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Garrett Park council narrows driveway-permit standards for work in town right-of-way
Summary
Council reviewed prior direction and, after engineering input, agreed interim standards including a minimum two-foot concrete apron where no sidewalk exists, at least five feet of apron where sidewalk exists, and restrictions on circular driveways that would imperil Town-owned trees.
Garrett Park — The Town Council revisited standards for driveway work in the municipal right-of-way on June 8 and agreed on interim measures intended to balance durability, accessibility and resident cost.
Town Manager Barbara B. Matthews summarized February 2026 direction and engineering advice from Clark I Azar, the town’s civil engineering firm. The council heard that a six-inch concrete apron, as proposed by some residents, would likely fail under plow and heavy vehicle loads; Clark I Azar advised a minimum concrete apron length of two feet and cautioned against permitting permeable pavement in the right-of-way because of maintenance concerns and potential damage during roadway repaving. Matthews said the town had historically followed Montgomery County standards that call for concrete to the property line, but there was an expressed desire to be less onerous than county standards.
After extended discussion, the council agreed on the following interim positions: where there is no sidewalk, require a minimum two-foot concrete apron or engineer-approved material at a depth determined by an engineer; where a sidewalk exists, aprons should extend at least five feet back from the road or until they meet the sidewalk; allow pavers only if ADA-compliant and set in seven inches of concrete with a recorded Public Right-of-Way Agreement to hold the town harmless for snow-removal damage; and do not permit circular-drive permits that would imperil Town-owned trees. The council did not finalize how to define a "repair" versus a "replacement" and paused further action to address other agenda items.
Resident Jim Cole, who previously served on the committee that developed the town’s 2013 policy, urged consideration of an appeal process and warned against requirements that would impose significant costs on homeowners. Councilmembers said they supported clear, understandable permitting standards and a predictable process for applicants.
