PRINCIPLE NO. 14 Alternative and Shared Driveways
Reduce imperviousness by promoting alternative driveway surfaces and shared driveways that connect two or more homes together.
Notes:
Most local subdivision codes are not very explicit as to how driveways must be designed. Most simply require a standard apron to connect the street to the driveway but do not specify width or surface material for driveways. Typical residential driveways range from 12 feet wide for one car driveways and 20 feet for two. Shared driveways are discouraged or prohibited by many communities.
Shared driveways can reduce impervious cover and should be encouraged with enforceable maintenance agreements and easements. Secondly, the typical 400-800 square feet of impervious cover per driveway can be minimized by specifying narrower driveway widths, reducing the length of driveways and front setbacks (see principle #13), and providing incentives for permeable paving materials.