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Commission approves driveway‑width variance at 3909 Aspen after split debate
Summary
After debate over precedent and walkability, the commission approved a variance to widen the driveway at 3909 Aspen Street to 32.5 feet, reversing staff’s recommendation to deny. The property owner argued the change improves access to five on‑site parking spaces created for an accessory dwelling unit.
The commission approved Planning Variance PV26‑17 on Aug. 6 to widen the driveway at 3909 Aspen Street by 7.5 feet, to a total width of 32.5 feet, despite staff’s recommendation to deny the variance over concerns about precedent and neighborhood walkability.
Benjamin Johnson, project planner, told commissioners staff recommended denial because a wider driveway would remain with the property upon redevelopment and could undermine midtown walkability policy. Owner David Parkerson told the commission the widening would make two marginal spaces accessible and make the driveway safer and more usable; he also noted nearby properties with much wider driveways. "I mean, there's 50 and 60 and 70 foot lay down entrances, no curb," Parkerson said. Several commissioners weighed consistency with prior practice against practical access issues raised by the owner and the prior ADU approval; one motion to deny failed for lack of a second, and a later motion to approve passed. The motion carried and the variance will be recorded per the commission’s action.
