HomeMy WebLinkAboutACHD Staff Report
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Development Services Department
Project/File: Meridian South Fire Station No. 7/ MER21-0137/ A-2021-0215
This is a design review application for the construction of a 11,560 square foot fire
station and emergency facility on 4 acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 2385 E. Lake Hazel Road
Staff Approval: December 28, 2021
Applicant: City of Meridian
Stacey Redman
33 E. Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Staff Contact: Renata Ball-Hamilton
Phone: 387-6171
E-mail: rhamilton@achdidaho.org
A. Findings of Fact
1. Description of Application: The applicant is requesting design review approval for the
construction of a 11,560 square foot fire station and emergency facility on 4 acres. To serve the
growing needs of the City of Meridian, the proposed project will contain a new Emergency
Services Campus in South Meridian, consisting of one new fire station and one police
station/precinct building.
The City of Meridian’s Future Land Use Map designates this area as Medium Density Residential.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North High Density/Medium High Density Residential R-40/R-15
South Open Space/Park R-4
East Open Space/Park R-4
West Medium Density Residential R-4
3. Site History: ACHD staff previously reviewed this site as Meridian South Fire Station-Police
Substation/MER21-0026/H-2021-0008 earlier this year on March 15, 2021. The requirements of
this staff report are consistent with those of the prior action.
4. Adjacent Development: The following developments are pending or underway in the vicinity of
the site:
• South Meridian Regional Park, MER17-0084, a 77 acre regional park located directly west
and south of the site and was approved by ACHD on March 7, 2018
Vicinity Map
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• Lavender Heights Subdivision, MPP19-0024, 184 residential lots, 1 multi-family lot and 24
common lots on 55.14 acres located directly north of the site and was approved by ACHD on
March 27, 2020.
• Brighton’s Apex East Subdivision, MPP21-0025, 97 residential lots and 14 common lots on
32.21 acres located directly east of the site is currently being reviewed by ACHD staff.
5. Transit: Transit services are not available to serve this site.
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.bb
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. The impact fee assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
9. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
• Eagle Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes with curb, gutter, and
sidewalk and a level 3 bike facility from Lake Hazel Road to Amity Road in 2023.
• Lake Hazel Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes with curb, gutter, and
a level 3 bike facility from Eagle Road to Cloverdale Road in 2024.
• The intersection of Lake Hazel Road and Locust Grove Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to
be widened to 2-lanes on the north leg, 2-lanes on the south, 4-lanes east, and 4-lanes on the
west leg, as a multi-lane roundabout between 2036 and 2040.
• Lake Hazel Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 5-lanes from Locust Grove Road to
Eagle Road between 2036 and 2040.
10. Roadways to Bikeways Master Plan: ACHD’s Roadways to Bikeways Master Plan (BMP) was
adopted by the ACHD Commission in May of 2009 and was update in 2018. The plan seeks to
implement the Planned Bicycle Network to support bicycling as a viable transportation option for
Ada County residents with a wide range of ages and abilities, maintain bicycle routes in a state of
good repair in order to ensure they are consistently available for use, promote awareness of existing
bicycle routes and features and support encouragement programs and to facilitate coordination and
cooperation among local jurisdictions in implementing the Roadways to Bikeways Plan
recommendations.
The BMP identifies Lake Hazel Road as Level 3 facility that will be constructed as part of a future
ACHD project.
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B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Trip Generation: This development is estimated to generate no vehicle trips per day; less than 6
vehicle trips per hour in the PM peak hour, based on the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip
Generation Manual, 11th edition.
2. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane principal arterial is “E” (690 VPH).
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 Lake Hazel Road west of Eagle Road was 6,326 on August
29, 2019.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. South Meridian Transportation Plan
The South Meridian Transportation Plan (SMTP) is a long-range planning tool used to identify future
roadway, intersection, and corridor needs in the South Meridian Area, providing a framework for
future roadway improvements based on the land use designations. The plan was created in
collaboration with the City of Meridian and was adopted by the ACHD Commission in September of
2009. The SMTP recommends the following abutting site:
• Preserving right-of-way for the future widening of Lake Hazel Road to 5-lanes and the
construction of 6-foot wide detached sidewalks on Lake Hazel Road.
• Preserving right-of-way for future construction of a 2-lane residential collector roadway
abutting the site’s east property line and the construction of 5-foot wide detached
sidewalks.
