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Mounds View Planning Commission May 18, 2011 Regular Meeting Page 2 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. 5. Planning Cases None. 6. Other Planning Activity A. Discuss Current City Code about Driveways and Parking Areas Planning Associate Heller stated that one of the most common building permits and code enforcement issues is related to driveways and parking. She reviewed the current zoning regulations for driveways and said that Mounds View is one of few cities that still allow gravel driveways. A resident can maintain their existing gravel driveway but cannot expand a gravel driveway. Several years ago the City began allowing residents to install up to 300 square feet of a gravel parking area for parking large vehicles such as campers and boats. She indicated a common complaint the City receives is about vehicles parked on the grass. Small boats and trailers can be parked off an improved surface, but all other vehicles must be on a hard surface. The City allows only one curb cut per lot. She stated staff recommends amending the City Code to add language requiring parking areas that are not adjacent to the driveway, but are accessed on a regular basis, must have a hard surface driveway that connects to the primary driveway. Planning Associate Heller stated that the Commission could consider requiring that a hard surface driveway be installed as a condition when approving conditional use permits for oversize garages. She stated that due to the large expense, and particularly with the current poor economy, the City should not require that all gravel driveways be improved. There was discussion regarding if or when to require residents to upgrade to a hard surface driveway. Chair Stevenson stated that he felt if residents can afford to build an oversize garage, they should also have a hard surface driveway. He added he feels that there should not be a requirement to install a hard surface driveway. He stated it is not allowed for residents to be driving over a curb to access a parking area. Commissioner Cramblit questioned if the City could require a hard surface driveway when a house sells. Planning Associate Heller stated that over the last few years, many property owners have been replacing or installing new driveways after their street has been reconstructed.