Resident asks council to dismiss fine for unpermitted driveway; item set for council review

Bloomfield — During public comment a resident asked the Bloomfield City Council whether a municipal fine issued for an unpermitted driveway could be dismissed, saying a family member performed the work without a permit and later obtained the paperwork.

The resident said the work involved spreading gravel that extended about a foot into the street and installing a driveway without first obtaining required building and curb-cut permits. City staff and council members explained the city requires a building permit for ground disturbance and a separate curb-cut permit to modify the curb for a driveway approach.

Staff told the resident that current practice assigns a municipal infraction fine to the property owner; council and staff discussed changing enforcement so that fines could instead go to contractors in the future, but no ordinance change was acted on during the meeting. Staff reported that the homeowner later obtained a permit at City Hall; the resident said their grandfather had not realized permits and locates were required.

Council said it could not take immediate action because the matter was not on the published agenda and agreed to place the issue on the agenda for the next meeting (in approximately two weeks). Council instructed staff to coordinate with the Board of Public Works (BPW) and the director of public works (Jeff) to explore possible resolutions and whether a compromise or fine adjustment was warranted.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights how permit enforcement is applied in practice, which party (homeowner or contractor) is held financially responsible and whether the city should change fine assignment or enforcement steps to avoid repeat violations.

What’s next: The council will formally discuss the case at the next scheduled meeting and staff will report back with options after conferring with BPW and the director of public works.