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Council approves second-driveway variance for property on Ninth Avenue
Summary
The council approved a variance to allow a second driveway for an accessory structure at 1670 220 Ninth after the Planning Commission recommended approval with a 12-foot width limit; councilmembers cited minimal neighborhood impact and tree preservation.
The East Bethel City Council on March 24 approved a variance request to allow a second driveway for an accessory structure at a property identified as 1670 220 Ninth.
City staff said the property is zoned R-1 and that city code generally allows only one driveway per lot. The Planning Commission reviewed the application on Feb. 25 and recommended approval 3-1 with a condition that the new driveway not exceed 12 feet in width. Commissioners discussed the variance standards, alternatives such as angling the garage or using the existing driveway, and whether the request reflected a unique hardship on the lot.
A councilmember who visited the site described the lot as heavily treed and located on a cul-de-sac and said the additional driveway would avoid removing more trees and would not negatively affect neighboring properties. The council moved and seconded approval of the variance with the Planning Commission's recommended condition and voted to approve the resolution.
Staff noted the applicant did not provide a survey with the application; staff said a survey is standard procedure but that the Planning Department received the application during an interim staffing period. The council's approval included the condition limiting driveway width to 12 feet.
