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Farmers Branch reports low participation in garage‑conversion amnesty as deadline approaches
Summary
City staff reported roughly 1,393 visually identified garage conversions, 177 amnesty applications and 128 permits issued so far; the amnesty program expires 2026‑01‑31 and staff recommended mailed notices, district outreach and a February follow‑up.
Sam Chavez, the city’s director of community services, updated the council on the single‑family garage‑conversion amnesty permit program and the city’s plan for enforcement once the amnesty period ends.
Chavez said the amnesty permit program was established by ordinance (transcript cited as “Ordinance number 3873,” adopted April 16) to validate conversions that existed before 07/16/2024, ensure health and safety compliance, and remove nonconforming status so owners could apply for future permitted expansions. The program was set as an 18‑month effort; staff stated they were in month 17 during the presentation.
Staff reported an initial visual inventory of approximately 1,393 single‑family homes with conversions; of those, Chavez said 358 homes had permits on file while roughly 1,035 had no permit records. Since the program began, Chavez said 177 applications were submitted and 128 permits were issued, representing about a 13% compliance rate; Chavez also said about 907 units remain nonconforming when counted later in the update, and he noted the different figures during questions.
Chavez told the council the amnesty program terminates on 01/31/2026; beginning in February 2026 the remaining structures will be deemed nonconforming and the city will issue notices of violation as a next step, with municipal‑court summonses possible if owners do not come into compliance. The city attorney explained that municipal court can impose fines, dismiss cases, or use deferred‑disposition agreements that allow a period to achieve compliance.
Councilmembers asked whether notices were being sent to owners rather than renters, whether the city could provide assistance through the minor home repair program for qualifying owners, and whether councilmembers could hand‑deliver additional notices in their districts. The city attorney advised that official city notices should be mailed, that councilmembers may make personal contact provided no city funds are used for campaign activity, and staff agreed to prepare district breakdowns and return with a follow‑up report at the first meeting in February.
No formal enforcement action was taken at the study session; the council directed staff to prepare targeted outreach materials and a district list of affected properties before the next report.
