Clute Board of Adjustments approves variance for carport at 122 West Bernard Street

The Clute City Council, sitting as the Board of Adjustments, approved a variance on May 28, 2026 to allow a detached metal carport at 122 West Bernard Street. Councilman Culpepper moved to approve the variance; the motion was recorded as seconded by Councilman Aguilar, and the mayor called the vote, with members indicating approval.

Applicant Dale Sidwell told the board he moved into the house at 122 West Bernard and discovered a large tree in the front yard that drops pods or sap that "when it gets on to your car, it just goes right into the paint, and it's causing a lot of damage." He described a modest 12-by-20-foot carport, detached from the house, open on the sides, covered on top and anchored to the concrete, intended only to protect vehicles from the falling material.

Staff and council clarified that the town's standard 25-foot setback from the street applies at that address, and that the proposed carport would encroach into the setback by roughly 8–9 feet, which is why a variance was required. The board reviewed procedural items including a publisher's affidavit showing public notice, and the city stated that 25 mailed notices were sent and none were returned.

The board did not record detailed roll-call vote counts in the transcript; the motion was called and members voiced assent. The hearing was then adjourned.