Is there a way to "unstamp" stamp concrete?

I have a buddy who just put in a new stamp concrete driveway.

However, he did not pass final inspection because the city does not want the driveway apron to be stamp concrete. So basically they said the driveway within his property line can be stamp concrete, but the portion of the driveway outside of his property line cannot be stamp and need to be either smooth concrete or asphalt.

The city wanted the stamp concrete portion removed, and repoured.

I am wondering is it possible to do something to remove the "pattern" of the stamp concrete to make it smooth? Something to fill in the grooves?

I don't think the driveway can take another layer over it because it is matching the pavement on one side and the sidewalk on the other side so a "bump" up will not be a good idea.

 

I think the solution is a concrete saw and a jack hammer.

 

Asphalt would be the cheapest solution. I'm a little surprised the concrete finisher didn't know the regs for the city portion of the driveway. Most places I've worked also require that portion of the drive to be 6" thick. I don't recall ever seeing an apron that was stamped. An overlay might do ok in the grooves but I'd expect it to pop off of the rest in no time..... and I doubt the city would accept that type of fix.

 

The contractor made a mistake. He needs to correct it on his dime. The correction should be one that won't fail such as a thin overlay which might not last or asphalt which might look out of place,

 

It likely needs torn out and redone, that's the only solution that will satisfy the city. I agree with Ray that if a contractor did this job, it should be on their dime.

Your buddy was let down on several levels.
First, the contractor should have been certified to work on public roads.
Second, I'm surprised the city inspector was not on site to observe pour.

 

My parents had their driveway replaced a few years ago and the contractor knew all of the local ordinances about the different areas of the driveway - your buddy's contractor should have as well.