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Mounds View Planning Commission October 20, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 6 • some relocation of the fire hydrants would be necessary, as the fire hydrant on County Road I appears to be located within the driveway of the site. He added that the Fire Department is somewhat apprehensive about utilizing fire hydrants for a project when they are not located on the site. He explained there is some question as to whether or not the fire hydrant located across the street would be sufficient to meet the needs at the rear of the building, and this will be determined. Chair Peterson commented there did not appear to be any other issues, with the exception of the fire hydrants, and suggested that staff proceed with the next step. Planning Associate Ericson stated staff would draft a resolution for consideration at the next meeting of the Planning Commission on November 3. 6. Special Planning Case No. SP-074-99 Discuss proposed Ordinance 642, an ordinance amending the Zoning Code related to driveway widths and curb cuts. Planning Associate Ericson stated at the October 6, 1999 meeting of the Planning Commission, there was discussion of the options that could be put into place to resolve some of the hardships, which are a growing issue, as more houses are utilizing three-car garages, which necessitate wider driveways. Planning Associate Ericson stated staff was directed to draft an ordinance that would amend the City Code to allow for driveways that would be 35 feet wide, or the width of the garage, plus an additional 12 feet,whichever was greater. He explained this ordinance would not restrict a property owner with a one-stall garage to a lesser width, and they could still have a driveway 35 feet wide, as is presently allowed, however, a property owner with a 36-foot garage could increase that width by an additional 12 feet. Planning Associate Ericson commented that staff does not feel the allowance of wider driveways would result in many situations where there would be an excessive amount of impervious surface. He explained that typically, a property owner would not desire to construct more driveway surface than absolutely necessary, due to the great expense involved. Planning Associate Ericson advised the City currently allows a maximum 22-foot wide curb cut for residential districts, and there has been some discussion that the curb cut be increased to 24 feet. He stated he had spoken with the Director of Public Works, Mike Ulrich, who indicated that increasing the curb cut two feet to accommodate this would be acceptable, therefore, the proposed 24-foot curb cut has been indicated in the ordinance. Planning Associate Ericson explained that the ordinance before the Commission was the first draft and could be amended until the Planning Commission is comfortable with its writing, after which, a • resolution will be prepared to forward to the Council for first and second reading.