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Commission recommends variance for 1520 South Avenue D carport, with staff conditions
Summary
The Portales Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of variance PC-2025-2026-22 for a carport at 1520 South Avenue D, adding staff conditions that permits be secured and the structure remain non-enclosed; the item will go to City Council for final action.
The Portales Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of variance PC-2025-2026-22, allowing a carport at 1520 South Avenue D that exceeds the 300–650 square‑foot limit in the front yard, with staff conditions. The commission’s recommendation sends the matter to City Council for final action.
At a public hearing, Planning staff described the application and told commissioners the variance request was limited to the carport’s size and that the structure must comply with permitting and zoning‑verification requirements. "This is an application for a variance for a carport located at 1520 South Avenue D Place," said Brandy Glenn, who was sworn in to speak for the application. Staff explained that the ordinance allows 300 to 650 square feet in the front yard and the proposed carport exceeds that range, so a variance is needed.
Commissioners questioned why a prior application was denied by City Council and whether the structure would be enclosed. Planning staff said council had denied several similar carports after the city adopted a new ordinance and that enclosures are not permitted under the current code. An applicant or contractor explained the proposed carport would be metal, tied down to mobile‑home tie‑down standards designed for up to 120 mph winds and would not be enclosed.
The motion to approve the variance was made on the condition that the staff recommendations be added to the paperwork; a commissioner restated the motion on the record: "I approve the application for the carport with the understanding that the staff recommendations be added to the paperwork," and a second followed. A roll call vote recorded affirmative votes and the commission approved the recommendation.
The commission recorded that required building permits, zoning verification and compliance with the non‑enclosure condition must be completed as part of the approval. Staff said the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; staff indicated the item will likely go to the council’s last meeting in July rather than the next Tuesday meeting.
The commission’s action at the meeting was a recommendation only; City Council will make the final decision on PC‑2025‑2026‑22.
