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Commission considers driveway variance as applicant seeks second drive and possible speed‑limit change
Summary
An applicant requested a variance to add a second driveway on a 5‑acre parcel to support a lot split; staff outlined county driveway-separation standards and sight‑distance concerns and the applicant offered to support a lower speed limit on Southeast 15th.
The planning commission on Dec. 12 heard a variance request (DAP‑2025‑01) seeking an additional driveway to allow a future lot split on a 5‑acre parcel.
Staff described the request as unusual but noted similar grandfathered driveways exist in older parts of the county. The county standard discussed in the hearing requires 200 feet of separation between driveways when creating new lots; staff measured approximately 118 feet to the adjacent west driveway and roughly 240 feet to the next driveway to the east. The county engineer’s safety concern about adding driveways on section-line roads—here subject to a 45 mph speed limit—was relayed, with staff noting sight-distance is generally acceptable but the engineer favors limiting the number of driveway cuts for safety.
Applicant David Eaton said he and his wife proposed the additional driveway so they could build a second house and rent the existing home; he said he would not oppose lowering the speed limit on that section of Southeast 15th if that would address safety concerns.
A motion to approve the variance was made and the roll‑call portion of the record shows recorded votes of yes from Gary Jewell and Greg Davidson and a no from Paul Foster; the transcript excerpt does not clearly capture all members’ individual votes or a formal final announcement of outcome.
Next steps: If the variance proceeds, the applicants will still need to pursue subsequent approvals (staff noted the Board of Adjustment would need to consider lot-width exceptions if the lot does not meet width requirements). The commission’s recorded discussion emphasized safety, sight distance and existing grandfathered driveways in older county areas.
