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City staff proposes code changes to allow some carports without special use permits; 15‑foot height cap included
Summary
Staff presented proposed amendments to the Land Development Code clarifying the definition of carports and conditions under which carports would not require a special use permit, including a 15‑foot maximum height and a "rear or not visible from the street" visibility test.
City staff presented proposed amendments to the Land Development Code on Jan. 27, 2025, intended to clarify when carports require a special use permit and when they do not.
Under the proposal, a "carport" is defined by its purpose: temporary parking for vehicles, boats or trailers. Staff said the physical structure is often similar or identical to a patio cover; the primary regulatory difference is the intended use for vehicle parking.
The draft changes would allow some carports to be built without a special use permit if they meet a set of requirements. Staff said the first height limitation would be a maximum of 15 feet, and explicitly the carport may not be taller than the primary structure; if the house is under 15 feet, the carport must match the lower height. Setbacks and size limits described in current code would remain unchanged.
Visibility from the street is a central test in the proposed language. Staff described changing the earlier "and not visible" phrasing to "or is not visible from the street," so that a structure completely behind the house or out of public view would not require a special use permit in many cases. Corner lots would continue to require a special use permit for carports under the draft rules. Staff presented examples showing attached and detached carports and explained which configurations would or would not require a special use permit under the new language.
Staff said applicants should bring plans to the planning office so staff can determine at the counter whether a proposed carport will require the special use permit process. Staff also said it will attempt to help applicants find ways to comply so they do not need to go through the special use permit review; if they cannot comply, the special use permit remains the route for review.
No vote or final adoption of the amendments was recorded in the transcript. Staff said the amendments reflect direction previously given to staff following a December presentation to the city council and that the drafting changes respond to council feedback.
