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Page 1
HEARING
DATE:
7/6/2023
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Brian McClure, Comprehensive
Associate Planner
208-550-8253
bmcclure@meridiancity.org
APPLICANT: Caleb Hood, Planning Division
Manager
SUBJECT: H-2023-0029
Comprehensive Plan Policy Update;
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment
(CPAT)
LOCATION: Citywide
I. PROJECT OVERVIEW
A. Summary
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (CPAT) to update text, priorities, and lead/support
departments for certain policy text in the Comprehensive Plan (Plan), by the City of Meridian
Planning Division
B. Issues
There are no known issues, and no comments received indicating any public concern with the
application.
C. Recommendation
Staff: Staff recommends approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment as proposed.
The Planning Division has coordinated revisions with all relevant City Departments, and
discussed Comprehensive Plan priorities generally and specifically with the Meridian City
Council to ensure alignment of policy priorities.
Commission Recommendation: Pending
Note: This is a prototype staff report template that is still under development.
STAFF REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Page 2
Table: Land Use Descriptions
Description Details Page
Existing/Proposed Zoning n/a n/a
Future Land Use Designation n/a n/a
Existing Land Use(s) n/a n/a
Proposed Land Use(s) n/a n/a
Table: Process Facts
Description Details
Preapplication Meeting date Friday, May 19, 2023
Neighborhood Meeting n/a
Site posting date n/a
II. COMMUNITY METRICS
See City/Agency Comments and Conditions Section for all department/agency comments received.
Table: Community Metrics
Agency / Element Description / Issue Page
Ada County Highway District n/a
Comments Received No n/a
Commission Action Required No n/a
Access n/a n/a
Traffic Level of Service n/a n/a
ITD Comments Received No n/a
Meridian Fire n/a n/a
Meridian Police n/a n/a
Meridian Public Works Wastewater n/a n/a
Meridian Public Works Water n/a n/a
School District(s) n/a n/a
Distance n/a n/a
Capacity of Schools n/a n/a
Number of Students Enrolled n/a n/a
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Figure: Policy Figures (as proposed)
Total Policies # Modified With Text
Modification
With Priority
Modification
With Lead
Modification
With Support
Modification
492 50 (10.2%) 2 16 15 37
Goals, 34
Objectives,
78
Action
Items, 380
Comprehensive Plan Policies by Type
On-going, 309
Low, 16
Medium,
18
High, 24
Very High,
13
Action Items by Priority
12
21
40
17
22
54
12
33
38
27
43
38
23
0 102030405060
Arts and Culture
Character, Design, and Identity
Economic Excellence
Education and Community Services
Future Land use
Growth and Population
Historic Preservation
Housing
Parks and Pathways
Public Safety
Stewardship
Transportation and Streets
Utilities & Infrastructure
# of Policies (Adopted) by Section
Page 4
III. STAFF ANALYSIS (COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND UDC)
A. General Overview
It was June of 2020 when the last text amendment to the policies of the Comprehensive Plan were
made (resolution# 20-2224). This 2020 update added priorities to the policies of the
Comprehensive Plan (Plan). The original plan, adopted in December of 2019, was not proposed
with priorities, in part so that a newly elected City Council with councilpersons not previously
involved in the adoption, could become more vested.
Following the May 2nd, 2023 update with City Council on the progress of high and very high
priority policies, this amendment moves forward text changes to 50 policies of the Plan. These
are the same changes proposed to City Council in May, except that several additional policies are
proposed to change assignments from Community Development (CD) to Economic Development
(ED), done in coordination with ED and Mayor’s staff. These assignment changes are being made
due to the Economic Development team no longer being under the umbrella of Community
Development, and instead operate under the Mayor’s Office.
Revisions proposed are primarily to the priority of the policies, minor grammar corrections to the
text of the policies, or to reflect tense of the activity. This amendment does not include changes to
the general text of the Plan, does not add or remove any policies, and does not include any
changes to the Future Land Use Map.
Table: Project Facts
Description Details
History Resolutions: 20-2224, 21-2302, 22-2347
Phasing Plan n/a
Residential Units n/a
Open Space n/a
Amenities n/a
Physical Features n/a
Acreage n/a
Lots n/a
Density n/a
B. Comprehensive Plan Analysis
The Comprehensive Plan and specifically the implementation (or policies) is intended to be
maintained to ensure it remains relevant and that City efforts are transparent. Page 1-12 of the
Comprehensive Plan states,
The intent of the Implementation Plan is to provide transparency to the community and
ensure timely execution of the Comprehensive Plan’s action items through assigned
responsibilities and priorities.
