ACHD Updated 1/2/19
1
Development Services Department
Project/File: Pleasant View Elementary School / MER18-0112 / H-2018-0123 CUP
Conditional use permit to construct Pleasant View Elementary School
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: Gondola Drive e/o Black Cat Road
Staff Approval: December 31, 2018
Applicant: West Ada School District
Representative: Matt Munger
WH Pacific Engineers
2141 W Airport Way
Boise, ID 83706
Staff Contact: Christy Little
Phone: 387-6144
E-mail: clittle@achdidaho.org
A. Findings of Fact
1. Description of Application: The applicant is requesting conditional use approval to construct a
new public elementary school to accommodate 650 students.
2. Transit: Transit services are not available to serve this site.
3. New Center Lane Miles: The proposed development includes no centerline miles of new public
road.
4. 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).
• Black Cat Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 3-lanes from McMillan Road to SH-
20/26/ Chinden Boulevard between 2026 and 2030.
• Black Cat Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 5-lanes from Ustick Road to McMillan
Road between 2021 and 2025.
• McMillan Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 3-lanes from McDermott Road to Black
Cat Road between 2031 and 2035.
• McMillan Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 3-lanes from Black Cat Road to Ten Mile
Road between 2031 and 2035.
2 Pleasant View Elementary School
• The intersection of SH-20/26/ Chinden Boulevard and Black Cat 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 2026 and 2030.
• The intersection of McMillan Road and Black Cat Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to
4-lanes on the north leg, 4-lanes on the south, 2-lanes east, and 2-lanes on the west leg,
and constructed as a multi-lane roundabout between 2026 and 2030.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. School Checklist: Per Idaho Code 67-6519(3), the applicant provided a School Checklist,
prepared by John Ringert, Kittelson & Associates. In addition to the School Checklist, the
applicant also provided a full TIS. The Checklist is attached.
Recommendations from TIS/Checklist:
• Black Cat Road/SH-20/26 – ensure the signalization of the intersection is completed as
conditioned on other development.
• Install a railing or other buffer element on the north side of the secondary parent drop -off
area to channelize the pedestrians to the designated crossing location.
• Design and maintain shrubbery and landscaping at all access points to ensure adequate
site distance.
• Install a north-south crosswalk and an RRFB beacon at the Gondola Way/middle
driveway intersection (on the east approach) to assist with future pedestrian crossings to
the school.
• Consider use of crossing guards at the Gondola Way/middle driveway intersection when
future residential development occurs. Additional crossing guards at off-site
intersections may also be appropriate in the long term.
• Install a school zone with flashers on Gondola Way.
• Provide access to buses to students within any area of the walk zone not served by
continuous sidewalk or pathways to the school.
• Monitor the need for a future crosswalk and PHB at the following off-site intersections
once the walk zone is extended across the arterial roadways:
o San Vito Way/McMillan Road intersection
o Black Cat Road/Gondola Way intersection
• Implement a plan to communicate to parents regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures
and enforcement as necessary to ensure parents are not dropping off children in non-
designated areas or blocking traffic on Gondola Way.
1. Trip Generation: The school is estimated to generate 1,200 daily vehicle trips; with 435 vehicle
trips per hour in the AM peak hour, and 221 vehicle trips per hour in the PM peak hour, based on
the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 10th edition. (The PM peak
hour of trip generation for an elementary school does not coincide with the PM peak hour of the
adjacent streets.)
3 Pleasant View Elementary School
2. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane minor arterial is “E” (575 VPH).
* Acceptable level of service for a three-lane minor arterial is “E” (720 VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane collector is “D” (425 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 Chinden Boulevard west of Black Cat Road was 19,156
on 02/07/2018.
• The average daily traffic count for Black Cat Road south of Chinden Boulevard was 3,839
on 02/07/2018.
• The average daily traffic count for McMillan Road west of Ten Mile Road was 4,905 on
01/13/2018.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. ITD Comments
The Idaho Transportation Department reviewed the TIS and noted that the school will have
impacts to SH-20/26. Some vehicular movements of the intersection of Black Cat Road/SH-20/26
are failing under existing conditions; and is projected to worsen with the opening of the school in
2020. It is anticipated that the signal will be constructed in 2020 (as a condition placed on other
parties). ITD requests that the intersection of Black Cat Road/SH-20/26 be signalized prior to the
school’s opening.
