Commission discusses driveway expansion amendments; staff to refine draft before public hearing

City planning staff presented a conceptual draft ordinance on driveway expansions and impervious-surface maximums at the Jan. 13 Fraser Planning Commission meeting, and commissioners asked staff to refine the proposal before scheduling a public hearing.

Planner Lauren Cyr and public works engineering reviewed a concept that would define driveways, allow limited driveway widening tied to garage width (generally garage width plus 9 feet for an additional car), and set different maximum impervious-coverage percentages by zoning district (staff noted a correction swapping RM and RL percentages). The draft also addressed horseshoe drives on corner lots, tapering to the sidewalk, and options to minimize drainage impacts (side swales or reverse-pitch alternatives). Staff said DPW and the city engineer would perform additional spatial analysis to refine district-specific maximums.

Commissioners said they want more time for staff to evaluate different neighborhood configurations, drainage and enforcement implications. Commissioner Warnick urged caution, noting many existing lots and unique situations in Fraser and recommending against a one-size-fits-all rule. Commissioners asked staff to return with finalized numbers and clarified language; several members preferred more internal analysis before a February public hearing so staff can present enforceable provisions and engineering input.

Staff acknowledged the need for additional analysis and said it would return with updated language and numbers for further review before setting a public hearing date.