A local homeowner learned Tuesday that the rain falling on his property may have pushed the lot beyond its permitted impervious-surface limit.
The problem was discovered after a routine measurement found that the driveway, front walk, patio and one unusually confident puddle collectively covered 38.7 percent of the property. The maximum permitted coverage was described as “38 percent, depending on how firmly the inspector is holding the tape measure.”
“I assumed the water would leave,” said homeowner Reed Permeable. “But once it reflected the sky, they counted it as an accessory structure.”
A surface-level solution
Officials presented Permeable with several options. He may remove six inches of driveway, replace the patio with an emotionally permeable surface or submit a drainage study demonstrating that the puddle has no intention of becoming permanent.
His proposal to drill holes in the concrete was returned because the holes were circular and the neighborhood design manual strongly prefers traditional rectangular infiltration.
Neighbors expressed sympathy but warned that granting relief could establish a precedent. “First it is one puddle,” said nearby resident Sandy Loam. “Then everybody wants somewhere for the rain to go.”
The matter will proceed to a hearing next month. Until then, Permeable has covered the puddle with a tasteful canvas awning, increasing the lot coverage by another 2.4 percent.
More civic procedure awaits.
Explore the archive. No drainage study required.