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Council asks staff to review curb-cut policy and move most approvals to staff
Summary
Councilor Sabrina Wheeler's policy order asking staff to review curb-cut approvals, permeable-surface requirements and possible administrative delegation passed unanimously; councilors said the change would streamline technical approvals and protect transportation goals.
Councilor Sabrina Wheeler brought forward a policy order asking the City Manager to direct staff to review Cambridge's curb-cut policies and return with proposed updates and draft ordinance language. The order specifically requests examination of whether the council should stop approving every individual curb cut, require permeable surfacing for new driveways, and designate city staff as the final approval authority for routine curb cuts.
Councilors from multiple neighborhoods supported the motion, saying the council's current role in approving technical driveway changes politicizes otherwise routine decisions. "Our council has to approve every individual curb cut — that's not what Somerville or Boston does," Wheeler said, adding that staff told her there are reasonable technical updates that could meet transportation and sustainability goals. Councilor Toner urged clearer rules on who constitutes a neighborhood association for notice purposes.
The motion passed unanimously; staff will return with recommendations and proposed ordinance language for council review.
