Commission approves George Street access-drive waiver contingent on state entrance permit

The Charles Town Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 24 to approve a waiver (WV2024-05) that allows a single private access drive to serve four single-family lots on South George Street. The waiver is required because the proposed access drive would be closer than the ordinance’s 100‑foot minimum distance to the nearest intersection.

Staff explained four criteria for granting a waiver — public benefit, no adverse effect on health or safety, consistency with the ordinance’s intent, and improved project quality — and recommended approval conditioned on the Division of Highways issuing an entrance permit for the access drive. Staff noted the waiver reduces the number of curb cuts (from four driveways to one shared access) and the applicant has scheduled a DOH site visit.

Commissioners asked how shared maintenance for the access drive would be guaranteed; staff said maintenance agreements and appropriate deed language would be required before final approvals. The commission also confirmed that sidewalks along the lots’ frontage will be required and that stormwater retention requirements still apply because of the lots’ topography.

James explained the recommendation and the contingency: "Recommendation is for approval subject to a condition. Approval of the waiver is contingent upon approval of an entrance permit for the access drive by the division of highways." The motion to approve the waiver contingent on that entrance permit passed unanimously.