(A) Purpose. Driveway permits allow the city to inspect work done in the public road right-of-way, protect the public by setting and enforcing construction standards, and ensure proper pavement construction.
(B) Initiation of proceedings. A request for a driveway permit shall be initiated by application of the property owner or other person having authority to file an application pursuant to authority to file applications.
(C) In general. A driveway permit shall be required for the initial construction, reconstruction of reconfiguration of any driveway that will cross into a public road right-of-way and that was not approved as part of a site plan or a preliminary plat.
(D) Application.
(1) All applications for a driveway permit shall be in accordance with the common review requirements and be on the form provided by the Engineering Department.
(2) In addition to general review requirements, applications for a driveway permit shall also include the following except as exempted by the Engineering Department:
(a) A site plan (or certified site survey if required by the Engineering Department) at a scale and in quantities deemed necessary by the Engineering Department showing lot dimensions and the lot area in square feet;
(b) A site plan (or certified site survey if required by the Engineering Department) at a scale and in quantities deemed necessary by the Engineering Department showing lot dimensions and the lot area in square feet;
(c) Location of all existing buildings, landscaping, screening and natural features as directed by the Engineering Department (including but not limited to woodlands, wetlands, shorelines, and individual trees which may be impacted by the proposed driveway or parking lot construction);
(d) Location of the existing driveway (if applicable), the proposed driveway and the square footage of each;
(e) Location of existing public sidewalks and trails;
(f) Calculation of the existing and proposed impervious surface coverage on the lot;
(g) Identify existing and proposed curb types specifically calling out proposed changes to existing facilities.
(E) Review criteria. Approval of a driveway permit shall be based on:
(1) Whether the proposed driveway permit is consistent with all the requirements of this chapter and any other city code requirements;
(2) Whether the proposed driveway permit is in compliance with all engineering standards adopted by the city;
(3) Whether the proposed driveway permit is in compliance with any previous approvals for the facility (e.g. Adding parking as previously approved by a conditional use permit).
(F) Driveway permit review process.
(1) The Engineering Department shall review all driveway permit applications.
(2) Applications determined to conform to the review criteria shall be approved by the Engineering Department with any conditions deemed necessary. A copy of the approved permit with all conditions and comments shall be provided to the applicant.
(3) Applications not conforming to the review criteria shall be denied by the Engineering Department. A notice of denial including reasons shall be provided to the applicant.
(G) Reasonable conditions. In approving a driveway permit, the Engineering Department may impose such reasonable conditions and requirements as it deems necessary and appropriate to ensure continued compliance with the driveway permit review criteria.
(H) Effect of driveway permit approval. The issuance of a driveway permit shall authorize only the changes approved by the Engineering Department as depicted by the application materials.
(I) Time limit.
(1) Failure to complete driveway or parking lot improvements within six months of the date of approval will invalidate the permit.
(2) Upon written request, one extension of six months may be granted by the Engineering Department if the applicant can show good cause.
(J) Amendments. All requested amendments to an existing driveway permit shall be processed in the same manner as a new application.
(K) Unauthorized work. Work done without the authorization of a permit and/or found to be out of conformance with approved plans shall be halted and subject to the remedies and penalties described in this chapter. Driveways or parking lots being built out of conformance shall be brought into conformance.
(L) Appeal. The applicant for a grading permit may appeal the decision of the Engineering Department to the City Council.
(Ord. 1040, passed 1-5-16)