2. Interagency Cooperative Development Agreement
The City of Meridian and Brighton Development, Inc. agreed to enter into an Interagency
Cooperative Development Agreement (CDA) with ACHD to construct the following improvements
listed below. The Interagency CDA has already been drafted and approved by the ACHD
Commission on August 18, 2021.
1. Signalize the intersection of Lake Hazel Road and Recreation Avenue with 5-lanes on the
east and west legs and 3-lanes on the south leg with a westbound right-turn lane. The right-
turn lane storage can be reduced to 100-feet.
2. Fully improve Lake Hazel Road abutting the site, the City Fire Parcel, and Brighton Parcel to
approximately one quarter of a mile west of Eagle Road, and construct this segment of Lake
Hazel Road as a 59-foot wide (measured back of curb to back of curb) principal arterial road
with 5-lanes with curb, gutter, a minimum 4-foot wide landscape strip and a 10-foot wide multi-
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level of
Service
Lake Hazel Road 350-feet Principal Arterial 351 Better than
“E”
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use pathway on both sides of the road consistent with the BMP, Master Street Map and South
Meridian Transportation Plan. See the figure below.
3. Construct the north/south collector road, Recreation Avenue, to intersect Lake Hazel Road at
site’s east property line and extend it 470-feet south to the City Fire Parcel’s south property
line. Taper Recreation Avenue beginning 100-feet south of the intersection and construct this
segment as a 31-foot wide collector road with on-street parking only on the west side of the
road with vertical curb, gutter, a 4-foot wide planter strip and 10-foot wide multi-use pathway
on both sides of the road. “No Parking” signs shall be installed on the east side of the road.
Staff supports the proposed improvements in the Interagency CDA due to the fact that this
segment of Lake Hazel Road is listed in the current CIP to be widened to 5-lanes between 2026
and 2030, it is continuing the Lake Hazel Road improvements from the west and the traffic
impact study recommends that the intersection of Lake Hazel Road and Recreation Avenue be
signalized with this phase of the park development. In addition, the construction of a 10-foot
wide multi-use pathway on both sides of Lake Hazel Road is consistent with the level 3 facility
requirements in the BMP for Lake Hazel Road.
3. Lake Hazel Road
a. Existing Conditions: Lake Hazel Road is improved with 27-feet of pavement, 2-travel lanes
and no curb, gutter or sidewalk abutting the site. There is 50-feet of right-of-way for Lake Hazel
Road (23-feet from centerline).
b. Policy:
Arterial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of whether or not access is taken
to all of the adjacent streets.
Master Street Map and Typology Policy: District Policy 7205.5 states that the design of
improvements for arterials shall be in accordance with District standards, including the Master
Street Map and Livable Streets Design Guide. The developer or engineer should contact the
District before starting any design.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Width Policy: District Policies 7205.2.1 & 7205.5.2 state
that the standard 5-lane street section shall be 72-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) within 96-
feet of right-of-way. This width typically accommodates two travel lanes in each direction, a
continuous center left-turn lane, and bike lanes on a minor arterial and a safety shoulder on a
principal arterial.
Right-of-Way Dedication: District Policy 7205.2 states that The District will provide
compensation for additional right-of-way dedicated beyond the existing right-of-way along
arterials listed as impact fee eligible in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan using available
impact fee revenue in the Impact Fee Service Area.
No compensation will be provided for right-of-way on an arterial that is not listed as impact fee
eligible in the Capital Improvements Plan.
The District may acquire additional right-of-way beyond the site-related needs to preserve a
corridor for future capacity improvements, as provided in Section 7300.
Sidewalk Policy: District Policy 7205.5.7 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide to
be constructed on both sides of all arterial 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
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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.
Frontage Improvements Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer shall widen
the pavement to a minimum of 17-feet from centerline plus a 3-foot wide gravel shoulder
adjacent to the entire site. Curb, gutter, and additional pavement widening may be required
(See Section 7205.5.5).
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, arterial street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Lake Hazel Road is designated in the
MSM as a Mobility Arterial with 5-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 72-foot street section within
100-feet of right-of-way abutting the site.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to improve Lake Hazel Road with pavement
widening and 10-foot wide detached concrete multi-use pathway and an eastbound right-turn
lane abutting the site at Recreation Avenue and installation of a signalized intersection at Lake
Hazel Road and Recreation Avenue.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to fully improve Lake Hazel
Road with pavement widening to accommodate 5-traffic lanes, 10-foot wide detached concrete
multi-use pathway and an eastbound right-turn lane abutting the site at Recreation Avenue, per
the Interagency CDA with ACHD meets District Policy, and should be approved as proposed.
