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Commission backs UDC changes to route front‑yard carports to Board of Adjustment, asks staff to add disability language
Summary
Planning staff presented draft UDC amendments to treat front‑yard carports as Board of Adjustment special exceptions, add public‑notice procedures and specific approval criteria; commissioners asked staff to draft language to accommodate disability or special‑needs cases and agreed to return the item for public hearing in January.
Planning staff presented a proposed revision to the Unified Development Code on Dec. 1 to change how front‑yard carports are approved. Under the draft, carports that encroach into front setbacks would be considered by the Board of Adjustment as a special exception (amending section 1.15 and accessory-use rules). Staff said the proposal would set specific criteria — including that a carport be at least 10 feet from the front property line and meet other dimensional, drainage and safety standards — and require public notice to property owners within 200 feet.
Staff told commissioners the amendments would remove an older demolition/fee penalty that had been ineffective in practice, and would keep a 400‑square‑foot (20x20) size limit and other technical requirements (paving, setbacks, gutter/drainage rules). Staff also noted state law prevents the city from enforcing aesthetic rules; the draft retains design guidance but staff said it cannot be enforced under current state statute.
Commissioners pressed for explicit accommodations for residents with disabilities. Several members said they wanted an administrative path or criteria that would allow an exception where a documented disability or special circumstance exists. Staff said those concerns could be addressed in the draft language and the commission gave direction to return the amendments for formal public hearing and recommendation in January. The commission indicated consensus to ask staff and counsel to produce proposed ordinance language that includes disability considerations and clear evaluation criteria.
Next steps: staff will circulate a revised draft for the commission’s Jan. 5 meeting and then forward a recommendation to City Council for consideration in mid‑January.
