Title
Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 46, Code of Ordinances (2010 Edition), to reduce off-street parking requirements to allow for garage conversion, prohibit residential open storage and regulate air conditioning units. (First Reading)*
Body
The Planning and Development Services Department continues to receive inquiries from homeowners seeking the conversion of their garage into additional living space. Currently, the City requires two garage enclosed parking spaces and two driveway spaces in residential zoning districts, effectively prohibiting garage conversions. Some illegal conversions have occurred over the years that have not been inspected for life/safety code compliance which may mean that converted spaces have inadequate egress, improper electrical wiring, and/or poor ventilation. After presenting some recommendations to City Council at a briefing earlier this fall, staff received direction to move forward with an ordinance amendment.
Prior to the 2002 Zoning Ordinance, single-family and two-family properties were not required to have two garage-enclosed parking spaces. Currently, two garage-enclosed spaces are required, and many newer subdivisions have deed restrictions that prevent garage conversions. An ordinance amendment that allows garage conversions would not override a more restrictive deed restriction prohibiting the practice. The ordinance proposes allowing garage conversions for lots platted prior to 2002 (please see attached list of affected subdivisions). This approach effectively reestablishes a property right that was in effect prior to 2002 for these specific areas.
The proposed amendment contains language to ensure that the conversion is not utilized as a separate dwelling unit and includes standards to assist with the integration of the garage portion of the structure with the architecture. Although not required, if a garage door is removed, new exterior materials must match an existing structure’s primary exterior materi...
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