Council denies special‑exception request for steep Glenwild driveway after incomplete inspections

The County Council on Sept. 24 denied a special‑exception request from a Glenwild property owner for a constructed driveway with slopes exceeding 12 percent and a first‑20‑foot slope over 5 percent.

County engineering staff presented the case: the applicant’s contractor asked county staff about options after survey work showed an elevation discrepancy late in construction. Staff told the contractor that either the contractor should correct the grading to match approved plans or pursue a formal variance; staff also said a mandatory pre‑surface inspection was required before the pour. Staff said the contractor poured the remainder of the drive despite those directions and without a pre‑surface inspection.

Brandon Brady, county engineering, told the council the required pre‑surface inspection had not been requested before the pour; he said county staff later advised removing the last sections and correcting the grades but the contractor completed the pour. Council members concluded the special‑exception criteria were not met: the request failed to meet standards tied to public health and safety and to unique hardship; council members said they expected strict compliance with the code and inspection steps.

Council action: the council voted to deny the special exception. Staff said they will work with the HOA and contractor on any remediation required to bring the driveway into compliance and to resolve roadway tie‑in issues.

Ending: Special‑exception request denied. Staff to coordinate remediation steps with the property owner, contractor and Glenwild HOA.