Show All Answers

1. Do I need Planning Commission approval to widen my driveway?

Yes. If you intend to widen your driveway past the width of your garage, you will need Planning Commission approval before the Building Department may issue you a building permit. 

2. What do I need to do to appear before the Planning Commission?

In order to appear before the Planning Commission, you must submit 12 copies of the following items:

• Application to Appear before the Planning Commission
• Letter of intent
• Photos of the existing site
• Site plan

You must also submit a check for $35 made payable to the City of Berea.

3. Why do I need to submit 12 copies?

The 12 copies are distributed to the 7 members of the Planning Commission:

• City Engineer
• Director of Public Safety
• Director of Public Service
• Mayor
• Zoning Administrator

4. Is this a variance?

No. Section 751.04(b) of the Traffic Code requires that Planning Commission approval widening a driveway past the width of the garage. Specifically, 751.04(b) states: “For the purposes of this section, a driveway is limited to the width of the garage extending to the public right of way. Any further extensions of the parking area must be approved by the Municipal Planning Commission.”

5. The Planning Commission approved widening my driveway. When can I obtain my building permit and begin construction?

Because this approval is not a variance, you may obtain your building permit immediately after Planning Commission approval. Once you have your building permit you can begin construction. Please note, you will need to schedule a pre‐pour inspection once the forms are in place and before any concrete is poured. 

You will also need to schedule a final inspection once the driveway is complete.