospital facility. The 32.3-acre property was

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan2 Introduction
originally uƟ lized as a facility for the California Division of Juvenile Jus Ɵ ce (formerly known as the California
Youth Authority). While the majority of the on-site
structures are uƟ lized for insƟ tuƟ onal purposes, there are also three single-family residenƟ al structures on- site. The exisƟ ng site includes mulƟ ple unpaved vacant areas, two open space ﬁ elds, and a track and ﬁ eld
area. The site is accessed via two on-site driveways at Bloomﬁ eld Avenue. One driveway (southerly) serves
as the main entrance to the facility and leads to a
vehicular roundabout and two surface parking areas.

The second driveway serves as secondary access for
emergency vehicles. On-site ornamental landscaping
includes ornamental trees and shrubs that occur in
patches throughout the site and along the western
perimeter sidewalk.

1.4 PROJECT BACKGROUND

AND HISTORY
The Speci ﬁ c Plan area was originally developed
in 1943 as an all-male youth correc Ɵ onal facility
operated by the California Youth Authority (CYA).

The CYA (now known as the California Division of
Juvenile Jus Ɵ ce [DJJ]) is a division of the California Department of Correc Ɵ ons and Rehabilita Ɵ on that
provides educaƟ on and trauma informed treatment
to California’s youthful oﬀ enders up to the age of 25
who have the most serious criminal backgrounds and
most criƟ cal treatment needs. As such, the Norwalk
CYA facility provided academic and voca Ɵ onal
educaƟ on, medical care, and treatment programs, as
well as substance abuse and mental health needs to
inmates. In 2011, the CYA facility opera Ɵ ons ceased
and the property remained vacant un Ɵ l 2019, at
which Ɵ me the facility was temporarily uƟ lized by the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) during to the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The exis Ɵ ng facili Ɵ es were used by the DSH as a
temporary satellite mental hospital facility to miƟ gate the e ﬀ ects of “surge space” at local state hospitals
unƟ l early 2022. The facility housed primarily COVID-
negaƟ ve mental forensic inmates, however all inmates
have been moved out of the facility. The DSH has an
agreement with the Department of General Services
(DGS), who currently owns the property, to use the
facility on an as-needed basis.

ExisƟ ng law authorizes the Director of the State
General Services Department to sell or lease certain
property, known as the Southern Youth Correc Ɵ onal
RecepƟ on Center and Clinic, to the County of Los
Angeles by January 1, 2015, at market value upon
terms and condi Ɵ ons and subject to reserva Ɵ ons
and excep Ɵ ons the director determines are in the
best interests of the state, and, aŌ er January 1, 2015, authorizes the director to sell the property to any
other party at market value through a compe Ɵ Ɵ ve
bid process.

AB 518, which was enacted in 2020 and e ﬀ ecƟ ve
January 1, 2021, amended Government Code SecƟ on
11011.28 and authorizes the Director, unƟ l January 1,
2025, to sell the property to the City of Norwalk at fair market value upon terms and condiƟ ons the director
de
termines are in the best interests of the state. The
bill authorizes the director, notwithstanding those
provisions, to sell the property below fair market
value for purposes of providing housing to persons
and families of low or moderate income. The bill,
aŌ er January 1, 2025, authorizes the director to
dispose of the property in accordance with speci ﬁ ed
procedures and priori Ɵ es otherwise applicable to
the disposal of surplus property by the department.

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3 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Figure 1-1 Regional LocaƟ on
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19 Long
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Vernon
Downey
Monterey
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Whittier
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Lynwood
Inglewood
Carson
Bell
Compton
Norwalk
Montebello
Torrance
Cerritos
Lakewood
South Gate
La Mirada
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0 52. 5 Miles
Source: County of Los Angeles Enterprise GIS
Civic Center
Single-Family HomesHospital/
Commercial
Zimmerman Park
Townhomes
Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs
Transit Station
Project Site
¯
05 0 0 1 , 0 0 0250 Feet
Source: County of Los Angeles Enterprise GIS
Single-Family Homes
Figure 1-2 Vicinity Map

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan4 Introduction
The bill exempts the sale of the property from the
California Environmental Quality Act. ImplementaƟ on
of the NTVSP includes the development of at least
40 percent of the total residen Ɵ al units provided as
aﬀ ordable units and would comply with the State’s
Surplus Land Act requirements.

1.5 SPECIFIC PLAN OBJECTIVES
The Norwalk Transit Village is a mixed-use project
intended to achieve the following objecƟ ves:
• Provide up to 770 new market rate and a ﬀ ordable
housing opportuniƟ es that will assist the City of
Norwalk in mee Ɵ ng its Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) obligaƟ on.
• Require at least 40% of the residen Ɵ al units as
aﬀ ordable.
• Provide a mix of residen Ɵ al, commercial,
hospitality and open space uses to serve the
community.
• Create a Transit-Oriented community with
pedestrian and bicycle connecƟ ons to the nearby
Metrolink StaƟ on.
• Establish a community with mul Ɵ -modal
transportaƟ on, walking trails, community
connecƟ vity, sustainable landscaping and health
and wellness-focused ameniƟ es.

1.6 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN
A Speciﬁ c Plan is a regulatory tool that local
governments use to guide development in a focused
area or site within the community. While the General
Plan is the primary guide for growth and development
citywide, a Speci ﬁ c Plan can focus on the unique
characterisƟ cs of a special area by customizing the
planning process and land use regula Ɵ ons to that
area.

California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1,
Chapter 3, Ar Ɵ cle 8, Sec Ɵ ons 65450 through 65457,
allows ci Ɵ es and coun Ɵ es to prepare Speciﬁ c Plans to develop policies, programs, regula Ɵ ons, and
guidelines to implement the jurisdic Ɵ on’s adopted
General Plan.

As prescribed by law, a Speciﬁ c Plan includes text and diagrams that generally describe the following:
• The distribu Ɵ on, loca Ɵ on, and extent of all land
uses.
• The standards and criteria by which new
development will proceed.
• The proposed distribu Ɵ on, loca Ɵ on, extent,
and intensity of major components of public
infrastructure, such as transporta Ɵ on and u Ɵ lity
systems.
• A program of implementa Ɵ on measures, such
as ﬁ nancing measures, policies, regula Ɵ ons, and
public works projects.

The Norwalk Transit Village Speci ﬁ c Plan (“NTVSP”)
will be adopted by ordinance and establish the
necessary plans, development standards, regulaƟ ons,
infrastructure requirements, and implementa Ɵ on
programs on which subsequent project-related
development acƟ viƟ es within the Plan area are to be
founded.

The NTVSP provides applicants, City sta ﬀ , the public, and City decision makers with informa Ɵ on on the
project and how the Plan area is consistent with the
City of Norwalk General Municipal Code. The NTVSP
is a regulatory document prepared pursuant to the
provisions of California Government Code sec Ɵ ons
65450 through 65457. It is intended that local public
works projects, design review plans, site plans,
permits, or any other acƟ on requiring ministerial
or discre Ɵ onary approval applicable to this area be
consistent with this Speciﬁ c Plan.

1.7 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER

LAND USE REGULATIONS
The property is subject to several regulatory and
policy documents, including the Norwalk General
Plan, Zoning Code, and Climate AcƟ on Plan (CAP). The
approval of the Norwalk Transit Village Speci ﬁ c Plan
would require amendment of the City’s General Plan
and zoning designaƟ ons to allow the development of
the proposed mixed-use development.

1.7.1 General Plan
The City of Norwalk General Plan establishes the

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5 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan overall vision for growth and development in the
community. The General Plan Land Use Element
establishes clear and logical paƩ erns of land use and
standards for new development. A key feature of
the Land Use Element is the Land Use Policy Map,
which shows the loca Ɵ on, density, and intensity of
development for all land uses citywide. The Land Use
Map and the General Plan goals and policies guide
future growth and development in Norwalk.

State law requires that any Speciﬁ c Plan be consistent with the City’s General Plan. The Norwalk General
Plan Land Use Element is amended concurrent with
adopƟ on of the NTVSP to ensure consistency between
the two documents. The General Plan amendment
will change the land use designa Ɵ on of the Speci ﬁ c
Plan area on the General Plan Land Use Map from
“InsƟ tuƟ onal” to “Speciﬁ c Plan.”
The Site is designed as an Opportunity Site within the
General Plan for its poten Ɵ al to be redeveloped as a
new mixed-use community. The proposed “Speci ﬁ c
Plan” General Plan land use designa Ɵ on would allow
for both commercial and higher-density residen Ɵ al
development. The land use designa Ɵ on is intended
to provide for mul Ɵ ple dwelling units, including
aﬀ ordable housing, and a range of commercial uses,
including retail, o ﬃ ces, and private community
gathering facili Ɵ es within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area.

ResidenƟ al densi Ɵ es between 20 to 85 du/ac are
allowed within the Speciﬁ c Plan area, with an overall
maximum of 770 residenƟ al dwelling units. This land
use category will be implemented with a General Plan
Amendment for the Speciﬁ c Plan zone.

1.7.2 Zoning
A corresponding amendment to the City’s Zoning
Map will be processed to change the Site’s zoning
from InsƟ tuƟ onal to “Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan.”
Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code is the Zoning
Ordinance, which is the regulatory tool to implement
the land use goals, policies, and ac Ɵ ons established
by the General Plan. The Zoning Ordinance iden Ɵ ﬁ es
speciﬁ c zoning districts in the city and provides
development standards and regulaƟ ons that apply to
each district.

The Norwalk Zoning Code and Map is also amended
by ordinance concurrent with adop Ɵ on of the
Speciﬁ c Plan to ensure complete consistency with
the General Plan. A new NTVSP zoning designa Ɵ on
(Speciﬁ c Plan No. 17) will replace the site’s exis Ɵ ng zoning. The contents of this Speci ﬁ c Plan will be
adopted by ordinance and will replace the exis Ɵ ng
zoning standards, except for the exis Ɵ ng zoning that
is incorporated by reference.

Where the City’s Zoning Ordinance’s regula Ɵ ons,
development standards, design guidelines, and/or
deﬁ niƟ ons are inconsistent with this Speciﬁ c Plan, the Speciﬁ c Plan standards, regula Ɵ ons, and guidelines
shall supersede. However, any issue not speci ﬁ cally
addressed in the NTVSP shall be subject to the exisƟ ng standards and regulaƟ ons of the Zoning Ordinance.

1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An environmental impact report (EIR) has been
prepared in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act to address the
potenƟ al environmental e ﬀ ects of the NTVSP and
will impose mi Ɵ gaƟ on measures to reduce poten Ɵ al
impacts resul Ɵ ng from project implementa Ɵ on.

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan6 Introduction
(SCH#2022070103). Any miƟ gaƟ ons iden Ɵ ﬁ ed in the
EIR will be idenƟ ﬁ ed in the MiƟ gaƟ on Monitoring and ReporƟ ng Program (MMRP) adopted with the EIR and
are incorporated into this document by reference.

1.9 THE PLANNING PROCESS
The City of Norwalk conducted a robust public
engagement eﬀ ort to include members of the public
in the planning process. A series of Community
MeeƟ ngs, focused stakeholder mee Ɵ ngs, and
taskforce meeƟ ngs were held during the en Ɵ tlement
process. In addi Ɵ on, the City conducted online
surveys to solicit community feedback which was
incorporated into the plan.

1.10 SPECIFIC PLAN

ORGANIZATION
SecƟ on 1 – IntroducƟ on
This secƟ on explains the purpose of the Speci ﬁ c Plan; local and regional context and se ƫ ng; background;
planning process and en Ɵ tlements; purpose and
objecƟ ves; authority to prepare; rela Ɵ onship to
exisƟ ng plans and policies; and organiza Ɵ on of the
Speciﬁ c Plan.

SecƟ on 2 – Land Use and Development Standards
This sec Ɵ on describes the exis Ɵ ng and proposed
Land use and Zoning designa Ɵ ons. PermiƩ ed uses,
development standards, as well as landscape and
lighƟ ng standards are also established.

SecƟ on 3 – Circula Ɵ on and Mobility
This sec Ɵ on describes various roadway types that
support mul Ɵ ple modes of transporta Ɵ on and the
overall circula Ɵ on of the site. Standards for the
roadways and streetscapes are established within this
secƟ on.

SecƟ
on 4 – Infrastructure and Public Services
This sec Ɵ on describes infrastructure improvements
such as u Ɵ liƟ es, drainage and public services, as
necessary to accommodate the Speciﬁ c Plan area.

