To: Aaron Rector, Interim City Manager
From: Sarah Hensley, Director of Community Development
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to expand an existing carport, on 0.41 acre, approximately 400 feet northeast from the Santa Barbara Drive and Bourland Road intersection, legally described as Lot 5, Block 1 of the Parkwood Subdivision, zoned Single-Family Residential - 12,000 square-foot lots (SF-12) and addressed 507 Santa Barbara Drive. Marcelo Barron, Applicant. Charles Binz, Owner. (SUP-24-0011)
Body
Background:
The property was platted and approved in 1985.
The Applicant received a building permit in April 2020 for a detached 675 square-foot carport, which was constructed and passed final inspection the following month. In November 2020, City Council approved a Unified Development Code (UDC) amendment requiring a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for carports in all residential zoning districts, making the Applicant’s carport a legal non-conforming structure.
The Applicant is requesting to add 270 square-feet to the existing carport, which triggers the SUP requirement.
Site Design:
The carport was built adjacent to the garage, over the side driveway. UDC Section 9.01(1)(f) states that detached carports shall be located at the rear of the property and observe all building setback requirements. The existing carport, and the proposed expansion, will abide by all SF-12 setback guidelines, but the structure is located in line with the front of the house, as approved in 2020.
There is one other accessory structure on the property, a 192 square foot shed at the rear of the lot. The main home is approximately 3,200 square-feet with an attached 2-car garage. UDC Section 9.06 (1) states that the combined area of all accessory buildings on a lot shall be less than fifty percent (50%) of the main structure, unless approved by a SUP. The combined square footage of the carport (expanded as proposed) and the existing shed is less than 50% of the square-footage of the main structure.
Elevations:
The existing carport has a peak height of 15 feet and was constructed with stained cedar beams and bracing, along with composition shingles that match the home. The proposed plans indicate the same materials will be utilized for the expansion.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On March 28, 2024, the City mailed out 25 letters of notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site.
Staff has received no written support or opposition in response to this SUP request.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
At the April 9, 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the SUP request as presented, with a comment that a variance for the carport location (in line with the home rather than at the rear of the property) was also recommended for approval. Staff discussed this aspect of the request with the City Attorney after the Commission meeting, and he advised that a variance would not be required because the structure had previously been approved, constructed and inspected in its current location.
Alternatives:
The City Council the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
• Approve as submitted.
• Approve with modified or additional condition(s).
• Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
• Deny.