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Commission approves wider multifamily driveways with permeability requirement; staff to revisit single-family rules
Summary
On final reading the commission approved Ordinance 25-07 amending right-of-way rules to allow multifamily driveways up to 38 feet wide (with 5x5-foot flares) provided any additional width beyond 18 feet uses at least 10% permeable material. Commissioners asked staff to return with options for single-family properties.
The City Commission on July 14 adopted Ordinance 25-07 on final reading to amend the city’s land-development rules for residential driveways in the public right of way.
Under the revised rule the maximum driveway width allowed in the right of way remains 18 feet for single-family homes. For multifamily residences (duplexes and larger) the city will now allow a driveway width up to 38 feet in the right of way, with a maximum 5-by-5-foot flare on each side. The ordinance requires that any additional driveway area beyond the standard 18-foot width must consist of material with at least 10% permeability (for example, permeable pavers) to reduce stormwater runoff.
The amendment passed unanimously after an extended public discussion and a commission amendment that raised the multifamily width from a previously proposed 26 feet to 38 feet. Commissioners and staff described the change as a response to narrow lots and the prevalence of buildings without garages — particularly on the island side of the city — that historically forced residents to park across their front yards or on the street.
City staff and the public debated how to handle situations not directly covered by the ordinance, including existing driveways that exceed the 18-foot standard, round/curved driveways, parking pads, and requests for widths beyond 38 feet. The public-works director and city attorney advised the commission that the city already permits right-of-way permits handled by public works on a case-by-case basis and that any future exceptions should be reflected in objective code language to prevent inconsistent administrative approvals.
Commissioners directed staff to draft a companion code update on single-family driveways and grandfathering language so property owners who previously installed wider driveways are not forced into retroactive changes. They also asked staff to prepare clear design standards (for example, a paving ribbon or edge detail) so private permeable materials will survive road milling or reconstruction and to consider a standard for aprons to protect the road edge.
The ordinance amends Appendix A, Article 6 of the city’s Land Development Regulations and becomes effective on the date specified in the ordinance language.