SecƟ on 5 – Administra Ɵ on and ImplementaƟ on
This sec Ɵ on discusses the development review
procedures by the City of Norwalk and other relevant
permiƫ ng agencies, applicable to the Speci ﬁ c
Plan area. Implementa Ɵ on of the proposed land
uses, including Speci ﬁ c Plan adop Ɵ on, subsequent
approvals and plans, substan Ɵ al conformance, and
phasing are outlined in this chapter. Addi Ɵ onally,
ﬁ nancing sources and maintenance responsibili Ɵ es
are idenƟ ﬁ ed.

1.11 ECO DISTRICT VISION
The Norwalk Transit Village is envisioned to be an Eco
District—meaning that it is sustainable, resilient, and livable.

An Eco District is typically characterized by a range
of sustainability features, which may include
energy and water e ﬃ ciency features, green spaces,
acƟ ve transporta Ɵ on op Ɵ ons, and waste reduc Ɵ on
strategies. Eco Districts aim to promote a holis Ɵ c
approach to urban development that considers
environmental, social, and economic factors and
seeks to create communiƟ es that are resilient, livable, and sustainable for future generaƟ ons.

Key to the Eco District’s success is that owners,
residents, and stakeholders collabora Ɵ vely choose
and implement goals viewed as most relevant to their
community.

II. Goals
The following are the overarching programmaƟ c goals
of the Eco District.

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7 Introduction
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

1. Encourage acƟ ve transportaƟ on op Ɵ ons and
reduce car dependency

2. Reduce water usage with the use of drought-
tolerant local landscape

3. Implement sustainable design principles

4. Promote energy e ﬃ ciency and on site
renewable energy

5. Foster community engagement

6. Develop Eco District Guidelines

1.11.1 Key Strategies
The following are the key strategies for achieving the
goals of the Eco District.
 Provide safe, accessible, and a Ʃ racƟ ve walking,
biking, and transit opƟ ons
 Incorporate green roofs, rain gardens, permeable
pavements, and other low-impact design
strategies
 Use drought-tolerant landscaping and low- ﬂ ow
plumbing ﬁ xtures
 Implement energy-e ﬃ cient building design,
renewable energy systems, and smart building
technology
 Foster community involvement through
educaƟ on and engagement iniƟ aƟ ves
 Develop Eco District Guidelines

1.11.2 ImplementaƟ on:

The following are the responsibili Ɵ es of the key
stakeholders in implemen Ɵ ng the eco district
protocol. A set of Eco District Guidelines must be
developed within one year of the ﬁ rst residen Ɵ al
occupancy permit. The Eco District Guidelines must
remain acƟ ve for a minimum of ﬁ ve years:
 City of Norwalk: The city will provide support and
resources to the development team, engage with
the community, draŌ the Eco District Guidelines
in consultaƟ on with the Developer and monitor
compliance with relevant laws and regulaƟ ons.
 Developer: The developer will be responsible for
incorporaƟ ng applicable sustainable principles
into their development designs where feasible,
promoƟ ng acƟ ve transportaƟ on, reducing water
usage, and promoƟ ng energy eﬃ ciency.
 ExisƟ ng neighbors: Exis Ɵ ng neighbors will be
encouraged to parƟ cipate in sustainability
iniƟ aƟ ves, educate themselves about eco-friendly
pracƟ ces, and support the development of the
eco district.
 New residents: New residents will be encouraged
to adopt sustainable prac Ɵ ces, par Ɵ cipate in
community engagement ini Ɵ aƟ ves, and support
the development of the eco district.

1.11.3 Review and Monitoring:

The Eco District Guidelines will be reviewed by the
City of Norwalk and updated yearly for a minimum
of ﬁ ve years to ensure the guidelines remain eﬀ ecƟ ve in achieving the goals of the Eco District. The city
with input from the stakeholders(Developer, exisƟ ng
neighbors, and new residents) will be responsible for
monitoring the implementa Ɵ on of the program and
report challenges or opportuniƟ es for improvement.

ImplementaƟ on of the Eco District Guidelines will
allow the city, developer, exisƟ ng neighbors, and new residents opportuniƟ es to work together to create a
sustainable, livable and resilient Eco District.

Consider the following steps:

Develop Eco District Guidelines: Eco District Guidelines will pr
ovide a comprehensive framework that
outlines goals, strategies and recommended ac Ɵ ons
to achieve sustainable and livable communi Ɵ es. This
plan should serve as a useful reference tool and may
be integrated into the overall development plan and
updated periodically to reﬂ ect changes in technology
and market condiƟ ons.

Include a set of an Eco District Energy Guidelines:

Eco District Energy Guidelines may be developed to
outline recommended cost-e ﬀ ecƟ ve energy-related
goals, strategies, and acƟ ons for the development.

These recommenda Ɵ ons may include cost e ﬀ ecƟ ve
ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase
energy e ﬃ ciency, and integrate renewable energy
sources.

Implement sustainable cost eﬀ ecƟ ve design principles
and low-impact design strategies to reduce the urban
heat island eﬀ ect and improve water management.

Encourage acƟ ve transporta Ɵ on: By providing safe,
accessible and a Ʃ racƟ ve walking, biking and transit
opƟ ons, to reduce car dependency and use and
encourage a healthy, acƟ ve lifestyle.

Reduce water usage: Incorporate drought-tolerant
landscaping, low- ﬂ ow plumbing ﬁ xtures, and other
water-saving measures to reduce potable water use.

Promote energy e ﬃ ciency: Implement energy-
eﬃ cient building design, renewable energy systems,
and smart building technology to reduce energy
consumpƟ on and carbon emissions.

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan8 Introduction
Foster community engagement: Create opportuniƟ es
for residents and businesses to become involved and
educated in sustainability and eco-friendly pracƟ ces.

Page 17 of 63 ends

9 Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
This secƟ on deﬁ nes the Planning Areas, Land Use DesignaƟ ons and development standards unique to the Norwalk Transit Village Speci ﬁ c Plan. The Speci ﬁ c Plan area contains eight Planning Areas, each assigned with one of the three land use designa Ɵ ons established within the Speci ﬁ c Plan. The development standards for each land use designa Ɵ on,
including the standards for setbacks, height, frontages, parking, lighƟ ng, and signage will control development of the Speciﬁ c Plan area.

2.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
The California Government Code (Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, ArƟ cle 8, Sec Ɵ ons 65450 et seq.) grants authority to ci Ɵ es to u Ɵ lize Speci ﬁ c Plans for purposes of implemen Ɵ ng the goals and policies of the City’s General Plan.

This Speciﬁ c Plan establishes a set of regula Ɵ ons, standards, guidelines, and processes for the proposed development, and shall cons Ɵ tute the zoning for development within the Speciﬁ c Plan area.

This secƟ on has been prepared in accordance with California Government Code Sec Ɵ on 65450, et seq. and the City of Norwalk Zoning Ordinance. Applica Ɵ on of the regula Ɵ ons contained in this sec Ɵ on is speci ﬁ cally intended to provide the most appropriate use of the land, create a harmonious relaƟ onship among land uses and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. The following General
Development Standards apply to all uses within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area.

2.1.1 Applicability
The Speciﬁ c Plan has been developed as both a regulatory and land use policy document, which, upon adopƟ on by ordinance will cons Ɵ tute the zoning for the property. Development plans or agreements, parcel maps, site plans or any other ac Ɵ on requiring ministerial or discre Ɵ onary approval of the subject property must be consistent with the Speciﬁ c Plan. California Government Code, SecƟ on 65454 requires that a Speciﬁ c Plan be consistent with the General Plan. Upon adopƟ on, acƟ ons deemed to be consistent with the Speciﬁ c Plan shall be judged to be consistent with the City of Norwalk General Plan.

2.1.2 SEVERABILITY
In the event that any regulaƟ on, condiƟ on, program, porƟ on or policy of this Speci ﬁ c Plan or the applica Ɵ on thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or uncons Ɵ tuƟ onal by any court of competent jurisdicƟ on, such porƟ ons shall be deemed separate, disƟ nct and independent provisions and shall not aﬀ ect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Speciﬁ c Plan or applicaƟ ons thereof which can be implemented without the invalid provision or applicaƟ on.

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan10 Uses Not Listed and InterpretaƟ on
Any land use proposal not speci ﬁ cally covered by the provisions contained herein shall be subject to determinaƟ on by the Community Development Director, with appeals in accordance with the Municipal Code.

Table 2.1 Land Use Summary
Land Use PA 1 PA 2 PA 3 PA 4 PA 5 PA 6 PA 7 PA 8 TOTAL
Mixed Use-High1
ResidenƟ al -- 20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC
20-85
DU/AC -- -- 770
AcƟ ve Commercial (sf) -- 2,500 2,500 2,500 3,500 2,500 -- -- 13,500 Mixed Use-Commercial
Hotel rooms 150 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 150
Neighborhood
Commercial
(sf) (0.5 FAR)
66,647 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 66,647
Open Space
Park (ac) -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.6 1.6
Trail/ park (ac) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.1 2.1
Planning Area (gross ac) 3.1 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.7 4.7 1.6 2.1 22.3 Total Units 770
Total Commercial (sf) 80,147
Streets and Sidewalks 8.8
Promenade/Fire Lane 0.9
ROW dedicaƟ on 0.4
Total Acres2 32.3
1 Residen Ɵ al uses within Planning Areas 2-6 may be MulƟ -family dwellings, including apartments, stacked ﬂ ats, townhomes and similar building conﬁ guraƟ ons. At least 40 percent of the total residenƟ al units in the Speciﬁ c Plan must be aﬀ ordable.
2 All Planning Areas are conceptual in size. Precise Planning Area acreages will be determined at the Ɵ me of tentaƟ ve tract map.

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Development Standards
11City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2.2 LAND USE PLAN
The Speci ﬁ c Plan area represents approximately 32.3 acres located on Bloom ﬁ eld Avenue in the city of Norwalk, California. To support the connec Ɵ vity between the Speciﬁ c Plan area, the Metrolink Sta Ɵ on, City Hall and Zimmerman Park, a mix of land uses have been incorporated into the plan to create a vibrant area that is cohesive with and bene ﬁ ts the exis Ɵ ng neighborhood. The mixed-use concept features market rate and a ﬀ ordable high-density housing, both rental and for-sale, a 150-key hotel, commercial uses such as restaurants and open spaces such as parks and trails. As stated previously, the Land Use Plan is organized into eight Planning Areas, each assigned with one of the Speci ﬁ c Plan’s three land use designaƟ ons, as described in the following secƟ ons.

PA 6
MU-H
PA 1
MU-C
PA 7
OS
PA 8
PA 8
PA 2
MU-H
PA 3
MU-H
PA 4
MU-H
PA 5
MU-H

ZIMMERMAN
PARK
Mixed Use - Commercial
Open Space (includes ﬁ re lanes, pump staƟ on)
Mixed Use - High Density ResidenƟ al
LEGEND
PA 8
PA 8
Figure 2-1 Land Use Plan
PA 8

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan12

2.3 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The following land use designa Ɵ ons are hereby
established as a part of the Norwalk Transit Village
Speciﬁ c Plan (SPA No. 17):

2.3.1 Mixed Use Commercial (MU-C)
The Norwalk Transit Village will provide neighborhood-
serving commercial uses such as restaurants and
businesses that provide goods and services that
people would frequently use to take care of their
personal and household needs. Examples include
small grocery stores/markets, ea Ɵ ng and drinking
establishments, dry cleaners and hospitality uses. No
residenƟ al uses are permiƩ ed in this district.

2.3.2 Mixed Use High Density Residen Ɵ al
(MU-H)
The Norwalk Transit Village will primarily consist of
high density, transit oriented residen Ɵ al uses at a
density that ranges between 20 to 85 dwelling units
per acre (du/ac) with a maximum of 770 residen Ɵ al
units for the en Ɵ re Speciﬁ c Plan area. This includes market-rate and a ﬀ ordable mul Ɵ family dwellings,
including apartments, stacked ﬂ ats, townhomes and
similar building conﬁ guraƟ ons.

To achieve a vibrant public realm and support a
walkable neighborhood up to 3,500 sf of ac Ɵ ve
non-residenƟ al commercial uses are permiƩ ed on
the ground ﬂ oor level of developments within each
residenƟ al Planning Area.

2.3.3 Open Space (O)
A publicly accessible network of parks and linear
parks/greenways will run through the Norwalk Transit
Village site and connect it to Zimmerman Park. A
variety of community and wellness-oriented ameniƟ es
that promote health, social and mental well-being
will be distributed throughout the network. Examples
of open space ameni Ɵ es may include a tot lot with
play structures, shade structures, walking trails, par
course or ﬁ tness equipment, community gathering
areas, community gardens, outdoor sea Ɵ ng, dog
runs, etc.