2. Gondola Way
a. Existing Conditions: Gondola Way is improved with 2-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter, and
a 10-foot wide detached pathway on the north side of the road and 5-foot wide detached
sidewalk on the south side of the road.
b. Policy:
Collector Street Policy: District policy 7206.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all collector frontages adjacent to the site or internal to the development as required
below, regardless of whether access is taken to all of the adjacent streets.
Residential Collector Policy: District policy 7206.5.2 states that the standard street section
for a collector in a residential area shall be 36-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). The District
will consider a 33-foot or 29-foot street section with written fire department approval and
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak
Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level
of Service
**SH-20/26 0-feet Principal
Arterial 1,073 N/A
Black Cat Road 0-feet Minor Arterial 205 Better than
“E”
Gondola Drive 800-feet Collector N/A N/A
4 Pleasant View Elementary School
taking into consideration the needs of the adjacent land use, the projected volumes, the need
for bicycle lanes, and on-street parking.
Sidewalk Policy: District policy 7206.5.6 requires a concrete sidewalks at least 5-feet wide to
be constructed on both sides of all collector streets. A parkway strip at least 6-feet wide
between the back-of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is required to provide increased
safety and protection of pedestrians. Consult the District’s planter width policy if trees are to
be placed within the parkway strip. Sidewalks constructed next to the back-of-curb shall be a
minimum of 7-feet wide.
Detached sidewalks are encouraged and should be parallel to the adjacent roadway.
Meandering sidewalks are discouraged.
A permanent right-of-way easement shall be provided if public sidewalks are placed outside of
the dedicated right-of-way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-
of -way line and 2-feet behind the back edge of the sidewalk. Sidewalks shall either be located
wholly within the public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
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.
Master Street Map and Typologies Policy: District policy 7206.5 states that if the collector
street is designated with a typology on the Master Street Map, that typology shall be
considered for the required street improvements. If there is no typology listed in the Master
Street Map, then standard street sections shall serve as the default.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, collector street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Gondola Way is designated in the
MSM as a Residential Collector with 2-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 36-foot street section.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Gondola Way is fully constructed. The following
improvements/safety measures are required as recommended in the TIS:
• Install a north-south crosswalk and an RRFB beacon at the Gondola Way/middle
driveway intersection (on the east approach).
• Consider use of crossing guards at the Gondola Way/middle driveway intersection when
future residential development occurs. Additional crossing guards at off-site
intersections may also be appropriate in the long term.
• Install a school zone with flashers on Gondola Way.
• Provide access to buses to students within any area of the walk zone not served by
continuous sidewalk or pathways to the school.
• Monitor the need for a future crosswalk and PHB at the following off-site intersections
once the walk zone is extended across the arterial roadways:
o San Vito Way/McMillan Road intersection
o Black Cat Road/Gondola Way intersection
5 Pleasant View Elementary School
3. Driveways
Gondola Way
a. Policy:
Access 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.
District Policy 7206.1 states that the primary function of a collector is to intercept traffic from
the local street system and carry that traffic to the nearest arterial. A secondary function is to
service adjacent property. Access will be limited or controlled. Collectors may also be
designated at bicycle and bus routes.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7206.4.5 Table 1, requires driveways located on
collector roadways with a speed limit of 25 MPH and daily traffic volumes greater than 100
VTD to align or offset a minimum of 245-feet from any existing or proposed driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7206.4.6 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. Curb return type driveways with 30-foot radii will be required for
high-volume driveways with 100 VTD or more. Curb return type driveways with 15-foot radii
will be required for low-volume driveways with less than 100 VTD.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7206.4.6, 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 7206.4.6.
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.
b. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant has revised their site plan and is now proposing 3
driveways on Gondola Way to address emergency service concerns, and improve the overall
circulation. Red arrows on the site plan indicate pedestrian routes.
6 Pleasant View Elementary School
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The TIS indicates that the driveways all meet spacing
requirements, per ACHD policy. The driveway that was added with the recent changes to the
site plan does not meet policy, as it is located 180-feet west of the middle driveway. Policy
requires a minimum offset of 245-feet from other driveways or streets. However, the driveway
is necessary and required for emergency service providers; and the 27% modification to the
dimensional standard can be approved at the staff level by the Development Services
Manager.
