At a City of Angleton public hearing, the commission voted to grant a variance to the city code to allow a carport to be replaced within a reduced front-yard line of about 15 feet from the right of way to improve access for a resident with a mobility condition. The commission established findings of fact and determined that hardship had been proven for the requested variance.

The matter arose during a public hearing when Chris Robinson, a property owner at the address under consideration, said the carport was needed so occupants using a van would stay dry when loading and unloading. "So I was doing this for, well, health and safety reasons, actually," Robinson said. He identified the other owner as his sister-in-law and said she has Parkinson’s. Robinson described the existing cover as a bolted, kit-style car cover rather than a permanent structure and said the planned carport would measure 20 by 12 and span the driveway.

City planning staff explained the setback context and the requested reduction. "So typically, these homes are, somewhere in the 25 to 20 foot, distance from the right of way," a staff member said, adding that the variation as proposed would be about 15 feet. The staff member also confirmed that other homes in the area have carports with similar encroachments and that photographs showing those conditions were included in the record.

After public comment, a commissioner moved that the board establish findings of fact and determine that a hardship had been proven to allow the reduced front-yard setback. The motion specified the variance to Code of Ordinances section 28-45 (SF 7.2 single-family residential 7.2 District, d.2 Minimum front yard setback) to allow a carport within a reduced front-yard line of approximately 15 feet from the right of way. The motion was seconded and carried; the commission indicated no opposition on the record.

The commission did not state additional conditions on the record beyond establishing the variance and noting the reduced front-yard line. Members invited the property owners to remain for the remainder of the hearing but indicated the item was concluded.

The decision resolves the immediate accessibility and weather-protection issue described by the property owner; any future construction or permitting requirements were not detailed in the public record.