The Fountain Hills Town Council has approved amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that permit patio covers within the front and side yard setbacks in residential neighborhoods.
Included in the motion for approval is a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation 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 also caps 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 ordinance now includes the following language: “Patio covers may project into a required front yard or street side yard one-half 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.”
