PZ - ACHD
1 Fire Station No. 6/ MER18-0026/ H-2018-0083
Development Services Department
Project/File: Fire Station No. 6/ MER18-0026/ H-2018-0083
This is a conditional use permit application to construct Fire Station No. 6, located on
1.7 acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 1435 W. Overland Road
Staff Approval: August 28, 2018
Applicant: Division Chief Charlie Butterfield
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
Representative: Gunnar Gladics
Pivot North Architecture
1101 W. Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702
Staff Contact: Dawn Battles
Phone: 387-6218
E-mail: dbattles@achdidaho.org
A. Findings of Fact
1. Description of Application: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to construct
Fire Station No. 6 located on 1.7 acres. The proposed zoning is consistent with the City of
Meridian’s comprehensive plan.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North Light industrial I-L
South Medium high-density residential R-15
East Medium-density residential R-8
West Rural-urban transition (Ada County) RUT
3. Site History: ACHD staff previously reviewed this site as Fire Station No. 6/ H-2018-0016 in
March 2018. The requirements of this staff report are consistent with those of the prior action.
4. Adjacent Development: The following developments are pending or underway in the vicinity of
the site:
• Fall Creek Subdivision, consisting of 296 residential lots located south of the site, was
approved by ACHD in March of 2013.
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• Southridge Estates Subdivision, consisting of 169 residential lots located west of the site,
was approved by ACHD in January 2015.
• Fall Creek Meadows, consisting of 95 residential lots located directly south of the site was
approved by ACHD in March 2016.
• Harmony Hills Assisted Living facility, consisting of 70 single bed units located northeast of
the site was approved by ACHD in June 2016.
5. Transit: Transit services are available to serve this site via route 40.
6. New Center Lane Miles: The proposed development includes 0 centerline miles of new public
road.
7. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
There are no roadways, bridges or intersections in the general vicinity of the project that are in the
Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP).
• Linder Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 5-lanes from Victory Road to Overland
Road between 2021 and 2025.
• The intersection of Overland Road and Linder Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 5-
lanes on the north leg, 5-lanes on the south, 6-lanes east, and 6-lanes on the west leg, and
signalized between 2031 and 2035.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a five-lane principal arterial is “E” (1,780 VPH).
2. Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT)
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD’s most current traffic counts.
• The average daily traffic count for Overland Road east of Linder Road was 8,957 on
February 7, 2018.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. South Meridian Transportation Plan
The South Meridian Transportation Plan (SMTP) is a long range planning tool used to identify
future roadway, intersection, and corridor needs in the South Meridian Area. Providing a
framework for future roadway improvements based on the land use designations. The plan was
created in collaboration with the City of Meridian and was adopted by the ACHD Commission in
September of 2009.
2. Overland Road
a. Existing Conditions: Overland Road is improved with 5-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter,
and 7-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 109-feet of right-of-way for Overland
Road (62-feet from centerline).
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak
Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level
of Service
Existing
Plus
Project
Overland Road 218-feet Principal
Arterial 637 Better than
“E”
Better than
“E”
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b. Policy:
Arterial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of whether or not access is t aken
to all of the adjacent streets.
Master Street Map and Typology Policy: District Policy 7205.5 states that the design of
improvements for arterials shall be in accordance with District standards, including the Master
Street Map and Livable Streets Design Guide. The developer or engineer should contact the
District before starting any design.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Width Policy: District Policies 7205.2.1 & 7205.5.2 state
that the standard 7-lane street section shall be 96-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) within
120-feet of right-of-way. This width typically accommodates three travel lanes in each
direction, a continuous raised or landscaped median with intermittent turn lanes, and safety
shoulders.
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to
existing streets adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These improvements
are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk construction
or replacement; curb and gutter construction or replacement; replacement of unused
driveways with curb, gutter and sidewalk; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps;
pavement repairs; signs; traffic control devices; and other similar items.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, arterial street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Overland Road is designated in the
MSM as a Commercial Arterial with 7-lanes.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is not proposing any improvements to Overland Road
abutting the site.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Overland Road is already improved with 5-lanes,
vertical curb, gutter and 7-foot wide attached sidewalk abutting the site. Therefore, no
additional right-of-way or street improvements are required with this application.
The applicant should be required to repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities,
including curb, gutter and sidewalk on Overland Road abutting the site.
3. Emergency Signals
a. The applicant should be required to install standard warning signs, flashers and signals on
Overland Road for the fire station. All costs associated with these improvements shall be
borne by the applicant. The applicant shall submit plans to ACHD for review and approval.