2.4 PLANNING AREAS
Eight dis Ɵ nct development areas, iden Ɵ ﬁ ed as
“Planning Areas,” implement the planning objecƟ ves
set forth in the NTVSP . These eight Planning Areas are arranged in blocks that follow a logical organizaƟ on of uses that will create the Transit Oriented Developed
envisioned for the project. Together, the Planning
Areas will create a unique iden Ɵ ty for the NTVSP
through a robust network of pedestrian, bike and
vehicular linkages. Planning Areas 1 (non-residen Ɵ al) and 2-6 (mixed-use residen Ɵ al) are individual blocks
delineated by a property line set at the back of
sidewalk. Planning areas 7 and 8 contain open space
uses. Planning Areas as described below.

2.4.1 Planning Area 1
Planning Area 1 (PA 1) is an approximately 3.1-acre
block designated for Mixed Use Commercial uses.

This commercial block enjoys Bloom ﬁ eld Avenue
frontage along the western project entry and permits
neighborhood commercial uses at up to 0.5 FAR and
a 150-key maximum hotel. The 0.5 FAR excludes the
hotel use. ResidenƟ al uses are not permiƩ ed in PA 1.

2.4.2 Planning Area 2
Planning Area 2 is approximately 2.8 acres designated
as Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al. This block will allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre. Up to 2,500 square feet of
acƟ ve commercial uses are also permiƩ ed.

2.4.3 Planning Area 3
Planning Area 3 at Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al
designated block totaling approximately 2.7 acres.

This block will allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses
between 20 – 85 dwelling units per acre. Up to
2,500 square feet of ac Ɵ ve commercial uses are also
permiƩ ed.

2.4.4 Planning Area 4
Planning Area 4 is approximately 2.7 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre. This block also allows up to
2,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses.

2.4.5 Planning Area 5
Planning Area 5 is approximately 2.7 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 –
85 dwelling units per acre under a Mixed Use-High
Density ResidenƟ al designaƟ on. This block allows up
to 3,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses.

2.4.6 Planning Area 6
Planning Area 6 is approximately 4.70 acres and will
allow mul Ɵ -family residen Ɵ al uses between 20 – 85
dwelling units per acre under a Mixed Use- High

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Development Standards
13City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Density ResidenƟ al designaƟ on. PA 6 also permits up to 2,500 square feet of acƟ ve commercial uses. Planning Area 6 has a maximum height of 35 feet and three stories.

2.4.7 Planning Area 7
The site’s main park is Planning Area 7, a 1.6-acre block situated between PAs 1 and 2. The park allows both acƟ ve and passive recreaƟ on uses within an Open Space designaƟ on.

2.4.8 Planning Area 8
Planning Area 8 consists of 2.1 acres of linear parks and a non-conƟ guous pocket park along the site’s southern boundary, including a 0.3-acre pocket park just south of PA 2. Both ac Ɵ ve and passive recrea Ɵ on uses are permiƩ ed in this Open Space designa Ɵ on. Planning Area 8 also contains a u Ɵ lity service/li Ō sta Ɵ on area, located just east of PA 5.

2.4.9 Other Areas
The Speciﬁ c Plan areas includes approximately 8.7 acres of streets, sidewalks, 0.9 acre of ﬁ re lanes, and a 0.4 acre of roadway dedica Ɵ on for Bloom ﬁ eld Avenue. The ﬁ re lanes serving PA 5 will also func Ɵ on as publicly accessible open spaces/promenades. These ﬁ re lane/promenades are to the north, east and south of PA 5 and also provide access to Zimmerman Park.

2.5 PERMITTED USES
This sec Ɵ on of the Speci ﬁ c Plan establishes the permi Ʃ ed land uses within the Speci ﬁ c Plan Area and the corresponding permit requirements.

Allowable land uses within the Speci ﬁ c Plan are detailed in Table 2.2, Permi Ʃ ed Uses. De ﬁ niƟ ons of allowed land uses are provided in this Speciﬁ c Plan, and, when not provided in this Speci ﬁ c Plan, in Chapter 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. The Director of Community Development shall have the authority to interpret the use provisions in this Speciﬁ c Plan pursuant to SecƟ on 5, AdministraƟ on and ImplementaƟ on, of this Speci ﬁ c Plan governing interpretaƟ on and approve or deny any addiƟ onal uses in the future.

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan14 Table 2.2 PermiƩ ed Uses
Use Land Use DesignaƟ on

MU-C MU-H O
ResidenƟ al Uses3
MulƟ -family Dwellings, Apartments and Townhomes P
Senior housing P
Student Housing P
Micro Unit P
Live-work units P
Non-ResidenƟ al Uses4
Art studio P P
Alcoholic beverage sales, on-site consumpƟ on C C C
Alcoholic beverage sales, oﬀ -site consumpƟ on C C
Animal Care (health, care, services) C C
Assembly Uses C
Banks P
Child Daycare Facility C C
Cultural Uses (theaters, libraries, museums) C
Dog Parks P P P
EducaƟ onal Uses (Trade schools, public/private schools) C C Garden, Community P P
Gymnasium C
Health club for public use C C
Mobile food trucks C C C
Medical Oﬃ ces P C
Hotel (up to 150 keys) C
Oﬃ ce P P
Parking Facility P P
Personal Service P P
Religious FaciliƟ es C
Retail P P
Restaurant P P
Social Service Center P
Spa, Day Spa C
RecreaƟ on, accessory to residenƟ al P
Temporary Uses
Farmers’ Market D D D
P – PermiƩ ed, C – Condi Ɵ onal Use Permit Required, D –Director Approval Required 3 Includes both Market Rate and A ﬀ ordable residenƟ al uses. 4 Includes Quasi-public uses such as daycare and community services.

Page 23 of 63 ends

Development Standards
15City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2.5.1 Special Standards

SPECIAL EVENTS
It is an Ɵ cipated that temporary uses and special
events such as farmer’s markets will occur within the
publicly accessible areas within the Norwalk Transit
Village. Any special event shall follow the City’s
permit process as outlined in Chapter 5.28 of the
Norwalk Municipal Code and must obtain approval of
the Community Development Director.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES AND SERVICES
In connec Ɵ
on with alcoholic beverage sales and
services, the following requirements shall be met:

No oﬀ -sale business (incidental) shall be established
within 300 feet of any school, and no oﬀ -sale business (primary) shall be established within 300 feet of any
school or house of worship. The distances in the
preceding sentence shall be determined by measuring
from lot line to lot line.

Alcohol Use Permits for On-site ConsumpƟ on
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter,
the on-site sale, service, or consump Ɵ on of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, cafés, indoor recrea Ɵ on
centers, and similar establishments in the Speciﬁ c Plan Area shall be subject to the requirements speci ﬁ ed
in this sec Ɵ on. Owners shall obtain and maintain all
required licenses from the state Alcoholic Beverage
Control board (ABC).

1. Owners and managers shall obey all federal,
state, and municipal laws and ordinances, and
comply with all condiƟ ons imposed pursuant
to any permit or license related to the sales
of alcoholic beverages for the establishment.

2. Owners shall comply with any applicable
provisions in the municipal code pertaining
to obtaining a business license.

3. Establishments regulated by this sec Ɵ on
may serve alcohol from 10:00 am to 2:00
am, seven days per week, unless otherwise
limited by a speciﬁ c license or permit.

Alcohol Use Permits for Temporary and Special Events
Alcohol sales are permiƩ ed for temporary and special
events provided the required permits/approvals are
obtained from the ABC, subject to approval by the
Community Development Director.

Live-Work Standards and Criteria
The purpose of this sec Ɵ
on is to provide standards
for live -work units . Live -work units are intended to provide an opportunity for business operators to
uƟ lize a por Ɵ on of a unit for commercial ac Ɵ vity. A live-work unit may be converted to a typical home
with no commercial acƟ vity.

The development and performance standards for
live -work units are as follows:

Live-Work Development Standards
These development standards shall apply to all live-
work units:

1. Each live -work unit shall front on a public
or private street, and the work area shall
be at street level. Live-work o ﬃ ces will be
small and independent, where no associated
parking demand will be generated.

2. Each unit shall have a pedestrian-oriented
frontage.

3. The residen Ɵ al unit shall not have a separate
street address from the business component.

4. The living space shall not be rented or sold
separately from the working space.

5. Other than a sign, as permi Ʃ ed by this
secƟ on, in no way shall the appearance of the
structure be altered, or the conduct of the use
within the structure be such that the structure
may be recognized as serving a nonresidenƟ al
use (either by color, materials, construc Ɵ on,
lighƟ ng, odors, noises, vibraƟ ons, etc.).

6. Workspace shall be limited to the ﬁ rst ﬂ oor
of the building. Living space shall be in the
rear ground level or upper ﬂ oors so that it
does not interrupt the appearance of the
commercial frontage.

Live-Work Performance Standards
These performance standards shall apply to all live -
work units:

Home OccupaƟ on Permit. A Home OccupaƟ on Permit
is required for a business to operate within a live
work unit. No business shall be conducted within a
live-work unit, without the approval, issuance, and
maintenance of a valid Home OccupaƟ on Permit.

Noise. Noise resul Ɵ ng from conduct of the work
within the unit shall be mu ﬄ ed so as not to become
disrupƟ ve to surrounding neighborhoods due to
volume, tone, intermiƩ ence, frequency, or shrillness.

Odor. Every use shall be operated in such a manner
that it does not emit an obnoxious odor or fumes
beyond the working unit/area.

Page 24 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan16 Smoke. Every use shall be operated in such a manner
that it does not emit smoke into the atmosphere.

Dust and Dirt. Every use shall be operated in such a
manner that it does not emit any dust or dirt into the
atmosphere.

2.6 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
This sec Ɵ on provides standards and provisions for
the use of land within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area. The
standards contained within this Chapter shall govern
all land uses and ac Ɵ viƟ es in the Speci ﬁ c Plan area.

Standards are minimums unless otherwise indicated.

2.6.1 Development standards for all Norwalk
Transit Village Districts
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to
exisƟ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed,
constructed, and/or established in compliance with
the requirements of this sec Ɵ on, in addi Ɵ on to
applicable land-use designa Ɵ on speci ﬁ c and general
development standards. Accessory structures shall
meet the same development standards unless
otherwise modiﬁ ed by State Law.

Table 2.3 General Development Standards
Land Use DesignaƟ on
Standard MU-C MU-H O
Density and Floor Area
ResidenƟ al density range Not applicable 20 - 85 du/ac Not applicable Floor area raƟ o range 2.255 1- 2.25 Not applicable
Hotel rooms max. 150 Not applicable Not applicable
Building Height Limit6 7
Stories range. 5 3-5 None
Structural height max. 65 Ō 65 Ō 2 35 Ō
Stepback min. 8 Ō above
4 stories
8 Ō above
4 stories None
Site Permeability and
Open Space
Permeable site area8 min. 10% 20% Not applicable
At-grade publicly
accessible open space
9 min. 5,250 sf 5,250 sf Not applicable
Setbacks
Front setback min. 10 Ō 10 Ō Not applicable
Front setback max. 12 Ō 12 Ō (15 Ō for
townhomes) Not applicable
Building Massing
Façade length before
massing break max. 225 Ō 225 Ō None
Façade length before
arƟ culaƟ on max. 125 Ō 125 Ō None
5 Neighborhood commercial in PA 1 limited to 0.5 FAR, hotel limited to 150 keys. Hotel is excluded from 0.5 FAR. 6 PA 6 has a maximum height limit of 35 feet and three stories. 7 For addiƟ onal height limits see residenƟ al height transiƟ on secƟ on below. 8 Site permeability must be met for each planning area. 9 At grade publicly accessible open space must be met for each residen Ɵ al planning area excluding Planning Area 6 and/or townhome.

Page 25 of 63 ends

Development Standards
17City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Figure 2-3 Height TransiƟ on for PAs 3, 4 and 5
Key
Figure 2-2 Building Height
35’ 45’ 65’
Building
Height
Figure 2-4 Height: 8-foot stepback above 4 stories
Density
ResidenƟ al Development shall not exceed the
maximum density shall range between 20 to 85
dwelling units per acre, except as provided by State
Law. The overall Speci ﬁ c Plan area shall not exceed
770 residenƟ al units.

Floor Area
Development shall not exceed the maximum ﬂ oor
ar
ea raƟ o established in Table 2.3.

Building Height Limit
Buildings shall not exceed the building height limits
es
tablished in Table 2.3. Planning Area 6 has a
maximum height of 35 feet and three stories.

ResidenƟ al Height TransiƟ on
In planning areas PA 3, PA 4, and PA 5, within 65 feet
of the southerly property lines buildings shall not
exceed a height of three stories or 45 feet.

Height ExcepƟ ons
Parapets may exceed the height limit by up to six
feet. Stair and elevator penthouses may exceed the
height limit by up to 15 feet provided they are located at least eight feet from the face of any exterior wall
visible from a public street.

