Title
Receive an update on the Garage Conversion Amnesty Program Permit for single-family homes with unauthorized garage conversions.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal
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 then reviewed the documents and processed the application, which included an inspection of the converted space.
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 expansion or additions
The previous amnesty program deadline was set to terminate on January 30, 2026. After that date, unpermitted garage conversions would be deemed nonconforming structures in accordance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). This nonconforming status would prohibit the issuance of building permits for future expansions of existing residential units.
Staff initially identified 1,393 single-family homes potentially in violation of the garage conversion ordinance, and the number was reduced to 714 through staff review and follow-up. During the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to extend the program for an additional six months. Subsequently, at the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting, Ordinance No. 3992 was approved, setting a new expiration date of July 31, 2026. The extension would allow staff more time to review and validate properties included in the list of homes with converted garages and would give residents who did not apply for amnesty during the initial period additional time to come into compliance.
DISCUSSION:
Staff ...
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