HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ - Adopted Formatted Meridian Comprehensive PlanComprehensive PlanCity of M eridian
33 E Broadway Ave., Ste 102
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 884-5533
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Adopted by Resolution # 19-2179
On December 17, 2019
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City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan
Adopted December 17, 2019
Resolution No. 19-2179
List of Amendments to Comprehensive Plan since Adoption
Resolution #Date Description of Changes
20-2224 09/01/2020 Adding priorities and responsible lead information to Comprehensive Plan policies.
21-2302 12/21/2021 Adopting the Fields Subarea Plan by reference.
22-2347 10/25/2022 Adopting the Existing Conditions Report 2022 by reference.
23-2406 08/22/2023 Amending the policy text, priorities, and lead/support Departments.
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Acknowledgements
Mayor and City Council
Tammy de Weerd, MayorJoe Borton - PresidentLuke Cavener - Vice PresidentTreg BerntAnne Little RobertsGenesis MilamTy Palmer
Planning and Zoning
Commission
Rhonda McCarvelRyan FitzgeraldAndrew SealReid OlsenLisa HollandWilliam CassinelliJessica Perreault
Meridian Community
Special thanks to the community members, residents, and business owners who helped shape the vision for the future of our city.
Steering Committee
Treg BerntJim CongerBritton DavisNick GroveLisa HollandLori JonesSusan Karnes Cameron KinzerDenise La FeverStephen Lewis Justin Lucas Frank Marcos Patty MarrincicRhonda McCarvelSam McCaskill Mitra Mehta-CooperCarl MillerCharlie RountreeRobert SimisonDoug Taylor David TurnbullMike Vuittonet
Technical Analysis and
Support Team
Cameron Arial, Community Development DirectorCaleb Hood, AICP, Planning Division ManagerBrian McClure, AICP, Comprehensive Associate PlannerShandy Lam, Communications Manager Kaycee Emery, Communications Manager (previous)
Consultant Team
Logan Simpson
Bruce Meighen, AICPMegan Moore, ASLA, Assoc. AIAMiriam McGilvray, AICPKrissy Gilmore, AICPKristy Bruce, GISPOlivia CvetkoMaria Michieli-Best
Kittleson
Nick Foster
Leland Consulting
Ted KampAlisa Pyszka
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List of Implementation Tools
The following table lists existing tools which will be utilized to implement the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. These tools are already approved through City ordinance, but may require updates to most effectively implement this Plan. Meridian’s online City Code is maintained by Sterling Codifiers.
List of Implementation Tools By Reference
Tool Link
City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual (2016)https://meridiancity.org/designreview
Meridian City Code (2019)https://meridiancity.org/CityCode
Unified Development Code (Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, Title 11 of Meridian City Code) (2019) https://meridiancity.org/UDC
List of Adopted Plans and Studies By Reference
The following table lists plans that are adopted by reference by the City of Meridian. The most current major amendment dates are reflected on this table. Sites listed without a www.meridiancity.org domain are not maintained or operated by the City.
