Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider approving Ordinance No. 3992, amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Farmers Branch by amending Chapter 94, Subsection K, to extend the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program to July 31, 2026; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTER:
City Council
BACKGROUND:
The Garage Conversion Amnesty Program was established in response to the City's identification of a significant number of residential properties with garage conversions completed without permits or inspections. Many of these conversions occurred over several decades, often prior to current permitting practices or by previous homeowners, resulting in structures that may not meet current building and safety standards.
To address this issue, the City implemented the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program on July 24, 2024, providing homeowners with an opportunity to voluntarily bring previously unpermitted garage conversions into compliance with applicable City codes. Through the program, property owners could apply for a permit, allow City staff to inspect the conversion, and complete any necessary improvements to meet minimum building, fire, and life-safety requirements.
Once approved, the conversion would be recognized as a permitted structure by the City. The program was intended to improve safety, provide regulatory clarity for property owners, and bring existing residential structures into compliance with City regulations.
The Garage Conversion Amnesty Program expired on January 31, 2026, with 679 garage conversions validated through the Garage Conversion Amnesty permitting process. Staff presented this information to the City Council on January 20, 2026. At this meeting, Council directed staff to extend the program for six months, with a new expiration date of July 31, 2026. This extension allows individuals who did not participate during the previous timeframe an additional opportunity to comply.
DISCUSSION:
In accordance with Council direction given on January 20, 2026, the approval of Ordinance No. 3992 will extend the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program to July 31, 2026.
Requirements for applicants are as follows:
• Application must be submitted on or before July 31, 2026
• Application must include owner and primary contact information and a diagram of the property, including a comprehensive floor plan
• Payment of the permit fee ($100) must be paid upon submission
Enforcement of violations is suspended during the amnesty period and will remain suspended while the application is processed.
Extending the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program and amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance ensure that property owners have a final opportunity to bring non-permitted garage conversions into compliance.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
• At their February 23, 2026, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval to amend the code to extend the deadline.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
FISCAL IMPACT:
Minor increase in revenue related to permit application fees.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTIONS:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3992 as presented
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3992, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance No. 3992
2. Presentation