CC WORKSESSION 08052013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Language for Discussion Staff offers the above suggested language for review and discussion by the City Council. Some, all, none, or a modification of the above language could be incorporated into the City's existing Ordinance relating to driveways. The additions to the Code attempt to address some of the concerns of staff regarding the existing language. These concerns are centered on driveway widths and setbacks from adjacent property. As the Code is currently written, there is no limit to the width of a driveway. Driveway sizes in general are limited by the impervious surface requirement. However, a property that is well below the impervious limit could potentially pave the entire front width of their property or portion thereof. While curb cuts are limited to 28 feet in width, this does not prevent a property owner from paving along the front curb and using this space for parking. Staff believes that this scenario would detract from the appearance of existing neighborhoods. In addition, the current language in the Code states that curb cuts simply be 30 feet apart, not a specific distance from a lot line. Therefore one property owner could potentially locate their curb cut along the edge of their property, forcing adjacent property owners to construct any future curb cut at least 30 feet away. Therefore, where one property owner chooses to locate their curb cut has a direct impact on where a neighboring property owner can locate theirs, which is not practical or reasonable. Staff also believes it is important to have a driveway setback requirement in order to allow for proper snow removal /storage and stormwater management/drainage adjacent to a driveway. As it is written currently, the Code allows property owners to pave right up to their side lot lines. The proposed changes to the Code are common requirements found among other similar cities.