List of Adopted Plans By Reference
Plan Lead Agency Link
Meridian Arts Commission Strategic Plan (2019)Meridian Arts Commission https://meridiancity.org/mac/
Meridian Environmental Programs Plan (2019)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/environmental/
Welcome to Meridian Signage Plan (2019)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/WelcomePlan
Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 (2018)COMPASS https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Existing Conditions Report (2022)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/compplan
Meridian Water Master Plan (2018)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/WaterMPSummary
Roadways to Bikeways Master Plan (2018)Ada County Highway District https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Valley Connect 2.0 (2018)Valley Regional Transit https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Ada County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017)Ada County https://meridiancity.org/AdaHazardPlan
City of Meridian Collection System Master Plan (2017)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/CollectionMPSummary
City of Meridian Strategic Plan 2016-2020 (2015)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/StrategicPlan
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List of Adopted Plans By Reference
Plan Lead Agency Link
Meridian Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2015)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/masterplan
Downtown Meridian Street Cross-section Master Plan (2014)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/StreetPlan
Meridian Historic Preservation Plan (2014)Meridian Historic Preservation Commission https://meridiancity.org/HistoricPlan
Downtown Meridian Neighborhood Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (2012)Ada County Highway District / City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/transportation
Eastern Treasure Valley Electric Plan (2012)Idaho Power https://meridiancity.org/ElectricPlan
Airport - Overland Corridor Study (2011)ACHD and City of Nampa https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Meridian Water Conservation Plan (2011)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/water/conservation
Destination Downtown (2010)Meridian Development Corporation https://meridiancity.org/downtown
Meridian Pathways Master Plan (2010)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/pathways
Meridian Rail-With-Trail Action Plan (2010)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
ACHD Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan (2009)Ada County Highway District https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
US-20/26 Corridor Study (2006)Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Downtown Meridian Transportation Management Plan (2005)Ada County Highway District / City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/TransportationPlanning
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan (2007) City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/TMISAP
Destination Downtown (2010)Meridian Development Corporation https://meridiancity.org/downtown
Fields Subarea Plan (2021)City of Meridian https://meridiancity.org/Fields
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary i
■The Value of Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
■Plan Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
■Community Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Introduction 1-1
■Plan Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
■Nature of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
■Plan History and Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
■#MyMeridianVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
■Planning Successes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
■Plan Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
■Using this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
■Online Living Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
■A Community-Driven Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
■Overview of Sustainable Growth and Development . . . . . .1-11
■Making the Plan Reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12
■Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12
Premier Community 2-1
■Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
■Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
■Education, Health, and Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
■Economic Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Evolving Community 3-1
■Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
■Growth and Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
■Future Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
■Future Land Use Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
■Utilities and Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Livable Community 4-1
■Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
■Parks and Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
■Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
■Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13
Vibrant Community 5-1
■Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
■Character, Design, and Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
■Historic Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
■Arts and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Connected Community 6-1
■Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
■Transportation and Streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Appendices A-1
■Appendix A. Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
■Appendix B. Acronyms and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
■Appendix C. Regulatory Takings Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
■Appendix D. Future Land Use Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
■Appendix E. Analysis and Public Involvement Summaries . . .E-1
E
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2
3
4
5
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Tables and Figures
Executive Summary i
Introduction 1-1
■Figure 1A: Regional Context Map ......................1-2
Premier Community 2-1
■Table 2.1. Housing Goals, Objectives and Action Items ....2-4
■Table 2.2. Education and Community Services Goals, Objectives and Action Items ..................2-9
■Table 2.3. Economic Goals, Objectives and Action Items .2-13
Evolving Community 3-1
■Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items ................................3-4
■Figure 3A: General Mixed Use Concept Diagram ........3-14
■Figure 3B: Mixed Use Neighborhood Concept Diagram ..3-16
■Figure 3C: Mixed Use Community Concept Diagram .....3-18
■Figure 3D: Mixed Use Regional Concept Diagram ........3-19
■Figure 3E: Mixed Use Non-Residential Concept Diagram .3-20
■Table 3.2. Future Land Use Goals, Objectives and Action Items 3-24
■Table 3.3. Utilities and Infrastructure Goals, Objectives and Action Items ...............................3-29
Livable Community 4-1
■Table 4.1. Parks and Pathways Goals, Objectives and Action Items ......................................4-4
■Table 4.2. Stewardship Goals, Objectives and Action Items 4-9
■Table 4.3. Public Safety Goals, Objectives and Action Items .. ..........................................4-15
Vibrant Community 5-1
■Table 5.1. Character, Design, and Identity Goals, Objectives and Action Items ............................5-5
■Table 5.2. Historic Preservation Goals, Objectives and Action Items ......................................5-8
■Table 5.3. Arts and Culture Goals, Objectives and Action Items .....................................5-10
Connected Community 6-1
■Table 6.1. Transportation and Streets Goals, Objectives and Action Items ................................6-6
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City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Executive SummaryExecutive SummaryExecutive Summary
The Value of Planning
Since 2011, when the last Comprehensive Plan was adopted, the City of Meridian has changed significantly. While much of this change has been positive, the City faces challenges in accommodating additional growth. This Plan sets forth the framework necessary for orderly growth and development reflecting the communities values today, while anticipating the needs, wants, and desires of later generations. Without guided growth and development, overcrowding, congestion, safety, community identity, and an overall deterioration of the current quality of life and living may result.
