Copperas Cove staff backs variance route for front-yard carport; council keeps ordinance unchanged

Development Services Director Bobby Lewis outlined the city’s Chapter 20 zoning rules for accessory structures and walked council through compliant and noncompliant carport examples. "There's a standard 3-foot side yard setback here on this side," Lewis said, adding that a 6-foot separation is required between an accessory structure and the main structure and that utility easements prohibit placement in certain areas.

Lewis singled out several nonpermitted structures and said code enforcement would cite illegal installations. He described the case of a resident, Mr. Huddleston, who seeks to install a 17-by-22-foot metal gabled carport three feet from his front property line. Staff told council that because of site constraints — limited side-yard space and a steep slope — "staff could support a variance request if he made application to the Board of Adjustment." Lewis estimated the variance application fee would be "around $500 with all the notification requirements."

Council members asked clarifying questions about permit status, separation requirements and enforcement. Councilmember Wagner urged retaining the ordinance adopted in 2023, noting the multi‑stakeholder process that produced it: "It took a lot of time and a lot of effort and it was specific to Copperas Cove and the structures here. So I just say we just leave it as is." Several other council members agreed, and the discussion concluded with staff and council aligned that Mr. Huddleston should pursue the Board of Adjustment variance process rather than pursuing an immediate citywide ordinance change.

The practical outcome: no ordinance amendment was proposed or adopted. Staff will advise the resident on preparing a variance application to the Board of Adjustment and on the required notifications and fee. Council thanked staff for the presentation and adjourned the workshop portion of the meeting.