04-22-2004 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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. . . . .. · We live on the comer of Dry Desert Way and Desert Run in the Summer Winds Subdivision in La Porte, Texas. In April of 2003 we ~uilt a patio cover on a pre- existing slab on the back of our house. The patio cover is 387 sq. ft. We were not aware, at the time that a permit was needed for this construction since we did it ourselves. The city inspector recently notified us that although the patio cover would most likely pass an inspection, still we were issued a citation for not having the.patio cover permitt~d by the City of La Porte. This citation requests that the . patio cover be removed. At that time. we discussed with the inspector as to what measures were needed to be taken on our part to correct the situation. . The inspector now explained that based on Section 106-333 Table-B of the City Zoning regulations Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances we only.have allowance for 3,315 sq:t):. which is 40% of our lot size of 8,288 sq. ft. The inspector informed us at this time that our house. alone was 3,314 sq..ft., which only leaves us 1. sq. ft. for any type of improvement. . We were shocked at this new revelation. We do not. understan4 why the builder did not inform us of this situation prior to us signing and closing on our house (Feb.2900) knowing full well that most people including ourselves would build some type of shed, dog house, or patio cover i~ their back yard. We were planning and hope to be able to fo~low through with plans to build a shed in our back yard forstorage in the near future. We also wonder how the builder was able to build this same floor plan on the smaller lots down our street and in .C?ur neighborhood arid was able to get their permit approved by the City of La Porte prior to the builder doing their construction. By buildip.g this same floor plan on such smaller lots, results in those houses being in violation of the same ordinance without any addition being done to their homes. (See attached Harris 'County Appraisal District Map) . It to.ok us three years to save our money to be able to create this patio and it would tak.e a good sum: of money to.have to. tear it down and repair the roof on our house: The patio cover does not protrude any further. ~haD. our house and is not visible . from any common area, therefore, it is not a hazard nor. eyesore to any neighbor. We are asking for a variance 'on the Building to Lot Ratio Ordimmce so that we may be able to enjoy our investment. Attached you will find several photographs of our patio cover. in question. . Please take the time to look at these photos.and consider our request foryaria,nce.