Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Farmers Branch, Texas, by amending subsection K, "Additional Parking Requirements," of Section 4.3," Parking and Loading" by amending subsections (a) (2), (b) and (i) of Paragraph 5, "Amnesty Program Permit," to extend the Garage Conversion Amnesty program to July 31, 2026; and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
On July 17, 2024, the City Council approved the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program to help property owners bring non-permitted garage conversions into compliance without incurring the high costs of re-conversion. Under the program, homeowners can apply for a permit by submitting a property survey (or similar documentation) along with a floor plan. City staff reviews the documents and processes the application through inspection.
The program was designed to:
* Validate previously unauthorized garage conversions.
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, and minimum building code requirements.
* Remove nonconforming status and allow future permits for expansions or additions.
The previous amnesty program deadline terminated on January 30, 2026. After this date, unpermitted garage conversions are deemed nonconforming structures under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), which prohibits the issuance of building permits for future expansions to the existing residential unit.
Staff presented an update during the City Council session on January 20, 2026. At this meeting, Council directed staff to extend the program for six months, setting 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:
The ordinance amends subsection K, "Additional Parking Requirements," of Section 4.3," Parking and Loading" by amending subsections (a) (2), (b) and (i) of Paragraph 5, "Amnesty Program Permit," as follows:
1. Application Deadline
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