Planning commissioners continue review of driveway/gravel ordinance amid legal concerns over 'repair' language
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Summary
Commissioners continued discussion of draft ordinance 55 20 25 (driveways/gravel), debating whether the word 'repair' would create enforcement burdens for existing gravel driveways; members asked the law director to reword language and will return with proposed edits.
On Nov. 17 the Macedonia Planning Commission continued its review of a draft driveway ordinance (identified in the meeting as ordinance 55 20 25) after lengthy debate about how the draft would treat existing gravel driveways and the meaning of the word "repair" in a regulatory context.
Commission members said the city currently lacks clear rules on gravel-driveway width, depth and maintenance. One commissioner, citing state nonconforming-use law, warned that including the word "repair" in the ordinance could require the zoning inspector to issue a certificate of nonconforming use each time a homeowner repaired an existing gravel driveway. That commissioner recommended replacing or removing "repair" and focusing the ordinance on new driveways or abandoned driveways that are being reconstructed.
Other commissioners raised practical concerns about cost burdens on property owners with very long driveways (examples of 150–200 feet were discussed) and asked whether the city could require only a limited paved portion (for example the first 50–100 feet) rather than the entire length. Members suggested options such as containing gravel with railroad ties or limiting gravel width to reduce tracking onto public streets.
Staff and commissioners agreed the draft requires legal refinement. The commission asked members to compile suggested edits and send them to the law director to reword the ordinance to reflect the commission's intent; the item was continued to the next meeting with the goal of returning proposed language after counsel’s redraft. The commission also noted that a separate RV ordinance (listed as 51 20 25 / 55 20 25 in the record) appears to be withdrawn or otherwise inactive.
Next steps: commissioners will submit notes and suggested language to planning staff and the law director; the commission expects a redrafted ordinance in early 2026 if counsel receives suggested edits in December.