Meridian’s Comprehensive Plan is a long-term policy document for the community with guiding visions and policies relating to new development, redevelopment, city programs, and services. The Comprehensive Plan policies are used to guide the direction for development in Meridian. It is a dynamic document designed to reflect the community vision as well as adapt to changes in technologies, demographics, growth patterns, values, and transportation needs.
The goal of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan is to create an effective vision and source document that the general public, developers, and decision makers can reference and utilize to ensure Meridian is a premier place to live, work, and raise a family.
The Comprehensive Plan is periodically updated to ensure that the Plan remains relevant and represents community aspirations, reflects market and demographic trends, and is user-friendly. This Plan infuses a fresh focus on creation and preservation of the area’s character, evolution, livability, vibrancy, and connections, all while conforming to the requirements of Idaho Code, Title 67, Chapter 65, the Local Land use Planning Act.
Below: Meridian City Hall
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Plan Development
A year-long planning process resulted in a Comprehensive Plan document that continues to elevate Meridian as a major population and employment center within the Treasure Valley and one the most desirable places to live in the nation.
This updated Comprehensive Plan:
»Is inspired by a grass-roots and citizen-based and collaborative process »Defines approach to areas of growth and change »Supports a diversity of housing types and for all income groups »Cultivates sustainable quality neighborhoods with diverse and context-sensitive amenities »Promotes the creation of distinct, engaging places »Clarifies land use designations for consistency of implementation. »Highlights city services for prioritization of future projects and programs »Reinforces the direction of providing an unsurpassed level of parks and recreation facilities »Strengthens Meridian’s historic and community character »Prioritizes walkability, bikeability, and interconnectedness of mobility systems that promote a healthy environment »Encourages multi-modal corridors »Embraces emerging trends and technologies in transportation »Anticipates demographic changes and plans for an integrated community »Addresses livability and service needs for all
»Encourages partnerships and participation in education to realize the work force we need for the diverse economic base that we desire »Aligns transportation modes with population needs »Emphasizes environmental stewardship and importance of parks and open spaces »Supports existing neighborhoods and future planning efforts that will contribute in ongoing success »Provides new tools and ways to evaluate where growth is most appropriate »Is accessible in multiple formats, from traditional hardcopy to digitally online
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Executive SummaryExecutive Summaryiiiwww.meridiancity.org/compplan
Community Vision
The Comprehensive Plan establishes a future vision and desired course of action based on the values and feedback of the community. The community’s vision for Meridian is summarized in vision statements with five over-arching themes. The #MyMeridian Vision document embodies these unique qualities and reaffirms a desire to preserve Meridian’s character with the onset of inevitable changes that come with population growth and demand for services. This vision reinforces the core values of guided and strategic growth, jobs creation and sound economics, service provision, sustainable neighborhoods, and being good stewards of the public trust. The vision was developed through a process that offered residents, business owners, and visitors an opportunity to articulate their community values—the City’s design for the future reflects a collaborative vision.
Above: Gene Kleiner Day festivities at Kleiner Park
#MYMERIDIAN VISION:
Meridian is a premier, evolving, livable, vibrant,
and connected community.
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Premier Community
Making Meridian a Premier Community means putting an emphasis on quality of life through creating safe neighborhoods with diverse housing, open spaces, and amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices, as well as planning for exceptional social, educational, and economic opportunities.
A vibrant, diverse, clean, safe, and secure community in which to live, work, and thrive.
This theme focuses on the relationship between where we work, educate, live, and play, and includes the following elements:
»Housing »Education, Health, and Community Services »Economic Excellence
Evolving Community
Strategically planning for Meridian’s evolving future means implementing land use tools and promoting responsible growth through the provision of services and infrastructure in key areas at the right time. Meridian looks to maintain a balanced mix of land uses based on a holistic understanding of community character, transportation systems, market realities, and utility use.
A community thoughtfully adapting to changes.
