Norfolk Housing Plan Survey

The Norfolk Housing Plan Steering Committee has started work on a town Housing Plan which will consider ways to address the housing needs of current and future residents and workers in our town. To remain a vibrant community, Norfolk needs more housing options that are affordable for young adults, families and seniors.

This Housing Plan is an opportunity to address housing needs while also preserving the town’s rural environment. Your input is crucial to make the most of this opportunity. You will also be invited to participate in town forums as part of this planning process. Please note: Individual survey responses will be ANONYMOUS; only group summary results will be reported.

- Norfolk Housing Plan Steering Committee:
Thomas Fahsbender (Planning & Zoning Commission), Kate Briggs Johnson (Foundation for Norfolk Living),
Thomas McGowan, and Matt Riiska (Board of Selectmen)

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* 1. Please select the option that best represents your current housing situation in Norfolk:

Own a single family home

Own a unit within a multiple unit building (townhouse or condominium)

Renting a single family home

Renting in a building with multiple units

Renting an apartment in or on the property of a single family home (over the garage/ backyard, or attached to the home)

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Are any of the following statements TRUE about your housing situation (check all that apply):

Rent is too expensive (costs more than 30% of your household income)

Rental situation feels unstable (e.g., worried that owner may sell)

Mortgage, taxes, and insurance are too expensive (costs more than 30% of your household income)

Heat and/or electricity is too expensive

Maintenance costs are too high; leading to deferred maintenance issues

House/apartment is bigger than what I/we need

House/apartment is smaller than what I/we need

House/apartment is not as accessible as I would like it to be (1st floor bedroom/bathroom, zero-step entrance)

My home is in foreclosure or in danger of foreclosure

None of the above are true for my household.

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* 3. If you are currently renting, why have you chosen to do so? (choose all that apply)

N/A

Want flexibility to be able to move when I want

Only planning to be here short-term

Don’t want the responsibilities of home ownership

I can’t afford to buy/own/maintain the type of home I want in Norfolk

The type of home I am looking for is not available in Norfolk

Other (please specify)

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* 4. If you own a home, would you be interested in converting existing space in your house or building another housing unit on your property (for example over a garage or in the backyard) that you could rent? (these are often referred to as "accessory apartments")

Yes

Not sure

N/A

Yes, I would be interested but I have some concerns

My concerns about creating an accessory apartment would be (please specify)

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* 5. If you already have another housing unit on your property or in your home that you rent, which of the following are true:

I mainly rent it for shorter term stays during the summer months (through Airbnb, VRBO, or other short term rental platforms)

I mainly rent it for long term tenants (a year or more)

I mainly rent it during the school year (9 months)

Only used for family or guests

N/A

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* 6. Would you be interested in subdividing your land to create a smaller sized parcel that could be used to create an affordable home for a first-time homebuyer?

Yes

Not sure, would need more information

N/A

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* 7. Have you experienced barriers to finding the type of housing you would like to have in Norfolk?

Yes

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* 8. IF YES, what barriers have you experienced (check all that apply)?

Limited/no supply of 1-2 bedroom housing options

Limited/no supply of "senior" housing options- low maintenance + accessible with first floor bedroom

Limited/no supply of rental options I can afford (no more than 30% of household income)

Limited/no supply of homes to purchase in my price range

Not applicable

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* 9. In thinking about your housing needs 5-10 years from now, which of the following best describes your plans?

Remain in current residence

Move from current residence to a larger house

Move from current residence to a smaller house

Move from current residence to a large apartment

Move from current residence to a small apartment

Move from current residence to senior housing

Other (please specify)

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* 10. 5-10 years from now, how likely are you to move from where you reside now?

Not planning to move in the next 5-10 years

Unsure

Thinking about moving to another location in Norfolk

Thinking about moving to another town in Connecticut

Thinking about moving to another State besides Connecticut

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* 11. What do you think the Town of Norfolk needs more of? (Check all that apply)

Housing options that allow older adults to "downsize" (smaller sized homes with lower maintenance needs and accessibility features)

Rental housing options that seniors can afford.

Rental housing options that young families and young adults can afford.

Programs that allow older adults to remain in their homes by helping with the costs of rehabilitation and/or accessibility modifications like ramps and accessible bathrooms.

First time homebuyer options that allow renters to purchase their first home.

Other (please specify)

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* 12. Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to attract/retain younger adults or young families?

Yes

Not sure

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* 13. Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to recruit fire/ambulance volunteers and other municipal volunteers?

Yes

Not sure

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* 14. Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to keep seniors (65 yrs and older) in town?

Yes

Not sure

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* 15. Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the ability of people who work in town to live here?

Yes

Not sure

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* 16. How long have you lived in Norfolk?

5 years or less

6-10 years

11- 20 years

More than 20 years

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* 17. How old are you?

under 20

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80 or older

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* 18. Please select the option that best describes your current employment status: (check all that apply)

Employed by a Norfolk-based employer

Employed by an employer located outside of Norfolk

Self employed

Retired

Unemployed

Work from home

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* 19. If you have any other comments or feedback for the Committee related to housing issues, please include them here.

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* 20. If you would like to receive a direct email inviting you to the public forums that will be held about the Norfolk Housing Plan, please include your email address here. Notice of these meetings will also be posted on the town's website.