The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending the Fountain Hills Town Council approve amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would permit patio covers within the front and side yard setbacks in residential neighborhoods.
Included in the recommendation for approval is making the structures subject to a special use permit (SUP) notification to adjoining neighbors, and a reduction in the SUP application fee to just 10% of the regular fee. The ordinance would also cap the height of the patio structure at 90% of the height of the adjacent building wall or a maximum of 12 feet, whichever is higher.
The amendment also includes the following language: “Patio covers may project into a required front yard or street side yard one-half (½) of the required setback, up to 12 and one-half … feet, and may not exceed 12 feet in height. Covered patios in the front or street side yard may not be enclosed. The total width of the support structures holding up the cover within the setback may not exceed 20% of the width of the side of the patio and shall be designed to maintain an open view along the street and not create a sight obstruction. Covered patios in a front yard may not be used as a carport, garage or storage.”
