Zoning board approves exception to legalize home and carport encroachments at 11952 Picasso Drive

The El Paso Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 5 approved a special exception to legalize existing encroachments at 11952 Picasso Drive, allowing a single‑family dwelling and a carport that extend into required yards. The board approved staff recommendations with conditions by a vote of 7–1.

Blanca Perez of Planning and Inspections told the board that the property, zoned R‑5 residential, includes a home that encroaches 16 square feet into the required 20‑foot front setback and 195 square feet into the 25‑foot rear setback. Staff said the carport encroaches a total of about 465 square feet into the front and side yards and recommended approval because at least two nearby properties have similar encroachments. Perez said notices were mailed to owners within 300 feet on April 25 and that staff received no written support or opposition.

The applicant, Emma Taymakis, appeared by phone and confirmed she agreed with staff’s recommendation. Board members questioned whether nearby nonconforming properties had previously obtained ZBA approval or were simply existing encroachments; staff said they would check permit records.

Board discussion focused on how to ensure the carport’s appearance would fit the neighborhood. Francisco Mejia of Building Permits and Inspections said drainage and roof pitch would be reviewed at the building‑permit stage. Perez and other staff members said the board could not require exact matching materials but could require treatments—such as columns, paint, or a pitched roof—that would make the carport resemble the main house. Elizabeth Thurman Binkson said she would not feel comfortable prescribing materials as a nonarchitect and preferred to leave detailed design to staff review. Binkson said, “I wouldn’t be comfortable not being an architect making recommendations on the type of materials that would make this conform to the neighborhood.”

Martha Aguayo moved to approve staff recommendations; Christine Loveridge seconded. The board conducted a roll call and the vote recorded Elizabeth Thurman Binkson as the sole “no.” The motion passed 7–1; the condition states the carport shall resemble the main residential structure in scale and character.

The board noted that any building‑permit review will include checks for roof pitch and runoff at the time plans are submitted, and staff said they will follow up regarding the permit histories of nearby encroachments.