Norwalk board unanimously grants six‑month extension for 641 Connecticut Ave. permit reviews
January 16, 2026 | Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut
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The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 15 approved a six‑month extension for the applicant at 641 Connecticut Avenue to obtain remaining departmental approvals and a building permit. The vote was unanimous among the five board members sitting on the matter.
Background: The board granted variances for the proposed drive‑thru coffee building on Aug. 21, 2025. The applicant applied for a zoning permit and later secured a zoning permit in September; the building permit process requires additional reviews by Public Works, fire and health departments. Under the original timeline, building permits were to be secured by Feb. 17, 2026.
Request and rationale: Attorney Liz Saatchi of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessy told the board the project had awaited comments from the Department of Public Works and still required fire and health department review. Saatchi requested a six‑month extension to avoid returning to the board and to complete those departmental reviews.
Board action: Commissioner Andy Conroy moved for a six‑month extension; the board approved the request. Under the six‑month extension option discussed at the hearing, building permits must be obtained by Aug. 16, 2026. A three‑month extension (to May 18, 2026) was described as an alternative the board could choose.
Votes and next steps: The board voted unanimously to grant the six‑month extension; members present on this item were Chair Danielle Sanchick, Lee Levy (secretary), Andy Conroy, Kathy Olson and Steve Ferguson. Staff will continue coordinating departmental reviews and the applicant will proceed with outstanding responses to Public Works, fire and health comments.
Quote: “We just received comments from Public Works about 10 days ago…we’re asking for an extension of time so those further reviews can be undertaken and completed,” attorney Liz Saatchi told the board.
Ending: The extension gives the applicant additional time to complete interdepartmental reviews and to apply for a building permit without returning to the Zoning Board before Aug. 16, 2026, if all conditions are met.
Background: The board granted variances for the proposed drive‑thru coffee building on Aug. 21, 2025. The applicant applied for a zoning permit and later secured a zoning permit in September; the building permit process requires additional reviews by Public Works, fire and health departments. Under the original timeline, building permits were to be secured by Feb. 17, 2026.
Request and rationale: Attorney Liz Saatchi of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessy told the board the project had awaited comments from the Department of Public Works and still required fire and health department review. Saatchi requested a six‑month extension to avoid returning to the board and to complete those departmental reviews.
Board action: Commissioner Andy Conroy moved for a six‑month extension; the board approved the request. Under the six‑month extension option discussed at the hearing, building permits must be obtained by Aug. 16, 2026. A three‑month extension (to May 18, 2026) was described as an alternative the board could choose.
Votes and next steps: The board voted unanimously to grant the six‑month extension; members present on this item were Chair Danielle Sanchick, Lee Levy (secretary), Andy Conroy, Kathy Olson and Steve Ferguson. Staff will continue coordinating departmental reviews and the applicant will proceed with outstanding responses to Public Works, fire and health comments.
Quote: “We just received comments from Public Works about 10 days ago…we’re asking for an extension of time so those further reviews can be undertaken and completed,” attorney Liz Saatchi told the board.
Ending: The extension gives the applicant additional time to complete interdepartmental reviews and to apply for a building permit without returning to the Zoning Board before Aug. 16, 2026, if all conditions are met.
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