The City of Color Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 26 recommended approval of a special use permit to construct a 270-square-foot carport attached to a home at 1951 Ravenwood Drive.

Staff presented the request as an SUP because carports in the SF-20 district require special-permit review. The proposed structure would measure 15 feet by 18 feet and have a maximum height of 9 feet 6 inches; materials listed on the concept plan include cedar, stone and composite roofing to match the main house. Staff told commissioners the property previously had an enclosed garage that was altered without permits; in 2021 a building official allowed façade doors to be installed rather than requiring the conversion to be undone.

Commissioners discussed that prior administrative action and the finished interior space that occupies the former garage. Several commissioners said the proposed carport presentation appeared compatible with the neighborhood and that the application followed the correct permitting path. Mr. Edelman, city planning staff, told the commission staff had mailed notice to property owners within 300 feet and had received one letter of support.

Commissioner Scott made the motion to approve the SUP; it was seconded by Commissioner Farner. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to city council; the item will appear on the Sept. 16 council agenda.

Because the matter originated from an earlier code case, commissioners emphasized the narrow scope of the current decision: the commission was considering only the SUP for the new carport location and design, not reopening or re-litigating the prior enforcement actions. Several commissioners said they would have preferred the property not have been left in a nonstandard condition but that the current application met SUP criteria and the proposed carport was visually compatible with the surrounding homes.

The council will take the final action at its Sept. 16 meeting.