Wall Street West Business Guide

Welcome to Wall Street!

There are city resources available to business and property owners in the Wall Street - West Avenue Corridor, including tenant fit-ups and property improvements. The City of Norwalk has several departments that handle different aspects related to residential and commercial property improvements. All of the departments share the goal of developing safe and vibrant neighborhoods.

Wall Street-West Avenue Neighborhood Plan

The purpose of the plan is to provide a clear framework for addressing identified neighborhood challenges and achieving a consistent vision for the area.

See the Plan

Business Development and Tourism

Stay up-to-date on market trends and local data in order to coordinate agency work with Norwalk and broader real estate market conditions.

Go to Website

Norwalk For Business

A useful resource for entrepreneurs and businesses and includes educational opportunities, financial resources, location assistance and more.

Go to Website

Wall Street West Area Map

The Wall-West Redevelopment Plan was developed through the analysis of area demographics, socioeconomic data, extensive stakeholder engagement and existing conditions in order to address neighborhood concerns and implement policies that create a healthy and vibrant Urban Core Neighborhood with a strong economy driven by innovation and collaboration that is accessible, authentic and affordable for business and residents.

Available Resources

Kiva

Kiva is a global nonprofit organization that provides interest-free microloans to local entrepreneurs. The Norwalk Kiva Hub allows entrepreneurs who may have been previously denied access to a loan an alternative way to access capital. Local businesses can access between $1,000 to $15,000 of loans at 0% interest. More Info >>

[SR NOTE: this URL goes to a general Kiva page and lists nothing about Norwalk’s program – very confusing]

Storefront Improvement Program

Qualifying property owners or tenants can access financial resources to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades. More Info >>

State Funding Opportunities

The State of Connecticut offers various types of state funding in the form of grants, loans, or tax credits. More Info >>

Historic Facade Improvement Program

This grant provides exterior façade design and/or construction assistance to eligible applicants within the Urban Core and MLK Drive Corridor. More Info >>

Conservation and Development Plan

This plan defines a 10-year implementation matrix for achieving Citywide development goals. More Info >>

Additional Resources

Tenant Fit Up Document >>

Planning and Zoning Application >>

Wall-West Redevelopment Plan >>

Zoning Codes >>

Building Codes >>

Does your project need a permit?

Many building modifications require permits or sign-offs from various City departments. For new businesses, it’s important to note that a tenant fit-up is required in order to occupy a commercial space, even if no construction work is done. Details are provided in the Tenant Fit-Up Document.

1 -Planning & Zoning

Submit a Zoning Permit application and a set of plans for your project. The application is available online at [Tiny URL]. Staff will review your application and let you know which other departments you may need to contact, as well as if any other documents are required. If you are unsure if a specific project requires a permit, contact the Planning & Zoning department.

2 - Other Departmental Reviews

Depending on the project, you may be instructed to contact other City departments for their approval. If your property is located within a Redevelopment Plan area, additional Norwalk Redevelopment Agency review will be required.

Norwalk Redevelopment Agency (RDA)

The RDA is required to approve your project If your property is within the Wall-West Plan area.

Sign Review

Signage must comply with Redevelopment Area guidelines. Contact Stephen Ivan at sivan@norwalkct.org to begin the application and for any additional questions.

Design Review

For façade improvement projects, contact John Hopkins at jhopkins@norwalkct.org to begin your design review application.

Projects over $50,000 of anticipated design changes are subject to third party review
Projects under $50,000 are eligible to be reviewed in-house by the RDA

3 - Building and Code Enforcement

Once your project is “shovel-ready,” this department is responsible for authorizing the start of a project and issuing a Certificate of Occupancy after the completion of a permitted project. More Info >>