Board declines to approve 56-foot driveway apron within right-of-way buffer; applicant told to seek next steps

The Green Board of Zoning Appeals did not approve a variance request from homeowner Jeffrey Pritt on Sept. 18 to allow a 56-foot-wide driveway (a 32-foot variance from the 24-foot maximum within 10 feet of the right-of-way) at 6267 Caribou Drive.

Pritt told the board he and his wife purchased a neglected property and engaged a local contractor, PMC Concrete, to rebuild the driveway. The contractor, Pritt said, contacted the Village of Clinton and reportedly received sign-off there; the contractor then proceeded with the pour, producing a 36-foot curb cut plus 10-foot side aprons on each side that together create a 56-foot impervious area within 10 feet of the right-of-way. Pritt said neighbors had provided written support.

Staff from the service and engineering departments warned the board that approving a request of this size could create a precedent and raised specific concerns about increased impervious surface leading to stormwater runoff and the potential to obstruct utility repairs that run under the tree lawn. One staff memo recommended against approval.

The chair moved to approve the variance but no board member seconded the motion; without a second the motion failed and the request was not approved. The chair advised Pritt to obtain records showing prior communications and to consult counsel about appeal options and deadlines.

The board’s decision leaves the constructed driveway in place for now but without a board-approved variance; the applicant was advised to consider potential remedies with the contractor and legal counsel.