This theme supports an efficient and high-quality development pattern, and includes the following elements:
»Growth and Population »Future Land Use »Utilities and Infrastructure
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Livable Community
Livability represents the overall relationship between the community and the satisfaction they derive from their surroundings. This means strategic use and stewardship of our environment, providing opportunities for recreation, mitigating the impact of hazards, and ensuring health, safety, and welfare of the Meridian community.
A community of family-friendly, healthy, and engaging places.
This theme is grounded in access to and responsible management of Meridian’s parks, open space, and natural resources, and includes the following elements:
»Parks and Pathways »Stewardship »Public Safety
Vibrant Community
Being a Vibrant Community centers on the intersection of past and future. The Meridian community values its heritage and strong historic character and charm and hopes to preserve key cultural elements while creating well-designed new places that honor our community’s story, contribute to the past and present, and will serve generations to come. Arts, community events, cultural assets, and celebrations also play a role in making Meridian a vibrant and beloved place with distinct, engaging characteristics.
A community strengthened by historic character and vibrant activity centers.
This theme reinforces quality community design and placemaking, and includes the following elements:
»Character, Design, and Identity »Historic Preservation »Arts and Culture
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Connected Community
Connecting Meridian requires a strong relationship between various modes of travel and destinations, ensuring that the broad system functions safely and efficiently. It also requires efficiently connecting Meridian to its neighbors, facilitating regionally and locally within the City. This means accommodating appropriate modes of transportation by planning, designing, and building facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, public transit, motor vehicles, and freight all the while anticipating for the future needs of additional methods and trends for people, goods, and services to move.
A community of safe and efficient transportation.
Efficiency and innovation can be accomplished through land use planning, street design, and accommodations of new and emerging technologies. This theme includes the following element:
»Transportation and Streets
Making the Plan Reality
The measure of the Comprehensive Plan’s success is its ability to direct and bring about actions that implement the Plan’s articulated vision and supporting policies. This implementation effort will largely be accomplished through a consolidated list of action items referred to as the implementation plan. This implementation will work in coordination with the City’s Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Financial Plan, Capital Investment Plan, and by updating City Code and the Unified Development Code. City staff will report to City Council on progress made toward completing action items on a regular basis.
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Introduction
Meridian, Idaho is located just west of Boise in the southwestern
part of Idaho, and is one of six cities in Ada County. The Area of
City Impact contains 60 square miles, including approximately
33 square miles within the city limits. As of 2019 there are over
114,000 residents in Meridian, making it the second largest city
in Idaho—and one of the top ten fastest growing communities
in the nation. It has become the area’s new regional epicenter.
This Comprehensive Plan is the guide to the future of the City
of Meridian. It builds on Meridian’s history and community
wishes, integrates previous and upcoming plans and projects,
and recognizes the contributions of our leaders and community
members that have made Meridian of the most desirable places
to live. Thoughtful and deliberate planning is imperative to
preserve and improve upon the current quality of life.
As part of the Introduction, the following elements are included
in this chapter:
»Plan Purpose and Scope
»#MyMeridianVision
»Planning Successes
»Plan Structure
»A Community-Driven Plan
»Overview of Sustainable Growth and Development
»Making the Plan Reality
Below: #MyMeridian Public Event
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you
can do something about it now”
- Alan Lakein
1-1
Figure 1A: Regional Context Map
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division 2019
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Plan Purpose and Scope
The purpose of the City of Meridian’s Comprehensive Plan (Plan)
is to integrate the values of the community into a document
that guides the growth and development of the City. The Plan
uses maps, tables, and narrative to describe the City, provide
a vision of a desired future, and recommend specific policies
and actions to reach that future.
The goal of the Comprehensive Plan is to create an effective
vision and source document that the general public, developers,
and decision makers can use to ensure Meridian is a premier
place to live, work and raise a family.
The required components of a comprehensive plan specified in
Idaho Code include private property rights; population; economic
development; land use; natural resources; hazardous areas; public
services, school facilities; transportation; recreation; special
areas or sites; housing; community design; implementation;
agriculture; airports; national interest electric transmission
corridors; and any other component that may be necessary.
One of the primary uses of the Comprehensive Plan is to
provide direction for land use regulations, including zoning, as
well as strategic plans, municipal budget and capital projects,
and other implementation actions. Idaho Code § 67-6511
requires: “The zoning districts shall be in accordance with the
adopted plans.”