Site Permeability
Each Planning Area shall provide at least the
minimum permeable sit
e area established in Table

2.3.

Page 26 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan18 At-Grade Publicly Accessible Open Space
Projects shall provide at-grade publicly accessible
open space es
tablished by Table 2.3 on the lot.

Setback areas located between the at-grade publicly
accessible open space and a street-fron Ɵ ng property
line may be included in the calcula Ɵ on of the total
required area. Townhomes and similar building
types are exempt from at-grade publicly accessible
open space requirements if adjacent to a non-street-
adjacent open space paseo/greenbelt with a minimum
width of ten feet. Such open space paseos are exempt
from public accessibility requirements.

Figure 2-6 Building Setbacks
Access
At-grade publicly accessible open space shall be accessible to the public for a minimum of eight hours a day.

Publicly accessible open spaces shall be located adjacent to and accessible from the public sidewalk. They may be fenced for access control during the hours the open spaces are closed to the public.

Driveways Prohibited
Vehicular driveways are not permi Ʃ ed in at-grade publicly accessible open spaces. Vehicular driveways are permiƩ ed in all other on-site open spaces.

Setbacks
Development shall conform to the setback requirements established in Table 2.3. Setbacks establish minimum and ma
ximum distances between development and street-fronƟ ng property lines. Setbacks shall be measured at a right angle from the property line of the lot to the point on the structure nearest to the property line.

Figure 2-5 Site Permeability
Key
Permeable site area

Page 27 of 63 ends

Development Standards
19City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Figure 2-8 Massing Breaks
Key
Massing break
Frontage Occupancy
Street-fronƟ ng exterior walls shall be located
according to the minimum and maximum
setbacks for at least the minimum frontage
occupancy as required by the development
standards for each land use district.

Setback ExcepƟ ons
Stoops, balconies, architectural features, and
signs may project into setbacks up to eight
feet, measured from the street-facing wall of
a building perpendicular to the property line
of a lot. Recessed por Ɵ ons of stoop frontages
and inset balconies shall count toward the
minimum frontage occupancy requirement.

Building Massing
Exterior walls shall provide massing breaks
and arƟ culaƟ
on at the intervals established by
Table 2.3. Massing breaks shall be applied along
all street-fron Ɵ ng walls. Ar Ɵ culaƟ on shall be
provided at all exterior walls visible from the
street whether they are street-fronƟ ng or not.

Figure 2-7 Frontage Occupancy
Key
Frontage occupancy

Page 28 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan20 Façade Length Before ArƟ culaƟ on
Any exterior wall visible from a street shall provide
a change in façade material; a change in façade
color combined with a ver Ɵ cal o ﬀ set of not less
than four inches; or change in fenestraƟ on paƩ ern.

Façade Length Before Massing Break
Street-fronƟ ng exterior walls shall be ver Ɵ cally
oﬀ set at least four feet from the adjacent street-
fronƟ ng exterior wall, measured at a right angle
from the property line of a lot. A massing break
shall extend for at least ﬁ ve feet measured parallel
to the property line of a lot. Massing breaks are not
required at the 5
th story.

Massing breaks are encouraged to coincide with
building entries.

Figure 2-10 Massing break at entry
Key
Massing break coinciding with entry
Figure 2-9 Facade length before arƟ culaƟ on

Page 29 of 63 ends

Development Standards
21City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2.6.2 Building Frontage Type Standards
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this secƟ on.

Table 2.4 Frontage Type Standards
Frontage Type
Standard AcƟ ve General Stoop Landscape Parking
Ground Floor
Height above
sidewalk
min. Not
applicable
Not
applicable 6 in Not
applicable
Not
applicable
max. 12 in 24 in 30 in Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Façade
transparency min. 60% 35% 20% Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Entrance frequency min. 100 Ō Not
applicable 45 Ō Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Blank wall length max. 20 Ō 20 Ō 20 Ō Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Frontage length max. Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable 120 Ō
Architectural
screening Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable R
Trees PPPRR
Setback Area
Landscape LRRRR
Hardscape PLLLL
Fence or wall NP NP L NP NP
P - PermiƩ
ed, NP - Not permi Ʃ ed, R - Required, L - Limited allowance

Page 30 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan22 Figure 2-11 Frontage Types

Page 31 of 63 ends

Development Standards
23City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Figure 2-12 Frontage Types
AcƟ ve Frontage
The acƟ ve frontage is appropriate for commercial
uses, common spaces, and ameni Ɵ es. Its general
transparency and connec Ɵ on to the sidewalk help
acƟ vate the ground ﬂ oor.
 Entries should be oriented toward the
adjoining sidewalk or open space.
 The area between the building façade and the
property line shall be hardscaped to provide
space for acƟ vity and access to the building.

Landscaped area shall not exceed 25% of the
horizontal frontage area. Excep Ɵ on, acƟ ve
frontages adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards
and courtyards may u Ɵ lize the open space
landscape and hardscape standards.
 Outdoor sea Ɵ ng shall be permi Ʃ ed in the
setback areas. Product displays shall be
permiƩ ed immediately adjoining allowable
non-residenƟ al uses, indoor amenity spaces,
and leasing oﬃ ces.

General Frontage
The general frontage provides limited transparency
f
or non-ac Ɵ vaƟ ng uses and ground- ﬂ oor units
without stoops.

The area between the building façade and the
property line shall be landscaped except for walks
providing access to the building. ExcepƟ on, general
frontages adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards and
courtyards may uƟ lize the open space landscape and
hardscape standards.

Stoop Frontage
The stoop frontage is appropriate for ground- ﬂ oor
units and helps put e
yes on the street.
 Stoop entries may only be designated as
the primary unit entry for townhomes.

Stoop entries should be oriented toward the
adjoining sidewalk or open space.
 Stoops shall be associated with individual
ground-ﬂ oor residen Ɵ al units and shall
provide direct access to the adjoining
sidewalk. Each stoop shall have a minimum
width of ﬁ ve feet. Stoops may be enclosed by
low fences or walls no more than 42 inches
in height.
 Individual stoops within mulƟ family buildings
shall be separated by not less than eight feet
of landscaped area. Townhomes are exempt
from this provision.
o ExcepƟ on, a con Ɵ nuous at-grade
paƟ o enclosed by a 42-inchhigh wall
and hedge shall be permi Ʃ ed to
span not more than three adjacent
residenƟ al units.
 The area between the building façade or
the stoop and the property line shall be
landscaped except for walks providing access
to the building. Excep Ɵ on, stoop frontages
adjoining semi-enclosed courtyards and
courtyards may uƟ lize the open space
landscape and hardscape standards.

Page 32 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan24 Landscape Frontage
The landscape frontage is used to line surface
parking ar
eas.
 Landscape frontages shall be located
between property lines and surface
parking lots.
 Landscape frontages shall be landscaped
for the en Ɵ re horizontal area except for
walks providing access to the parking lot.

Parking Frontage
The parking frontage is used to line parking
s
tructures located next to the public right of way.
 Parking frontages shall be located between
property lines and parking structures
visible from a street. Parking structures
shall be set back an addi Ɵ onal ﬁ ve feet
from the property line for a minimum
setback of 15 feet.
 Parking frontages shall be landscaped for
the enƟ re horizontal area except for walks
and drives providing access to the parking
lot.
 A 24-inch box tree shall be planted at least
every 40 feet on center, measured parallel
to the property line of the lot.

Figure 2-13 Parking Frontage
Key
Setback area
Parking structure

Page 33 of 63 ends

Development Standards
25City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2.6.3 Development Standards for Mixed Use Commercial District (MU-C) New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures in the MU-C district, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this sec Ɵ on. Accessory structures shall meet the same development standards.

Table 2.5 Mixed Use Commercial District Frontage Standards (MU-C) Frontage
Standard Bloomﬁ eld Primary A Primary B Secondary A
Frontage occupancy min. 35% 60% 35% 15%
Number of curb cuts max. 1 None None 2
Primary building access PRPP
Secondary building
access PPPP
Frontage Type
AcƟ ve PPPP
General PN PP P
Stoop NP NP NP NP
Landscape PN PP P
Parking NP NP NP NP
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permi Ʃ ed, R- Required
Curb Cuts and Driveways to Parking Garages and
Surf
ace Parking Lots
The number of vehicular curb cuts shall not exceed
the ma
ximum number established in Table 2.5. Two-
way driveways shall be 18 to 22 feet in width. One-
way driveways shall be 10 to 12 feet in width.

Building Access
Primary Building Access
E
very building and every individual commercial
space shall have a primary building access.

All commercial spaces located in buildings adjoining
the “Primary A” frontage shall locate primary
building accesses at and oriented toward this
frontage. Primary building accesses may be located
at an allowable open space or within a massing break, provided it is located no more than 40 feet from the property line at the “Primary A” frontage. Pedestrian walkways between commercial spaces are encouraged to allow for direct access from the parking lot to the primary building access. Excep Ɵ on, commercial spaces less than 1,500 sq. Ō . in size may locate the primary building access toward other building frontages that are publicly accessible, e.g. the parking lot, as long as the majority of commercial spaces provide the primary building access at the “Primary A” frontage.

Secondary Building Access
Not required.

Figure 2-14 Retail Frontage
Key
Pedestrian walkway
Primary entry
Open sapce

Page 34 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan26

2.6.4 Development Standards for Mixed Use High Density Residen Ɵ al District (MU-H) New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exisƟ ng land uses and structures in the MU-H district, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this sec Ɵ on. Accessory structures shall meet the same development standards unless otherwise modiﬁ ed by State Law.

Table 2.6 Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al District Frontage Standards (MU-H) Frontage
Standard Bloomﬁ eld Primary A Primary B Secondary A Secondary B Frontage occupancy min. 70% 50% N/A 35% 35%
Number of curb cuts max. None None None 1 10 2
Primary building
access RR P P P
Secondary building
access Not Applicable P P P P
Frontage Type
AcƟ ve NP P P P P
General NP NP P P P
Stoop PP P P P
Landscape PN P N P N PN P
Parking NP NP NP NP P (120 Ō )
P - PermiƩ
ed, NP - Not permi Ʃ ed, R- Required
10 Townhomes require two curb cuts on side frontages.

Figure 2-15 Townhome Frontage
Key
Stoop
Green space
Driveway

Page 35 of 63 ends

Development Standards
27City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Curb Cuts and Driveways to Parking Garages and Surface Parking Lots The number of vehicular curb cuts shall not exceed the maximum number established in Table 2.6, Mixed Use-High Density R
esidenƟ al District Frontage Standards. Two-way driveways shall be 18 to 20 feet in width.

One-way driveways shall be 10 to 12 feet in width.

Building Access
Primary Building Access
E
very mulƟ family residenƟ al building shall have one primary building access. The mail room, and if applicable leasing oﬃ ce shall be located at or within 50 feet of the primary building access. The primary building access shall be located at and oriented toward the “Primary A” frontage. The primary building access may be located at an allowable open space or within a massing break, provided it is located no more than 40 feet from the property line at the “Primary A” frontage. This provision does not apply to Townhomes.

Secondary Building Access
Every mulƟ family residenƟ al building shall have at least two secondary building accesses. Per Table 2.5, Mixed Use-High Density ResidenƟ al District Frontage Standards, these shall be located at two of the three remaining street frontages. Any addiƟ onal secondary building access points may be located on any of the frontages. This provision does not apply to Townhomes.

Figure 2-16 Internal Building CirculaƟ on
All Building Accesses
Required building accesses shall enter to a
lobby or corridor. A stair or elevator serving the
majority of occupiable ﬂ oors of the building
shall be located not more than 40 feet from the
nearest point in the lobby or more than 40 feet
from the point of entry to the corridor.

Page 36 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan28

2.6.5 Open Space Type Standards
New land uses and structures, and altera Ɵ ons to exis Ɵ ng land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of this secƟ on.

Table 2.7 Open Space Type Standards
Open Space Type
Standard Corner Plaza Semi-Enclosed
Courtyard Courtyard Paseo
General
Clear dimensions min. 30 Ō 35 Ō 45 Ō 35 Ō wide
max 60 Ō 145 Ō Not applicable Not applicable
Height above
sidewalk max 12 in 24 in Not applicable Not applicable
Permeable area min. Not applicable 25% 25% 25%
Parking frontage NP NP NP NP
Horizontal Area
Landscape PRRR
Hardscape PLLP
Fence or wall NP P P NP
P - PermiƩ ed, NP - Not permi Ʃ ed, R - Required, L - Limited allowance Figure 2-17 Semi-Enclosed Courtyard
Figure 2-18 Corner Courtyard

Page 37 of 63 ends

Development Standards
29City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Open Space Dimensions
Open spaces shall meet the minimum and maximum
clear dimensions es
tablished in Table 2.8. Open
spaces shall be separated from each other by building
frontages mee Ɵ ng the setback requirements.

