What should I do about the lack of driveway?

Question

This house has no driveway. An appraiser told me I should add one. The only place would be behind this double gate, but you see there is no access from the road. The concrete is just a curb to the road, not a ramp like a driveway, then there is just grass up to the sidewalk.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e1eazi00eb9lb64/0704181737.jpg?dl=0

JD Martin · Answer

That's exactly what I would do. Question: why is the fencing on both properties so far from the road? Is that a city sidewalk and a city median strip between the sidewalk and street or is that part of your property? If that's a city mandated median size it looks ridiculous; if it were my property, and there's no prohibition, I would plant out that strip after I put the driveway in. You need a curb cut, which is probably a permit from the city, and based on what I see of that house and the neighborhood in your picture I would do pea gravel, and maybe a concrete apron from the curb cut to the sidewalk.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Me , I would just bring it to the front corner of the house , 2 cars wide and a walkway to the front steps

Vinay H. · Answer

Are you trying to buy this property or sell it or refinance it? I wouldn't add a driveway just for refi or even to sell.

I am not sure the cost will justify the increase in valuation and I am pretty sure you won't getter significantly higher rent because of driveway. So please study the numbers carefully

Katie Neason · Answer

Call the city planning department, tell them you need a curb cut and find out what the requirements are to get the curb cut and what materials are allowed for a driveway.

Tyler Mullen · Answer

Most places you can't just cut into a curb without a permit.   "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

https://www.seattle.gov/dpd/permits/permittypes/cu...

http://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Public+Works/Publ...

Patrick Philip · Answer

Do you think I should end the driveway at the front of the house? Or bring it to the back of the house where the shed is?

Matthew Paul · Answer

I would first get rid of the chain link fence in the front. Then saw cut the curb and put in a 2 car driveway , stone , asphalt or concrete depending on your budget

What should I do about the lack of driveway?

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