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Driveway expansion request tabled after staff suggests narrower compromise
Summary
Stuart Mintz asked for a 195‑sq‑ft front‑yard hardscape variance to widen his driveway; planning staff proposed a 2‑foot widening (about an 80‑sq‑ft change) as a minimal alternative and the commission voted to table the item so the applicant can work with staff on revised plans.
Resident Stuart Mintz requested a 195‑square‑foot hardscape variance June 25 to widen the front driveway at 24115 Woodway Road, saying the existing 15½‑foot driveway makes maneuvering two cars impractical and forces parking on the lawn.
Mintz described the operational difficulty of using a narrow, two‑car garage and asked for relief. City staff reported mixed views: the engineering/building review found no clear hardship that would justify the large variance as presented, while planning staff (Mr. Smarrigan) recommended a much smaller change — widening the driveway by about 2 feet (roughly an 80‑sq‑ft increase) — as the minimum necessary to address Mintz’s need without overpaving the front yard. Staff also noted the property is at or near the site’s hardscape limits in the front yard and emphasized the goal of minimizing additional pavement.
Commission discussion covered enforcement of parking on lawns, measurement questions, and options such as pavers or a smaller widening. Mintz ultimately asked to work with staff and the commission voted to table the application so the applicant can produce a revised plan for the next meeting.