ExcepƟ on, minimum clear dimensions may be
reduced by 30% along no more than 40% of the
longer length of an open space.

Driveways in Open Spaces
Driveways may be located in open spaces. Driveway
ar
eas shall be included in the calculaƟ on of maximum
clear dimensions. Driveway areas shall count towards
usable open space requirements.

Fences and Walls
Semi-enclosed courtyards and openings into
c
ourtyards may be enclosed with a fence or wall not
more than 72 inches in height for both private and
publicly accessible open space. Along the street
frontage of an open space the fence or wall may
encroach into the setback by not more than ﬁ ve feet,
measured perpendicular to the property line and
from the adjoining street-fronƟ ng building wall.

Private amenity areas may be enclosed with a fence
not more than 72 inches in height, except when
abuƫ ng a paseo. Such fences shall set back at least
20 feet from the closest street-fron Ɵ ng property
line. Areas between fences and property lines shall
be landscaped. The loca Ɵ on of passive recrea Ɵ onal
areas between the property line and the fence are
encouraged, but not required.
 Fences shall be at least 50 percent open.

Concrete block fences and wire mesh fences
are not permiƩ ed.
 Walls shall be en Ɵ rely screened from street
view by hedges. Wall shall have a ﬁ nished
stucco appearance.

2.6.6 Site Planning and General Development
Standards
Screening
 All e xterior mechanical equipment except for
solar collectors shall be screened or located
out of view from public streets. Screened
equipment shall include heaƟ ng and cooling,
duct work, plumbing, lines, and satellite
antennas.
 Screening materials shall have evenly
distributed opening or perfora Ɵ ons not
exceeding 60% of the surface area and shall
eﬀ ecƟ vely screen mechanical equipment.

Landscaping is an acceptable screening
material.

UƟ liƟ es
 Abov
e-ground u Ɵ lity meters, valves, and
backﬂ ow preven Ɵ on devices shall not be
located within 30 feet of the intersec Ɵ on
of two property lines. When located in a
required setback, such devices shall be
located at least ﬁ ve feet from the property
line measured perpendicular to the property
line of the lot.
 Transformers and transformer pads shall be
located behind the minimum setback and
be screened with landscape materials. Vinyl
screening may be considered if landscaping is
not a feasible method of screening, subject to
the approval of the Community Development
Director.

Figure 2-20 Semi-enclosed courtyard fence
Figure 2-19 UƟ lity placement and screening

Page 38 of 63 ends

Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan30

2.7 PARKING AND LOADING

2.7.1 Minimum Parking Requirements
Table 2.8 Vehicular Parking Requirements
Use Requirement
Market Rate MulƟ family
Apartments 1.75 spaces per unit
Aﬀ ordable MulƟ family Apartments 1.25 spaces per unit
Student Micro-unit 0.75 space per unit
Senior Unit 0.75 space per unit
Townhomes 2 spaces per unit
ResidenƟ al Guest Parking 0.25 spaces per unit
Non-residenƟ al in Planning Area 1
1 space/250 SF of Net
Leasable Area
Hotel
1 space/2 guest rooms; plus
parking for any restaurant/
retail uses as computed
separately.

Electric Vehicle Charging Per CALGreen
Note: Ground ﬂ oor acƟ ve commercial/quasi-public space included within the mulƟ family buildings shall not
require addiƟ onal parking. On-street parking may be used to meet residenƟ al guest parking requirements.

Table 2.9 Bicycle Parking Requirements
Use Requirement
ResidenƟ al Short-Term 1 space per 10 units
ResidenƟ al Long-Term 1 space per 3 units
Commercial Short-Term 1 per 1,000 SF
Commercial Long-Term
1 per 1,000 SF , but not less
than 4 per building
Note: In mixed-use projects non-residenƟ al and residenƟ al porƟ ons shall comply with the respecƟ ve requirement.

Units within Single Family AƩ ached buildings are exempt from bicycle parking requirements.

Page 39 of 63 ends

Development Standards
31City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

2.7.2 Parking Design
Expansion of Leasable Floor Area
Upon any future request for change or enlargement
of a building or s
tructure that increases the number
of dwelling units or the amount of leasable ﬂ oor area, addiƟ onal parking and loading spaces shall be provided for the new leasable ﬂ oor area or dwelling units
without diminishing the exisƟ ng parking provided for
the exisƟ ng use, buildings, and/or structures, unless
the Director of Community Development determines
that such addi Ɵ onal parking is not required to
maintain compliance with this Speci ﬁ c Plan provided
that increase does not exceed the maximum density
and/or FAR.

Parking Design and Standards
Unbundled parking opƟ ons for residents are allowed
in the project area. All residents shall park in their
assigned stalls and shall not park on adjacent
residenƟ al streets. Parking shall be monitored by
management. Parking requirements shall be per
Table 2.9, Vehicular Parking Requirements.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging StaƟ ons
EV charging staƟ ons shall be pr
ovided in compliance
with state building code. ExcepƟ on, in PA 6 at least
two shared electric vehicle charging sta Ɵ ons shall be provided.

Bicycle Parking Design
Long-Term Bicycle Parking Design
All r
equired long-term bicycle parking shall comply
with the following standards, except that up to 50% of
required long-term stalls may be located in residenƟ al units.

Secure storage
Provide secure bike racks or lockers that are made of
sturdy materials and are diﬃ cult to break.

Visibility
PosiƟ on bike parking in well-lit and visible areas, such as near entrances or in areas with high foot traﬃ c.

Security Cameras. Install CCTV cameras in bike parking
areas.

Bike RegistraƟ on Programs
Provide residents the op Ɵ on to register their bikes
with building management, including make, model,
serial number, and color to help recover stolen bikes
or idenƟ fy owners.

EducaƟ onal InformaƟ on
Educate residents on how to properly lock their bikes
and encourage the use of U-locks for secure storage.

Fix-it StaƟ ons
Provide a bike ﬁ x-it sta Ɵ on with bike pump and
repair stand in the bike parking area and encourage
residents to keep their bikes in good working order.

Assigned Bicycle Commuter Parking in MulƟ family
ResidenƟ al Buildings
At least 25% of required long-term bicycle parking
shall be accommodated in ground-ﬂ oor bicycle rooms.

Bicycle rooms shall be located indoors not more
than 30 feet of travel from a primary or secondary
building lobby. Access to bicycle rooms shall be from
the interior of the project and shall not be directly
accessible from the public realm. Spaces shall be
assigned and bicycle room keys or access cards only
issued to tenants with an assigned space.

Vehicular Loading and Pick-up/Drop-oﬀ
Areas
For mul Ɵ family buildings, two temporary loading
spaces shall be located adjacent to each building
(Ɵ me-signed and shared where parallel parking is
provided) as convenient to the building elevator as
possible and regulated by management operaƟ ons. A
convenient ride share/passenger pick-up and drop-oﬀ
area shall be provided adjacent to the park and will
be idenƟ ﬁ ed in the approved site plan.

Port Cocheres
Port cocheres and similar on-site vehicular areas
shall be located within parking structures or enclosed
courtyards. They are not permiƩ ed in setbacks or
open spaces visible from a public street.

Tenant Move-in Loading
Tenant move-in loading areas shall be located withing
parking structures or enclosed courtyards.

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan32

2.8 USEABLE OPEN SPACE
Usable open space will be provided throughout the
development site in a combina Ɵ on of private open
space, common areas, and publicly accessible open
space.

Table 2.10 Usable Open Space Requirements
Unit Type Usable Open Space
Requirement
Studio and One-
Bedr
oom Units
Min. 125 square feet per
unit
Two-Bedroom and
Three-Bedroom Units
Min. 150 square feet per
unit

2.8.1 Addi Ɵ onal Open Space Provisions
Private open space may include balconies, pa Ɵ os,
terraces, or rooŌ op decks with minimum dimensions
of 5 feet, and minimum of 40 square feet when
provided. These areas shall be carefully integrated
into the overall architectural design of the building.

Architectural elements such as railings, trellises, short walls, or roo Ō op enclosures shall be consistent with
the architectural style of the structure to which they
are aƩ ached.

Common open space shall be usable indoor or outdoor
areas and may include acƟ ve spaces (recreaƟ on rooms,
ﬁ tness rooms, audiovisual entertainment, pool, etc.)
or passive spaces (lounges, outdoor landscape and
hardscape areas with sea Ɵ ng, barbeque area, and
other ameniƟ es) with minimum dimensions of 8 feet
(width and length). Roo Ō op decks and terraces may
be used to sa Ɵ sfy this requirement; however, these
areas shall be accessible to all residents within the
building and face the public rights-of-way where
possible.

Enclosed common open space (i.e., open space that
is enclosed on four sides, such as a courtyard) must
have a 1:2 raƟ o where the courtyard width is at least
one-half of the height of the adjacent building façade.

Open space that is open on one (1) or more sides
must have a width of at least one-third the height of
the adjacent building façade.

Publicly accessible open space refers to the crea Ɵ on
of parks, plaza areas, and greenbelts that are open
to the public. Publicly accessible open space shall
not include parking, driveways, or rear setback
areas, but may include front and side setback areas
if they are integrated into the overall design of the
project. Plazas, courtyards, or other smaller publicly
accessible open space areas must be installed at the
ground level, with connecƟ vity to public streets as
well any internal private drives. They must include
pedestrian-oriented ameni Ɵ es, including sea Ɵ ng,
lighƟ ng, walkways, and landscape and hardscape
features. Hardscape paving may include brick, stone,
interlocking concrete pavers, textured concrete, and/
or impressed pa Ʃ erned concrete. The minimum
dimensions of publicly accessible open space shall be
20 feet.

2.9 LANDSCAPE STANDARDS
The perimeter landscape is intended to encourage
walkability and pedestrian use and shall be designed
to complement the streetscape character. Internal
streetscape design shall encourage pedestrian
connecƟ vity to internal and external roadways,
the publicly accessible plaza and park areas, and
the plaza and park areas dedicated to the Norwalk
Transit Village community. The irriga Ɵ on system
shall be designed and constructed to meet and/or
exceed model water e ﬃ cient landscape ordinances
(MWELO). The following addi Ɵ onal standards shall
apply:

1. Landscaping shall not interfere with
pedestrian movement or impede the
visibility of businesses and signage.

2. All street trees adjacent to a sidewalk
shall be selected and installed to limit
the poten Ɵ al of root systems to a ﬀ ect
sidewalks.

3. All por Ɵ ons of setbacks not covered by
permiƩ ed encroachments, pedestrian
walkways, or driveways shall be
landscaped.

2.10 SIGNAGE
Signs will announce the presence of the Norwalk
Transit Village, welcome visitors and residents, and
help users navigate the Speci ﬁ c Plan area. The sign
development standards are intended to maximize the
idenƟ ﬁ caƟ on of NTVSP as a dis Ɵ nct locaƟ on in a way that complements the overall image of Norwalk.

All signs proposed within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area will
be governed by a comprehensive sign program that
will provide internal consistency in design style and
direcƟ on for placement and size of signs, including a
standardized wayﬁ nding program. The comprehensive
sign program shall also include provisions that
ensure that ligh Ɵ ng from signs shall not signi ﬁ cantly intrude upon or impact adjacent residenƟ al uses. The
comprehensive sign program will be submi Ʃ ed a Ō er

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Development Standards
33City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan approval of the Speciﬁ c Plan for review and approval
by Director of Community Development pursuant to
Chapter 6, ImplementaƟ on, as a part of the ministerial review and approval process.

The following standards shall apply:

1. The base calcula Ɵ on for wall signs shall be
two square feet of signage per linear foot of building
frontage.

2. Capital le Ʃ ers shall not exceed a height of 18
inches. Lowercase le Ʃ ers shall not exceed a height
of 18 inches. When using a logo, logo size should not
exceed 24 inches. Two rows of leƩ ers shall not exceed
36 inches.

3. Blade sign structure incorporated into
buildings must be installed with individual aluminum
fabricated dimensional halo channel leƩ ers mounted
to a ver Ɵ cal blade sign. With a max sign area or 75
square feet (per side).

4. The sign area of a monument sign shall
not exceed 1.5 square feet for each foot of street
frontage. Sign placement shall not exceed a maximum
of one for every 150 linear feet of street frontage.

Signs shall be at least 7.5 feet from interior lot lines.

Monument signs shall be a maximum of 8 feet high
with a maximum 18-inch base and should not be a
hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traﬃ c. Sign content shall be limited to tenant names (with no more than
two rows of leƩ ers).