All legislative requirements, specifically the Idaho Local Land
Use Planning Act, are addressed in the Plan. Idaho Code §
67-6508 (the Local Land Use Planning Act) provides for a
planning process as follows:
“Prepare, implement, and review and update a
comprehensive plan, hereafter referred to as the plan.
The plan shall include all land within the jurisdiction of
the governing board. The plan shall consider previous
and existing conditions, trends, desirable goals and
objectives, or desirable future situations for each planning
component.”
The Plan is intended to work in concert with the City’s ordinances
and specific area plans. It is based not only on the concerns
and expressions of the community, but upon the analysis in
the Existing Conditions Report that is adopted concurrently as
Volume II of this Plan. The Existing Conditions Report includes
background information and analysis about the built and
natural environment in Meridian today (as of 2022), trends,
and a strategic plan for the future. Together, the Existing
Conditions Report and the Comprehensive Plan together
address all of the elements required in the Local Land Use
Planning Act of Idaho.
This Plan applies to all geographic areas within Meridian’s
jurisdiction, including its surrounding Area of City Impact. Plan
goals, objectives, and action items are designed to address a
20-year planning horizon.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction1-3
Nature of the Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is an official policy guide for decisions
concerning the physical development of the community. The
Plan establishes goals, objectives, and action items to implement
the City’s policies regarding growth. The Plan works in concert
with City Code and other planning-related documents like
the City’s Strategic Plan, the City’s Sewer and Water Master
Plans, the Pathways Master Plan, Parks and Recreation Master
Plan, and Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs). It is also used in
conjunction with each City department’s strategic and tactical
plans. The Plan is not a set of standards or a means to enforce
City Code. Instead, it indicates, in a general way, how the
community should develop. It is expected and required that
the Plan consider and inform efforts to align City Code and
policy with the community’s changing shape, values, and needs.
Citizens, developers, the Planning and Zoning Commission,
as well as the City Council and other groups are all involved
in shaping community development and have a primary
responsibility to coordinate and direct the overall pattern
of development activities within the community. The City
Council, with recommendation from the Planning and Zoning
Commission, makes development decisions concerning
annexation, rezoning, and subdivision developments at public
hearings, as well as decisions regarding variances, and planned
unit developments. The Planning and Zoning Commission is
responsible for making decisions regarding conditional use
permits. Due to the responsibilities of the City Council, it is
necessary for the City to implement technical guidelines and
adopt policies that will provide the framework for considering
proposed physical development and its suitability, impact on
the quality of life for Meridian citizens, and the best interest
of the City. The City also needs to establish and maintain a
long-range implementation strategy for coordinated, unified
development of public improvement projects.
Above: Pathway at sunset
Below: View of artwork and fountains in the Village at Meridian
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Plan History and Preparation
Meridian’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1978. That
plan was developed to meet the requirements of the newly
enacted 1975 Land Use Planning Act of the State of Idaho, Title
67, Chapter 65. In 1993, the City of Meridian invited citizens
representing neighborhood groups, developers, real estate
professionals, and public agencies to engage in a participatory
process to revise a modernized City of Meridian Comprehensive
Plan. Similar processes took place again in 2002 and 2011 to
bring needed revisions to the Meridian Comprehensive Plan.
To ensure that the Plan remains relevant and represents current
stakeholders, reflects market and demographic trends, is
accessible for all users, and offers ease of navigation through
its content, today’s City leaders recognize changes are needed.
Many goals, objectives, and actions outlined in the 2011 plan
remain. However, some objectives and action items have been
achieved or are no longer desired. Additionally, new initiatives
focus on creation and preservation of the area’s character,
evolution, livability, vibrancy, and connections.