Staff recommends the applicant will be required to dedicate additional right -of-way to total 50-
feet from the section line of Lake Hazel Road abutting the site, widen the pavement on Lake
Hazel Road abutting the site to allow for the roadway improvements per the CDA. As part of
ACHD’s action on Discovery Park Phase 2 directly west of the site, that applicant was required
to extend the eastbound right-turn lane and center turn lane on Lake Hazel Road to Recreation
Avenue with Phase 2 of the park development when Recreation Avenue at the site’s east
property line is extended to intersect Lake Hazel Road in the future.
The applicant should coordinate to ensure there will be sufficient room and right-of-way abutting
the site to widen Lake Hazel Road to accommodate the extension of the eastbound right -turn
lane and center turn lane to the new collector roadway.
If the CDA with ACHD to fully improve Lake Hazel Road as noted above is not completed, then
the applicant should be required to widen the pavement on Lake Hazel Road abutting the site
to 17-feet from centerline where deficient, construct a 3-foot wide gravel shoulder and a
minimum 5-foot wide detached concrete sidewalk located a minimum of 43-feet from the section
line of the roadway. The applicant’s proposal to construct a 10-foot wide multi-use pathway on
Lake Hazel Road abutting the site exceeds District Policy which requires a minimum 5-foot wide
detached concrete sidewalk. However, staff supports the applicant’s proposal to construct a 10-
foot wide multi-use pathway if desired.
There is already 65-feet of right-of-way and permanent right-of-way easements combined, as
measured from centerline of the roadway. This exceeds the right-of-way requirements from the
MSM as measured from centerline from the road. Therefore, staff does not recommend any
additional right-of-way dedication abutting the site with this development application.
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4. North/South Collector - Recreation Avenue
a. Existing Conditions: There are no roadways within the site.
There is one collector road, Recreation Avenue, that is proposed to be constructed as ½ of a
36-foot wide collector street section with an additional 12-feet of pavement abutting the site’s
east property line, and is proposed to be constructed as a 36-foot wide paved road for the
remaining portion of Recreation Avenue from that site’s northwest property line to Lake Hazel
Road.
This roadway construction was approved as part of ACHD’s action on Lake Hazel, the Locust
Grove to Eagle Interagency Cooperative Development located directly north of the site.
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.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Policy: District policy 7206.5.2 states that the standard
right-of-way width for collector streets shall typically be 50 to 70-feet, depending on the
location and width of the sidewalk and the location and use of the roadway. The right-of-way
width may be reduced, with District approval, if the sidewalk is located within an easement; in
which case the District will require a minimum right-of-way width that extends 2-feet behind
the back-of-curb on each side.
The standard street section shall be 46-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). This width typically
accommodates a single travel lane in each direction, a continuous center left-turn lane, and
bike lanes.
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
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 sidewalk 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.
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Half Street Policy: District Policy 7206.2.2 required improvements shall consist of pavement
widening to one-half the required width, including curb, gutter, and concrete sidewalk
(minimum 5-feet), plus 12-feet of additional pavement widening beyond the centerline
established for the street to provide an adequate roadway surface, with the pavement
crowned at the ultimate centerline. A 3-foot wide gravel shoulder and a borrow ditch sized to
accommodate the roadway storm runoff shall be constructed on the unimproved side.
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. A new collector roadway was identified on the MSM
with the street typology of Residential Collector. The new collector roadway should be located
at the mid-mile on Lake Hazel Road at the site’s east property line and continue south through
stubbing to the site’s south property line. The Residential Collector typology as depicted in
the Livable Street Design Guide recommends a 2-lane roadway with bike lanes, and on street
parking, a 36-foot street section within 50-feet of right-of-way.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct Recreation Avenue, the
north/south collector roadway abutting the site’s east property line as ½ of a 3 travel lane
collector street section at the intersection with Lake Hazel Road and taper the road to ½ of a
36-foot wide 2-lane collector street section approximately 130-feet south of Lake Hazel Road.
