City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 2, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: TARRENCE MOORER, INTERIM DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Section 5-2-14 (Sidewalk Crossovers and Curb Cuts Generally) Chapter 2 (Streets and Sidewalks) of Title 5 (Transportation and Environmental Services).
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ISSUE: Should City Council adopt certain policy updates to the curb cut ordinance with the goal of simplifying the curb cut approval process.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council consider the proposed ordinance (Attachment 2) on first reading and schedule it for second reading, public hearing and final passage on Saturday, May 13, 2023.?
BACKGROUND: Staff propose modifications to the City's ordinance that regulates permitting for curb cuts, which are commonly known as driveway aprons. These amendments are intended to clarify and to streamline the review and approval process.
First, the existing ordinance currently states that individuals can apply for a permit for a curb cut or a "sidewalk crossover" of a curb cut. A sidewalk crossover refers to the portion of a driveway apron that crosses a sidewalk, however, the City does not issue permits solely for sidewalk crossovers. Rather, the City treats sidewalk crossovers as an element of curb cuts and the curb cut permitting process.
Second, the current process regularly involves duplicative and parallel review processes when curb cut applications accompany grading plan submissions, which address surface elevation, drainage and zoning requirements for structures as a part of the land development process.
Lastly, the existing ordinance requires final approval by the City Manager that cannot be delegated to the Dire...
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