Above: Carnival at Storey park, during Meridian Dairy Days
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction1-5
#MyMeridianVision
The Plan establishes a future vision and course of action based
on the values and feedback of the community. The overall
#MyMeridianVision statement, developed by the people of
Meridian, represents their voice about what they value in the
community and an equally strong mandate for what they want
for the future. It embodies these unique qualities and reaffirms
a desire to preserve Meridian’s character with the onset of
inevitable changes that come with population growth and
demand for development. Building on the #MyMeridianVision,
the City has established five Citywide Vision Themes to bring
together City departments and trained staff that are committed
to the City’s core values to guide growth, create jobs and a
sound economic base, provide services, facilitate neighborhood
sustainability, and be good stewards of the public trust.
#MYMERIDIANVISION:
Meridian is a premier, evolving, livable, vibrant, and con-
nected community.
The Vision Themes and corresponding statements will be regularly
revisited after the adoption of the Plan. As a valuable tool to
be reviewed and updated over the 20-year planning horizon,
these vision statements reflect the community’s values and
dreams for the future of the City of Meridian:
Premier Community: A vibrant, diverse, clean, safe, and secure
community in which to live, work, and thrive.
Evolving Community: A community thoughtfully adapting to
changes.
Livable Community: A community of family-friendly, healthy,
and engaging places.
Vibrant Community: A community strengthened by historic
character and vibrant activity centers.
Connected Community: A community of safe and efficient
transportation.
Right: Fishing at Kleiner Park
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Planning Successes
Meridian’s rapid growth has propelled the City into continual
change. Development and infrastructure must be directed to
create neighborhoods and centers that foster social interaction,
public safety, and a sense of community for the City’s residents
and commerce. Without a coordinated plan for the City, unguided
growth could harm the vital qualities clearly articulated in the
#MyMeridianVision. Having a community-vested vision and
plan helps guide and inform the decision-making process to
define and manage the City’s future.
Meridian has seen a significant increase in population over the
last decade and it is predicted to grow another 52% between
2017 and 2040. During the last 10 years (2007–2017), the City
has seen 37% growth in the labor force and a 5% reduction
in the unemployment rate. The median household income is
well over the Treasure Valley average, and two-thirds of the
children in the community have walkable access to a park or
open space.1
With a strong vision for managing community growth, the
City will apply the values defined by the #MyMeridianVision
to harness growth as a community asset. Strategic long-range
planning is an opportunity to influence the trajectory—to set
a compelling, prescribed, and collaborative course for the
future. Over the lifetime of the Plan, a single policy change
can produce enormous and valued impact.
1 Existing Conditions Report 2017
Accomplishments in the last 10 years include:
Enhanced traffic operations using agency technology
and the addition of new pathways
Hosted over 100 events in 2018 alone
Welcomed Idaho State University and Idaho College of
Osteopathic Medicine, Idaho’s first medical school
Worked toward the “greening” of Meridian with 4,736 trees
in Meridian’s parks
Opened the Public Safety Training Center on Watertower
Street
Developed Village at Meridian, a new premiere lifestyle center
with over a million square feet of retail and office space
Relaunched the Main Street Market
Partnered on Harvest Transit, an on-demand service
designed for seniors and those with disabilities
Invested in and expanded public art with dedicated funding,
park themes and more
Created and expanded the Historic Walking Tour with new
partnerships
Started building up the Ten Mile Interchange area
Completed Split Corridor road investments in Downtown
Expanded Storey Park with new dog park—Storey Bark Park
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction1-7
Plan Structure
The Comprehensive Plan is structured around five Vision
Themes and their corresponding topic elements. Each Vision
Theme chapter includes a brief explanation about its topics and
lists the relevant policy direction, including goals, objectives,
and action items.
Chapter 1. Introduction:Chapter 1. Introduction: plan purpose and scope,
#MyMeridianVision, planning successes, plan structure, a
community-driven plan, overview of sustainable growth and
development, and making the plan reality
Chapter 2. Premier CommunityChapter 2. Premier Community : housing, education and services,
and economic development
Chapter 3. Evolving Community:Chapter 3. Evolving Community: growth and population, land
use, and utilities and infrastructure
Chapter 4. Livable Community:Chapter 4. Livable Community: parks and pathways, stewardship,
public safety
Chapter 5. Vibrant Community:Chapter 5. Vibrant Community: character and design, historic
preservation, and arts/culture
Chapter 6. Connected Community:Chapter 6. Connected Community: transportation and streets
The AppendicesThe Appendices includes the Future Land Use Map, Glossary
of Terms, Acronyms and Abbreviations, and a Regulatory
Takings Checklist.