All driveways should have appropriate directional and user signage.
Turn lane warrants were evaluated for the driveways, and no turn lanes are warranted for the
school.
To meet sight distance requirements
4. Note to City of Meridian: The City should verify that all driveways (entering and exiting)
have appropriate directional and user signage. The City should also verify that adequate site
distance is maintained at all driveways and that landscaping and signage be located outside of
the site triangles.
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
7 Pleasant View Elementary School
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.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Construct 3 curb return driveways on Gondola Drive, located as proposed on the attached revised
site plan. The driveways should be constructed as curb returns.
2. Install a school zone with flashers on Gondola Way.
3. Install a north-south crosswalk and an RRFB beacon at the Gondola Way/middle driveway
intersection (on the east approach).
4. Consider use of crossing guards at the Gondola Way/middle driveway intersection when future
residential development occurs. Additional crossing guards at off-site intersections may also be
appropriate in the long term.
5. Provide access to buses to students within any area of the walk zone not served by continuous
sidewalk or pathways to the school.
6. Monitor the need for a future crosswalk and PHB at the following off-site intersections once the
walk zone is extended across the arterial roadways:
a. San Vito Way/McMillan Road intersection
b. Black Cat Road/Gondola Way intersection
7. The West Ada School District shall be responsible for all costs associated with the design,
hardware, and construction of any pedestrian facilities needed to accommodate future pedestrian
needs of the school. This includes flashing beacons, crosswalk striping and signage, and HAWK
signals or RRFBs.
8. Submit civil plans to ACHD Development Services for review and approval. The impact fee
assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
9. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit. (ACHD and the West Ada
School District have a Waiver of Fee Agreement in place.)
10. 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.
8 Pleasant View Elementary School
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.
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 confirmati on 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
9 Pleasant View Elementary School
VICINITY MAP
10 Pleasant View Elementary School
REVISED SITE PLAN
11 Pleasant View Elementary School
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.
12 Pleasant View Elementary School
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 an d 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.
13 Pleasant View Elementary School
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.
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
45 Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES
Idaho Code 67-6519(3) requires specific elements to be studied for school facilities, some of which are
beyond ACHD TIS requirements. The topics listed below are required to be addressed as part of the
transportation impact study for a new school. Topics that have been addressed in previous sections of
this report are identified but are not repeated in this section. Idaho Code requirements for school study
evaluation are:
1. Land use master plan
2. School bus plan
3. Access safety
4. Pedestrian plan
5. Crossing guard plan
6. Barriers between the highways and the school
7. Location of the school zone
8. Need for a flashing beacon
9. Need for traffic control
10. Anticipated future improvements
11. Speed on adjacent highways
12. Traffic volumes on adjacent highways
13. Effect upon a highway’s level of service
14. Need for acceleration or deceleration lanes
15. Internal traffic circulation
16. Anticipated development on surrounding undeveloped parcels
17. Zoning in the vicinity
18. Access control on adjacent highways
19. Required striping and signing modifications
20. Funding for highway improvements to accommodate the development
21. Proposed highway projects in the project vicinity
1. Land Use Master Plan
The proposed site is located in the City of Meridian in Ada County. This site is currently vacant within a
developing subdivision of single family houses. The site is currently zoned as medium density residential
with a planned school according to the City of Meridian Zoning Map (Reference 7). The site is surrounded
by medium density residential development with existing residential development to the east and new
residential development under construction to the south and southeast.
2. School bus plan
The bus circulation, parent drop-off circulation, and key on-site pedestrian routes are shown in Figure 7.
School buses at the elementary school will utilize a separate loading loop that will share access to
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
46 Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Gondola Drive with the parking area for staff. The school bus loop design is separate from the parent
loading loop and does not conflict with the primary on-site pedestrian corridors.
The bus staging and loading area has been designed to accommodate 7 bus vehicles at one time which
exceeds the estimate of six buses that will serve the school.
Further information regarding the need for providing bus service in the attendance area is provided in
the pedestrian plan.
