DRC_STAFF REPORT_GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION_012726.DOCX
City of Tempe — Development Review Commission Regular Meeting (2026-01-27)
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PL250324 – GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION Page 1 January 27, 2026 STAFF REPORT GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION (PL250324) PROJECT DATA Project Address 201 East Fordham Drive Property Owner Gleason Ryleigh Ann / William Jr. Applicant Trevor Pan, Trevor Pan Architects, PLLC Zoning District R1-6 (Single-Family Residential) Gross / Net Site Area 0.19 acres Number of Units 1 unit Total Bedrooms 3 bedrooms Total Building Area 1,849 s.f. Building Height 12’-11” (30’ maximum allowed) Lot Coverage 22.1% (45% maximum allowed) Building Setbacks 31’ front, 5’ west side, 7’-5” east side, 34’ rear (20’, 5’, 5’, 15’ min.) Vehicle Parking 2 spaces (2 min. required) COMMENTS: This site is located between Mill Avenue, College Avenue, and Baseline Road and is located within the R1-6 Zoning District. The homeowner is proposing to convert an existing 1-car carport into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The required parking spaces for the home will be located within the front yard building setback along an existing driveway. The driveway will be expanded to 20 feet in width to accommodate two (2) vehicles without encroaching on the sidewalk or right-of-way. The home will feature three (3) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms, and the ADU will include a studio-style living space with its own bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facility. Existing entitlements for this property that will remain in effect are: N/A Existing uses on the site include: a single-family residence. The applicant is requesting the Development Review Commission take action on ZUP250097 Use Permit to allow two (2) required parking spaces within the front yard setback. PUBLIC INPUT As of the writing of this report, no public comment has been received. USE PERMIT The proposed design requires a Use Permit to allow two (2) required parking spaces within the front yard setback within the R1-6 zoning district. The homeowner is proposing an ADU within the existing 1-car carport and will place the required two (2) vehicle parking spaces for the home within the front driveway. Section 6-308(E) Approval criteria for Use Permit (in italics): 1. Any significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic; the project will not cause a significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic outside of levels seen with typical single-family uses. PL250324 – GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION Page 2 January 27, 2026 2. Nuisance arising from the emission of odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat or glare at a level exceeding that of ambient conditions; the project will not cause nuisance arising from the emission of odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat, or glare at a level exceeding that of ambient conditions or those in typical single-family uses. 3. Contribution to the deterioration of the neighborhood or to the downgrading of property values, which is in conflict with the goals, objectives or policies for rehabilitation, redevelopment or conservation as set forth in the city’s adopted plans or General Plan; the project will not contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood or downgrading of property values. The project will improve housing options in the area with the addition of an attached ADU. 4. Compatibility with existing surrounding structures and uses; the proposal is compatible with existing surrounding structures and uses, and the carport enclosure/ADU addition will match the aesthetic of the existing residence. 5. Adequate control of disruptive behavior both inside and outside the premises which may create a nuisance to the surrounding area or general public; there will be adequate control of disruptive behavior both inside and outside of the premises. The ADU will be managed as part of the main residence and will be treated similarly to other single-family uses. REASONS FOR APPROVAL: Based on the information provided by the applicant, the public input received and the above analysis staff supports approval of the requested Use Permit. This request meets the required criteria and will conform to the conditions. SHOULD AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BE TAKEN ON THIS REQUEST, THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL SHALL APPLY, BUT MAY BE AMENDED BY THE DECISION-MAKING BODY. CONDITION(S) OF APPROVAL: (Non-standard conditions are identified in bold) EACH NUMBERED ITEM IS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL. THE DECISION-MAKING BODY MAY MODIFY, DELETE OR ADD TO THESE CONDITIONS. 