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Burkburnett commission tables carport ordinance after neighborhood concerns
Summary
After a public hearing with many residents, the Burkburnett City Commission voted unanimously to table Ordinance 114, which would standardize carport rules across zoning districts and reduce front setbacks to 10 feet; commissioners and residents debated setbacks, neighborhood character, and enforcement.
Burkburnett — The City Commission on May 20 closed a public hearing and voted unanimously to table Ordinance 114, a proposal to standardize carport rules citywide that staff said would repeal the existing overlay approach and set uniform setbacks and construction standards.
Staff presented the ordinance as a simplification and equity measure, saying it would permit carports where accessory buildings are allowed, set a 10-foot front setback (down from 25 feet in some cases), a 600-square-foot maximum, a 15-foot height cap, and require new durable materials and permits. "The purpose of this ordinance is to standardize carport regulations across applicable zoning districts," staff said during the hearing.
Residents and commissioners pressed staff about how the change would affect neighborhood character and property values. Commissioner questions focused on the elimination of the neighbor-consent overlay process and whether setback variances would still be decided by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. One resident summed up a common concern: "A 10-foot setback ain't very far. And that and if my neighbor decides to do that, that affects my property value," a speaker said, urging the commission to consider block-by-block differences.
Other residents, including homeowners from Joyce Springs and Bird Streets, urged clearer, consistent rules so applicants would not need to solicit signatures from neighbors. "If you meet these standards then that eliminates a lot of the minutiae that folks have to wind up going through," a staff member told the audience.
After extended discussion and numerous public comments—both in favor of clearer standards and expressing worry about the reduced front setback—the commission moved to table the ordinance to allow further refinement of setback language and zoning procedure references. The mayor closed the public hearing before the vote; commissioners agreed to revisit the ordinance with clearer guidance about how variances would be handled and whether carve-outs are required for particular neighborhoods.
The tabling means no change to the current overlay process will occur tonight; staff indicated they will return with revisions that address neighborhood-specific concerns and the legal path for setback appeals.
What’s next: The commission will consider revisions in a future meeting; staff and planning officials will refine draft language and clarify how the ZBA and planning bodies will be involved.
