08-23-2006 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUILDING PERMIT APPROACH The City regulates development and ensures quality housing stock by regulating construction projects in the City. Most construction requires a building permit, so the city is able to enforce its ordinances through the building permit review process. Some building permits cover minor items such as fences or siding. Still others allow major improvements such as new garages, major home additions, or new houses. The City must strike a balance between enforcing and encouraging compliance with the city's ordinances regarding driveways, while not discouraging property owners to invest in and maintain their homes. Thus, if the City required driveway surfacing with any building permit, homeowners may decide to put off improvement projects, or proceed without a permit. Therefore, it is important to choose an adequate "threshold" to require paving of an existing, non - conforming driveway. The following table describes a number of common types of improvement projects, and establishes thresholds for existing, non - conforming driveways to be surfaced in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. Typical 2006 pricing for standard driveway paving and replacement ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot. Therefore, a typical 20 by 50 foot Little Canada single - family driveway costs $3,000 to $6,000 to install. Costs can be much higher with poor soils, extensive grading, premium paving material (such as brick or stone pavers), or other site - specific conditions. This is a significant cost that, if mandated by the city, may have an impact on an applicant's decision to undertake a project. Common Improvement Projects: Existing, non - conforming driveways Any permit of any type (e.g. fence permit) Repair projects requiring a permit (e.g. water heater replacement) House Improvement projects (e.g. siding, deck, remodeling of bath, kitchen) less than $15,000 in value. Any of the above projects if on an otherwise non - conforming property (area, setback, etc.) House addition, less than 10 percent of original house finished floor area Any of the above, if a variance, CUP, or site plan review is required with the project House Improvement projects (e.g. siding, deck, remodeling of bath, kitchen) greater than or equal to $15,000 in value. House addition, 10 percent or more of existing house finished floor area House addition, more than 30 percent of original house finished floor area Garage Addition or attached garage as part of house addition /remodel New accessory structure, not to be used for auto parking or storage (e.g. boat house or workshop), not served by a new driveway New garage, to be used for vehicle parking (for all applicable driveways) New house construction New driveway or parking area construction (requires all drives be paved) 2 Staff Recommends Paving NOT Be Required Staff Recommends Paving Be Required