HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-17 Engineering Solutions Becky McKayE!GINEERING
planning and engineering communities for the future
LLP
December 17, 2019
City of Meridian
Attn: Mayor and Council
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: New Comprehensive Plan Changes (Text Change 3.07.01F)
Dear Mayor and Council:
1029 N. Rosario Street, Suite 100
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 938-0980
Fax: (208) 938-0941
E-mail: Beckym@engsol.org
This letter is in regard to the proposed text change referred to as New Policy, Chapter 3
(3.07.01F) — Provide a minimum one -acre lot when proposing residential development adjacent
to existing rural estate residential properties that are 5 -acres and where transitional buffers such
as roadways and linear open space do not exist.
I have significant concerns with a mandate requiring one -acre lots adjacent to five -acre lots. The
excessive cost of infrastructure and land is significantly impacting home prices. The price and
maintenance cost of a one -acre lot in today's marketplace is out of the budget of most Meridian
residents. The average lot in Meridian has a frontage of 70 feet. A one -acre lot, with roughly a
208 -foot by 210 -foot lot, triples the cost to provide services. I am a proponent of transitional lot
sizes when a project adjoins larger lots. However, the methods we use in site planning vary
depending on the project, the property configuration and input from the adjoining neighbors. We
utilize larger lots ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 square feet as transitional lots or, in other
situations, we incorporate cul-de-sacs adjacent to the larger lots to minimize the number of lots
along the existing rear yards. There are occasions where we strategically locate open space areas
adjacent to larger estate lots as an appropriate transition. In some circumstances, the five -acre -
lot owners have plans to redevelop and request stub streets and utilities.
I am supportive of language encouraging transitional lots next to existing estate residential, but
we need the flexibility to implement the appropriate solutions to different situations.
Sincerely,
Eng' ering Solutions, LL
Bec McKay
Planner
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