3. Access Safety
The main site access points that will provide access to the elementary school do not exist today;
therefore, the safety of the site’s driveways was reviewed by evaluating the estimated potential
intersection sight distance based on concept design plans and current conditions. The design and
projected operations of the proposed access points was also reviewed against ACHD standards to ensure
they met all applicable requirements. Intersection sight distance was reviewed at the proposed site
access points on Gondola Drive.
According to A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets by AASHTO (Reference 2) the required
intersection sight distance for a street with a speed of 25mph is 280 feet. Looking west and east along
Gondola Drive, sight distance at both accesses is approximately 350 feet in both directions. It should be
noted that the measurements were taken from a location approximately 15 feet from the edge of the
travel way per AASHTO policy and not where a future stop bar may be located. Due to the high vinyl
fences along the roadway, exiting vehicles will have to pull up into the sidewalk/pathway crossing area
in order utilize the available intersection sight distance. Exhibit 1 provide the view to the west and east
of Gondola Drive from the approximate location of the two site accesses.
Looking west along Gondola Drive Looking east along Gondola Drive
Exhibit 1. Sight Distance at the Proposed Site Access A/Gondola Drive Intersection
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
47 Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Looking west along Gondola Drive Looking east along Gondola Drive
The following recommendations have been identified to ensure adequate safety and operation at the
site access points, internal intersections, and roadways:
Remove miscellaneous vegetation and shrubbery, and potential obstructions along Gondola
Drive as necessary to maintain adequate intersection sight distance.
4. Pedestrian Plan
The pedestrian plan is comprised of the on-site pedestrian circulation and the off-site pedestrian
accessibility.
On-Site Pedestrian Circulation
The bus circulation, student parking, staff parking, parent drop-off circulation, and key on-site pedestrian
routes are shown in Figure 7. The bus loop is separated from the parent drop-off loop and key pedestrian
routes. The key pedestrian routes from the parking lots to the school do not require crossing either drop-
off/loading area.
Parent drop-off circulation is a challenge for all schools because of the high amount activity that occurs
in a short peak of 15 to 20 minutes. The parent drop-off circulation has been designed so that students
are dropped off curbside at the building from the passenger side of their vehicles and avoid the need for
them to walk across the drop-off area. While the secondary drop-off is located on an island south of the
primary drop-off, a designated crosswalk is proposed to ensure student don’t cut-through between
loading vehicles.
The following on-site pedestrian elements should be considered:
Site design elements or a railing on the north side of the secondary parent drop-off area to
channelize the pedestrians to the designated crossing location.
Exhibit 2. Sight Distance at the Proposed Site Access B/Gondola Drive Intersection
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
48 Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Communication to parents regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures and enforcement as
necessary to ensure parents are not dropping off children in non-designated areas or blocking
traffic on Gondola Way.
Off-Site Pedestrian Accessibility
While sidewalks are present along Gondola Way and San Vito Way, there are significant gaps in sidewalks
on McMillan Road, Black Cat Road and Chinden Boulevard within the typical 1.5 mile walk zone.
Additionally, within the square mile where the school is located, the local street system is still lacking
connectivity. Therefore, access to buses by students within the typical walk zone will be required until
the sidewalk and pathway system is completed in the area. Homes along Gondola Way and San Vito Way
have sidewalk connections and therefore do not require bus access.
As the area builds out and sidewalks are provided, pedestrian activity is anticipated to increase. Based on
the development patterns within the future walk zone area, the following are recommended:
Site Access A: Provision of a north-south crosswalk and consideration for a rectangular rapid flash
beacon (RRFB) for the crossing of Gondola Drive. This could also be used by crossing guards.
San Vito Way/McMillan Road: Consideration for a future Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to serve
future north-south pedestrian crossing from the neighborhood that is just starting to be
developed on the south side of McMillan Road. The pedestrian crossing volumes are not expected
to meet MUTCD guidelines for a PHB at opening of the school but are expected to increase as
development occurs south of McMillan Road. A PHB would not be needed if a traffic signa is
installed in the future.