The applicant proposed to construct Recreation Avenue with vertical curb, gutter, and 10-foot
wide concrete multi-use pathway and sidewalk abutting the site.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to construct Recreation
Avenue along the site’s east property line to intersect Lake Hazel Road is consistent with the
CDA and should be approved, as proposed. Per the Interagency CDA. Recreation Avenue
should be improved as a 3-lane collector road with one receiving lane and dedicated
northbound left-turn and right-turn lanes, then tapering the road to a 2 lane 31-foot wide street
section approximately 100-feet south of the intersection with parking on the west side of the
road and “No Parking” signs on the east side of the road and at the intersection per the
Interagency CDA. 10-foot wide multi-use pathways are proposed on both sides of the road
with 4-foot wide buffers between the back of curb and the pathway with the CDA.
However, if Recreation Avenue is not constructed as noted above abutting the site with the
CDA, then the applicant should be required to construct Recreation Avenue abutting the site
to intersect Lake Hazel Road, in anticipation of signalizing the intersection of Lake Hazel Road
and Recreation Avenue in the future, Recreation Avenue should be constructed from Lake
Hazel Road south 100-feet at the site’s east property line as ½ of a 3 travel lane 46-foot wide
collector street section at the intersection then tapering to ½ of a 36-foot wide collector
roadway with vertical curb, gutter, and 5-foot wide detached (or 7-foot wide attached) concrete
sidewalk on the west site plus 12-feet of pavement widening with a 3-foot wide gravel
shoulder and a borrow ditch sized to accommodate the roadway storm runoff on the east side
of the road. The applicant should coordinate with Discovery Park Phase 2 on the construction
of this segment of Recreation Avenue if the improvements in the CDA are not completed.
The applicant should dedicate additional right-of-way from the site’s west property line to 2-
feet behind the back of attached sidewalk or 2-feet behind the back of curb for detached
sidewalk and provide a permanent right-of-way easement that extends from the right-of-way
line to 2-feet behind the back of sidewalk.
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Staff notes if street trees are required by the City of Meridian, then the applicant should
provide an 8-foot wide planter strip. Meandering sidewalks are discouraged due to issues
associated with ADA compliance. Provide a permanent right-of-way easement for sidewalks
located outside of the dedicated right-of-way.
5. Roadway Offsets
a. Existing Conditions: There are no roadways within the site.
b. Policy:
Collector Offset Policy: District policy 7205.4.2 states that the optimum spacing for new
signalized collector roadways intersecting minor arterials is one half-mile.
District policy 7205.4.2 states that the optimum spacing for new signalized collector roadways
intersecting principal arterials is one half-mile.
District policy 7206.4.2 states that the optimum spacing for unsignalized collectors intersecting
minor arterial roadways is 1,320-feet.
District policy 7206.4.2 states that the preferred spacing for new collectors intersecting existing
collectors is ¼ mile to allow for adequate signal spacing and alignment.
District policy 7206.4.5, states that the preferred spacing for a new local street intersecting a
collector roadway to align or offset a minimum of 330-feet from any other street (measured
centerline to centerline).
c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct Recreation Avenue, the new
north/south collector roadway to intersect Lake Hazel Road at the site’s east property line.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to construct Recreation
Avenue, the new north/south collector roadway to intersect Lake Hazel Road at the site’s east
property line is consistent with the location of the collector roadway at the site’s east property
line on the Master Street Map meets District policy and should be approved as proposed.
6. Stub Streets
a. Existing Conditions: There are no roadways within the site.
b. Policy:
Stub Street Policy: District Policy 7206.2.4.3 (collector)states that stub streets will be required
to provide circulation or to provide access to adjoining properties. Stub streets will conform with
the requirements described in Section 7206.2.4 (collector), except a temporary cul-de-sac will
not be required if the stub street has a length no greater than 150-feet. A sign shall be installed
at the terminus of the stub street stating that, “THIS IS A DESIGNATED COLLECTOR
ROADWAY. THIS STREET WILL BE EXTENDED AND WIDENDED IN THE FUTURE.”
In addition, stub streets must meet the following conditions:
• A stub street shall be designed to slope towards the nearest street intersection within the
proposed development and drain surface water towards that intersection; unless an
alternative storm drain system is approved by the District.
• The District may require appropriate covenants guaranteeing that the stub street will
remain free of obstructions.
Temporary Dead End Streets Policy: 7206.2.4.4 (collector) requires that the design and
construction for cul-de-sac streets shall apply to temporary dead end streets. The temporary
cul-de-sac shall be paved and shall be the dimensional requirements of a standard cul-de-sac.
