Fraser commission schedules public hearing on driveway expansion rules after lengthy debate over horseshoe drives and impervious surfaces

The Fraser Planning Commission voted to schedule a public hearing March 5 on proposed changes to the city’s driveway standards that would define driveway types, set dimensional limits, and tie driveway expansions to existing impervious-surface rules.

Staff described the draft ordinance as a package of changes including a definition of driveway, dimensional requirements that vary by whether a lot has an attached or detached garage or no garage, a one-foot side-yard setback for new paving, a requirement to expand driveways using side yards before front yards, and a taper requirement where driveways exceed allowed width. Staff said the draft also carries forward existing impervious-surface maximums (examples shown for the RM and RL residential districts) and would require a permit for driveway work so the city can verify compliance with lot coverage rules.

Commissioners discussed multiple technical and policy points. Staff noted that driveways intended to be two-way must meet the ordinance minimum (30 feet) and that one-way conversion or a zoning variance are alternatives. Commissioners and staff raised practical implementation issues: sidewalk and curb thickness where an approach is added (approaches trigger a 6-inch curb and sidewalk standard rather than the 4-inch standard for ordinary sidewalks), how local clay soils affect drainage, and whether to permit horseshoe drives only on corner lots. Commissioner Kyle objected to limiting horseshoe drives to corners, saying in many neighborhoods (including stretches of Masonic Boulevard and Venetian Village) homeowners rely on expanded front-yard paving to park multiple vehicles; other commissioners said a citywide carve-out could increase impervious surfaces and downstream drainage problems.

Staff said permits will be required for driveway work so inspections can enforce ADA-compliant sidewalks and to confirm that total lot impervious surface remains within district limits. The commission also discussed limiting the number of drive approaches per lot and noted that approaches can trigger additional construction (replacing sidewalk panels to meet the thicker standard), which may deter some applicants.

Commissioner Kyle moved to schedule a public hearing for March 5; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call. Chair Warnec said the public hearing will gather homeowner and stakeholder input before the planning commission makes a recommendation to city council. Staff indicated they will include Commissioner Kyle’s concerns about horseshoe drives when the packet for the public hearing is prepared.