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Planning & Zoning Board <br />August 12, 1998 <br />Page 8 <br />Chair Schaps verified that the amendment refers to a driveway width at the curbs. <br />Mr. Johnson asked why the width was originally set at 26' and if the Public Work <br />Department recommended that width. Ms. Wyland stated she could not recall why the <br />width was set at 26'. She explained that the building inspectors are in favor of this <br />amendment. A problem has occurred with residents widening their driveways without <br />City approval. <br />Mr. Powell noted that with wider driveways more snow needs to be plowed. There is less <br />storage area for plowed snow. <br />Mr. Trehus indicated driveways that are 36' wide would appear odd. <br />Mr. Corson asked if the amendment would apply to commercial also. Ms. Wyland <br />indicated the amendment would apply to all Residential Zones. <br />Chair Schaps asked about restrictions regarding an impervious surface. Mr. Brixius <br />stated the requirements are set at 65% lot coverage. Chair Schaps asked if the City <br />enforces that requirement. Ms. Wyland stated the City does not run into many problems <br />regarding that requirement. <br />Mr. Dunn stated he believes the amendment is a step in the wrong direction. He asked <br />who is asking for the amendment. Ms. Wyland indicated residents who have a three or <br />four car garage are asking for the change. Mr. Dunn stated he would like to see hard <br />evidence, facts regarding lot size, and a summary of how many residents are requesting <br />the change. Ms. Wyland stated the lot size of the residents requesting the change are <br />typical City lots. <br />Mr. Corson noted that wider driveways would not look good throughout the City. <br />Chair Schaps pointed out the restrictions regarding driveway width refer to the curb, not <br />up to the garage. <br />Ms. Wyland stated the building inspectors are much more aware of the frequency of <br />requests for a wider driveway. The building inspectors have asked for the amendment. <br />Mr. Corson explained that a cul -de -sac with four homes and each with a driveway 36' <br />wide would be an excessive amount of concrete. <br />Mr. Dunn stated he would rather see a variance regarding this issue. <br />Mr. Johnson asked why the amendment calls for 36'. Ms. Wyland explained that 36' is <br />the length of a three car garage. The City has had a problem with residents pouring the <br />concrete before they obtain City permission. <br />• <br />• <br />