1992-06 RESOLUTION NO. 9 2-0 6
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
ADOPTING A REAR YARD SETBACK POLICY HANDOUT FOR SUNROOMS,
PATIO COVERS AND ENCLOSURES.
WHEREAS, the proposed policy handout is consistent with the City of Grand
Terrace General Plan and Zoning Code; and
WHEREAS, current code could be interpreted to allow an applicant to build
a room addition with a couple more windows and skylights, at only 5' from the property line
and call it a "sunroorn"; and
WHEREAS, zoning regulations for single family districts allow max 40 to 50%
lot coverage, allowing sufficient useable open space area in the backyard.
WHEREAS, patio covers and patio enclosures are accessory structures and
the rear yard setback for accessory structures is 10' from the property line.
WHEREAS, per code patio covers are an exception to the rule and are
allowed at 5' form the rear and side property lines.
WHEREAS, departmental policy has been to allow patio covers at 5' from
rear property line to be enclosed and therefore, 1) creating an inconsistency with setback
regulations for accessory structures, and 2) facilitating conversion of enclosures to habitable
rooms.
WHEREAS, many patio covers at 5' from property line are enclosed and
converted into bedrooms in violation with building codes.
WHEREAS, patio enclosures when used as habitable rooms create several
problems such as flooding, inefficient heating and air conditioning, structural problems, etc.
WHEREAS, cu rrent code and Department policy does not provide definitions
for different types of enclosures,i.e. sunrooms, causing ambiguity related to required rear
- setback standards.
WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA, a negative Declaration has been
prepared for this project and has been considered by the Planning Commission and
approved by the City Council. This Negative Declaration is on file at the Planning
department.
WHEREAS,the Planning commission held a properly noticed meeting on may
7th, 1992; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission at its meeting of May 7, 1992,
recommended to the City Council the approval and adoption of said policy, set in full in the
attachment, adopted by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on May
14, 1992, for the approval of this policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT.RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Grand Terrace, State of California; that:
1. A policy shall be adopted to set clear definitions and rear yard setback
standards for accessory structures, such as patio enclosures and"sunrooms", to avoid setback
inconsistencies and discourage illegal conversions.
2. Enclosure of patio covers at 5' from property line will no longer be allowed
with exception of those permitted patio covers built prior to the effective date of this policy.
3. The "Sunrooms, Patio cover and Enclosures Setbacks Policy" is set in full
in Attachment A-1 of Ordinance No. , approved by the City Council.
4. Patio enclosures shall not be converted into habitable rooms unless in full
compliance with applicable codes.
5. Patio enclosures when illegally converted into habitable rooms shall be
subject of City code enforcement abatement procedures.
6. Type-2 Sunrooms which per definition meet codes for habitable rooms are
encouraged to be built as an alternative to the conversion of aluminum enclosures into
habitable rooms.
7. This policy shall be made into a letter to be distributed to the residents of
Grand Terrace single family districts.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace,
r' California, at a regular meeting held on the 14th day of May, 1992.
AYES: Councilmembers Carlstrom, Christianson; Mayor Pro Tem Grant;
Mayor Matteson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Counci 1 member Hi 1 key
Byrofi Matteson,
May r
ATTEST:
Brenda Stanfill,
Deputy-i ity Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
John Harper
City Attorney