The City Commission of Arkansas City has adopted amendments to the zoning regulations that allow qualifying homeowners to construct front-yard carports under specific conditions. The update comes after the severe June hailstorm, which led many residents to seek permitted options for protecting their vehicles. Principal Planner Josh White presented the amendments to commissioners on Dec. 2, 2025, noting that some neighborhoods without rear-alley access had limited options under existing rules. The new regulations create a narrowly tailored exception for carports serving single-family and two-family homes on those lots.
Under the adopted standards:
• Carports may be used for vehicles only.
• They must remain open on three sides.
• They may not exceed 18 feet in width.
• They must maintain at least a 5-foot setback from the front property line.
• They must be constructed with materials compatible with the home, creating a cohesive appearance.
• Carports must be placed over a paved driveway and may not be used for storage or inoperable vehicles.