Politics & Government

Committee Will Explore Driveway Variance

Residents are not happy with an ordinance that dictates how much concrete they can use for their driveways. A village committee will look at the issue next month.

Members of the Legislative and Licensing Committee will talk about private driveways and a potential variance that could allow concrete drives to meet roadways where there are culverts.

Residents at last week's Village Board meeting asked trustees to either revise the current ordinance or add a variance for review on a case-by-case basis.

Currently, village ordinance governing driveways that extend over culverts says concrete is not allowed over the culvert and instead the drive must be gravel for a certain number of feet.

Village Engineer Mike Hayek explained that concrete is too heavy for the culverts and that there might also be issues with right-of-way and future maintenance. He also noted that several homeowners were forced to tear out their driveways because they extended their concrete too far.

"You have to remember that staff is following the ordinances the board passes," Village Administrator Mark Janiuk pointed out.

Trustee Tom Weatherston pointed out that the ordinance has been looked at time and time again to no avail, but he did agree that an variance might be the way to go.

The Legislative and Licensing Committee will take up the matter at their September meeting.




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