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Struthers council asks property owner to add gravel, move commercial trailer and comply with driveway standards
Summary
After resident complaints and a lengthy committee discussion, council members agreed to ask a property owner to add more gravel to a backyard/drive area so it does not become mud, to move a dual‑axle trailer that may meet the city's commercial‑vehicle definition, and to comply with city driveway standards.
Council members and a property owner debated whether a recently purchased lot is being used as a parking lot rather than a compliant residential driveway. The discussion focused on compliance with the city—s driveway requirements, whether the approach is properly graveled and whether commercial trailers are parked on residential property.
The property owner, who said he bought the lot two summers ago, told the committee he had already installed a fence, removed trash and planned additional improvements. “I bought that property 2 years ago. And before I handed you the cash, I asked, how long do I have? Because I'm buying a mess, and I knew I was buying a mess,” he said. He added that he had removed debris, placed two 18‑foot dumpsters and planned further repairs.
Council members said the lot—s rear area appears sparsely graveled and asked that more stone be added so the area does not become muddy when it rains. One committee member recommended a minimum of about 2 inches of gravel as an initial standard: “If you're asking my personal opinion, I would say no less than 2 inches. You know? Because it is gonna get compacted.”
Council members also raised enforcement questions about commercial vehicles and trailers on residential lots. Committee discussion referenced the city—s commercial‑vehicle definition used in prior enforcement: a one‑ton dual‑rear‑wheel vehicle with non‑factory equipment. Committee members identified a dual‑axle trailer in the photo and asked that it be moved; the property owner agreed to move it.
Outcome and next steps: the committee directed staff to send a letter to the property owner asking for additional gravel at the driveway approach and in the rear turning area, to require the owner to move the dual‑axle trailer off the yard or into a compliant position, and to monitor the site. If the gravel compacts and mud reappears, council said it will require additional corrective work. The owner said he would comply and produce receipts of work done if requested.
Ending: The committee agreed to require initial corrective work (additional gravel and removal/movement of commercial trailer), issue a notice letter and reassess the site after further rain events to determine whether additional work is needed.
