Vienna homeowners soon will be allowed to enclose their carports for security, aesthetic and storage purposes.

The Vienna Town Council voted 6 to 1 Jan. 5 to amend the town code and permit enclosed one-story garages on the footprints of former carports.

The new garages must be no taller than 14 feet high and located at least 10 feet from the side property line in the RS-16 and RS-12.5 zoning districts, and at least 7 feet from the line in the RS-10 zone. In the case of corner lots, a 10-foot-minimum setback would be required in all three residential zones.

Several Vienna residents testified that since a state Supreme Court decision, local boards of zoning appeals have not been able to issue variances unless an extreme hardship is being caused by a property’s topography.

The residents argued that enclosed garages are more attractive than cluttered carports, and constitute better deterrents against burglars.

“It’s important for homeowners to be able to modernize their properties,” said Vienna resident Jeff Midili.

Vienna Planning Commission members on Nov. 12 unanimously recommended that the ordinance amendments be rejected. Commission members disliked the prospect of allowing living space 5 feet closer to side property lines than currently permitted under the town code, and said the measures could prompt residents to convert their garages illegally into living areas.

Town Council member Laurie Cole cast the lone vote against the amendments.

“Garages can become band-rehearsal areas and workshops, which can create nuisances,” Cole said. “I agree with the Planning Commission that this is not a wise idea. It creates a large opportunity for downsides to the town.”

But the majority of Town Council members said enclosed garages are more aesthetically pleasing than carports and less visually imposing than a McMansion next door.

“I think the overall benefits to the town far outweigh any downside or any potential unintended consequences,” said Council member Michael Polychrones.

Vienna Town Council members have set a public hearing for Jan. 5 to discuss a proposed ordinance amendment that would change the required yard setbacks for unenclosed carports. The proposal also would allow enclosed one-story garages to be built on the existing footprints of unenclosed carports.

The Vienna Planning Commission voted 9-0 on Nov. 12 to recommend the council reject the ordinance change. Commissioners were worried that the enclosed garages would be converted into illegal living areas, said Vienna Planning and Zoning Director Greg Hembree.

But Vienna resident Sidney Skjei, who lives at 603 Creek Crossing Road, N.E., told the council that homeowners often want to enclose their carports for worthwhile reasons, including security. Obtaining such variances from the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals is a difficult process, he said.