09-16-1998 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• PLANNING COMMISSION Page 5 September 16, 1998 To understand the predominance of the type of driveway configuration present at 8111 Eastwood Road, staff surveyed corner properties north of Hillview between Groveland and Long Lake Road. There are 54 corner lots in this area, of which ten(18.5 percent) have multiple curb cuts. In comparison, the percentage of all residential properties with more than one curb cut is less than one percent. Corner properties present unique safety issues, with as many as four distinct paths of traffic to monitor while backing out of the driveway. Some corner lots, because of tree cover, shrubs and other plantings, have limited visibility thereby increasing the safety risk. The applicant hired an asphalt company to do the required driveway demolition and reconstruction work. The contractor read and was aware of the City's request that the curb cut onto Sherwood Road was to be removed. It was the opinion of staff that the contractor made an error in not removing the curb cut as requested by the City and also written into the work contract that the Tobias family had with the contractor. Staff gave no recommendation but offered the Planning Commission "Option A" and "Option D" of Resolution No. 558-98, Approval or Denial respectively. Chairperson Peterson returned the floor to the Commission for questions of staff. • A discussion was held in regards to what constituted maintenance and what constituted reconstruction. The Code allows "improvement" of existing conditions as long as they are not "expanded." It was the consensus of the Commission that the contractor was aware that the Sherwood Road curb cut was to be removed and that the new work would include a turn around area in place of the old driveway, per the drawing, specified dimensions and quoted prices for the work. Obert stated there was no hardship to justify the variance. He added, the problem that the property owner now faces was brought on by an error made by the contractor and the contractor is the one who should be responsible for correcting the error, with no charge to the home owner. MOTION/SECOND: Brasaemle/Miller to approve Resolution No. 558-98 "Option D"Denial of a Variance for Two Curb Cuts, as amended, 8111 Eastwood Road, Michael Tobias. VOTE: Ayes - 6 Nays- 0 Motion carried 7. Staff Reports/Information Items A. Highway 10 Design Theme • Director Jopke gave his report as follows: