IRVINE

The City Council considered zone changes Tuesday for an area of Irvine that developers consider to be ripe for growth: Lower Peters Canyon.

Last month, the Planning Commission recommended amending patio cover regulations for the canyon at the western end of the city.

Rules governing patio covers had been more restrictive in Lower Peters Canyon.

Patio covers throughout the city can be within 2 feet of the property line, as opposed to the 5-foot setback that had been mandated in the canyon.

The council voted 3 to 0 to ease the patio codes for the canyon to ensure consistency throughout the city.

Mayor Christina L. Shea and Councilman Greg Smith were absent.