On a regular basis, City staff will report to Council progress made toward completing
action items. It is also anticipated that additional action items may be added and an
update to both the text of the Comprehensive Plan and the Existing Conditions Report
will occur on a bi-annual basis, and/or as otherwise needed.
While no policy additions or deletions are being made with this round of changes, to limit the
scope of work and impact, it is the intention of City Staff to still provide timely updates. (NOTE:
It is anticipated that a robust review and report to Council on the policies will occur in 2024.)
Proposed revisions are primarily to the priority of the policies, minor grammar corrections to the
text of the policies, or to reflect tense of the activity.
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Proposed revisions are shown in strike-through (remove) and underline (addition) format. The
complete list of policies including all Goals, Objectives, and Action items can be found at:
https://meridiancity.org/compplan, on the Implementation page (or download the full PDF, from
the link on this same page).
The complete list of proposed changes, in strike-through and underline, and with all changes is
available in the attachments:
• Attachment 1: Policies with recommended minor revisions.
• Attachment 2: Policies with all changes proposed.
Notes: The following keys may be helpful when reviewing attachments. For priorities, please
keep in mind that the Comprehensive Plan is a vision plan, not a work plan, and not all policies
may ultimately have the staff, funding or other resources necessary to move forward, and some
may slip in timelines due to other operational priorities; that does not mean they are not
important.
Priorities:
Very High = Currently/Immediately
High = 1 to 3 years
Medium = 3 to 5 years
Low = 5 to 10 years
On-going = regularly or at every opportunity.
Departments:
All = All City
Departments
AO = Attorney’s Office
CD = Com. Dev.
CO = Clerk’s Office
FD = Fire Dept.
ED = Economic
Development
FI = Finance
HR = Human Resources
IT = Information Tech.
MO = Mayor’s Office
PD = Police Dept.
PR = Parks and Recreation
PW = Public Works.
IV. CITY/AGENCY COMMENTS & CONDITIONS
All City Departments with assigned responsibilities for High and Very High were requested to
participate in the review process. Further, all other Departments were provided the opportunity to
review. Comments received have been integrated into the subject CPAT amendment.
V. FINDINGS
A. Required Findings from the Unified Development Code
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the other elements of the comprehensive plan.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is it consistent with other elements of the Plan.
Maintaining the policies of the Plan is a stated and inherently fundamental requirement of
implementation.
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2. The proposed amendment provides an improved guide to future growth and development of
the city.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is an improved guide for future development. The
amendment helps to maintain the Plan as a relevant and living document.
3. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is internally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Maintaining the policies of the Plan is a stated and inherently fundamental requirement of
implementation.
4. The proposed amendment is consistent with this Unified Development Code.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is consistent with the Unified Development Code (UDC).
The amendment clarifies implementation, some of which may result in enhancements to the
UDC.
5. The amendment will be compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses.
Staff finds he the amendment is compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses.
The amendment does not modify the text or map of the adopted Plan except to maintain the
Implementation component of the Plan.
6. The proposed amendment will not burden existing and planned service capabilities.
Staff finds that the proposed amendment will not burden existing and planned service
capabilities. The amendment are minor revisions and makes no substantial modification to
policies that would burden existing or planned services.
7. The proposed map amendment (as applicable) provides a logical juxtaposition of uses that
allows sufficient area to mitigate any anticipated impact associated with the development of
the area.
Not applicable. The proposed amendment does not revise the map or land use descriptions.
8. The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the City of Meridian.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is in the best interest of the City. Maintaining the Plan
will help to ensure a relevant document that enhances City operations and public
transparency.
VI. ACTION
A. Staff:
There are no outstanding issues. Staff recommends approval of H-2023-0029 as proposed.
