Planning staff on Jan. 27 presented proposed amendments to the Colleyville Land Development Code that would change how carports are regulated and could allow some carports to be constructed without a special use permit if they meet specified conditions.

Staff said the current code requires a special use permit for all carports. The proposed changes clarify definitions and set conditions under which a carport would not need that review: the structure would be limited to a maximum height of 15 feet and no taller than the primary residence, must meet existing size and setback limits, and must be located completely behind the house or not visible from the street. Staff said corner lots would remain ineligible for the permit exemption and would require a special use permit.

Staff walked commissioners through several diagrammed examples showing attached and detached carports and patio covers and explained how visibility, setbacks and lot configuration affect whether a special use permit would be required. The presenter said the objective is to reduce the number of minor cases that must go through the special use-permit process while retaining a path for review when a proposed structure does not meet the standards.

Staff told commissioners they will continue to require plan submittals at intake and will determine at initial review whether a proposed carport qualifies for the exemption or must proceed as a special use permit. Commission discussion included how the rules would be applied on corner lots and how the city will implement reviews at plan intake.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff said the proposed changes implement council direction from a December meeting and that they adjusted language based on council feedback, including the added maximum height cap and the “not visible from the street” standard. Staff said size and setback standards would remain in force and noncompliant proposals would still require a special use permit.