City of Brookhaven City Manager's Office assigned this issue to City of Brookhaven Code Compliance

Code Compliance will investigate.

Odds are, they are allowed to do this. Concrete driveways are allowed based off of percentage of property covered, not whether you like it or not. The real question is why do you feel the need to dictate what people do on private property without any real knowledge of what is allowed and what's not?

Geez Jenn can't someone just ask a question about Code regulations without upsetting you? This concerned citizen is seeking the knowledge you suggest he or she obtain not acting as the dictator you accuse them of being.

Geez Allen, dont you realize how people who have no idea what they are talking about cost taxpayers money by posting items that most likely dont need to be investigated? So at this point someone from the City now has to take 2 hours of their day, gas, and report time to look into something that someone could have just looked up own their own. Instead, they have no idea what they are talking about and post on the internet. Thats my problem with this whole website. Most of these, proof if you read results, are just people complaining about issues that aren't even code related. There are several posts on here about driveways, yet my guess is the people that are complaining are allowed to have the space they need to park it's just the rest of us aren't.

Sorry that this website disturbs you so much Jenn. I, like many who supported incorporation, are thankful that we have concerned citizens like this fella who report possible Code violations. It appears that the he or she did do their research as they cite a Code Section. Do you also expect them to actually go out and take measurements to determine if the Code Section was violated? Fortunately our new city takes the Code seriously (unlike the County) and has professionals to do that.

You're a real hero Alan, keep up the fine work

Per the City's Zoning Ordinance, specifically Section 27-766(b)(7) -

Parking shall not be permitted within the front yard in any single-family residential lot, except within a driveway, or in a roofed carport or enclosed garage. Within any single-family residential (R) district not more than thirty-five (35) percent of the total area between the street right-of-way line and the front of the principal building shall be paved, On any lot where adequate width exists so as meet the geometric design standards of the Institute of Traffic Engineers, a circular driveway shall be permitted, subject to the total driveway coverage authorized herein. However, no parking spaces or parking bays shall be established within any such front yard.

To answer the question presented by the concerned citizen - Parking within a front yard of a residential (single-family) property is not permitted on grass/lawns. Additionally, PAVING of the front yard is limited to a maximum of 35 percent. A front yard is defined by the Zoning Ordinance as the "area extending across the total width of a lot between side lot lines and being that area between the street right-of-way lines and that line or lines established by the front wall or walls of the principal structure projected to intersect the side lot lines." Simply put, the front yard is the area defined by the front property line, side lot lines, and the front facade/wall of the residential dwelling.

The City's Code Enforcement will continue monitoring the area identified for any violations associated with the above-referenced code.

Thanks..will do Bitter Jenny

A question please. Is pea gravel or similar allowed for non-paved parking?

Rick, the specific material you have referenced is up for interpretation. Staff would have to review each request on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a planner with the City to inquire further. Please note however that in addition to a 35 percent front yard "paving" limitation, there is in most instances for single-family residential districts a 35 percent lot coverage for the entire lot. Pea gravel or any gravel/stone/paver material, unless confirmed by the City's Engineer to a correctly installed pervious system, those aforementioned materials will be considered to count against your overall 35 percent lot coverage.

Thank you. I observed that the company "Outdoor Makeover" has been recommending the gravel-over front yard option to customers. Their sign has been in the front yard of a couple homes that have installed gravel parking lots in the front yard.

"Pea gravel", if it is smooth, is not a good choice for paving, auto or pedestrian, because it is slippery. Rough gravel is better since it has lots of edges that "lock in" once in place. That's why railroad ballast is rough so that the track doesn't move as easily.