Committee recommends special permit for front-yard driveway at 203 West Franklin Street with DPW conditions

The Land Use/Development Committee voted to recommend approval to the full City Council of a special permit to create a front-yard driveway at 203 West Franklin Street (corner property) for applicant Christian Carde Guzman, subject to Department of Public Works conditions and final DPW sign-off.

Carde Guzman explained the application is driven by safety and parking constraints at his corner lot and said neighboring corners have driveways. He described instances where street parking and truck traffic had damaged vehicles and noted he is a foster parent with young children, making safer on-site parking a priority.

Staff and members discussed an existing tree at the proposed curb cut and said the applicant and DPW had worked on a plan that preserves the city tree by adjusting the driveway placement. Committee members confirmed the planning and zoning staff and DPW had reviewed the plan and raised no opposition. Councilor Green asked which frontage (Linden Street) would be used; the applicant said the driveway would be on the Linden Street side.

The committee closed the public hearing and approved a recommendation to the full council. The committee’s action was conditioned on final DPW approval of the driveway design and any required city tree protections or mitigation measures. The recommendation will appear on the full council agenda for final action.