Yuma City Council approves new ordinance that could help locals build front yard carports
Danyelle Burke North
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – During Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, the City of Yuma voted and approved a new ordinance that could help locals build front yard carports. The new ordinance would allow people to build up to 8 ft from the property line instead of 20 ft.
“We’re trying to create a way to allow people to build a shade structure legally to be able to cover up their vehicles,” said Yuma City Council member Chris Morris.
Locals often try to build shaded carports to beat the heat but run into issues when the structures don’t meet the requirements.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of people in the community that have had these built by a so-called contractor thinking that it was legal. Come to find out, it’s not. So, you know, we do understand that situation, and that’s why we’re trying to create this legal path forward for people,” said Morris.
If you’re not sure if your project meets the parameters, he says you can contact the city to get an exact definition.
“There’s also a variance process, so I would just encourage people to talk to the city building department and find out what those options are,” said Morris.
If approved, the ordinance would take 30 days to become effective.