PUBLIC HEARING – Consideration and Action Regarding a Text Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning Ordinance No. 2002-04) amending the regulations for Article 8, Section 8-3, Subparagraph A.3. pertaining to Patio Covers (Ordinance No. 2021-26)

Staff has received a request to consider amending Article 8, Section 8-3, Subparagraph A.3. pertaining to Patio Covers to allow a patio cover changing the maximum dimensions and height. Currently the Ordinance requires that the maximum area of a patio cover cannot exceed 225 square feet and that the maximum dimension cannot exceed 15 feet. The amendment (Ordinance 2021-26) would allow that a patio cover not be restricted to size so long as it does not encroach to within 5 feet of the rear property line, or any portion of the required side yard or easement.

Article 8, Section 8-3, Subparagraph A.3. of the Zoning Regulations of the City of Saginaw is hereby amended to read as follows:

            “Sec. 8-3. General yard requirements.

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            A.        Projections of structural features.

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            3.         A patio cover may be constructed in a required rear yard setback provided that:

a.         Maximum height. Maximum height of a patio cover shall not exceed 12’ unless tied into an existing gable; or creating a gable end requires a higher elevation, as approved by the building official.  In no case shall a cover be constructed that exceeds one story in height.

b.         Distance. The distance from any of the patio cover’s components cannot be within 5 feet of the rear property line, or within any portion of the required side yard or easement.

c.         Enclosure. The cover cannot be enclosed with any material, permanent or temporary, and must be open on at least three sides.

d.         Materials. All materials used in the construction of the cover must be weatherproof or painted.

e.         Metal roofing. Metal roofing shall be a minimum of 26-gauge thickness.

f.          Drainage runoff. The cover must not be constructed in a manner that will redirect or divert the existing drainage runoff in a way that negatively impacts adjacent property.”

The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the item at its November 9, 2021 and after discussion was recommended for City Council approval by a 4-1 vote.