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Farmers Branch extends garage-conversion amnesty six months to July 31, 2026
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to extend the garage-conversion amnesty program to July 31, 2026, a move staff said is aimed at bringing noncompliant converted garages up to life-safety standards; staff reported 213 homes completed, 86 in process and roughly 600-700 still unengaged.
The Farmers Branch City Council voted unanimously on March 17 to extend the citys garage-conversion amnesty program to July 31, 2026. City staff said the extension is intended to give homeowners more time to legalize converted garages and to ensure structures meet minimum life-safety requirements.
Why it matters: City staff told council the program focuses on safety inspections and bringing nonconforming garage conversions into compliance rather than penalizing homeowners. Extending the amnesty keeps pending permit applicants moving through the process and would resolve a lawsuit the city said is being held in abeyance until the amnesty period concludes.
Scott, a city staff member presenting the item, said the program began in July 2024 and reported that 213 homes have completed the amnesty process, 86 homes are currently at various stages (application submitted through inspection pending), and about 600-700 homes have not yet come forward. "Our primary focus is to ensure the enhanced structure is safe for the occupants," one councilmember said in support of the extension.
Council debate focused on outreach and the programs impact on future buyers. Councilwoman Gonzales said she was concerned that the ordinances limitation could prevent a new homeowner from obtaining major permits if a conversion was not legalized before sale. She asked whether a new owner would be barred from getting permits for remodels or additions; staff replied that minor repair permits would be allowed but major permits would be withheld until conversions were resolved. Councilwoman Villafranca said the city should emphasize the limited scope of the amnesty inspections and do more door-knocking outreach: "We're not going through your whole house — we're only gonna check the garage," she said, urging clearer communications so residents are not fearful.
City Attorney David said enforcement of the city's ordinances does not create city liability and noted a related lawsuit has been held in abeyance pending the amnesty program's outcome.
What happens next: The ordinance to extend the amnesty was approved by roll-call; staff said they will continue outreach and complete work on applications already in the pipeline. The council did not change the rule that major permits could be withheld for conversions that remain noncompliant.
