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Board grants driveway variances at 1130 Shawano Avenue, citing safety on busy arterial
Summary
The board granted variances allowing a shared paved driveway up to 13.5 feet in places at 1130 Shawano Avenue after neighbors and the applicant testified Shawano Avenue carries heavy traffic and a wider shared driveway would improve safety and snow removal; the board required documentation of a shared‑driveway easement.
The Green Bay Zoning and Planning Board of Appeals granted variances for driveway width and a shared‑driveway arrangement at 1130 Shawano Avenue, finding safety concerns on Shawano Avenue and the narrow lot configuration supported relief.
City staff reviewed code sections governing driveway width and minimum setbacks for narrow lots and said that while driveways that do not lead directly to garages are typically capped at 12 feet, the applicant’s proposed reconstruction includes areas that reach up to 13.5 feet in width. Staff also noted that shared‑driveway approvals require a recorded easement with the register of deeds if a variance is approved.
Applicant Abigail Jackson, who said she has owned the property since 2001, told the board the properties are narrow and that a paved shared driveway would improve navigation and safety for residents and guests, particularly given Shawano’s traffic. Neighbor Paul Neururer, who provided photographs and measurements, told the board work by DOT shows "9,000 plus cars a day" on Shawano and described frequent high speeds and emergency‑vehicle traffic; he said a shared, paved driveway would improve safety, snow removal and maintenance.
Board members discussed preservation of intent, exceptional circumstances and safety considerations specific to Shawano Avenue. Several members concluded the site’s traffic conditions and narrow lot configuration provided the exceptional circumstance and moved to approve both variances as requested; the motion carried with two opposed. The board recorded that a shared‑driveway easement and any associated legal documents would need to be recorded and finalized with staff.
Staff will work with the applicant to record any required easement and finalize conditions of approval.
