Commission approves 15‑foot front setback variance for carport at 1325 Park Street

The Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance request June 19 that will allow a carport to be built at 1325 Park Street closer to the front property line than current zoning permits.

Benjamin Johnson, a staff planner, explained the request (case PV25‑09) seeks a 15‑foot variance from the 25‑foot front setback and a 2.5‑foot variance from the five‑foot side setback so the homeowner can construct a carport over an existing driveway. Johnson said the lot’s configuration, existing structure and prior variances limit buildable area and that similar carports already encroach into setbacks in the neighborhood. "We do find that the subject property is limited in its buildable area," Johnson said, and recommended approval.

Commissioners raised concerns about preserving mature trees, sight lines at intersections and precedent for allowing setback encroachments. Commissioner discussion referenced the neighborhood’s mature canopy and the potential that future road improvements could change setbacks; staff said there were no capital improvement projects (CIP) known to be planned for the street. Local resident Alberto Atista, who lives at 1325 Park Street, told the commission he values the trees and intends to keep the carport open and compatible with the house’s appearance: "We don't want it to be closed or anything like that," he said, adding he was considering a wood structure with shingles to match the house.

Following discussion about visibility, neighborhood character and existing nonconforming carports, a motion to approve PV25‑09 to adopt the staff report as the commission’s findings carried by unanimous vote. The commission recorded that five affirmative votes were required for passage.

The variance permits the applicant to pursue a carport design that meets the approved encroachments; final building plans and materials will be reviewed under the city’s building-permit process.