Council reviews request for driveway access onto private lane at Embassy Lane

Council members considered a request related to a subdivision off Embassy Lane seeking driveway access to lots that were previously conditioned to have no access from that private lane.

Council members noted the borough subdivision ordinance generally prohibits more than two dwellings off a private lane; staff described that the lots were originally subdivided with the no-access condition and the applicants now seek relief to permit additional driveways. Staff said the situation has recurred and recommended drafting a procedure or code amendment (possible places suggested were stormwater management or property maintenance chapters) to reduce the need for a recurring council vote for encroachment or maintenance agreements.

Council discussed alternatives including issuing a permit for development of existing lots, requiring private‑lane improvements to borough standards before acceptance, and using standard encroachment or stormwater operation-and-maintenance agreements recorded with the county. Council asked staff to propose language so routine agreements can be handled administratively rather than requiring full council action each time. No formal variance or permit decision was made at the work session; staff will draft possible code amendments and return them for review.