The El Paso Zoning Board of Adjustment on Nov. 10 approved a slate of special-exception requests to legalize existing and proposed encroachments — chiefly carports, canopies and additions that extend into required front, side or rear yard setbacks — while attaching conditions to ensure materials, drainage and permitting compliance.

Staff presentations during the meeting described each site, the encroachment measurements and whether aerial photos showed the structures existed long enough to qualify for Special Exception K (structures in existence 15 years or more) or met criteria for Special Exception B (two or more nonconforming lots). Andrew Sloan of Planning and Inspections told the board that, for one application, an accessory structure encroached 74.51 square feet into a side setback and a home portion encroached 2.14 feet; staff recommended approval of Special Exceptions B and K for that property (North of Mesa east of Shadow Mountain Drive).

Several applicants and neighbors spoke in favor of approvals, and applicants provided engineering certifications and construction details during testimony. Owner Mike Lucedenow asked the board to retain a front-yard carport he built and noted an engineer’s letter recommending permit approval, saying, "He recommends the structure for permit" (applicant testimony). Another applicant, Eduardo Davila, described a proposed canopy to provide shade for vehicles and pets, saying the mesh top was intended "to provide shade for our dog because it's too hot in the summer"; he told the board the proposed canopy could be finished to match the house.

Board members repeatedly emphasized that approvals would be conditional on later permitting and that carports or canopies intended to shelter vehicles would be treated as carports. Planning staff reminded the board that permits and engineering review are required to confirm structural safety and to check drainage/gutter requirements. For several approvals the board explicitly required that columns be covered and that materials and roof slope be in keeping with the main residence.

Highlights of decisions and conditions: the board

- Approved Special Exceptions B and K for the North of Mesa/Shadow Mountain property after staff presentation and applicant response (motion moved and seconded in open session).
- Approved a Special Exception B to legalize additions at 205 Baywood Road with conditions requiring removal or modification of portions encroaching a rear utility easement and side setback.
- Approved Special Exceptions J and K for 3005 Park North with conditions that the carport be modified to meet side setbacks, resemble the residence and comply with maximum permitted area; neighbors spoke in support.
- Approved a request at 1746 Sonizuka allowing a canopy/carport to encroach into the front setback with the condition that materials and finishes match the house; the board allowed a fabric-top canopy only with added finishing elements to match the home.
- Approved several other properties (3469 East Glen, 4509 General Maloney, 6220 Cleveland, 937 Rim and others listed on the agenda) with site-specific conditions such as removing structures from a 5-foot utility easement, leaving porches open on three sides, and requiring gutters or other drainage features as part of the permitting process.

On procedural matters the board agreed to delete Agenda Item 6 (8409 Hartford) and postpone Item 8 (6530 Mohawk Drive) to the next meeting, and it postponed the board’s annual chair/vice-chair elections until the December meeting. The board also adopted the proposed 2026 meeting schedule.

What happens next: Approvals by the Zoning Board of Adjustment generally require applicants to obtain the necessary building permits and to satisfy any conditions the board attached. Planning staff noted that ZBA approval does not substitute for a permit review and that enforcement or legalization processes may be pursued for other nonconforming structures on affected blocks.

The board approved minutes from a prior meeting and adjourned after routine closing business. The ZBA will reconvene in December for elections and any postponed items.