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3. A variance for a gravel driveway; code requires driveways to be constructed of cement or <br />asphalt, applicant shows a gravel driveway leading up to a concrete pad in front of the <br />existing garage, Section 1135.02(B)(2)(b). <br />4. A 15 ft. variance for a driveway extending further than the most distant point of the garage <br />from the access street, code does not permit, Section 1135.02(B)(2)(d). <br />The applicant is proposing to demolish an existing garage and construct a new detached garage <br />with a driveway extension. Code allows garages up to 750 square feet. The applicant proposes <br />816 square feet. Additionally, the placement of the garage is too close to the side lot line; 5 feet <br />is required and the applicant shows three feet. A portion of the existing drive is concrete and the <br />drive closest to the street is gravel. The applicant proposes to retain the gravel; however, the code <br />requires that any new garage be served by a paved drive. Finally, the applicant intends to place <br />concrete beyond the garage, toward the rear property line. Code does not permit drives to extend <br />beyond the furthest point of the garage. <br />Mr. Barone has lived in the home for 27 years and has a three car wide driveway going to the <br />existing garage. By building the new garage in the same location, he believes it will be more <br />aesthetically pleasing. The additional square footage is requested to have more storage and not <br />have to build an addition later on. He maintains the gravel driveway and there are other gravel <br />driveways in the neighborhood. He would like to buy a boat in the future and the concrete pad <br />proposed on the back of the garage would be used for its storage. Mr. Grusenmeyer explained <br />that gravel driveways are a general ongoing enforcement issue because the defined area tends to <br />expand over time. Ms. Lieber agreed and she did not think there was a practical difficulty <br />preventing the owner from installing a paved driveway. Mr. Barone said that would be 75 feet of <br />concrete that would be needed and it would be an extra cost. <br />An email was received from Patricia Spencer at 4325 Root Road requesting property line <br />confirmation prior to plan approval. Mr. Grusenmeyer explained that the owners will need to <br />identify property pins or establish where the property lines are prior to plan approval. <br />Mr. Papotto asked why the garage could not be shifted over to meet the side yard setback, Mr. <br />Barone said it is proposed where the current garage is to limit vehicle maneuvering and be <br />aesthetically pleasing. He could add a transition to move the garage over to meet the setback. <br />Ms. Barone said they would like to keep the left side of the garage where it is currently to enjoy <br />their backyard. Mr. Allain asked if removing the existing garage would remove the <br />grandfathered status of the gravel driveway. Ms. Lieber said that is true and a new garage must <br />be serviced by a hard surface, not gravel. <br />Mr. Papotto did not think there was a hardship for the side yard setback, especially since the <br />neighbor is concerned about the property lines. He was not opposed to the gravel driveway since <br />there are other gravel driveways in the neighborhood. He understood the additional cost of the <br />additional concrete for the driveway but the applicants were proposing an additional pad in the <br />back. Ms. Patton was concerned about the additional concrete pad and the long term effects of <br />permitting the gravel driveway. She appreciated the need for the concrete pad for storing a boat <br />behind the garage, Mr. Mackey agreed. <br />