Proposed Ordinance Regulating Garage Conversions

The City of Irving is considering amending the Zoning Ordinance to establish minimum requirements for garage conversions on single-family homes. Before proceeding with the amendment, we would like to hear your opinions. An information sheet regarding what is proposed is attached. Please provide your comments by Aug. 1 to the Planning and Inspections Department, 825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, TX, 75060 or by sending an e-mail to Planning Manager Steve Reed at sreed@cityofirving.org.

• All single family homes built before October 2008 must have at least 2 off-street parking spaces (homes built after October 2008 must have a 2-car garage).
• Garage conversions are allowed with a building permit—no special approvals required.
• If a house has a 1-car driveway and a 1-car garage, an additional parking space must be provided on-site before the garage can be converted.

• Exterior materials for the garage conversion must match the materials, colors and design of the rest of the facade of the house on which the conversion takes place. Homes with wood siding could have an exterior wall with vinyl or cement-fiberboard siding that has a wood appearance, but wood siding would not be allowed. Facades that are part brick and part siding could use a design that incorporates both materials.
• Driveways and curb approaches must be 16-25 feet wide. If the existing driveway does not meet the width requirement, or is not paved per City standards, the driveway must be completely paved all the way from the street to a point at least 25 feet from the front property line.
• The new wall resulting from the conversion must be at least 25 feet from the front property line, unless the zoning of the property allows a 20 ft. setback for the main building. No garage conversion is allowed with less than a 20 ft. setback from the property line.
• Entry into an attached converted garage must be available from the house.
• A garage conversion may not create an independent dwelling unit.
• The same standards apply to front entry, side entry and rear entry garages, whether attached or detached.
• Contractor/owner shall obtain appropriate City permits and comply with all relevant building and fire codes, and energy efficiency standards.

These requirements would apply only to new garage conversions. Existing garage conversions would continue to be governed by whatever code was in effect at the time they were constructed.