B. Commission:
C. City Council:
Page 7
VII. ATTACHMENTS
Page 8 A. Attachment 1: Policies with recommended minor revisions. ID Policy Priority Lead Support 2.01.01A Align City Code with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the community's desires for various types, sizes, and designs of residential neighborhoods. Very High On-going CD AO 2.02.00 Plan for safe, attractive, and well-maintained neighborhoods that have ample open space, and generous amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices. CD FD, FI, AO, PR, PD, ED 2.02.01B Evaluate open space and amenity requirement and criteria for consistency with community needs and values. Very High On-going CD PR, PD 2.02.02 Maximize public services by prioritizing infill development of vacant and underdeveloped parcels within the City over parcels on the fringe. CD CD, FI, AO, PW, ED 2.02.02B Consider incentives such as density bonuses, reduced open space requirements, and reduced fees for infill development in key areas near existing services. Very High CD FI, AO, PW, ED 2.02.02F Ensure that new development within existing residential neighborhoods is cohesive and complementary in design and construction. Very High On-going CD 2.06.01B Establish methods to support the business community by drafting an Economic Development Plan in partnership with the Meridian Chamber of Commerce and Meridian Development Corporation. High CDED MOCD 2.06.01E Focus on developing industries that tend to exceed the living wage, such as technology, healthcare and other similar industries. High CD ED MO CD 2.06.02 Support economic opportunities for a community with diverse income levels. On-going CD, ED CD, ED MO 2.06.02B Pursue public-private partnerships and economic development grants that bring additional job opportunities to the community. On-going CD ED MO CD 2.07.02A Streamline the approval process for development proposals that are consistent with the vision and values of the community. Very High CD MO 2.07.02D Review development regulations to ensure an efficient process and remove unnecessarily burdensome costs and delays. High On-going CD MO 2.08.01A Develop and maintain marketing materials to share with targeted industries. High CD ED 2.09.00 Create positive, vibrant, and accessible commercial activity centers within the community. CD, MO, PR, ED CD, FI, MO, PR, ED 2.09.01 Support redevelopment and infill opportunities Downtown. MO, CD, PW, ED CD, FI, MO ED, PR 2.09.01A Pursue public-private partnerships to develop parking facilities. High CD CD, FI, MO ED
Page 9 2.09.01B Establish incentives to develop gathering spaces and civic facilities within Downtown. High CD MO CD, FI, PR 2.09.01E Explore incentives for targeted projects that meet economic development goals. High CD ED MO CD 2.09.03 Cultivate unique and diverse destination-type activities within Meridian's centers. CD, PR, ED MO, CD 2.09.03A Establish distinct, engaging identities within commercial and mixed use centers through design standards. High CD MO 2.09.03D Develop a collaborative economic development strategy to recruit new businesses. High CDED 3.01.01D Evaluate development proposals based on consistency with the vision as well as physical, social, economic, environmental, and aesthetic criteria. High On-going CD 3.02.01G Establish and maintain levels of service for public facilities and services, including water, sewer, police, transportation, schools, fire, and parks. High MO All 3.03.00 Direct and prioritize development in strategic areas and in accordance with corridor and special area plans. CD, PW, MO All, CD, AO, PW, MO 3.03.01E Encourage infill development. High On-going CD 3.03.02 Prioritize growth and development where it furthers the City's vision and allows for the efficient provision of services. CD, PW All, MO, CD 3.03.02A Engage with service providers, City leadership, and community members to identify priority growth areas. Very High On-going CD All 3.03.02D As part of establishing and implementing maintaining strategic growth areas, consider including targeted redevelopment/opportunity areas within the Area of City Impact, areas within the City limits and within a specified distance of major utility connections, and unincorporated county enclaves suitable for annexation. Very High On-going CD All 3.03.02E Develop incentives for appropriate investment in strategic growth areas; discourage development outside of established growth areas. Very High Low CD All 3.03.02F Require proposed development within areas further away from urban services, existing utilities or requiring significant City utility upgrades, to demonstrate fiscal benefits, strategic fit with the Comprehensive Plan, contiguity with existing development, and appropriate mitigation for any impacts to existing City service users. On-going MO CD MO 3.03.04 Plan for transportation connectivity and the provision of adequate urban utilities and services for county enclaves. CD, MO PW, AO, CD 3.04.00 Shape the future of the City through implementation and coordination of long range planning efforts. CD, IT, MO All, CD, PW, AO, CO
