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Committee approves shared-driveway variance for East Grand Ridge lots; county board will decide Sept. 9
Summary
The Animal Control, Highway and Transit Committee approved a variance to Grundy County's highway access spacing rules so two adjacent lots at East Grand Ridge may share a permanent driveway; the committee voted to forward the item to the County Board meeting on Sept. 9 for final approval.
The Animal Control, Highway and Transit Committee approved a variance to Grundy County Highway Access Regulation on a request that would allow two adjacent lots at East Grand Ridge to share a permanent driveway, and forwarded the measure to the County Board for final action on Sept. 9.
County highway staff told the committee that a temporary access had been authorized on Oct. 16, 2020, while the property owner pursues a permanent entrance permit. Staff said spacing rules on that road require 1,320 feet between private entrances and that lot splits made it impossible to meet spacing without a shared access. "He was notified that prior to any residency, he has to come and get an actual entrance permit and a variance request," the staff member said.
The committee discussed precedent for shared access in similar subdivisions and on other county roads, and considered practical details including a shared culvert estimated at 30 to 40 feet. Committee members and nearby landowners discussed septic placement, the location of a telephone pole at the property line, and safety concerns near the nearby railroad tracks and State Route 47.
A motion that the east side of Lot 19 and the west side of Lot 20 be combined for shared access was made and seconded. The committee voted in favor; the chair said the committee vote will be submitted to the county board at its Sept. 9 meeting at 6 p.m., and, if approved there, staff will issue the signed variance and entrance permit.
County staff and committee members emphasized that the lot with the existing temporary entrance (Lot 19) still must apply for a permanent permit and an official variance before occupancy would be finalized. Staff also noted that a permanent shared culvert configuration would be required and that ongoing maintenance agreements were typically recorded when shared drives are approved.
If the County Board approves the committee recommendation, staff said they would provide the exact permit and construction requirements to the property owner so the driveway work can proceed under county regulation.
