Driveway / parking pad setback

[Ovidiu]

So I want to extend my current driveway to take advantage of a dead space that I have on the side of the garage. I read the deed restrictions and they say that a 3ft. setback from an interior property line is required for all structures. As a general rule, does this apply to driveways as well? I am asking because I have seen a few houses in the neighborhood where 2 adjacent houses have driveways that are separated by a 1ft patch of grass...

I will post a picture later of what I am trying to do...

 

[nate379]

Does not apply here, just applies for buildings.

 

[PAToyota]

Can vary by jurisdiction, but usually driveways and sidewalks are exempt from setback regulations.

That being said, sometimes even if the driveway is allowed, there is a limit on how close to the property line you can park a vehicle more than temporarily.

 

[Gary S]

Can vary by jurisdiction, but usually driveways and sidewalks are exempt from setback regulations.

I'd agree. The final answer is your local zoning and building regulations. Here, there is a 4' setback from a side property line for buildings, but driveways can go all the way to the property line.

 

[Ovidiu]

So I should call the city then? I'm in Houston by the way...

 

[Ovidiu]

Here's the proposed layout:

1 ft from the fence/property line
the inside line is 3ft from the property line alternate

Let me know if the picture isn't working.

 

[NUTTSGT]

So I should call the city then? I'm in Houston by the way...

Yes, I would.

Sometimes it's cheaper in the long run to ask a few questions in the beginning.

 

[Ovidiu]

Called the city, they said that there's no specific setback rules, it depends on the property and that I should check my survey. Survey says nothing.

 

[harryhood]

call the city again explaining what your survey says and ask for their opinion on the matter.

 

[Iroc-Z]

Good luck. I just got my driveway done with a 10ft X 25ft parking pad on the side of my garage. Man it is so worth it.

 

[FIRE UP]

Hello Boys,
Brand new here. Man, this forum is way cool. I can learn tons of stuff here. I was lurking around for a day or two looking at garage floors and what lots of you have done so, I thought I'd get registered and chime in once in a while. By the way, to the OP here, I don't know what program you drew the layout with but, that's cool too. Great representation of what you're trying to do.
I'd like to know what program it was if I may please. By the way, your layout is almost identical to mine. My driveway does go all the way to the neighbors and my fence. Believe me, it's great to have it like that. I park the M/H on it and still have tons of room. It's great for working on stuff (like the M/H etc) that won't fit in the garage. Anyway, keep up the good info guys. Thanks
Scott​

 

[malibu101]

Agreeing with what was said above.
It's easier (cheaper) in this case to ask permission rather than forgiveness.
If you can't get permission for this, you will not get forgiveness.

 

[blkhonda1991]

set backs normally are for permanent structures, houses, garages, sheds etc. id say you are probably fine paving all the way to your fence as it is not really a structure.

 

[DIC]

In Houston you can go to the property line with the driveway..

 

[rickycobra]

I think you fine just don't go overboard. Thats when you get into messes with your neighbors.

 

[Ovidiu]

I definitely plan on running this by my neighbor and the HOA. I'd rather play friendly and get things done this way than make enemies. Thanks for all the replies guys!

For the person who asked, I am using Google Sketchup to do all the drawings. It's free and easy to use once you get the hang of it.

 

[James E]

Might be a good idea to run a seam in the concrete along the setback/easement line. That way, if the city needs to dig along the line between your and your neighbor's properties, there is a natural break where you can cut the concrete. If there's no cut-line, the city will just tear your driveway up and leave you to pick up the mess.

Just a thought.

 

[blkhonda1991]

Might be a good idea to run a seam in the concrete along the setback/easement line. That way, if the city needs to dig along the line between your and your neighbor's properties, there is a natural break where you can cut the concrete. If there's no cut-line, the city will just tear your driveway up and leave you to pick up the mess.

Just a thought.

this would be a good idea if it was a utility easement but in this case it is just a building setback line and would never have that kind of scenario come up

 

[nate379]

Agree, and at least here if they dig in an easment they HAVE to return the area to similar condition. Replace pavement, lawn, trees, shrubs, etc.