5. Commercial building signage shall be limited
to channel le Ʃ ers, reverse channel le Ʃ ers, or other decoraƟ ve forms of signage approved by Director
of Community Development. Cabinet or box signs
on walls are expressly prohibited. Pole signs are
prohibited.

6. The sign sizes and loca Ɵ ons shall be compaƟ ble
with the design of the building to provide visibility to the public streets and visibility for pedestrians.

7. For live-work signage, a one-foot by two-
foot sign lis Ɵ ng the business is permi Ʃ ed on live-
work units. All other signage is not allowed, including signage on the inside of the units that can be viewed
through the front window.

2.11 LIGHTING
A detailed safety, ligh Ɵ ng, and signage ligh Ɵ ng plan shall be submi Ʃ ed and approved by the Director of
Community Development, prior to issuance of a
building permit, where the plan will discuss strategies for avoiding spillover lighƟ ng and to ensure pedestrian safety. The following lighƟ ng standards apply:

1. Ligh Ɵ ng within the Speciﬁ c Plan Area
shall be directed to driveways, walkways,
and parking, and away from adjacent
properƟ es and public rights-of-way.

2. Outside of “public” areas of the Plan
Area, lighƟ ng temperatures shall not
exceed 3,000 Kelvin.

3. The pedestrian lights should have a
relaƟ vely low waƩ age light source in
the warm (yellow) color range (close to
3,000 Kelvin).

4. Pedestrian-scaled pole ligh Ɵ ng shall
provide a minimum of one (1) foot-
candle in all public areas.

5. Storefront or restaurant entries shall be
illuminated.

6. Outdoor ligh Ɵ ng shall be shielded to
prevent glare on adjacent properƟ es.

7. Energy-e ﬃ cient light bulbs shall be used
to minimize environmental impacts.

8. Pedestrian-scale decora Ɵ ve street
lighƟ ng in sidewalks shall have a
maximum spacing of 80 feet on-center.

Light sources should be 12 to 14 feet
above ﬁ nished grade.

9. Site ligh Ɵ ng requirements shall be one
(1) foot-candle per square foot to lower
the amount of light that spills across the
site.

10. Ligh Ɵ ng ﬁ xtures shall be integrated
into the landscape to facilitate safe
pedestrian circulaƟ on.

11. Full-cuto ﬀ ﬁ xtures shall be used in
landscape lighƟ ng. Excessive lighƟ ng
shall be avoided.

2.12 FIRE STANDARDS

1. All-weather ﬁ re department access shall be
provided.

2. Vehicular access to all required ﬁ re hydrants
must be provided and maintained as
serviceable throughout construcƟ on.

3. Provide ﬁ re-department- or City-approved
street signs and building access numbers
prior to occupancy.

4. All residen Ɵ al and mixed-use buildings over
5,000 square feet shall have sprinkler systems.

5. A Knox box or other access provisions shall be
provided through all gates.

6. Approval from the ﬁ re department is required
prior to issuance of building permits.

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan34

2.13 TRASH AND RECYCLING
TRASH
Any planned trash and recycle centralized loca Ɵ ons
for mul Ɵ family buildings, a Ʃ ached townhomes,
detached townhomes, stacked ﬂ ats, and commercial
uses will be approved by the Development Director
prior to issuance of the ﬁ rst building permit.

Trash and recycling areas serving mul Ɵ family or
commercial buildings shall either be enclosed within
a building or constructed of solid masonry material
with a decora Ɵ ve exterior surface ﬁ nish compa Ɵ ble
with the main structure. The walls shall be a minimum
of six feet in height.

All centralized trash and recycling areas shall include a four-inch concrete pad.

COLLECTION AND LOADING OF RECYCLABLE

MATERIALS
Any recycling area(s) shall be located so they are at
least as convenient as the loca Ɵ on(s) where solid
waste is collected and loaded. Whenever feasible,
recyclable materials should be adjacent to or
incorporated within the trash collecƟ on areas.

Each recycling area within a mul Ɵ family residen Ɵ al
development shall be no greater than 500 feet from
each living unit.

2.14 OFFͳROAD CONSTRUCTION

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
An oﬀ -road construc Ɵ on equipment plan shall be
approved by the Community Development Director
prior to the issuance of the ﬁ rst grading permit for the project. The o ﬀ -road construc Ɵ on equipment plan
must conﬁ rm that the construcƟ on health risk posed
by the ﬂ eet of oﬀ -road construcƟ on equipment to be
on-site to construct the project would be less than
the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s
(SCAQMD) threshold of 10 in one million. The o ﬀ -
road construcƟ on equipment plan may include, but
not be limited to: the use of equipment that meets
EPA Tier 4 engine standards; alterna Ɵ vely-fueled
equipment (i.e., non-diesel); the use of added exhaust
devices; or a combinaƟ on of measures, provided that
these measures are approved by the Community
Development Director and demonstrated to result in
a construcƟ on health risk of less than the SCAQMD
threshold of 10 in one million.

2.15 DESIGN GUIDELINES
Open Space Design Guidelines
General Open Space Design
The design of common open spaces should priori Ɵ ze
aƩ racƟ ve landscaping, materials, and ameni Ɵ es that
provide a variety of opportuni Ɵ es for interacƟ on,
gathering, unstructured play, and general use.

LocaƟ on
Private outdoor spaces should be strategically placed
as an in
tegral part of the development, rather than
being relegated to “leŌ over” spaces.

Community Rooms
If community rooms are included in the plans, they
should be loc
ated adjacent to outdoor spaces for
easy access.

Landscaping
The use of appropriate planƟ ngs that are in scale with the space should be a priority. This includes selecƟ ng plants that are appropriate to the local climate and
require minimal irrigaƟ on.

IrrigaƟ on
AutomaƟ c drip irriga Ɵ on systems should be
implemented, with the understanding that hand-
watering during winter may be necessary. Quick
couplers and hose bibs should also be provided for
convenience.

AmeniƟ es
Outdoor spaces should be equipped with various
ameniƟ
es, including benches, trash receptacles,
bike racks, and lighƟ ng. Where canopy trees are not
feasible, alternaƟ ve forms of shade, such as pergolas, trellises, sunshades, or arbors, should be provided.

At designated dog areas or lawn areas, dog sta Ɵ ons
must be installed.

LighƟ ng
Lower-height pedestrian lighƟ
ng should be provided.

All lighƟ ng should consider dark sky design guidelines.

Maintenance
The design of outdoor spaces should take into
c
onsideraƟ on the ongoing maintenance needs of
planters, irrigaƟ on, hardscaped areas, ameniƟ es, and
storage.

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Development Standards
35City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Drainage
Drainage systems should be directed from private outdoor spaces either through underground systems or alt
ernaƟ ve systems that are integrated with the overall storm drainage system of the development and consistent with the Drainage Plan outlined in the Appendix.

Blank Walls
Blank walls should be avoided within the perimeter of the courtyards to enhance the aestheƟ c appeal of the space.

2.16 DEFINITIONS
This sec Ɵ on provides de ﬁ niƟ ons for the Development Standards, which shall supersede any con ﬂ icƟ ng deﬁ niƟ ons found elsewhere in the Zoning Code. The de ﬁ niƟ ons presented herein are intended to ensure consistency and accuracy in the applicaƟ on and interpretaƟ on of the Speciﬁ c Plan regulaƟ ons.

ResidenƟ al density is calculated as the total number of residenƟ al dwelling units divided by the gross lot area in acres. Frac Ɵ onal units shall be rounded to the nearest whole number when determining the maximum allowable number of units is measured as the total number of residen Ɵ al dwelling units divided by the gross lot area in acres. When determining the maximum allowable number of units fracƟ onal units shall be rounded to the nearest hole number.

Apartment means a building containing mul Ɵ ple residen Ɵ al units. Apartments are typically occupied on a rental basis.

Townhome means a single-family residen Ɵ al unit of three stories that is connected to a similar unit by a common wall. Townhome may also mean row town, town house Height, structural means the v
erƟ cal measurement from the highest point of the structure (excluding any projecƟ ons which this Ɵ tle expressly authorizes above the maximum height) to the closest ﬁ nished grade. For properƟ es with a sloping grade, the maximum allowable height shall be measured as the verƟ cal measurement from the closest sloping ﬁ nished grade to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the ﬁ nished grade at the Ɵ me of project submiƩ al.

Lot ar
ea, gross is deﬁ ned as the total horizontal area within the property lines of a lot.

Floor area raƟ o means the gr oss ﬂ oor area of all buildings and structures on the lot divided by the total lot area.

Floor area, gross means the sum of the horizontal areas of each ﬂ oor of a building, measured from the interior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separa Ɵ ng two buildings, but not including underground parking, uncovered steps, or exterior balconies.

Permeable site area is the horizontal area of a lot free of any structures, impermeable pavement, or features that would prevent the inﬁ ltraƟ on of water into the ground. For the purposes of this sec Ɵ on pavement shall be considered permeable if it has an eﬀ ecƟ ve porosity of 15% or more across all components of the pavement assembly.

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Development Standards
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan36

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Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan 37

3. Circula Ɵ on and Mobility

3.1 REGIONAL ACCESS
Regional access to the Speci ﬁ c Plan area is provided primarily by the Interstate 5 Freeway, located approximately a half mile to the south. In addiƟ on, the 605 and 105 Interstate Freeways are located approximately

2.3 miles to the west of the Speciﬁ c Plan area.

The Speci ﬁ c Plan area is accessed via Bloom ﬁ eld Avenue to the west and is essen Ɵ ally landlocked by residen Ɵ al uses to the north and south and Zimmerman Park to the east. A new signalized entry and two non- signalized entries are planned oﬀ Bloomﬁ eld Avenue for vehicular access.

The northern non-signalized entry will be right-in/right-out only while the southern non-signalized entry will only have restricted access for le Ō -out movements.

Bloomﬁ eld Avenue is classi ﬁ ed as a Major Highway in the City of Norwalk General Plan Circula Ɵ on Element but is not improved to its full width.

Improvements planned as part of the Speciﬁ c Plan implementaƟ on will be minor in nature, including the following:
• Roadway dedica Ɵ on
• New or modi ﬁ ed driveways into the Planning Areas, which will require encroachment permits within City rights-of-way.
• Modi ﬁ caƟ ons to the raised median to allow full turn movements into the site.
• Streetscape improvements such as landscaped parkways, pedestrian walkways, bus transit stops, street furniture, and widened pedestrian zones will be provided.

The Major Highway classi ﬁ caƟ on provides for ﬁ ve to six tra ﬃ c lanes within a 100-foot right-of-way and an 80-foot paved, curb to curb width.

Bloomﬁ eld Avenue is a four-lane divided right-of-way adjacent to the Speciﬁ c Plan area. At this loca Ɵ on, the roadway presently provides two vehicular travel lanes in each direc Ɵ on with a raised landscaped median.

Parking is prohibited along both sides of the street, and the posted speed limit in the vicinity is 40 miles per hour (mph).

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan38 Circulation and Mobility

3.2 STREET SECTIONS
Streets in the Norwalk Transit Village Speci ﬁ c Plan include lane widths of 10 feet which are appropriate in urban areas and provide safety without impac Ɵ ng traﬃ c opera Ɵ ons. In addi Ɵ on, parking lane widths of 7–9 feet are recommended.

The site will include 20 to 28 feet access roadway widths to accommodate ﬁ re apparatus access, with a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from the access roadway to building face. Driving surfaces will be capable of supporƟ ng ﬁ re apparatus as required by ﬁ re code.

Access to the Speciﬁ c Plan Area and the proposed internal circulaƟ on system are shown on Figure 3-1 Vehicular CirculaƟ on Concept. Internal circula Ɵ on will be provided by a series of east-west and north-south roadways.

The locaƟ on and size of proposed street sec Ɵ ons is conceptual in nature and will be determined at the Ɵ me of ﬁ nal tract map approval.

Figure 3-1 Vehicular CirculaƟ on
Bloomﬁ eld Avenue
Northern East-West Street
108-foot ROW
East-West Streets
74-foot ROW
East-West Street - Adjacent to Linear Park
74-foot ROW
North-South Streets
50-foot ROW
Fire Lane/Promenade - Zimmerman Park
Interface
LEGEND

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Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan 39

3.2.1 NORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 108-foot public right-of-way The northern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 1, 2 and 8 is a 108-foot public right-of-way which includes a ten-foot center median, two ten-foot travel lanes in each direc Ɵ on, one ﬁ ve-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, twenty-foot angled parking on the south side of the street, one six-foot parkway on each side of the street, and eight-foot sidewalks on both sides of the street. This design allows for forty percent permeability.

