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Planning commission backs RV carport at 221 West 12th Street, 3-1
Summary
The Imperial City Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit and a variance allowing an open, 18-foot-tall RV carport at 221 West 12th Street. Staff said the parcel meets the variance findings and the project is exempt from CEQA (Section 15303).
The Imperial City Planning Commission voted 3-1 on Nov. 12 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit and a variance allowing homeowner Steve Cochran to construct an open RV carport at 221 West 12th Street in Imperial City’s Old Imperial neighborhood.
Staff told the commission the property meets the six variance findings required under the city’s review process and recommended adoption of Resolution PC2025-15 approving CUP 25-06 and the variance. Planning staff also said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Section 15303 (Class 3), which covers small structures.
Planning staff summarized the proposal and surrounding context, saying the parcel is nonconforming compared with more recent subdivisions in the city and that similar nonconforming accessory structures exist in the block. "The property meets the requirements and we recommend approval of Resolution PC2025-15 approving CUP 25-06 and variance," staff said during the presentation.
Applicant Steve Cochran described the structure as "basically, just an RV carport," saying it would be an open wood-frame shade structure with eight posts, a 14-foot eave height and an 18-foot peak, not attached to the house. "It's not going to have any sides," Cochran said, adding the carport is intended to shield vehicles and an RV from extreme heat.
Commissioners asked about construction materials, the fence and the structure’s placement relative to the sidewalk. Staff confirmed notices were mailed to nearby property owners and that the city’s development review committee and the Imperial Police Department reviewed the project; staff reported the police department did not identify sight-line obstructions. Staff also said there were no written objections on file.
During discussion, commissioners noted the parcel’s older lot configuration and the presence of similar accessory structures in the vicinity; staff advised that each application is evaluated on its individual facts. After closing the public hearing, Commissioner Carrillo moved to adopt Resolution PC2025-15; a commissioner seconded and the motion carried 3-1.
Chairperson Rivera closed the hearing, thanked the applicant for his patience and said staff would provide the applicant with follow-up information. The commission adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
