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Item No: 6A Meeting Date: July 6, 2011 Type of Business: Discussion City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Discussion about Driveways and Parking Areas in Single-Family Residential Areas Introduction Permits for replacement driveways or driveway expansions are one of the common permits issued every year, and parking off an improved surface is one of the most common code enforcement problems. City staff was discussing some of the specific parking problems that occur and decided to talk to the Planning Commission about what the current regulations are for driveways and parking areas, and if any changes are recommended. Discussion The Planning Commission discussed the current City Code requirements for driveways and parking areas at the May 18, 2011 meeting and made suggestions for changes to the code. Several years ago, the City decided to allow up to 300 square feet of gravel parking area as a more affordable option for homeowners to expand their driveways or add additional parking in the side or back yard. The City Code does not require that this parking area be connected to the driveway. City Staff is proposing a code amendment that would address this. Proposed Code Amendment 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. If any parking area detached from the driveway is utilized for frequently used vehicles, it shall be serviced by an improved driveway that connects to the primary driveway. 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. (Ord. 524, 2-22-93; Ord. 620, 7-27-98; Ord. 640, 10-11-99; Ord. 642, 1-10-00)