04-21-1994 Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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1994 Zoning Ordinance Review • May 19, 1994 Page 6 • Section 10-604.6 This pazagraph requires that new homes be situated on a lot in a manner that will not preclude construction of an attached or detached two caz garage. This section has been applied to prohibit the conversion of residential gazages to living areas except, in cases where there is room on the property to construct and access another two caz gazage. The question has been raised as whether this issue was addressed when provisions allowing front yard carports were incorporated into the ordinance. A review of minutes and records regarding the carport issue indicates that gazage conversion was not discussed, except for cases where previously completed conversions eliminated covered pazking. Staff requests a clarification regarding this issue. If it is not intended to prohibit garage conversions, staff recommends adding clazification language as noted below. Another question that has been frequently asked of staff is whether a carport can be substituted for a garage. Staff has allowed carports if they are located within the same setback lines that would be applied to a gazage. Front yazd carports have not been allowed in lieu of garages. If the Commission agrees with this interpretation, staff would recommend adding the clarification language noted below. Present Text Proposed Text • Garage Requirement Every single family dwelling unit hereafter ...a two (2) caz garage or carport erected shall be so located on the lot so (exclusive of front yard carports), either that at least a two (2) caz garage, either attached or, detached, can be located and attached or detached, can be located and accessed on said lot. It is not however the accessed on said lot. intent of this section to prohibit the conversion of an existing residential garage to a habitable room. Note: Under the terms of ordinance section 1-400, the proposed wording of this section would not override or superceed the deed restrictions or covenants of any subdivision. Section 10-605.6 This section requires driveways and parking areas to be surfaced with "materials suitable to control dust and drainage". While standards for non-residential drives and pazking areas are established by the City's Public Improvement Criteria Manual, residential drives do not have clearly defined standards. It would be helpful to both staff and the public to provide a brief laundry list of approved materials in this section. The list should provide the latitude to allow staff to evaluate, and if warranted, allow the use of new paving materials that may • become available in the future. Staff requests adding the following clarification language to this section.