PZ - Text Amendment Proposal (002)UDC Text Amendment Request
UDC-11-6C-3
We are proposing a change to the text of the Meridian Unified Development Code that limits streets ending in
cul-de-sacs to 450 feet in length. The purpose of this change would be to allow the Meridian Planning and
Zoning Commission and City Council some flexibility in approval of development projects that have been well
thought out and designed, but, because of access limitations specific to the parcel, would not be able to be
fully developed because of the current code limitations. This change will allow property owners, Meridian
Planning and Zoning Commission and the Meridian City Council more flexibility when developing parcels with
access limitations.
Silver Springs Preliminary Plat Proposals
Plan A Plan B
Current code is stated as follows:
11-6C-3
B. 4. Cul-De-Sacs: No streets or series of streets that ends in a cul-de-sac or a dead end shall be
longer than four hundred fifty feet (450’).
Our proposed change to the text:
B.4. Cul-De-Sacs: No streets or series of streets that ends in a cul-de-sac or a dead end shall be
longer than five hundred feet (500’), or up to seven hundred fifty feet (750’) with City Council
approval.
What are other jurisdictions doing?:
•ACHD code does not limit the length of cul-de-sacs. It states that cul-de-sacs or dead-end
streets should be limited to serving dwelling units that generate no more than 400
vehicle trips per day. The 500’ cul-de-sac we are proposing would generate around 180
trips per day.
•The City of Boise does not have a limitation in their code. They have a hard limit of 750’
based on Boise Fire Departments recommendation. They also can limit length further on
a case by case basis. They most often prefer that cul-de-sac length be limited to 500’
depending on location and surrounding development pattern.
•The City of Kuna limits cul-de-sacs to a maximum length of 500’.
•Meridian Fire Department indicated that they did not have an issue with the increased
cul-de-sac length.
Conclusion:
We were asked by Meridian City Council to make a proposal that would allow them the
flexibility to approve a better subdivision design. We have considered what other local
jurisdictions were doing. We have consulted first responders to make sure the proposed
changes do not create undue risk. In order to satisfy the request of Meridian City Council we
propose this amendment to the current text of the Meridian Unified Development Code.
Our proposed change to the text:
B.4. Cul-De-Sacs: No streets or series of streets that ends in a cul-de-sac or a dead end shall
be longer than four hundred fifty (450’). five hundred feet (500’), or up to seven hundred
fifty feet (750’) with City Council approval.