Page 10 3.04.02D Improve the neighborhood meeting and public notice process. Very High On-going CD AO, CO 3.06.00 Ensure a variety and balance of land uses within the Area of City Impact. CD ED, MO, PW 3.06.01 Plan for periodic review, monitoring, and updating of land uses within City limits and Area of City Impact. CD ED, MO 3.06.01B Monitor and adjust the amount and mix of industrial, commercial, and office areas needed to meet the employment needs of the City. High On-going CD ED 3.06.02 Plan for an appropriate mix of land uses that ensures connectivity, livability, and economic vitality. CD PW, ED 3.06.02E Discourage residential land uses in close proximity to the Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, the Intermountain Gas Facility on Can-Ada Road, and other incompatible land uses. High On-going CD PW, ED 3.07.00 Encourage compatible uses and site design to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. CD ED, PR 3.07.01 Proactively address potential conflicts between incompatible uses. CD ED 3.07.01D Preserve the industrial base within designated industrial land use areas by discouraging non-industrial uses and focusing on light manufacturing, distribution, flex-space, and base-employment. High Very-High CD ED 4.05.00 Preserve, protect, enhance, and wisely use natural resources. CD, MO, PR, PW CD, FI, AO, PR, PW, ED 4.05.03 Preserve prime farmland within the Area of City Impact to maintain rural character and provide opportunities for local produce and continued farming operations. CD, MO MO, CD, ED 4.05.03B Slow the outward progression of the City's limits by discouraging fringe area development; encourage development of vacant or underutilized parcels currently within City limits. High On-going MO CD, ED 4.05.03D Consider public support for funding to preserve open space as part of permanent land trust. Very High Low CD MO MO CD 4.10.01H Develop lot grading, dust, and drainage standards for residential development to mitigate slope erosion and protect property. Very High PW CD CD, AO, PW 5.01.02A Maintain and implement community design ordinances, quality design criteria, and complete street policies to set quality standards citywides. High CD 5.03.00 Create opportunities for all Meridian residents and visitors to experience public art. PR CD, AO, MO, IT 5.03.01 Support art throughout the community. PR CD, AO, MO, IT 5.03.01D Provide local artists with opportunities to showcase their work. On-going PR MO, IT
Page 11 6.01.01A Work with the Union Pacific Railroad, Watco Companies and other interested stakeholders to preserve and protect the existing Boise Cut-off rail corridor as a multi-use corridor, including freight. High On-going CD MO, PW
Page 12 B. Attachment 2: Policies with all changes proposed. ID Policy Priority Lead Support 2.01.01A Align City Code with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the community's desires for various types, sizes, and designs of residential neighborhoods. On-going CD AO 2.02.00 Plan for safe, attractive, and well-maintained neighborhoods that have ample open space, and generous amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices. CD FD, FI, AO, PR, PD, ED 2.02.01B Evaluate open space and amenity requirement and criteria for consistency with community needs and values. On-going CD PR, PD 2.02.02 Maximize public services by prioritizing infill development of vacant and underdeveloped parcels within the City over parcels on the fringe. CD CD, FI, AO, PW, ED 2.02.02B Consider incentives such as density bonuses, reduced open space requirements, and reduced fees for infill development in key areas near existing services. Very High CD FI, AO, PW, ED 2.02.02F Ensure that new development within existing residential neighborhoods is cohesive and complementary in design and construction. On-going CD 2.06.01B Establish methods to support the business community by drafting an Economic Development Plan in partnership with the Meridian Chamber of Commerce and Meridian Development Corporation. High ED CD 2.06.01E Focus on developing industries that tend to exceed the living wage, such as technology, healthcare and other similar industries. High ED CD 2.06.02 Support economic opportunities for a community with diverse income levels. On-going CD, ED CD, ED 2.06.02B Pursue public-private partnerships and economic development grants that bring additional job opportunities to the community. On-going ED CD 2.07.02A Streamline the approval process for development proposals that are consistent with the vision and values of the community. Very High CD MO 2.07.02D Review development regulations to ensure an efficient process and remove unnecessarily burdensome costs and delays. On-going CD MO 2.08.01A Develop and maintain marketing materials to share with targeted industries. High ED 2.09.00 Create positive, vibrant, and accessible commercial activity centers within the community. CD, MO, PR, ED CD, FI, MO, PR, ED 2.09.01 Support redevelopment and infill opportunities Downtown. MO, CD, PW, ED CD, FI, ED, PR 2.09.01A Pursue public-private partnerships to develop parking facilities. High CD CD, FI, ED 2.09.01B Establish incentives to develop gathering spaces and civic facilities within Downtown. High MO CD, FI, PR 2.09.01E Explore incentives for targeted projects that meet economic development goals. High ED CD
