HomeMy WebLinkAboutMKA Alternative Compliance CZC Modification A-2021-0160
Community Development Department 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Ste. 102, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-884-5533 Fax: 208-888-6854 www.meridiancity.org
August 13, 2021
Brandon Keller
Keller Associates
131 SW 5th Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: MKA Alternative Compliance CZC Modification - (A-2021-0160)
Dear Mr. Keller:
This letter is to confirm the Director approved your request to modify the previously approved
alternative compliance (A-2019-0224) to the parking lot landscaping requirements of Unified
Development Code (UDC) 11-3B-8.C, which requires a five-foot wide minimum landscape
buffer adjacent to parking, loading, or other paved vehicular use areas, including driveways,
vehicle sales areas, truck parking areas, bus parking areas, and vehicle storage areas.
The applicant was granted a reduction in the parking lot buffer along the Union Pacific
property line from five-feet to two-feet in width. The previous approved alternative
compliance request included the construction of a railroad-themed fence. To mitigate not
installing the railroad-themed fence, MKA proposes to construct a five-foot wrought iron fence
and exterior rooftop patio with pergola as shown in the attachment below. The wrought iron
fence and shrubs will maintain screening from the Union Pacific property and also match
adjacent property owner fencing at City Hall. The roof top patio and pergola will provide
enhanced aesthetics and outdoor use of the overall facility.
MKA is also requesting a modification to the previously approved alternative compliance to
construct an entry/courtyard on the subject property. In lieu of the glass-themed river running
through the courtyard and metal benches, MKA proposes a washed-stone gabion seatwall and
creation of several rectangular planter beds. The original intent of the glass-themed river was
to tie the project to the snake river canyon. However, since the building is for an engineering-
firm tenant, an aesthetic washed-stone seatwall and straight linear lines of the rectangular
planter beds, brings the design features of engineering provided by the tenant to the outdoor
space as shown in the attachment below.
Community Development Department 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Ste. 102, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-884-5533 Fax: 208-888-6854 www.meridiancity.org
The Director has approved your request for alternative compliance to Unified Development Code
UDC 11-3B-8.C for the subject property based on the required Findings listed in UDC 11-5B-
5E, as follows
1. Strict adherence or application of the requirements are not feasible; or
Strict adherence to the requirements is feasible but in order to provide for the
future parking needs of downtown Meridian is not desirable.
2. The alternative compliance provides an equal or superior means for meeting the
requirements; and
The stated purpose of the parking lot landscaping requirements of UDC 11-3B-8 is
“to soften and mitigate the visual effect of a large expanse of asphalt in parking
lots.” Staff finds that the wrought iron fence along the railroad tracks and rooftop
patio with pergola meets this intent and creates an attractive modern design that is
compatible with surrounding uses in downtown Meridian. Therefore, the Director
finds the applicants proposed alternative compliance does provide equal or superior
means to meet these requirements.
3. The alternative means will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
impair the intended uses and character of surrounding properties.
The Director finds that the proposed alternatives will not be detrimental to the
public welfare or impair the intended use/character of the surrounding properties.
The Applicant, Director, or a Party of Record may request City Council review of a decision of
the Director. All requests for review shall be filed in writing with the Planning Division of the
Community Development Department on or before August 28, 2021, within fifteen (15) days
after the written decision is issued, and contain the information listed in UDC 11-5A-6B.
If City Council review of the decision is not requested, the action of the Director represents a
final decision on a land use application. You have the right to request a regulatory taking
analysis under Idaho Code 67-8003.
Thank you for contributing to the success of Meridian. Please help us serve you better in the
future. Visit our web-site at www.meridiancity.org/Planning/ to fill out a comment card and give
us feedback on how we are doing.
Sincerely,
Caleb Hood, AICP
Planning Division Manager
CH:sh
Attachment: Landscape Plan & Roof Plan
Community Development Department 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Ste. 102, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-884-5533 Fax: 208-888-6854 www.meridiancity.org