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Driveway & Parking Area Discussion February 6, 2012 Page 2 A driveway can be expanded or a separate parking area can be constructed in the side or back yard, as long as it fits within the dimension and setback requirements. The idea for the separate parking area is to allow the storage of seldom-moved vehicles or trailers to be stored on the property without taking up space on the driveway. One of the problems that City Staff sees is a separate parking area in the backyard that is not connected to the driveway and is being accessed regularly. One particular problem property is located on a corner, and a vehicle is driving over the curb daily to park on a gravel patch in the backyard. Staff recommends adding language to the City Code that would require a hard surface driveway installed up to a parking area if used frequently. The Planning Commission has a Zoning Code amendment recommendation for additional requirements for frequently accessed parking areas. The change is indicated in the resolution by deleting the stricken language and adding the underlined text. Chapter 1121.09 Subd. 7. Surfacing: All areas, as allowed in subdivision 1104.01(4) of this Title, to be utilized for parking space and driveways shall be surfaced with a permanent improved surface material as defined in Section 1102.02 of this Chapter, suitable to control dust, drainage and erosion, meeting the requirements of Section 902.03 of this Code except as follows: A gravel surface material meeting the specifications of Section 902.03, subdivision 5 of this Code may be used for parking areas in an R-1 or R-2 District not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet or, if to be used as a parking surface for an RV, the minimum area that would encompass the wheel-base area of one (1) recreational vehicle. Plans for surfacing and drainage of driveways and stalls for five (5) or more vehicles shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development for review, and the final drainage plan must receive the Director of Public Works/City Engineer's written approval. a. All areas used regularly for the parking of a vehicle or vehicles shall be serviced by an improved driveway adjoining to the property’s primary driveway. Access to separate parking areas shall be achieved only from the property’s approved curb cut opening at the street. Regularly accessing parking areas by other means or locations shall be prohibited. Recommendation: The Council should review the code amendment language that the Planning Commission is recommending regarding driveway and parking area regulations. Sincerely, Heidi Heller Planning Associate