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Resident seeks exemption after city codes enforcement cites gravel driveway
Summary
A resident whose property on Jalen Street was cited for a gravel driveway told the council he constructed the driveway, was issued a violation in February 2024, received a temporary accommodation for medical reasons, completed remediation and now seeks either a waiver or a less‑costly compliance path.
Robert Ashcraft of Centralia used public comment time Feb. 25 to recount a multi‑year dispute with city code enforcement over a gravel driveway he installed at his home on Jalen Street.
Ashcraft said he bought and fixed a “fixer‑upper” in January 2023 and later installed a gravel driveway where neighbors also have gravel driveways. He said the city cited him in February 2024 and that engineering staff (Patty Page) allowed him extra time after he provided a doctor’s note. Ashcraft said he subsequently rebuilt portions of the driveway and has been in compliance but that he cannot use the driveway and would prefer a modest, low‑cost allowance such as a cyclone fence or a waiver to avoid digging out the driveway entirely.
He asked the council to consider alternatives or waivers for homeowners in similar circumstances. The mayoral panel did not take immediate action; staff offered to follow up if Ashcraft leaves contact information with the city clerk.