The developer shall grant a temporary turnaround easement to the District for those portions of
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the cul-de-sac which extend beyond the dedicated street right-of-way. In the instance where a
temporary easement extends onto a buildable lot, the entire lot shall be encumbered by the
easement and identified on the plat as a non-buildable lot until the street is extended.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct Recreation Avenue, the new
north/south collector roadway at the site’s east property line to stub to the site’s south property
line.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal meets District Policy and
should be approved as proposed.
The applicant will be required to install a sign at the terminus of the stub street station that
states, “THIS IS A DESIGNATED COLLECTOR ROADWAY. THIS STREET WILL BE
EXTENDED AND WIDENDED IN THE FUTURE.”
The applicant will also be required to install a temporary turnaround at the terminus of the
Recreation Avenue since it will be longer than 150-feet. The temporary cul-de-sac shall be
paved and shall be the dimensional requirements of a standard cul-de-sac. The applicant shall
grant a temporary turnaround easement to the District for those portions of the cul-de-sac which
extend beyond the dedicated street right-of-way. In the instance where a temporary easement
extends onto a buildable lot, the entire lot shall be encumbered by the easement and identified
on the plat as a non-buildable lot until the street is extended.
7. Driveways
7.1 Lake Hazel Road
a. Existing Conditions: There are 2 existing unpaved driveways from the site onto Lake Hazel
Road: an existing 18-foot wide driveway located 90-feet to the west of the site’s east property
line and a 100-foot wide driveway located 250-feet west of the site’s east property.
b. Policy:
Access Points 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.
Access Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 states that direct access to principal arterials is typically
prohibited. If a property has frontage on more than one street, access shall be taken from the
street having the lesser functional classification. If it is necessary to take access to the higher
classified street due to a lack of frontage, the minimum allowable spacing shall be based on
Table 1b under District policy 7205.4.7, unless a waiver for the access point has been approved
by the District Commission. Driveways, when approved on a principal arterial shall operate as
a right-in/right-out only, and the District will require the construction of a raised median to restrict
the left turning movements.
Driveway Location Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 requires driveways located on principal
arterial roadways to be located a minimum of 355-feet from the nearest intersection for a right-
in/right-out only driveway. Full-access driveways are not allowed on principal arterial roadways.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7205.4.7 Table 1b, requires driveways located on
principal arterial roadways with a speed limit of 50 MPH to align or offset a minimum of 425-feet
from any existing or proposed driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7205.4.8 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-
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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,
7205.4.8, 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 7205.4.8.
Temporary Access Policy: District Policy 7202.4.2 identifies a temporary access as that which
“is permitted for use until appropriate alternative access becomes available”. Temporary access
may be granted through a development agreement or similar method, and the developer shall
be responsible for providing a financial guarantee for the future closure of the driveway.
Cross Access Easements/Shared Access Policy: District Policy 7202.4.1 states that cross
access utilizes a single vehicular connection that serves two or more adjoining lots or parcels
so that the driver does not need to re-enter the public street system.
c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to close the two existing driveways from the
site onto Lake Hazel Road with the construction of 10-foot wide concrete multi-use pathways.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal meets District policy and
should approved as proposed.
7.2 North/South Collector Roadway (Recreation Avenue)
a. Existing Conditions: There are no roadways within the site.
b. 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.
Driveway Location Policy (Signalized Intersection): District policy 7206.4.3 requires
driveways located on collector roadways near a signalized intersection to be located outside
the area of influence; OR a minimum of 440-feet from the signalized intersection for a full-access
driveway and a minimum of 220-feet from the signalized intersection for a right-in/right-out only
driveway. Dimensions shall be measured from the centerline of the intersection to the centerline
of the driveway.
Driveway Location Policy (Stop Controlled Intersection): District policy 7206.4.4 requires
driveways located on collector roadways near a STOP controlled intersection to be located
outside of the area of influence; OR a minimum of 150-feet from the intersection, whichever is
greater. Dimensions shall be measured from the centerline of the intersection to the centerline
of the driveway.
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.
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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’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct two curb return type driveways
from the site onto Recreation Avenue, the new collector roadway, in the following locations:
• 26-foot wide driveway located approximately 243-feet south of Lake Hazel Road
• 70-foot wide driveway located approximately 380-feet south of Lake Hazel Road
The applicant is proposing to install pavement markings that states, “Do Not Enter” at the 70-
foot wide driveway located 380-feet south of Lake Hazel Road.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal to construct two curb return
driveways onto Recreation Avenue, the new collector roadway, does not meet District Driveway
Successive and Width policies which requires driveways on a collector roadway to align or offset
a minimum of 150-feet from any other driveways and allows a maximum width of 30-feet for
driveways with less than 100 VTD. However, staff recommends a modification of policy to allow
the two driveways to be located, as proposed because they are for emergency vehicles.
