04/14/2021 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board April 14, 2021 Page 5 APPROVED MINUTES The property owner of 23 Century Trail, Derek Sadowski, submitted a land use application for a second curb cut/driveway access variance. He requested a second driveway, 10 ft. wide, onto Pinto Lane be allowed. There is currently one (1) driveway access onto Century Trail. City ordinance allows for one (1) curb cut/driveway on a single family lot. Staff recommended denial of the variance to allow for a second curb cut/driveway access at 23 Century Trail. Board Comments Mr. Wipperfurth asked what material constitutes a driveway and if it is defined within the City ordinance. Ms. Larsen said it is defined within the City ordinance. In this instance, she explained, if Mr. Sadowski wants to park a vehicle, the ordinance says the driveway needs to be a paved hard surface. However, it is acceptable to park boats and trailers on the grass. Mr. Wipperfurth questioned if utilizing a class 5 type gravel could be a viable option for a driveway. Ms. Larsen explained since the applicant’s intent is to park a vehicle, the ordinance says the driveway needs to be a paved hard surface. Therefore, utilizing gravel for a driveway would not be permitted. Mr. Wipperfurth recalled from Ms. Larsen’s staff report, when the home was originally platted, there was tree preservation throughout the neighborhood. He asked if there are any restrictions in place to prevent individuals from removing the trees after moving into the home. Ms. Larsen clarified the tree preservation is for the developer while they are constructing the home and once the home is occupied, there are no parameters in place to restrict homeowners from removing trees. Mr. Reinert stated allowing a second paved driveway would improve the appearance of the applicant’s property and make it more acceptable to the surrounding neighbors rather than its current state. He said he would like to approve the variance because of the configuration of the lot, but the second driveway does not conform to the ordinance. He said the Board can discuss whether to change the ordinance to allow double fronted lots to have two driveways, but he expressed concern since there are many double fronted lots in the neighborhood and there would be a substantial increase in driveways onto various roadways.