El Paso Zoning Board approves multiple special exceptions to legalize carports, porches and garage additions; elections postponed to December

EL PASO — The City of El Paso Zoning Board of Adjustment on Nov. 10 approved a package of special-exception requests that will legalize numerous existing encroachments into required setbacks across the city, while adding conditions on materials, modifications and permits.

Planning staff presented each case and recommended approval in most instances, typically conditioned on the structures being modified to resemble the main residence, being opened on three sides where required, or being adjusted to meet maximum square-footage limits. The board also voted to postpone its annual election of chair and vice chair until its December meeting.

What the board approved

- 8409 Hartford (Item 3): Staff recommended approval of Special Exception B (side-yard accessory-structure encroachment of 74.51 sq ft) and Special Exception K (existing structure more than 15 years); the board approved the staff recommendation after the applicant’s representative, George Halu of SLI Engineering, answered questions. Staff noted mailed notices to neighbors and reported no communications of support or opposition.

- 205 Baywood Road (Item 4): Staff recommended and the board approved with conditions a request to legalize a rear-yard and side-yard encroachment (171.21 sq ft). Conditions require removal or modification of overhangs and a carport portion so the property complies with zoning requirements.

- 3005 Park North (Item 5): Staff recommended approval of Special Exception K (home existing >15 years) and approval of Special Exception J (carport) with conditions. Staff said the carport extends approximately 20.7 ft into a 25 ft front setback (about 411.86 sq ft) and the home encroaches about 3.6 ft into the side setback (66.08 sq ft). Owner Mike Lucedenow presented an engineer certification referencing IBC 2021 and ASCE 7-16 and several neighbors spoke in support. The board approved the item with the staff conditions that the carport be modified as required and that the structure resemble the house.

- 1746 Onistuka/1746 Sonisooka (Item 7): Staff presented a request for a front-yard canopy/carport that would extend 15 ft into the 25 ft front setback (roughly 300 sq ft). Applicants Eduardo and Terry Davila told the board they intended a canopy for shade but said they could construct a carport if required. The board discussed whether a fabric canopy meets the city’s requirement that a carport resemble the main residence and whether using the structure for vehicles would require different scrutiny. The board approved the request with explicit emphasis that materials and roof slope must be in keeping with the house and that the fabric top is subject to board approval.

- 3469 East Glen (Item 9): Staff recommended approval to legalize an existing carport encroaching 264.27 sq ft into a front-yard setback and 43.29 sq ft into a side-yard setback, with conditions that the rear storage structure be moved from a 5 ft easement and that the carport resemble the main home. The board added emphasis on matching materials and approved the item.

- 4509 General Maloney (Item 10): Staff recommended approval with conditions for multiple encroachments (total rear encroachment described as around 368 sq ft and site encroachment 72 sq ft). Conditions include that the porch remain open on three sides and that the above-ground pool be removed or relocated from the five-foot easement. The homeowner, Roger Carrillo, said removing the pool would be difficult but not impossible; the board approved staff recommendations and required removal of the pool from the easement as a condition of approval.

- 11765 Angelica Court (Item 11): Staff asked to legalize a garage addition encroaching 19.76 ft into a 30 ft rear setback (474.24 sq ft). The owner, Eduardo Ochoa, was present and the board approved the request as meeting Exception C criteria.

- 6220 Cleveland (Item 12): Staff recommended approval to legalize two carports and an accessory structure encroaching rear and side setbacks, conditioned on carports remaining open on three sides; the board approved and staff noted that permitting will review drainage and other technical matters.

- 937 Rim Road (Item 13): Staff recommended approval of a proposed attached garage that would extend 13 ft into a 20 ft rear-yard setback. Architect Martina Lory explained the design choices and the board approved per staff recommendation.

Board process and conditions

Across several items the board emphasized three recurring conditions: that unauthorized coverings or side panels be removed so a porch/carport is open on three sides where code requires, that carport/covering materials and roof slope be consistent with the main residence, and that applicants obtain required building permits and comply with permitting review (for structural safety, drainage/gutters and easement clearance).

Planning staff repeatedly reminded the board that approval of a special exception does not remove the requirement to obtain city permits and that enforcement or permitting follow-up will be required to finalize compliance.

Select quotes

- Christine Loveridge, board member, proposing the agenda change: "I move to accept the changes that staff has proposed."

- Mike Lucedenow, property owner at 3005 Park North: "I'm here to respectfully request approval to retain my front yard carport, which was designed and built to professional standards and complements the character and function of our neighborhood."

- Eduardo Davila, applicant at Item 7: "It's just a canopy."

What happens next

Approvals are conditioned on modifications, permitting and, where applicable, removal or relocation of structures that encroach on utility easements (for example, the above-ground pool at General Maloney). Planning and Inspections will proceed with permit review and any enforcement or follow-up necessary to ensure compliance.

The board adjourned after approving the September minutes and setting the postponed board-elections item for the December meeting.