Figure 3-2 Northern East-West Street - 108-foot Right of Way

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan40 Circulation and Mobility
Figure 3-3 Northern East-West Street - 74-foot Right of Way - Northern

3.2.2 NORTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-foot public right-of-way The northern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 3, 4 and 5 is a 74-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane in each direc Ɵ on, one six-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, an eight- foot trail on the south side of the street, a four-foot parkway on the south side and a six-foot parkway on the north side of the street and eight-foot sidewalks on both sides of the street. This design allows for forty-nine percent permeability.

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Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan 41

3.2.3 SOUTHERN EAST-WEST STREET - 74-foot public right-of-way The southern east-west street adjacent to Planning Areas 3, 4 and 5 is a 74-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane in each direc Ɵ on, one ﬁ ve-foot Class II bike lane in each direc Ɵ on, parallel parking, one six-foot parkway and one eight-foot sidewalk on each side of the street, and a green bu ﬀ er of varying width on the south side of the street. This design allows for ﬁ Ō y-six percent permeability.

Figure 3-4 Southern East-West Street - 74-foot Right of Way - Southern

Page 50 of 63 ends

City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan42 Circulation and Mobility

3.2.4 NORTH-SOUth STREET - 50-foot public right-of-way
The north-south street is a 50-foot public right-of-way which includes one ten-foot travel lane shared with Class III bike lanes in each direc Ɵ on, parallel parking on the south side of the road, and one six-foot parkway and ﬁ ve-foot sidewalk on each side of the road. This design allows for forty-six percent permeability.

Figure 3-5 North-South Streets - 50-foot Right of Way -

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Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan 43 Figure 3-6 Easterly Promenade/Fire Lane Frontage to Zimmerman Park

3.2.5 PROMENADE/FIRELANE -INTERFACE WITH ZIMMERMAN PARK A 28-foot ﬁ re lane/pedestrian promenade is located to the east of Planning Area 5. This public frontage, which includes a drainage easement and parkway area, ranges from 52 to 65-feet in width.

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan44 Circulation and Mobility

3.3 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION
One of the NTVSP goals is to reduce the reliance on single occupant passenger vehicles, and as such the site design aims to maximize pedestrian and bicyclist connec Ɵ vity between the diverse uses within the Speci ﬁ c Plan Area and to the greater Norwalk area. Class II and III bike lanes are included within all roadways and will connect to the exisƟ ng and future city-wide bicycle system.

Pedestrian circula Ɵ on will be provided throughout the Speci ﬁ c Plan Area via walkways and linear parks.

Pedestrian crossing shall be provided between all Planning Areas as well as at the proposed tra ﬃ c signal on Bloomﬁ eld Avenue. The rou Ɵ ng of pedestrian and bicycle circula Ɵ on is conceptually shown in Figure 3.3, MulƟ -Modal CirculaƟ on Concept. The locaƟ on of proposed pedestrian and bicycle circulaƟ on is conceptual in nature and will be determined at the Ɵ me of ﬁ nal tract map approval.

Figure 3-7 Pedestrian and Bicycle CirculaƟ on
Sidewalk
Bike lane
Pedestrian and bike promenade
Walk and running trial

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Circulation and Mobility
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan 45

3.4 ACCESS TO TRANSIT
The NTVSP enjoys proximity to the Norwalk-Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Sta Ɵ on, which is approximately 0.2 miles from the Speciﬁ c Plan area (or a 0.5-mile walking distance).

The Norwalk Transit System (NTS) oﬀ ers seven ﬁ xed routes serving Norwalk and the surrounding communiƟ es, including Artesia, Bell ﬂ ower, Cerritos, La Habra, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, Whi ƫ er, and Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The Speciﬁ c Plan area is located directly on Route 3: Gateway Plaza, Norwalk & 166th of the NTS. NTS can be used to access two other transit staƟ ons: The Norwalk Greenline StaƟ on and The Los Angeles Metro - Norwalk StaƟ on.

Figure 3-8 Transit Access

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan46 Circulation and Mobility

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Page 55 of 63 ends

47 Infrastructure and Public Services
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES

4.1 INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
Ensuring the NTVSP is served by adequate infrastructure is cri Ɵ cal to the successful implementa Ɵ on of the plan and future development of the area.

4.1.1 Domes Ɵ c and Reclaimed water
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) is the domesƟ c water service provider for the Speci ﬁ c Plan area while Liberty UƟ lity is the water service provider for Zimmerman Park. Central Basin Municipal Water District Provides reclaimed water to the area. ExisƟ ng 12” domesƟ c water lines and exisƟ ng 12” reclaimed water lines are present in Bloomﬁ eld Avenue Avalon.

ConstrucƟ on of new, on-site water distribu Ɵ on lines are required to serve the new buildings and facili Ɵ es in the Speciﬁ c Plan area. New 12” domesƟ c water lines will be installed concurrently with street improvements.

ConnecƟ ons to buildings for potable and ﬁ re protecƟ on water will be made prior to cer Ɵ ﬁ cate of occupancy.

Water for irrigaƟ on and proposed water features will come from reclaimed water. New 6” reclaimed water infrastructure will be installed with street improvements.

Development within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area would result in a demand of approximately 202 Acre Feet per year (AFY) for domesƟ c water and 15 AFY for reclaimed water. It is anƟ cipated that the Speciﬁ c Plan area will be adequately served by available water supplies from exis Ɵ ng en Ɵ tlements and resources. A Water Supply Assessment (WSA) was prepared in accordance with Senate Bill 610 (SB 610) to analyze the anƟ cipated water demand and to determine that exisƟ ng water supply sources and faciliƟ es can accommodate such demand.

4.1.2 Wastewater
The Los Angeles County SanitaƟ on Districts (LACSD) operates and maintains the wastewater system that serves the Speciﬁ c Plan area. The on-site system will include a sewer liŌ staƟ on and will be designed to pick up sanitary ﬂ ows from points of connecƟ on at each building to a new 8” sewer main to be installed concurrent with street improvements. The exisƟ ng 8” trunk sewer within Zimmerman Park to the east will remain. Connec Ɵ ons to buildings will be made prior to cerƟ ﬁ cate of occupancy. Stormwater CollecƟ on The local storm drain infrastructure is owned and maintained by the Los Angeles County Flood Control. An exisƟ ng 93” storm drain runs north to south along the eastern property line. New 18” to 36” stormwater collecƟ on drains will be installed concurrent with street improvements. A 96” solid pipe detenƟ on basin system with 22,716 cubic foot capacity will be installed in the street at the southeast porƟ on of the site.

4.1.3 Water Quality
Improvement of water quality is a cri Ɵ cal issue for all development. Local, State, and Federal laws include requirements for the treatment of storm water runo ﬀ to reduce pollutants entering the environment.

OpportuniƟ es for large-scale water quality improvements (such as storm water basins) in urban areas are limited. Best Management PracƟ ces (BMPs) are structural or engineered devices and systems used to treat storm water runoﬀ before it is discharged into a drainage system (storm drain or channel). BMPs appropriate for an urbanized seƫ ng may include the following menu of items, which will be re ﬁ ned as part of a Standard Urban Stormwater MiƟ gaƟ on Plan (SUSMP).
• Permeable Pavement: Permeable pavements contain small voids that allow water to pass through to a gravel base. They come in a variety of forms; they may be a modular paving system (concrete pavers, grass-

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan48 Infrastructure and Public Services
pave, or gravel-pave) or poured in place pavement
(porous concrete, permeable asphalt).
• Bio ﬁ ltraƟ on/BioretenƟ on: Bioreten Ɵ on storm
water treatment faciliƟ es are landscaped shallow
depressions that capture and ﬁ lter storm water
runoﬀ . These faciliƟ es funcƟ on as a soil and plant-
based ﬁ ltraƟ on device that removes pollutants
through a variety of physical, biological, and
chemical treatment processes. Vegetated swales,
ﬁ lter strips, and planter boxes fall within this
category.

Prior to issuance of grading permits for any
implemenƟ ng development project within the
Speciﬁ c Plan area, a SUSMP must be submi Ʃ ed
for review and approval by the City. A preliminary
SUSMP will be submi Ʃ ed as part of the en Ɵ tlement
process for individual development projects within
the Speci ﬁ c Plan area; it will outline the required
quanƟ Ɵ es of storm water required to be treated
and the appropriate treatment methods. A ﬁ nal
SUSMP will be submiƩ ed as part of ﬁ nal construcƟ on
documents, which will describe the ﬁ nal selecƟ on of
BMPs for the proposed development.

The County of Los Angeles adopted a low impact
development (LID) storm water ordinance and manual
in 2009. LID is a drainage strategy and concept that
allows runoﬀ from developed sites to closely mimic
the runoﬀ pa Ʃ ern and water quality of undeveloped
sites. There is a hierarchy of storm water treatment
methods that the County has established and new
developments are required to u Ɵ lize the highest
method that is technically feasible. The treatment
method hierarchy is as follows:

1. In ﬁ ltraƟ on of storm water into the underlying
soils

2. Storage and bene ﬁ cial reuse of storm water

3. High-E ﬃ ciency storm water biotreatment

4. Mechanical storm water treatment

4.1.4 Green Infrastructure
The Speci ﬁ c Plan area will incorporate green
infrastructure facili Ɵ es into the street design.

TradiƟ onal “gray” storm drain infrastructure (curbs,
guƩ ers, storm drain structures, and piping) channels
runoﬀ directly into receiving waters without
treatment. As the runoﬀ travels over impervious
surfaces, it collects pollutants such as heavy metals,
oils, grease, trash, etc. Over Ɵ me, this leads to the
polluƟ on of local waterbodies. In contrast, green
infrastructure faciliƟ es are designed to mimic natural systems to capture, store and treat stormwater
using specially designed landscape systems. Green
infrastructure is designed to allow runo ﬀ to in ﬁ ltrate into the ground, regenera Ɵ ng the water table, and
reducing the overall load on exis Ɵ ng stormwater
faciliƟ es.

Green infrastructure also provides ameniƟ es with
many beneﬁ ts beyond water quality improvement and
groundwater replenishment, including the reduc Ɵ on
of ﬂ ooding, crea Ɵ on of a Ʃ racƟ ve streetscapes and
habitats, and miƟ gaƟ on of the heat island eﬀ ect.

4.1.5 Power
The Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan area will rely solely on electricity for power. No natural gas will be used for hea Ɵ ng, cooking, etc. Southern California
Edison (SCE) maintains facili Ɵ es along Bloom ﬁ eld
Avenue and along the southern property boundary.

These facili Ɵ es are expected to have adequate
capacity to serve the development proposed in the
Speciﬁ c Plan. However, addiƟ onal structures will be
needed within the area due to the proposed electrical
load that will require mul Ɵ ple transformers served
from mulƟ ple switches. Based on detailed analysis as
site plans are developed, a number of transformers
will be required to support the electrical needs of the Speciﬁ c Plan.

4.1.6 Solar
Solar, or Photovoltaic Panels, will be provided per the California Green Building Code in eﬀ ect at the Ɵ me of building permit applicaƟ on(s).

4.1.7 Solid Waste and Recycling
The developers/operators of each Planning Area
shall coordinate with the City’s waste hauler for the
collecƟ on, disposal, and recycling of solid waste.

A comprehensive recycling plan shall be included
with each development plan submi Ʃ als prior to
the City’s issuance of a building permit approval.

The comprehensive recycling plan shall consist of a
general recycling program for all uses including the
separaƟ on of organic waste. The recycling program
shall speci ﬁ cally require the incorpora Ɵ on of
permanent, clearly marked, durable, source-sorted
recycling bins for all structures. The bins shall be
conƟ nuously maintained to ensure proper opera Ɵ on
and adequate access.

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49 Infrastructure and Public Services
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan Recycling will also extend to construc Ɵ on ac Ɵ viƟ es.

All construcƟ on debris may be recycled in a pracƟ cal, accessible manner, to the extent feasible, during the
construcƟ on phase of any Planning Area. CompacƟ on
faciliƟ es for non-recyclable materials shall be provided for every occupied commercial building greater than
20,000 sf in size to reduce both the total volume of
solid waste produced and the number of truck haul
trips required for collecƟ on, to the extent feasible.

4.1.8 Telecommunica Ɵ ons FaciliƟ es
TelecommunicaƟ ons services will be provided onsite
by one or many local purveyors.

4.2 GRADING
The Norwalk Transit Village Speci ﬁ c Plan Site grades
from east to west with a shallow slope of approximately

0.2 to 0.4 percent. The design aims to reduce earth
import. Approximately 60,510 cubic yards of import
is anƟ cipated over the course of construc Ɵ on for the total development of the Speci ﬁ c Plan area, which is
anƟ cipated to occur intermi Ʃ ently over a 3-month
period during the grading/site preparaƟ on phase.

