Port Aransas South Jetty

Residential parking under study by city

The Port Aransas City Council is set to consider changing city parking requirements at single-family homes and duplexes.

A first reading of an ordinance amendment is scheduled for a council meeting today, Thursday, June 18. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. at city hall, 710 W. Ave. A.

Currently, city ordinances require that single-family homes and duplexes have at least two open-air parking spots on a driveway or similar surface, said David Parsons, the city’s planning and projects director. Carports and garages don’t count toward those two spots, Parsons said.

The proposed amendment would allow carports to count, Parsons said.

The proposal sprang from a request from the Cinnamon Shore development.

“Cinnamon Shore is respectful of providing adequate parking in our community without sacrificing beautiful architecture,” said Lee Ann Peters, director of sales at Cinnamon Shore. “In our community, a portico offers both by creating covered parking while also contributing to architectural interest and beauty. Because this is not fully enclosed or secured, this does not create a storage area but simply a functional place to park your vehicle.”

The city Planning and Zoning Commission has endorsed the proposed amendment. Voting in favor of the measure during an April 27 meeting were commissioners Betsy Churgai, Nick Lorette, Ed Buskey, Linda Zahn and Becky Corder. Alternate Charles Castor voted yes. Commissioner Bruce Clark was absent. Mike Garlough voted against it.