Commission discusses pre‑approved carport program, setback changes, or continued complaint-based enforcement

The Planning Commission held an informational discussion on possible approaches to unpermitted residential carports and backyard pergolas; no vote was taken.

Community Development staff presented three options for the commission's consideration: (1) create a pre‑approved carport program modeled on the city's pre‑approved ADU program (contract for designs and prepermit those templates); (2) adopt a minimum five‑foot separation from property lines for front‑yard carports to bring many structures into compliance; or (3) continue complaint‑based enforcement with health/safety as a priority.

Code Enforcement Manager Daniel Garcia said most carports he sees are unpermitted and estimated "a couple hundred around town." He described safety concerns with carports that have metal-pressed side panels that block sight lines when backing onto the street and warned that fabric‑top carports can become airborne in wind events. Commissioners discussed offering a path to compliance or an amnesty period, standardizing pre‑approved designs, and tailoring enforcement so neighbors are not suddenly cited without a transition period.

Members of the public said they opposed city spending on pre‑approving designs and raised concerns about enforcement fairness. Commissioners directed staff to use the feedback to develop a program proposal and options for a future vote rather than immediately change enforcement policy.

Next steps: Staff will draft program options (including potential amnesty or phased compliance) and return to the commission for formal consideration.