Long driveway rules could change for some homes
The Township Board has considered changes to the rules for residential driveways longer than 125 feet. The proposal would reduce the required width but make the maximum slope stricter. These rules apply when a resident builds a new home or does a major renovation. A final decision on the proposal from the April 13, 2026 meeting is not yet documented in the provided records.
Current status Still pending
What this is Long driveway rules could change for some homes
Timeline
- Proposal introduced and public notice approved from agenda · published Feb 9, 2026
- Proposal introduced again from agenda · published Mar 5, 2026
- Board review and possible vote listed from agenda · published Apr 9, 2026
This item appeared at a past meeting, but minutes or final action evidence are not in the local record yet. Action may have been taken not yet represented here.
Key facts
- The proposed amendments would apply to residential driveways 125 feet or longer when a building permit is required for new construction or for a renovation valued at more than 50% of the State Equalized Value.
- The minimum required driveway width would be reduced from 14 feet to 12 feet.
- The maximum permitted driveway grade would be lowered from 10% to 7%.
- A minimum weight capacity of 75,000 pounds for fire apparatus support would be established, where no minimum was previously set.
- The Township Engineer would be granted authority to require review of stormwater infrastructure like culverts and bridges.
- A resident submitted a letter of concern that the stricter grade requirement could make it impractical for homeowners on steep lots to get permits for home improvements.
Discretion or exceptions
- The Fire Chief may grant a variance from the standards if a property owner demonstrates "undue hardship caused by the unique physical characteristics of the property."
- Decisions made by the Fire Chief regarding this ordinance can be appealed to the Township Board.
- The Township Engineer would have the discretion to allow a gravel driveway instead of pavement if the soil is sufficient to support fire trucks, and may also require culverts and erosion controls.
Who could be affected
- Residents with driveways longer than 125 feet who are planning to build a new home or undertake a major renovation.
- Property owners on lots with steep terrain, who may find it difficult to meet the proposed maximum grade requirement.
What could change
- The minimum required width for long driveways would be reduced from 14 feet to 12 feet.
- The maximum allowed grade, or steepness, for these driveways would be lowered from 10% to 7%.
- Driveways would be explicitly required to support the weight of a 75,000-pound fire truck. The previous ordinance did not specify a minimum weight.
- The Township Engineer would be given authority to require property owners to install culverts and other stormwater controls for these driveways.
- A resident submitted a letter of concern that the stricter grade requirement could make it impractical for owners of existing homes on steep lots to get permits for future improvements without needing a variance.
What to watch
- If adopted, when would the new rules take effect?
- What specific criteria, beyond "undue hardship," would the Fire Chief use when deciding on a variance request for a steep driveway?
- How does the township plan to handle existing homes on steep lots that may need variances for future improvements, as raised in a resident's letter of concern?
Questions to check
- The proposed ordinance states it would become effective upon publication. If adopted, the exact effective date is not specified in the documents.
Main source pages
These packet pages are the main source material for this item.
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Ordinance amendments for emergency vehicle driveway access
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Memo and ordinance amendment documents clearly supporting this agenda item
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Community Development memo and ordinance clearly support this agenda item.
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
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Provide the second reading and consider proposed amendments to the current regulations for emergency access driveways, Chapter 18, Article VII, Section 18-152
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AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 18-152 OF THE PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES At a regular meeting of the Plainfield Charter Township Board, Kent County, Michigan, held in the Township Hall on the ___ day of _______________, 2026, commencing at _____ p.m., the following Ordinance was offered for adoption by Township Board Member __________________________, and was seconded by Township Board Member _____…
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Ordinance, and to allow better access for emergency vehicles. Recommendation. Staff recommends that the Township Board provide the first reading and authorize the publication of notice for the proposed amendments. Attachment 4917-1476-7990, v. 1 ARTICLE VII. - EMERGENCY VEHICLE DRIVEWAY ACCESS Sec. 18-150. - Preamble. The township finds and declares that the interests of public health, safety and welfare of the citi…
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February 09, 2026 Board Agenda, page 34 4917-1476-7990, v. 1 ARTICLE VII. - EMERGENCY VEHICLE DRIVEWAY ACCESS Sec. 18-150. - Preamble. The township finds and declares that the interests of public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township require that long residential driveways be constructed so as to ensure adequate access to public safety vehicles. (Ord. No. 842, § 1, 6-6-2011) Sec. 18-151. - Defin…
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RE: Emergency Access Driveway Ordinance Second Reading and Consideration of Amendments This is a request for the Township Board to provide the second reading and consider an Ordinance to Amend for proposed amendments to the current regulations for emergency access driveways, Chapter 18, Article V II, Section 18-152. A letter of concern is also included in this packet. The Community Development and Fire Departments,…
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RE: Emergency Access Driveway Ordinance Amendments First Reading and Authorize Publication This is a request for the Township Board to authorize the first reading and publication of notice for proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances to amend the current regulations for emergency access driveway requirements, Chapter 18, Article VII, Section 18-152. The Community Development and Fire Departments, with assistanc…
Meeting history
Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Provide first reading and authorize publication for proposed amendments to Chapter 18, Article VII, Emergency Vehicle Driveway Access, Section 18-152 (Design Standards), in the Code of Ordinances Provide first reading and authorize publication for proposed amendments to Chapter 18, Article VII, Emergency Vehicle Driveway Access, Section 18-152 (Design Standa…
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Provide first reading and authorize publication for proposed amendments to Chapter 18, Article VII, Emergency Vehicle Driveway Access, Section 18-152 (Design Standards), in the Code of Ordinances Provide first reading and authorize publication for proposed amendments to Chapter 18, Article VII, Emergency Vehicle Driveway Access, Section 18-152 (Design Standa…
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Provide the second reading and consider proposed amendments to the current regulations for emergency access driveways, Chapter 18, Article VII, Section 18-152 Provide the second reading and consider proposed amendments to the current regulations for emergency access driveways, Chapter 18, Article VII, Section 18-152
Accuracy note
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