4.3 PUBLIC SERVICES

4.3.1 Fire protecƟ on
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACFD)
provides ﬁ re protec Ɵ on services to the City, and
the Speci ﬁ c Plan area. There are several primary
ﬁ re sta Ɵ ons that provide both ﬁ re and emergency
medical services to the City, with two of the sta Ɵ ons located within Norwalk’s boundaries. The Speci ﬁ c
Plan area is within the service area of Fire Sta Ɵ on
20, which provides ﬁ re and rescue services and safe
haven services. The nearest ﬁ re staƟ on is Fire StaƟ on #20, located at 12110 Adoree St, Norwalk, CA 90650,
approximately 0.6 miles west of the Speciﬁ c Plan area.

The LACFD uses na Ɵ onal guidelines of a 5-minute
response Ɵ me for the ﬁ rst-arriving unit for ﬁ re and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responses and 8
minutes for the advanced life support (paramedic)
unit in urban areas. In 2022, the LACFD conﬁ rmed Fire
StaƟ on #20 met established response Ɵ mes with an
emergency response of 4 minutes.

Development in the Speci ﬁ c Plan area is required
to comply with LACFD requirements for emergency
access, ﬁ re-ﬂ ow, ﬁ re protecƟ on standards, ﬁ re lanes, and other site design/building standards. AddiƟ onally, all future development within the Speci ﬁ c Plan area
would be subject to compliance with the exis Ɵ ng
regulaƟ ons speci ﬁ ed in the California Fire Code,
California Building Code, Interna Ɵ onal Fire Code,
the Norwalk Municipal Code (Municipal Code), and
speciﬁ c ﬁ re and life safety requirements in eﬀ ect that the Ɵ me of building ﬁ re plan check.

4.3.2 Law enforcement
The Los Angeles County Sheri ﬀ ’s Department (LASD)
provides police protecƟ on services to the Norwalk.

The Speci ﬁ c Plan area is within the service area
of the Norwalk Sheri ﬀ ’s Sta Ɵ on, which provides
police services to Norwalk and La Mirada, South
Unincorporated Whi ƫ er, and East Unincorporated
Whiƫ er. The Speci ﬁ c Plan area would be served by
the Norwalk staƟ on located at 12335 Civic Center Dr,
Norwalk, CA 90650, approximately 0.26 miles west of
the site.

ImplementaƟ on of the Speci ﬁ c Plan would introduce
addiƟ onal residents, employees, and visitors to the
area, which would incrementally increase the demand
for police services. Although the Speci ﬁ c Plan would
introduce addiƟ onal residents and employees to the
area, it is not an Ɵ cipated that this increase would
have the capability to result in a substan Ɵ al adverse impact to police services or require the need for new
or addiƟ onal police facili Ɵ es. Implementa Ɵ on of the Speciﬁ c Plan would be consistent with the land uses
anƟ cipated for the area and are not an Ɵ cipated to
result in a substan Ɵ al increase in demand on police
services provided by LASD.

4.3.3 Schools
The Speci ﬁ c Plan area is located in the Norwalk-La
Mirada Uni ﬁ ed School District. Developer fees are
levied by the pursuant to the provisions of Sec Ɵ on
17620 of the Educa Ɵ on Code, as well as Sec Ɵ ons
65995 and 66001 of the Government Code. Any
residenƟ al or commercial/industrial construc Ɵ on
project within the School District boundary may be
subject to the fee.

Based on the District’s 2021 Residen Ɵ al and CID
Development School Fee Jus Ɵ ﬁ caƟ on Study the
anƟ cipated student generaƟ on for the 770 residenƟ al
units in the Speciﬁ c Plan area is outlined in Table 5.1, Student GeneraƟ on.

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan50 Infrastructure and Public Services
Table 5.1 Student GeneraƟ on
Grades Generation Rate
(MF units) Students
Elementary 0.1954 150
Middle 0.0998 77
High 0.1341 103
Total 331
The closest schools to the Speciﬁ c Plan area include the following:
• Moﬃ Ʃ Elementary School at 13323 South Goller Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650 • Waite Middle School at 14320 S. Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, CA 90650 • John Glenn High School at 13520 Shoemaker Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650 • Southeast Academy at 12940 E Foster Road, Norwalk, CA 90650 ResidenƟ al, commercial and hotel uses will pay statutory school miƟ gaƟ on fees at the Ɵ me of building permit.

4.3.4 Libraries
The closest libraries to the Speciﬁ c Plan area include the following:
• Norwalk Library at 12350 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650 • Alondra Library at 11949 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650

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51 Implementation
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

5. ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REVIEW
Approval of the NTVSP indicates acceptance by the Norwalk City Council of the NTVSP’s framework for the development of the plan area. Project approvals may include, among other en Ɵ tlements, a Development Agreement (DA) between the developer and the City of Norwalk. The NTVSP supplemented by the DA establish the standards and regulaƟ ons that consƟ tute the zoning for the plan area and regulates development within the area. The Speciﬁ c Plan provisions shall take precedence over the requirements of the zoning code of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC). If not speci ﬁ cally addressed in the NTVSP , the applicable provisions of the NMC shall apply.

The provisions of the Speciﬁ c Plan shall be enforced as follows:

1. The Director of Community Development shall be the City administrator responsible for enforcing the regulaƟ ons, site development standards, and procedures set forth in the Speciﬁ c Plan.

2. The Director of Community Development shall have the administra Ɵ ve authority for interpreta Ɵ on related to the enforcement of the Speciﬁ c Plan. The Director of Community Development may submit his/her interpretaƟ ons for review by the Planning Commission. Decisions of the Planning Commission shall be subject to appeal to the City Council.

3. In the event of any ambigui Ɵ es or silence on a par Ɵ cular topic that cannot be resolved through the provisions of this Speciﬁ c Plan, other secƟ ons of the City of Norwalk General Plan and Zoning Ordinance shall guide interpretaƟ ons of this Speciﬁ c Plan.

5.2 TYPE OF REVIEW PROCEDURES
Approval of development within the NTVSP shall be subject to the review authority and review processes set forth in this SecƟ on. If there is any conﬂ ict between the provisions of this Speciﬁ c Plan and Chapter 1 of ArƟ cle IX of the NMC, the provisions of this Speciﬁ c Plan shall control.

Unless otherwise set forth below, to be valid, any appeal must be ﬁ led with the City Clerk within ﬁ Ō een (15) days of the decision upon which the appeal is made. All decisions shall automa Ɵ cally become ﬁ nal unless a valid appeal is Ɵ mely received.

The following types of applicaƟ ons shall be reviewed and acted upon as listed in Table 5.1.

The Speci ﬁ c Plan shall be administered by the City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Director of Community Development (each a Review Authority as set forth in Table 5.1).

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan52 Implementation
Table 5.1: Review Authority
Type of ApplicaƟ on
Community
Development Director
Ministerial Approval3
Planning Commission
discreƟ onary
approval1
City Council approval
(aŌ er Planning
Commission
recommendaƟ on)
CondiƟ onal Use Permit ■
TransportaƟ on Demand
Management Plan ■
Amendments to Approved Sign
Program3 ■
Minor ExcepƟ ons ■
Speciﬁ c Plan Amendments ■
SubstanƟ al Conformance
Change ■
Precise Development Plan
Review
2 ■
Sign Plan 3 ■
Special Event Permits ■
Temporary Use Permits ■
Variance ■
InterpretaƟ ons ■
1 All decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. 2 Any subsequent amendment to the site plan shall be subject to the provisions of SecƟ on 5.2.5 below. 3 No public hearing is required.

5.2.1 Interpreta Ɵ on
Although every eﬀ ort has been made to include provisions in this Speci ﬁ c Plan that are clear, there may be a need to interpret provisions in light of speciﬁ c and unusual condiƟ ons. When such interpretaƟ ons are necessary, the Director of Community Development shall be responsible for the interpreta Ɵ on of the provisions of the Speciﬁ c Plan, with the right of appeal to the Planning Commission and City Council.

The Director of Community Development has the authority to interpret any provision of this NTVSP , consistent with the requirements of Sec Ɵ on 9172.24 InterpretaƟ on Procedures. Whenever the Director of Community Development determines that the meaning or applicability of any requirement is subject to interpretaƟ on, the Director of Community Development may issue an oﬃ cial interpretaƟ on. When used in this NTVSP , the words “shall” and “must” are always mandatory. The word “should,” as used in the design standards secƟ on of this plan, is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

It is not intended that this NTVSP interfere with, abrogate, or annul any easement, covenant, or other agreement to which the City is a party. In accordance with state law, the provisions of this NTVSP shall control over duplicaƟ ve and conﬂ icƟ ng provisions of the Norwalk Municipal Code. In the event this NTVSP is silent as to a development standard or procedure, the provisions of the City’s zoning ordinance shall control.

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53 Implementation
City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan

5.2.2 Minor Excep Ɵ ons
The Minor Excep Ɵ ons procedure is established to
grant minor relief from development standards,
under limited circumstances, when the gran Ɵ ng of
such relief will provide for beƩ er design and func Ɵ on of the proposed structure, or addiƟ on to a structure.

The Director of Community Development or his/her
designee may approve a Minor ExcepƟ on or deviaƟ on
to the standards and land uses described herein,
provided the Director conducts appropriate review
under CEQA, if required, and makes the following
ﬁ ndings:

1. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor Excep Ɵ on will
result in design improvements, or there are
space or other restric Ɵ ons on the site which
preclude full compliance with Speci ﬁ c Plan
requirements;

2. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor ExcepƟ on, with any
condiƟ ons imposed, will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious
to the property or improvements in the
Speciﬁ c Plan Area; and

3. The gran Ɵ ng of the Minor Excep Ɵ on will not
be contrary to the objecƟ ves of the Speci ﬁ c
Plan.

Minor ExcepƟ ons may include:
 Building setback deviaƟ on – up to 10 percent.
 Height of fence or wall devia Ɵ on – up to 10
percent.
 ProjecƟ ons into required setbacks – up to 10
percent.
 Building height increase – up to 10 percent.
 ReducƟ on in o ﬀ -street parking requirements
– up to 10 percent.
 A decrease of not more than 5 percent of
the total open space as provided from the
ﬁ rst approved Site Plan Review.

DeviaƟ ons to NTVSP development standards in
excess of those cited in the subsecƟ on above as well
as changes to the NTVSP permi Ʃ ed uses listed in
the Development Standards secƟ on shall require a
Speciﬁ c Plan Amendment.

5.2.3 Speci ﬁ c Plan Amendments
Amendments to the Speci ﬁ c Plan shall be processed
in accordance with the applicaƟ on provisions of state
law provided in California Government Code secƟ ons
65450 et seq.

5.2.4 Condi Ɵ onal Use Permits
CondiƟ onal Use Permits shall be ﬁ led and processed
per secƟ on 17.02.210 of the Norwalk Municipal Code.

5.2.5 Precise Development Plan Review
A Precise Development Plan Review applicaƟ on must
be reviewed and approved to implement any project
within this Speci ﬁ c Plan in accordance with Chapter

17.02.205 of the City of Norwalk Municipal Code.

Subsequent modiﬁ caƟ ons to the approved Site Plan
shall be processed administra Ɵ vely by the Director
of Community Development provided the changes
substanƟ ally conform to the approved Site Plan
(“SubstanƟ ally Conforming Changes”). Substan Ɵ ally
Conforming Changes are modiﬁ caƟ ons and alteraƟ ons
to the type, loca Ɵ on, placement, and design of the
proposed structures and overall development within
the NTVSP that (i) do not result in an increase in
residenƟ al density, commercial square footage, and/
or overall development intensity and (ii) do not trigger a Minor Excep Ɵ on or Speci ﬁ c Plan Amendment, as
deﬁ ned above. Substan Ɵ ally Conforming Changes to
the approved Site Plan shall be considered ministerial
and are not appealable. Substan Ɵ ally conforming
changes should be construed liberally in the interest
of providing maximum ﬂ exibility within the approved
NTVSP development envelope and associated
environmental impacts studied and disclosed in the
EIR.

5.2.6 Special Event Permits
A Special Event or Use Permit may be granted to allow
the occurrence of an event, acƟ vity, or use for a period of 4 or more days, but not exceeding 30 consecu Ɵ ve
days, and no more than 60 days in any calendar year.

Special Event Permits shall be ﬁ led and processed as
an administraƟ ve Use Permit.

5.2.7 Temporary Use Permits
Temporary Use Permits shall be ﬁ led and processed
in accordance with Chapter 17.04 of the Norwalk
Municipal Code.

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City of Norwalk | Norwalk Transit Village Speciﬁ c Plan54 Implementation

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Norwalk City CouncilNovember 6, 2024

Norwalk City Council
November 6, 2024