Fraser planning commission pauses driveway-expansion ordinance changes, asks for broader notice and clarifications

The Fraser Planning Commission on March 5 considered a proposed update to driveway-expansion language in the city’s zoning text but postponed a vote after lengthy discussion and public comment, directing staff to re-notify the public and return the draft with clarifications at the next meeting.

Planner Lauren Saer summarized the draft amendments as clarifying that a driveway may include required, permitted or other parking on a lot; setting a taper at the right-of-way line where no sidewalk exists; and adding impervious-surface maximums to residential districts. The draft also proposed one approach per parcel except on corner lots and left horseshoe-drive rules for further discussion.

Commissioners expressed multiple concerns during the public hearing: whether the word "paved" should be broadened to allow modern permeable or improved surfaces (pavers, grid systems, crushed rock), how to treat main thoroughfares such as Masonic and Garfield where on-street parking is limited, enforcement capacity for measuring impervious area, and whether proper public notice had been given. Multiple commissioners said many residents read the twice-monthly Fraser Chronicle but not the paid Macomb Daily; at least one commissioner said the administration had published notice in the Macomb Daily, which meets state statutory notice but may not reach all residents. "It wasn't in the Chronicle," one commissioner said; the planner responded that the Macomb Daily proof of publication was provided but acknowledged the concern.

A resident, Douglas Buchanan of Kingston Drive, told the commission he had been waiting to expand his driveway and that he had monitored commission and council agendas because he wanted a permit rather than a citation. Buchanan said many neighbors had expanded driveways over time without permits because enforcement was limited, and he urged the commission not to delay a workable ordinance that would let residents legalize improvements.

Commissioners debated two formal motions. One motion to approve the draft (amended on the floor to change "paved" to "improved surfaces" and to create exceptions for major thoroughfares) failed on a roll-call vote (two in favor, five opposed). After further discussion commissioners voted to re-notice the draft in the Fraser Chronicle, add the planning commission’s suggested clarifications (including replacing the term "paved" with "improved surface" and providing exemptions or special treatment for main thoroughfares), and bring the item back at the next meeting. That second motion passed unanimously on roll call.

Commissioners asked staff to provide the revised text and clear guidance on enforcement, permit fees, and how alternative materials (permeable pavers, grid systems) would be treated for impervious-surface calculations. The commission also asked administration to confirm the earliest feasible publication schedule in the Fraser Chronicle to ensure broader community notice before the next hearing.

The commission did not adopt the text amendments at the March 5 meeting and will consider the revised draft at a future meeting after additional public notice and staff revisions are completed.