1. The Use Permit is valid only after a Building Permit has been obtained, the required inspections have been completed and a Final Inspection has been passed. As part of the Building Permit process, on-site storm water retention may be required to be verified or accomplished on this Site. 2. The Use Permit is valid for the plans as submitted within this application. Any additions or modifications may be submitted for review during the building plan check process. CODE/ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS: THE BULLETED ITEMS REFER TO EXISTING CODE OR ORDINANCES THAT PLANNING STAFF OBSERVES ARE PERTINENT TO THIS CASE. THE BULLET ITEMS ARE INCLUDED TO ALERT THE DESIGN TEAM AND ASSIST IN OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT AND ARE NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST. This approval for the Use Permit review did not include a comprehensive evaluation of the site for code compliance; the scope of approval is for the Use Permit only. The property owner should be aware of all city codes and zoning ordinances applicable to the property including maintenance and conformance with the codes. Below is a partial list of references provided to advise the owner of pertinent code requirements; this is not an exhaustive list. TEMPE CITY CODE: Specific requirements of the Tempe City Code are not listed but apply to any application https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code PL250324 – GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION Page 3 January 27, 2026 ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE: Specific requirements of the Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) are not listed as a condition of approval but apply to any application. To avoid unnecessary review time and reduce the potential for multiple plan check submittals, become familiar with the ZDC. Access the ZDC through www.tempe.gov/zoning or purchase from Community Development. BUILDING & FIRE CODES: Any modifications to the buildings involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing or structural tenant improvements that would require a building permit must obtain required permits. ENGINEERING CODES: Any site modifications affecting utilities, retention or engineering code requirements must obtain required permits. LIGHTING: Site security lighting shall comply with requirements of ZDC Part 4 Chapter 8 (Lighting) and ZDC Appendix E (Photometric Plan). Avoid conflicts between lights and trees or other site features in order to maintain illumination levels for exterior lighting. Make sure that light fixtures do not create glare and are full-cutoff fixtures. https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/zoning_and_development_code?nodeId=ZONING_DEV ELOPMENT_CODE_PT4_DEST_CH8_LI Any changes to lighting would require a minor Development Plan Review. LANDSCAPE: All landscape shall be maintained per the approved landscape plan for the site. Property owners are responsible to replace dead or missing plant material and to maintain all parking landscape islands, street front trees and ground covers, and perimeter planting materials. https://library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/zoning_and_development_code?nodeId=ZONING_DEV ELOPMENT_CODE_PT4_DEST_CH7_LAWA Any changes to landscape on site would require a minor Development Plan Review. SIGNS: Separate plan review process is required for signs in accordance with requirements of ZDC Part 4 Chapter 9 (Signs). Refer to www.tempe.gov/signs. USE PERMIT: The Use Permit approval shall be void if the use is not commenced or if an application for a building permit has not been submitted, whichever is applicable, within twelve (12) months after the Use Permit is granted or within the time stipulated by the decision-making body. The decision-making body, upon finding that the applicant has not taken corrective actions to resolve issues related to the permit/approval and that a continuation of the permit/approval is not in the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, can revoke the permit/approval after providing written notice of its intentions to the holder of the permit. Specific requirements of the Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) are not listed as a condition of approval but will apply to any application. To avoid unnecessary review time and reduce the potential for multiple plan check submittals, become familiar with the ZDC. Access the ZDC through http://www.tempe.gov/zoning or purchase from Development Services. Any intensification or expansion of use shall require a new Use Permit. All required Federal, State, County, and Municipal permits, licenses, and clearances shall be obtained, or the Use Permit is void. POLICE DEPARTMENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: If the development includes a use listed in City Code Section 26-70(c), the Owner is required to prepare a security plan with the Police Department. The architect should be involved to verify any PL250324 – GLEASON CARPORT TO ADU CONVERSION Page 4 January 27, 2026 modification that would require design revisions. To avoid revisions to permitted construction documents, initial meetings with the Police Department regarding the security plan are recommended before building permits are issued. At a minimum, the Owner shall contact the Police Department to begin security plan process approximately eight weeks prior to receipt of certificate of occupancy. HISTORY & FACTS: 1972 A single-family residence was built. ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE REFERENCE: Section 3-102, Permitted Uses in Residential Districts Section 4-202, Development Standards for Residential Districts Section 6-308, Use Permit