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Committee advances new carport rules allowing front‑driveway carports with limits and permits
Summary
The committee advanced a UDC text amendment to create standards for carports, allowing front‑driveway carports with setbacks (5 ft from sidewalk, 10 ft from curb), a 600 sq. ft. size limit by right, one per dwelling and permit requirements; council removed language that would have allowed administrative reduction of sidewalk setbacks to zero.
The Cheyenne Public Services Committee moved forward on a revision to the Unified Development Code that would create a stand‑alone category for carports and allow them on front driveways under specified standards.
Planning staff explained the change would remove carports from the existing "accessory buildings" category and instead treat them as their own defined structure. Under the ordinance language advanced by the committee, front‑driveway carports would be permitted with minimum setbacks of 5 feet from any public sidewalk and 10 feet from the curb, would require building permits, and would be limited to 600 square feet by right. The proposal limits one carport per dwelling unit unless the property owner pursues a variance or conditional‑use review (board of adjustment) to allow an additional carport.
Staff said the change responds to frequent citizen requests after weather events such as hailstorms. Mr. White, planning staff, said the rule package still requires carports to meet existing driveway standards and other parcel setback requirements, which prevents carports from being placed in rights‑of‑way or arbitrary front‑yard locations. He told the committee builders could request exceptions for special situations such as RVs, but routine carports would generally be limited by the size and setback provisions.
Public commenters and council members debated the pedestrian impact and administrative flexibility. Mark Moody (City Council, Ward 3) urged support and provided measurements backing the setback approach. A resident, K. Sheen, warned that five feet from the sidewalk felt too close for people walking by and expressed concern about inconsistent visual design if metal carports proliferate.
Council member Dr. Renie successfully pushed to remove language that would have allowed the planning director to administratively reduce the sidewalk setback to zero feet. After amendments and discussion, the committee voted to forward the substitute ordinance (as amended) to the full City Council for final action.
The ordinance now advances to the full council; any future permit applicants will need to comply with the new UDC provisions if the council adopts the change.
