Board backs zoning text amendment to limit residential lot impervious coverage

The Greenacres Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals on April 10 unanimously recommended adoption of ZTA 25-03, a city-initiated zoning text amendment that would revise definitions and limits for impervious surface and lot coverage on residential lots.

Millie Rivera, a planner with the Development & Neighborhood Services department, told the board the amendment would create clearer and consistent definitions for “impervious surface” and “lot coverage,” set a 60% maximum impervious coverage across residential districts (except planned developments), and revise driveway standards to allow up to 60% of the front yard area under certain conditions. Rivera said the changes are intended to reduce excessive paving, preserve open space, and address stormwater runoff concerns.

Board members asked whether the amendment would force removal of existing paving; staff and the zoning administrator said lawful, permitted improvements would remain grandfathered but that unpermitted work could trigger enforcement and would need to come into compliance when a permit is sought. The zoning administrator said enforcement follows standard code-enforcement procedures and staff will cite work done without permits.

The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of ZTA 25-03 and the associated ordinance (identified in staff materials as ordinance 2025-06). Staff and the Development Review Committee recommended approval. Rivera and staff said the amendment will require follow-up for implementation details, and that older lots built under previous rules would be handled by whether a permit existed at the time of construction.

If the council adopts the ordinance, homeowners would not need to remove existing permitted work but would have to meet the revised impervious calculations if they modify or expand impervious surfaces in the future.