Bella Vista City Council Amends Driveway Grade Requirements
Bella Vista, AR – During the regular meeting the Bella Vista City Council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 107 of the city's Code of Ordinances to modify driveway grade requirements. This decision follows recommendations from the Planning Commission and the City Engineer, along with public input collected through a survey.
The new ordinance allows for steeper driveways under specific conditions, addressing concerns from residents about access and safety. The maximum driveway grade is now set at 14 percent, with potential administrative modifications:
For downhill or depressed driveways, the grade can be increased by up to three percent, reaching a total maximum of 17 percent.
For uphill or elevated driveways, the grade can be increased by up to six percent, reaching a total maximum of 20 percent.
The ordinance specifies that these modifications can be granted by the City Engineer or their designee in cases of undue hardship, excluding financial costs. The changes aim to ensure residents can access their properties safely without causing damage to their vehicles.
This amendment was driven by community feedback and aims to balance the need for accessibility with the practical challenges posed by Bella Vista's topography. The ordinance will be enforced through inspections during the building permit process to ensure compliance with the new standards.
