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City addresses driveway design issues
The proposal sets standards and guidelines for future construction
By BOB McCLURE
Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 |
SEMINOLE – City councilors are considering an amendment to the city codes regarding the design and construction of sidewalks and driveway aprons on city right of way.
The proposal would affect only new construction. Existing sidewalks and driveway aprons would be grandfathered in unless they fall into disrepair and upgrades are required.
“We currently do not regulate construction of driveways and it has caused some problems,” City Manager Frank Edmunds explained during an Aug. 13 workshop. “We’ve had some sediment and silt (from noncomplying driveways) go into the sewer system. This (proposal) sets up standards for driveway construction that are necessary.”
Among the restrictions, no driveway apron will be allowed within 50 feet of an intersection curb return. Specifications call for single residential driveways to not exceed 14 feet in width and double driveways 20 feet. No more than one driveway apron is permitted on a lot 50 feet or less in width.
Councilor Patricia Hartstein wondered if the city would have to visit all driveways in the city that are in disrepair.
Edmunds said the city is required by federal regulations related to stormwater runoff to do so.
“It sounds expensive (for the homeowners),” said Hartstein. “Do we give them terms?”
“At the appropriate time,” said Edmunds. “(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) issues require them to do proper construction within the public right of way area.”
Councilor Dan Hester wondered if homes with brick paver driveways would be forced to insert a concrete sidewalk on the public right of way instead of continuing to the street with a brick driveway.
Edmunds said the ordinance does permit brick pavers all the way to the street.
“However, if it falls into disrepair, we would ask the owner to make the necessary repairs,” said Edmunds. “Failing that, we would come in and replace it with a standard sidewalk.”
Hester said he thought the proposal was a great idea “on one hand but on the other hand it’s something I’m struggling with due to private property rights.”
“No way it’s a private property issue,” said Edmunds. “It’s a request by homeowners to use public property for a private driveway. We’re mandating how homeowners must build driveways. Beyond the right of way is up to them. But the city right of way must meet certain standards.”
First reading on the proposed ordinance is expected at the Aug. 26 council meeting.
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Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
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