County to advertise access‑management code changes that would require paved access and clarify driveway classes

The Alachua County Board voted June 9 to advertise changes that move external access‑management language from the Unified Land Development Code to the administrative code and to clarify standards for when developments must connect to paved streets built to county specifications.

Senior transportation planner Jessica Klutz told the board the update clarifies the county’s authority and addresses public‑works concerns about large developments on unpaved, substandard roads. "All new subdivisions, lots in subdivisions, multifamily development, and new nonresidential developments shall be accessed via a paved public street or a private paved street constructed to county specifications," Klutz said, while noting exceptions for limited family‑homestead splits and small rural subdivisions (up to a defined lot count).

The administrative‑code draft also clarifies traffic‑impact study methodology, updates technical references, and explicitly requires bicycle and pedestrian facility provisions tied to the county’s street‑design table (or payment‑in‑lieu where appropriate). Klutz described updated driveway class thresholds (e.g., class‑1 defined as roughly 40 trips/day) and a new class‑4 category for major road modifications requiring additional staff review.

Board members asked about enforcement and exceptions for long rural driveways and signage if entrances are offset from business access points. Klutz said family‑homestead subdivisions and certain small rural lot exceptions remain in place and that staff would follow up on signage and specific technical concerns.

The board approved the request to advertise the amendments for a public hearing.