Commission approves amendment to carport rules allowing some rear and nonvisible carports without special-use permit

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved changes to the city’s land development code that revise rules for residential carports, clarifying when a special‑use permit is required.

Staff described the amendment as a targeted change to Section 3.27 (accessory building and residential carport regulations). The revised language allows a carport to avoid the special‑use permit requirement if it meets either of two conditions: the carport is completely behind the primary dwelling or it is not visible from the adjacent street, and the lot is not a corner lot. The code also will explicitly cap carport height at no more than the primary structure’s ridge or top height when that is less than the prior 15‑foot standard.

Planning staff showed recent examples of patio covers and carports to illustrate the distinction between an accessory patio and a carport (carports are defined by their purpose: temporary parking of vehicles, boats or trailers). The new rule applies to attached and detached carports; corner lots and any carport that fails the two-condition test will still require commission review through a special‑use permit.

Commission discussion was brief. Staff said the amendment originated in a city council work session and followed public direction to provide clearer and more flexible standards for rear-located carports. Jerry Savoy moved approval and David Ebert seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment.

City staff will incorporate the changes into the land development code and proceed with the administrative steps to publish the updated section.