2019-09-12 ACHD Staff Report
1 Idaho Fine Arts Academy/ISU Parking
Lot Expansion Rezone/ MER19-0063/
H-2019-0088
Development Services Department
Project/File: Idaho Fine Arts Academy & ISU Parking Lot Rezone/ MER19-0063/ H-2019-0088
This is a rezone application to allow for 19-acres to be rezoned to C-G.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 915 E. Central Drive
Staff Approval: September 12, 2019
Applicant: Joe Yochum
West Ada School District
1303 E. Central Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
Representative: Jessica Heggie
Hummel Architects
2785 N. Bogus Basin Road
Boise, ID 83702
Staff Contact: Dawn Battles
Phone: 387-6218
E-mail: dbattes@achdidaho.org
A. Findings of Fact
1. Description of Application: The applicant is requesting approval of a rezone application from I-
L (Light Industrial) to C-G (General Retail and Service Commercial) for the construction of the Idaho
Fine Arts Academy, an overflow parking lot for Idaho State University and the future expansion of
the West Ada School District’s Services Center. The proposed rezone is consistent with the City of
Meridian’s comprehensive plan.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North General Retail and Service Commercial C-G
South General Retail and Service Commercial & Limited Office C-G & L-O
East General Retail and Service Commercial C-G
West General Retail and Service Commercial C-G
3. Site History: ACHD previously reviewed this site as MER19-0037/ A-2019-0171 in May 2019 and
MPP19-0008/ H-2019-0045 for a 2-lot preliminary plat in April 2019. The requirements of this staff
report are generally consistent with those of the prior action.
4. Adjacent Development: The following developments are pending or underway in the vicinity of
the site:
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• ICOM Parking Expansion, located northeast of the site was approved by ACHD in March
2019.
5. Transit: Transit services are available to serve this site via route 41 and 42.
6. Pathway Crossings: United States Access Board R304.5.1.2 Shared Use Paths. In shared use
paths, the width of curb ramps runs and blended transitions shall be equal to the width of the shared
use path.
AASHTO's Guidelines for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 5.3.5 Other Intersection
Treatments: The opening of a shared use path at the roadway should be at least the same width
as the shared use path itself. If a curb ramp is provided, the ramp should be the full width of the
path, not including any flared sides if utilized. . . . Detectable warnings should be placed across the
full width of the ramp.
FHWA's "Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access" (1999) reflected common ADA-related
concepts: Chapter 6, Page 16-6: The width of the ramp should be at least as wide as the average
width of the trail to improve safety for users who will be traveling at various speeds. In addition, the
overall width of the trail should be increased, so the curb ramp can be slightly offset to the side. The
increased width reduces conflict at the intersection by providing more space for users at the bottom
of the ramp.
7. New Center Lane Miles: The proposed development includes 0 centerline miles of new public
road.
8. Impact Fees: There will be an impact fee that is assessed and due prior to issuance of any building
permits. The assessed impact fee will be based on the impact fee ordinance that is in effect at that
time.
9. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
• Locust Grove Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes from Victory Road to
Overland Road in 2022.
• The intersection of Overland Road and Locust Grove Road is listed in the CIP to be widened
to 7-lanes on the north leg, 7-lanes on the south, 8-lanes east, and 7-lanes on the west leg,
and signalized between 2026 and 2030.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Traffic Impact Study: Per Idaho Code 67-6519(3) and ACHD policy the applicant should be
required to submit a traffic impact study for the West Ada School District’s proposed Idaho Fine Arts
Academy. It is recommended that the applicant submit the traffic impact study directly to ACHD for
review and approval prior to the submittal of a conditional use permit/certificate of zoning
compliance applications to the City of Meridian.
2. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a five-lane minor arterial is “E” (1,540 VPH).
* Acceptable level of service for a three-lane collector is “D” (530 VPH).
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level of
Service
Locust Grove Road 0-feet Minor Arterial 1,147 Better than “E”
Central Drive 913-feet Collector 276 Better than “D”
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3. Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT)
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD’s most current traffic counts.
• The average daily traffic count for Locust Grove Road north of Overland Road was 21,588 on
April 12, 2017.
• The average daily traffic count for Central Drive west of Locust Grove Road was 5,599 on
April 25, 2017.
C. Findings for Consideration
This application is for rezone only. Listed below are some of the findings for consideration that the District
may identify when it reviews a future development application. The District may add additional findings
for consideration when it reviews a specific redevelopment application.
1. Central Drive
a. Existing Conditions: Central Drive is improved with 3-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter, and 7-
foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 48-feet of right-of-way for Central Drive (28-feet
from centerline).
ACHD previously reviewed this site for the ISU Parking Lot Expansion and approved the
construction of a new driveway located at the sites east property line with a dedicated right-turn
lane and required the closure of a driveway onto Central Drive located on the adjacent parcel
(35-feet east of the east property line). There are two existing driveways from the site onto
Central Drive located 240-feet and 710-feet west of the east property line.
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.
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.
Sidewalk Policy: District policy 7206.5.6 requires 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.
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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 30 MPH and daily traffic volumes greater than 100 VTD
to align or offset a minimum of 260-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.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to utilize the two existing driveways onto
Central drive by connecting the driveways with the construction of an on-site, one-way drive
aisle that will provide circulation for the dropping off and loading area for the future school; Idaho
Fine Art Academy.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The driveway onto Central Drive located 240-feet west
of the previously approved driveway located at the east property line does not meet District
Successive Driveway policy; however, staff will review the proposed driveway location with the
submission of the development application for the Idaho Fine Arts Academy.
2. 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.
3. 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.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
This application is for a rezone only. The District may add additional findings for consideration when it
reviews a specific development application. Site Specific Conditions will be established at that time.
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1. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
2. 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.
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.
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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 u tility 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.