4. Driveways
3.1 Overland Road
a. Existing Conditions: There is an existing 26-foot wide driveway from the site onto Overland
Road located approximately 451-feet east of Linder Road (measured centerline-to-centerline).
b. Policy
Access Points Policy: District Policy 7205.4.1 states that all access points associated with
development applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section
and Section 7202. Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is
being considered by the lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated
and/or restricted in the future if the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
Access Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 states that direct access to principal arterials is
typically prohibited. If a property has frontage on more than one street, access shall be taken
from the street having the lesser functional classification. If it is necessary to take access to
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the higher classified street due to a lack of frontage, the minimum allowable spacing shall be
based on Table 1b under District policy 7205.4.7, unless a waiver for the access point has
been approved by the District Commission. Driveways, when approved on a principal arterial
shall operate as a right-in/right-out only, and the District will require the construction of a
raised median to restrict the left turning movements.
Driveway Location Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 requires driveways located on principal
arterial roadways to be located a minimum of 355-feet from the nearest intersection for a right-
in/right-out only driveway. Full-access driveways are not allowed on principal arterial
roadways.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7205.4.7 Table 1b, requires driveways located on
principal arterial roadways with a speed limit of 45 MPH to align or offset a minimum of 450-
feet from any existing or proposed driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7205.4.8 restricts high-volume driveways (100 VTD or
more) to a maximum width of 36-feet and low-volume driveways (less than 100 VTD) to a
maximum width of 30-feet.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7205.4.8, the applicant should be required to pave the driveway its full width and at least 30-
feet into the site beyond the edge of pavement of the roadway and install pavement tapers in
accordance with Table 2 under District Policy 7205.4.8.
c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct a 51-foot wide curb return
type driveway from the site onto Overland Road located 393-feet east of Linder Road
(measured centerline-to-centerline) and a 25-foot wide curb return type driveway from the site
onto Overland Road located 508-feet east of Linder Road (measured centerline-to-centerline).
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal does not meet District
Access Management, Successive Driveway, Driveway Location, or Width policies; however,
staff recommends a modification of policy to allow the driveways to be located as proposed
because of the nature of the use and the low volume of vehicle trips. The driveway width of
51-feet is necessary due to the number of emergency vehicles on site and the wider turning
radius of the emergency vehicles; and the 25-foot wide driveway is necessary to provide
better circulation to the site. It is recommended that the applicant examine the need for a 51-
foot wide driveway, and reduce the width if possible for pedestrian safety.
The applicant should close the existing 26-foot wide driveway from the site onto Overland
Road with vertical curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide sidewalk.
5. Tree Planters
Tree Planter Policy: Tree Planter Policy: The District’s Tree Planter Policy prohibits all trees in
planters less than 8-feet in width without the installation of root barriers. Class II trees may be
allowed in planters with a minimum width of 8-feet, and Class I and Class III trees may be allowed
in planters with a minimum width of 10-feet.
6. Landscaping
Landscaping Policy: A license agreement is required for all landscaping proposed within ACHD
right-of-way or easement areas. Trees shall be located no closer than 10-feet from all public
storm drain facilities. Landscaping should be designed to eliminate site obstructions in the vision
triangle at intersections. District Policy 5104.3.1 requires a 40-foot vision triangle and a 3-foot
height restriction on all landscaping located at an uncontrolled intersection and a 50-foot offset
from stop signs. Landscape plans are required with the submittal of civil plans and must meet all
District requirements prior to signature of the final plat and/or approval of the civil plans.
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7. Other Access
Overland Road is classified as a principal arterial roadway. Other than the access specifically
approved with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to this roadway.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities, including curb, gutter and sidewalk on
Overland Road abutting the site.
2. Install standard warning signs, flashers and signals for the fire station on Overland Road. All
costs associated with these improvements shall be borne by the applicant. The applicant shall
submit plans to ACHD for review and approval.
3. Construct a 51-foot wide curb return type driveway on Overland Road located 393-feet east of
Linder Road.
4. Construct a 25-foot wide curb return type driveway from the site onto Overland Road located 508-
feet east of Linder Road.
5. Close the existing 26-foot wide driveway from the site onto Overland Road located approximately
451-feet east of Linder Road with vertical curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide sidewalk.
6. Other than the access specifically approved with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to
Overland Road.
7. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
8. Comply with all Standard Conditions of Approval.
E. Standard Conditions of Approval
1. All proposed irrigation facilities shall be located outside of the ACHD right-of-way (including all
easements). Any existing irrigation facilities shall be relocated outside of the ACHD right-of-way
(including all easements).
2. Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the
ACHD right-of-way.
3. In accordance with District policy, 7203.3, the applicant may be required to update any existing
non-compliant pedestrian improvements abutting the site to meet current Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The applicant’s engineer should provide documentation of
ADA compliance to District Development Review staff for review.
4. Replace any existing damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk and any that may be damaged during
the construction of the proposed development. Contact Construction Services at 387-6280 (with
file number) for details.
5. A license agreement and compliance with the District’s Tree Planter policy is required for all
landscaping proposed within ACHD right-of-way or easement areas.
6. All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be
borne by the developer.
7. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify all existing utilities within the right-of-way. The
applicant at no cost to ACHD shall repair existing utilities damaged by the applicant. The
applicant shall be required to call DIGLINE (1-811-342-1585) at least two full business days prior
to breaking ground within ACHD right-of-way. The applicant shall contact ACHD Traffic
Operations 387-6190 in the event any ACHD conduits (spare or filled) are compromised during
any phase of construction.
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8. Utility street cuts in pavement less than five years old are not allowed unless approved in writing
by the District. Contact the District’s Utility Coordinator at 387-6258 (with file numbers) for details.
9. All design and construction shall be in accordance with the ACHD Policy Manual, ISPWC
Standards and approved supplements, Construction Services procedures and all applicable
ACHD Standards unless specifically waived herein. An engineer registered in the State of Idaho
shall prepare and certify all improvement plans.
10. Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
11. No change in the terms and conditions of this approval shall be valid unless they are in writing
and signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized representative and an authorized
representative of ACHD. The burden shall be upon the applicant to obtain written confirmation of
any change from ACHD.
12. If the site plan or use should change in the future, ACHD Planning Review will review the site plan
and may require additional improvements to the transportation system at that time. Any change in
the planned use of the property which is the subject of this application, shall require the applicant
to comply with ACHD Policy and Standard Conditions of Approval in place at that time unless a
waiver/variance of the requirements or other legal relief is granted by the ACHD Commission.
F. Conclusions of Law
1. The proposed site plan is approved, if all of the Site Specific and Standard Conditions of Approval
are satisfied.
2. ACHD requirements are intended to assure that the proposed use/development will not place an
undue burden on the existing vehicular transportation system within the vicinity impacted by the
proposed development.
G. Attachments
1. Vicinity Map
2. Site Plan
3. Utility Coordinating Council
4. Development Process Checklist
5. Appeal Guidelines
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VICINITY MAP
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SITE PLAN
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Ada County Utility Coordinating Council
Developer/Local Improvement District
Right of Way Improvements Guideline Request
Purpose: To develop the necessary avenue for proper notification to utilities of local highway
and road improvements, to help the utilities in budgeting and to clarify the already existing process.
1) Notification: Within five (5) working days upon notification of required right of way
improvements by Highway entities, developers shall provide written notification to the affected
utility owners and the Ada County Utility Coordinating Council (UCC). Notification shall include
but not be limited to, project limits, scope of roadway improvements/project, anticipated
construction dates, and any portions critical to the right of way improvements and coordination
of utilities.
2) Plan Review: The developer shall provide the highway entities and all utility owners with
preliminary project plans and schedule a plan review conference. Depending on the scale of
utility improvements, a plan review conference may not be necessary, as determined by the
utility owners. Conference notification shall also be sent to the UCC. During the review meeting
the developer shall notify utilities of the status of right of way/easement acquisition necessary
for their project. At the plan review conference each company shall have the right to appeal,
adjust and/or negotiate with the developer on its own behalf. Each utility shall provide the
developer with a letter of review indicating the costs and time required for relocation of its
facilities. Said letter of review is to be provided within thirty calendar days after the date of the
plan review conference.
3) Revisions: The developer is responsible to provide utilities with any revisions to preliminary
plans. Utilities may request an updated plan review meeting if revisions are made in the
preliminary plans which affect the utility relocation requirements. Utilities shall have thirty days
after receiving the revisions to review and comment thereon.
4) Final Notification: The developer will provide highway entities, utility owners and the UCC with
final notification of its intent to proceed with right of way improvements and include the
anticipated date work will commence. This notification shall indicate that the work to be
performed shall be pursuant to final approved plans by the highway entity. The developer shall
schedule a preconstruction meeting prior to right of way improvements. Utility relocation activity
shall be completed within the times established during the preconstruction meeting, unless
otherwise agreed upon.
