Farmers Branch unveils home‑repair, county replacement housing and garage‑conversion amnesty programs

At a district update event, a Farmers Branch council member outlined three housing‑related initiatives aimed at stabilizing older homes and assisting low‑income homeowners.

Minor home repair program: The presenter said the city has redesigned program eligibility to make administration feasible and will rely on partner organizations to deliver services because the city lacks a social‑services department. The program covers essential repairs (examples given included roof, water‑heater and plumbing fixes) and offers assistance up to $5,000 per person; interested residents should use the contact information shown on the city slide to apply.

Dallas County replacement housing: The council member described a county partnership that funds replacement of houses judged too costly to keep repairing. According to the presentation, funding is available for about 10 homes; qualifying homeowners could have their home torn down and rebuilt at no charge. The city needs to identify 10 eligible households before December to utilize the current allocation.

Garage‑conversion amnesty: The presenter said a 1997 Farmers Branch ordinance requires each home to have a two‑car garage. Over time, many garages were converted (often without permits), creating permit and Certificate of Occupancy issues when properties change hands. To address this, the city will offer an amnesty program that allows owners with unpermitted garage conversions to apply for inspection and—if the structure passes inspection—receive a permit rather than being forced to rebuild immediately. The presenter walked through how residents can check whether their conversion is permitted and urged them to call the number on the slide for assistance.

The presenter characterized the package of programs as targeted help for household safety and compliance, and asked residents to spread information to neighbors who may meet program eligibility.