Tempe commission approves one-space front-yard parking permit for House Street property

The Development Review Commission on Jan. 13 approved a use permit to allow one off-street parking space within the front-yard setback at a House Street residence.

Chair Andrew Johnson opened the item and city staff explained the permit request is connected to previously approved building permits (BP241203) that modified the house, including a new garage. City staff (Mr. Rivera) said the property remains single-family, has five bedrooms and room to park one vehicle in the garage plus the proposed driveway space, and that the city’s use-permit criteria (Section 6‑3‑08(e)) are met. Staff recommended approval with conditions that include updating the site plan of record and planting a 1.5‑inch caliper tree within five feet of the driveway to provide shade.

The most substantive public comment came from neighbor Tom Dare, who said the meeting exhibits did not reflect recent front-yard changes and asked why the project required a permit if typical driveway arrangements are allowed. "The first is those pictures are not accurate," Dare said, adding that landscaping and irrigation work at the property has changed since the photos were taken.

City staff responded that the property must meet current Tempe parking standards (two off-street spaces) because of the house modifications, and that one of the required spaces is in the garage while the other is the driveway space that triggers the use-permit review. Staff also noted landscaping changes are not reviewed under the use-permit process except for the required tree condition.

Commissioner Stefan Richter moved to approve the application; Commissioner Linda Spears seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The decision was procedural (a use permit with nonstandard conditions) and does not remove the right to appeal; the commission noted the usual 14‑calendar‑day appeal period to the City Council.