Gondola Drive/Black Cat Road: Planning for a future Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to serve
future east-west pedestrian crossing form the future neighborhood to be developed on the west
side of Black Cat Road. The traffic volumes on Black Cat Road and pedestrian crossing volumes
are not projected to meet MUTCD guidelines for a PHB at opening of the school. The need for this
beacon would be driven by future development and could be conditioned on future residential
development.
5. Crossing Guard Plan
The Meridian School District provides crossing guards at key crossing locations for elementary schools.
Based on the evaluation of pedestrian routes, the following locations are recommended for consideration
for crossing guards:
The intersection of Gondola Drive/Site Access A to assist the crossing of the uncontrolled east-
west traffic movements at Gondola Way for students using the sidewalk on the south side of
Gondola Way.
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
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Crossing guards may also be considered reviewed at the following arterial crossing locations depending
on future development and number of students crossing, bus availability, and whether PHB’s or signals
are installed:
The San Vito Way/McMillan Road intersection when the subdivision south of McMillan Road is
developed and the number of students that cross increases.
The Black Cat Road/Gondola Way intersection depending on future development.
6. Barriers between the Highway and the Schools
No highways are in the surrounding area of the school. As such, physical barriers between the school and
the nearby streets are not needed.
7-8. Location of the School Zone and Flashing Beacon
The location and design of school zones will be addressed during the design review process for the school
based on direction from ACHD staff. The ultimate development and approval of school zones will be
through ACHD in cooperation with the West Ada School District. Therefore, this section serves to provide
guidance with respect to the key elements that should be included in the evaluation of the need for a
designated school zone. Common factors that are considered when evaluating the need for a school zone
include:
Volume of students walking along the roadway during school hours.
Proximity of the school to a roadway with a speed higher than 20 mph.
Proximity of unfenced play fields adjacent to the roadway.
A marked crosswalk that is not protected by a traffic signal or stop sign that will be used by
students.
Age of school level students walking along the roadway or in proximity to the roadway.
Given these factors, a school zone should be considered on Gondola Drive. The school zone should meet
the applicable criteria in the manual of uniform traffic control devices (MUTCD) and start a minimum of
approximately 200 feet either side of the school property. Sign and beacon locations may need to be
adjusted due to location of side streets and other geometric elements.
The school zone should be accompanied by a flashing beacon, which his standard for most school zones
in Ada County.
Additionally, school zones should be considered at potential PHB crossings at the San Vito Way/McMillan
Road intersection and future Black Cat Road/Gondola Way intersection which should be reviewed at the
time marked crosswalks and/or PHB’s are installed crossing McMillan Road and Black Cat Road.
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
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9. Need for a Traffic Control Signal
As identified in the previous sections of this report, all of the elementary school site access points are
forecast to operate acceptably as stop controlled driveways.
10-14. Improvements, Speed, Traffic Volumes, Levels of Service, and Need for Acceleration
or Deceleration Lanes
See previous sections of this study that document these steps.
15. Internal Traffic Circulation
See previous sections of this study that documents internal traffic circulation.
16. Anticipated Development
See previous sections of this study that document the proposed development.
17. Zoning in the Vicinity
According to the City of Meriden zoning map zoning in the vicinity of the site is as follows:
The site is zoned medium density residential.
The areas surrounding the site are similar with medium and medium-low density residential.
18. Access Control on Adjacent Highways
There is no access control on the adjacent streets although ACHD Policy Manual identifies minimum
access spacing for Collector Roadways. See the Site Access Spacing section of this report for a detailed
evaluation of the site access driveway locations.
19. Required Striping and Signing Modifications
Off-site intersection modifications are outlined in the previous section of this report. The following on-
site striping and signing modifications are recommended:
Signing and striping of crosswalk locations.
On-site signing and pavement markings for the parent drop-off/pick-up identifying circulation
direction, the bypass lane, and curb loading area.
On-site signing and pavement markings for the bus drop-off/pick-up identifying circulation
direction, the bypass lane, and loading area.
Pleasant View Elementary School September 2018
Special Considerations for School District Facilities
51 Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Signing and striping associated with the recommendations regarding RRFB’s, PHB’s and school
zone.
20. Funding of Highway Improvements to Accommodate Development
Funding for the improvements will be provided by the development.
21. Proposed Highway Projects in the Vicinity
See Planned Roadway Improvements section of this study.