The applicant’s proposal to install pavement markings that states, “Do Not Enter” at the 70-foot
wide driveway located 380-feet south of Lake Hazel Road should be approved as proposed.
The pavement markings should be located outside of the right-of-way.
8. Emergency Signals
The applicant is not proposing an emergency signal for the fire station as part of this application. If
an emergency signal is warranted in the future, then all cost associated with the improvements shall
be borne by the applicant. Th applicant shall enter into a signal agreement with ACHD and submit
plans for review and approval.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Other Access
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Lake Hazel Road is classified as principal arterial roadway. Other than the access specifically
approved with this application, direct lot access will be prohibited to Lake Hazel Road and the new
collector roadway.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Improve Lake Hazel Road abutting the site, widen the pavement on Lake Hazel Road abutting the
site to 17-feet from the section line of the roadway and 10-foot wide detached concrete multi-use
pathway abutting the site, an eastbound right-turn lane abutting the site at Recreation Avenue and
installation of a signalized intersection at Lake Hazel Road and Recreation Avenue.
2. Extend the eastbound right-turn lane and center turn lane on Lake Hazel Road to the Recreation
Avenue. Coordinate with Discovery Park Phase 2 on the construction of the eastbound right-turn
lane when Recreation Avenue at the site’s east property line is extended to intersect Lake Hazel
Road.
3. Construct Recreation Avenue to intersect Lake Hazel Road and from Lake Hazel Road south 100-
feet at the site’s east property line as ½ of a 46-foot wide collector street section at the intersection
then tapering to ½ of a 36-foot wide collector roadway with vertical curb, gutter and minimum of 5-
foot wide detached (or 7-foot wide attached) concrete sidewalk on the west side plus 12-feet of
additional pavement widening to total 30-feet beyond the centerline established for the street to
provide an adequate roadway surface and with a 3-foot wide gravel shoulder and a borrow ditch
sized to accommodate the roadway storm runoff on the east side of the road
4. Dedicate additional right-of-way from the site’s west property line to 2-feet behind the back of
attached sidewalk or 2-feet behind the back of curb for detached sidewalk and provide a permanent
right-of-way easement that extends from the right-of-way line to 2-feet behind the back of sidewalk
on Recreation Avenue.
5. If street trees are required by the City of Meridian, then the applicant should provide an 8-foot wide
planter strip and a permanent right-of-way easement for sidewalks located outside of the dedicated
right-of-way on Recreation Avenue.
6. Install a temporary turnaround at the terminus of the Recreation Avenue since it will be longer than
150-feet. The temporary cul-de-sac shall be paved and shall meet the dimensional requirements of
a standard cul-de-sac. Grant a temporary turnaround easement to the District for those portions of
the cul-de-sac which extend beyond the dedicated street right-of-way. In the instance where a
temporary easement extends onto a buildable lot, the entire lot shall be encumbered by the
easement and identified on the plat as a non-buildable lot until the street is extended.
7. Install a sign at the terminus of the stub street station that states, “THIS IS A DESIGNATED
COLLECTOR ROADWAY. THIS STREET WILL BE EXTENDED AND WIDENDED IN THE
FUTURE.”
8. Close the two existing driveways from the site onto Lake Hazel Road with the construction of 10-
foot wide concrete multi-use pathways.
9. Construct two curb return type driveways from the site onto Recreation Avenue, the new collector
roadway in the following locations:
• 26-foot wide driveway located approximately 243-feet south of Lake Hazel Road
• 70-foot wide driveway located approximately 380-feet south of Lake Hazel Road
10. Install pavement markings that states, “Do Not Enter” at the 70-foot wide driveway located 380-feet
south of Lake Hazel Road, as proposed, located outside of the right-of-way.
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11. If an emergency signal is warranted in the future, then all cost associated with the improvements
shall be borne by the applicant. Enter into a signal agreement with ACHD and submit plans for
review and approval.
12. A license agreement is required for all landscaping proposed within ACHD right-of-way or easement
areas. Trees should 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.
13. 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.
14. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
15. 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.
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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
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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 utility 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 char ged
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.