Notification to the Ada County UCC can be sent to: 50 S. Cole Rd. Boise 83707, or Visit
iducc.com for e-mail notification information.
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Development Process Checklist
Items Completed to Date:
Submit a development application to a City or to Ada County
The City or the County will transmit the development application to ACHD
The ACHD Planning Review Section will receive the development application to review
The Planning Review Section will do one of the following:
Send a “No Review” letter to the applicant stating that there are no site specific conditions of approval at
this time.
Write a Staff Level report analyzing the impacts of the development on the transportation system and
evaluating the proposal for its conformance to District Policy.
Write a Commission Level report analyzing the impacts of the development on the transportation system
and evaluating the proposal for its conformance to District Policy.
Items to be completed by Applicant:
For ALL development applications, including those receiving a “No Review” letter:
• The applicant should submit one set of engineered plans directly to ACHD for review by the Development
Review Section for plan review and assessment of impact fees. (Note: if there are no site improvements
required by ACHD, then architectural plans may be submitted for purposes of impact fee assessment.)
• The applicant is required to get a permit from Construction Services (ACHD) for ANY work in the right-of-
way, including, but not limited to, driveway approaches, street improvements and utility cuts.
Pay Impact Fees prior to issuance of building permit. Impact fees cannot be paid prior to plan review approval.
DID YOU REMEMBER:
Construction (Non-Subdivisions)
Driveway or Property Approach(s)
• Submit a “Driveway Approach Request” form to ACHD Construction (for approval by Development Services & Traffic
Services). There is a one week turnaround for this approval.
Working in the ACHD Right-of-Way
• Four business days prior to starting work have a bonded contractor submit a “Temporary Highway Use Permit
Application” to ACHD Construction – Permits along with:
a) Traffic Control Plan
b) An Erosion & Sediment Control Narrative & Plat, done by a Certified Plan Designer, if trench is >50’ or you
are placing >600 sf of concrete or asphalt.
Construction (Subdivisions)
Sediment & Erosion Submittal
• At least one week prior to setting up a Pre-Construction Meeting an Erosion & Sediment Control Narrative & Plan,
done by a Certified Plan Designer, must be turned into ACHD Construction to be reviewed and approved by the ACHD
Stormwater Section.
Idaho Power Company
• Vic Steelman at Idaho Power must have his IPCO approved set of subdivision utility plans prior to Pre-Con being
scheduled.
Final Approval from Development Services is required prior to scheduling a Pre-Con.
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Request for Appeal of Staff Decision
1. Appeal of Staff Decision: The Commission shall hear and decide appeals by an applicant of
the final decision made by the Development Services Manager when it is alleged that the
Development Services Manager did not properly apply this section 7101.6, did not consider all
of the relevant facts presented, made an error of fact or law, abused discretion or acted
arbitrarily and capriciously in the interpretation or enforcement of the ACHD Policy Manual.
a. Filing Fee: The Commission may, from time to time, set reasonable fees to be charged
the applicant for the processing of appeals, to cover administrative costs.
b. Initiation: An appeal is initiated by the filing of a written notice of appeal with the
Secretary and Clerk of the District, which must be filed within ten (10) working days from
the date of the decision that is the subject of the appeal. The notice of appeal shall refer
to the decision being appealed, identify the appellant by name, address and telephone
number and state the grounds for the appeal. The grounds shall include a written
summary of the provisions of the policy relevant to the appeal and/or the facts and law
relied upon and shall include a written argument in support of the appeal. The
Commission shall not consider a notice of appeal that does not comply with the
provisions of this subsection.
c. Time to Reply: The Development Services Manager shall have ten (10) working days
from the date of the filing of the notice of appeal to reply to the notice of the appeal, and
may during such time meet with the appellant to discuss the matter, and may also
consider and/or modify the decision that is being appealed. A copy of the reply and any
modifications to the decision being appealed will be provided to the appellant prior to the
Commission hearing on the appeal.
d. Notice of Hearing: Unless otherwise agreed to by the appellant, the hearing of the
appeal will be noticed and scheduled on the Commission agenda at a regular meeting to
be held within thirty (30) days following the delivery to the appellant of the Development
Services Manager’s reply to the notice of appeal. A copy of the decision being appealed,
the notice of appeal and the reply shall be delivered to the Commission at least one (1)
week prior to the hearing.
e. Action by Commission: Following the hearing, the Commission shall either affirm or
reverse, in whole or part, or otherwise modify, amend or supplement the decision being
appealed, as such action is adequately supported by the law and evidence presented at
the hearing.