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Mounds View Planning Commission November 17, 2004 <br />Regular Meeting Page 3 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Director Ericson explained that Staff would not be looking for these situations and forcing <br />conformity. He then said that it makes sense to bring them into conformity when a driveway <br />permit for replacement is applied for or when there is a street reconstruction project. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller agreed that it would be good to inform residents that the City is not out <br />looking for these situations to force them to comply. <br /> <br />Director Ericson noted that the only trigger for bringing driveways into conformity is when a <br />property owner pulls a permit for driveway replacement. <br /> <br />At the request of Chair Stevenson, Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the <br />proposed language changes in the Ordinance concerning driveways. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zwirn asked whether a property owner who wishes to do a concrete apron in front <br />of the garage, add a turn around or an area for backing up would be allowed to do so on a <br />nonconforming driveway situation. <br /> <br />Director Ericson indicated that there are gray areas with those types of situations but it would be <br />Staff’s interpretation that as long as no changes are being made to the nonconforming portion <br />then Staff would not require that it be brought into compliance. But, if they were taking the <br />entire driveway out to make that change, Staff would require conformance. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zwirn noted that the language in the Ordinance would need to be amended to <br />allow for that interpretation. <br /> <br />Director Ericson indicated he would amend the language to make sure residents would be <br />allowed to add on and not have to bring into conformance if they are not changing or increasing <br />the nonconformity. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson asked if a concrete apron or pad could be added to a gravel driveway without <br />the City requiring that the entire driveway be paved. <br /> <br />Director Ericson indicated that type of situation would be lessening the nonconformity so Staff <br />would allow it as the City does not want to discourage driveway improvements. <br /> <br />Commissioner Miller commented that people do things with driveways and curb cuts and then <br />remember to get a permit and she is wondering how the City can communicate to residents that a <br />permit is required. <br /> <br />Director Ericson indicated that Staff struggles with that as well but it is not always residents; <br />there are some contractors that indicate they will get, or have gotten a permit but do not. <br /> <br />Director Ericson indicated he would be bringing language for review at the next meeting. He <br />then said that there are items to address at the next meeting but there may not be a necessity for <br />the second meeting in December.