Page 13 2.09.03 Cultivate unique and diverse destination-type activities within Meridian's centers. CD, PR, ED MO, CD 2.09.03A Establish distinct, engaging identities within commercial and mixed use centers through design standards. High CD MO 2.09.03D Develop a collaborative economic development strategy to recruit new businesses. High ED 3.01.01D Evaluate development proposals based on consistency with the vision as well as physical, social, economic, environmental, and aesthetic criteria. On-going CD 3.02.01G Establish and maintain levels of service for public facilities and services, including water, sewer, police, transportation, schools, fire, and parks. High MO All 3.03.00 Direct and prioritize development in strategic areas and in accordance with corridor and special area plans. CD, PW, MO All, CD, AO, PW, MO 3.03.01E Encourage infill development. On-going CD 3.03.02 Prioritize growth and development where it furthers the City's vision and allows for the efficient provision of services. CD, PW All, MO, CD 3.03.02A Engage with service providers, City leadership, and community members to identify priority growth areas. On-going CD All 3.03.02D As part of establishing and maintaining strategic growth areas, consider including targeted redevelopment/opportunity areas within the Area of City Impact, areas within the City limits and within a specified distance of major utility connections, and unincorporated county enclaves suitable for annexation. On-going CD All 3.03.02E Develop incentives for appropriate investment in strategic growth areas; discourage development outside of established growth areas. Low CD All 3.03.02F Require proposed development within areas further away from urban services, existing utilities or requiring significant City utility upgrades, to demonstrate fiscal benefits, strategic fit with the Comprehensive Plan, contiguity with existing development, and appropriate mitigation for any impacts to existing City service users. On-going MO MO 3.03.04 Plan for transportation connectivity and the provision of adequate urban utilities and services for county enclaves. CD, MO PW, AO, CD 3.04.00 Shape the future of the City through implementation and coordination of long range planning efforts. CD, IT, MO All, CD, PW, AO, CO 3.04.02D Improve the neighborhood meeting and public notice process. On-going CD AO, CO 3.06.00 Ensure a variety and balance of land uses within the Area of City Impact. CD ED, MO, PW 3.06.01 Plan for periodic review, monitoring, and updating of land uses within City limits and Area of City Impact. CD ED, MO
Page 14 3.06.01B Monitor and adjust the amount and mix of industrial, commercial, and office areas needed to meet the employment needs of the City. On-going CD ED 3.06.02 Plan for an appropriate mix of land uses that ensures connectivity, livability, and economic vitality. CD PW, ED 3.06.02E Discourage residential land uses in close proximity to the Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, the Intermountain Gas Facility on Can-Ada Road, and other incompatible land uses. On-going CD PW, ED 3.07.00 Encourage compatible uses and site design to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. CD ED, PR 3.07.01 Proactively address potential conflicts between incompatible uses. CD ED 3.07.01D Preserve the industrial base within designated industrial land use areas by discouraging non-industrial uses and focusing on light manufacturing, distribution, flex-space, and base-employment. Very-High CD ED 4.05.00 Preserve, protect, enhance, and wisely use natural resources. CD, MO, PR, PW CD, FI, AO, PR, PW, ED 4.05.03 Preserve prime farmland within the Area of City Impact to maintain rural character and provide opportunities for local produce and continued farming operations. CD, MO MO, CD, ED 4.05.03B Slow the outward progression of the City's limits by discouraging fringe area development; encourage development of vacant or underutilized parcels currently within City limits. On-going MO CD, ED 4.05.03D Consider public support for funding to preserve open space as part of permanent land trust. Low MO CD 4.10.01H Develop lot grading, dust, and drainage standards for residential development to mitigate slope erosion and protect property. Very High CD AO, PW 5.01.02A Maintain and implement community design ordinances, quality design criteria, and complete street policies to set quality standards citywide. High CD 5.03.00 Create opportunities for all Meridian residents and visitors to experience public art. PR CD, AO, MO, IT 5.03.01 Support art throughout the community. PR CD, AO, MO, IT 5.03.01D Provide local artists with opportunities to showcase their work. On-going PR MO, IT 6.01.01A Work with the Union Pacific Railroad, Watco Companies and other interested stakeholders to preserve and protect the existing Boise Cut-off rail corridor as a multi-use corridor, including freight. On-going CD MO, PW