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Resident asks to pour 23-by-10-ft parking pad in Howard Avenue right-of-way; council raises safety and precedent concerns
Summary
Swisher resident Dave Smith requested permission to pour a 23-by-10-foot concrete pad for parking that would sit between a new sidewalk and his fence in the Howard Avenue right-of-way. Council discussed curb, gutter and sidewalk plans, slab thickening for vehicle crossings, possible need for Board of Adjustments review and concerns about setting a precedent for other residents.
Dave Smith told the Swisher City Council on July 22 he wants permission to place a 23-by-10-foot concrete pad between the new sidewalk and his fence on Howard Avenue to provide extra off-street parking.
Smith described the pad as extending from the edge of his barn to the first street tree and confirmed it would sit between the sidewalk and his fence. Council members and staff clarified that the Howard Avenue reconstruction will include curb, gutter and a widened roadway (increasing to about 31 feet) and a sidewalk against the curb. Staff cautioned that if a pad requires a vehicle crossing over a sidewalk it would need a thickened slab to match driveway standards, adding construction cost, and that unchecked approvals on the right-of-way could create future precedent for other residents wanting pads or driveway-like improvements on city property.
Planning and public-works staff reviewed the property-line and right-of-way mapping in council chambers and noted the pad as proposed would fall within city right-of-way. Council discussed alternatives: (1) pour on private property where feasible; (2) coordinate with the citys contractor so resident work can be considered during construction on Division/Howard projects; or (3) pursue a formal variance or a Board of Adjustments review if the pad altered setback requirements or created a nonconforming condition.
No formal permit or council approval was recorded that evening to allow construction in the right-of-way. Council members said staff would consult the engineer and contractor, and the resident should coordinate through the established permitting process; if a variance is needed the Board of Adjustments application carries a fee and may not be granted. Council also expressed concern about long-term liability and possible heavier vehicles using the pad over time.
The applicant was advised to work with the contractor when they mobilize for the street-widening project, and council emphasized any permanent work that crosses a public sidewalk should match thicker driveway construction standards. Staff said they would follow up with the resident after consulting the engineer and the contractor.