Using this Document
The Comprehensive Plan is designed to serve a diverse audience:
citizens, applicants for development, City staff, commissioners,
and elected officials. The purpose of the Plan is to provide
a clear vision for the future by outlining expectations of the
community. The Plan facilitates this by establishing policies that
describe City led initiatives, and by establishing expectations
for approvals of development applications. The intent is to
initiate greater certainty in creating successful projects that
match the City’s vision; address the concerns and property
rights of neighbors; and provide the flexibility to accomplish a
developer’s vision without compromising the larger community’s
vision and goals.
Citizens are encouraged to use this document to better
understand the City’s vision for their neighborhood, their
business, and the City as a whole. Applicants for development
are also encouraged to use this document to better understand
the City’s vision.
Finally, this document will be utilized in earnest by City staff, City
commissions and task forces, and elected officials as the roadmap
to achieving the Vision Themes; the Planning Department in
reviewing development applications, all departments in crafting
their strategic plans; and in developing and implementing
capital improvement and master plans.
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the
seeds that you plant.”
- Robert Louis Stevenson
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Online Living Document
The full power and utility of this Plan is best experienced in its
online form. In the online format, the Plan is designed to be
fully navigable, searchable, and interconnected with hyperlinks.
Relevant text and graphics are designed to be easily excerpted
for applicable use. The maps and graphics are interactive in
order to enhance their value. Hyperlinks are available and will
be maintained with other supporting documents, including the
topic-specific plans that support this Plan, and are essential
to its full and effective implementation.
A Community-Driven Plan
The Comprehensive Plan captures the community’s values in
2019 and how the community envisions Meridian in the future.
As such, it is critical to authentically integrate the concerns
and expressions of the community and its stakeholders into
the document that will guide the growth and development
of the City.
The first step toward creating a vision for the community
was listening. Public input and leadership from the Steering
Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council,
and Boards and Commissions guided the planning process.
Diligent effort encouraged meaningful public participation by
involving interested parties early and frequently.
At these events and through online surveys, participants were
asked questions like “What do you love about Meridian?”, “What
would you improve about Meridian?” and “What is your vision
for Meridian’s future?” This allowed the residents, employees,
and other community members the opportunity to provide
and discuss their values, options, goals, and to prioritize future
opportunities for their community.
Above: Public involvement at Kleiner Park
Below: Gene Kleiner Day festivities at Kleiner Park
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction1-9
Images: 5,500 community participants provided feedback at community events, workshops, and through online engagement polls and surveys.
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Overview of Sustainable Growth and
Development
Review of Recent Research and Tools
Getting the timing and appropriate land uses right, today
and in the future, is at the heart of managing growth and
the character of Meridian. Decisions about how, where, and
what kind of development takes place in the future will affect
other aspects of Meridian, including traffic, noise air and
environmental quality; opportunities for jobs, housing and
business development; community character and design; and
the need for public facilities and services of all types.
An example is the relationship between traffic, commercial
development, and transportation investment decisions. Providing
expanded opportunities and access to neighborhood shopping
and live-work units could result in reduced pressure on roadways.
As with commercial development, the level of residential
density near future transportation hubs influences the timing
and investment in public transit services and infrastructure.
Choices about housing types and location will influence
future decisions about both commercial and transportation
investments.
Through the Comprehensive Plan process, several levels of
analysis were conducted to reflect how these topical layers
influence each other and should be considered into the future:
Service Impact Tool
A service impact tool was developed for use by staff to
evaluate the serviceability of a parcel at the time annexation
is requested. The intent is to promote thoughtful growth
by clearly considering and reporting relevant factors to City
leaders as they consider development proposals. The tool may
also be used as a framework to set priorities, and to identify
areas that that are likely to develop first.
This tool considers both areas that already receive city services
and those that haven’t. The tool looks at a number of attributes
and ranks each criterion on a numeric scale. Attributes include
among other things, proximity to water, and sewer infrastructure,
proximity to schools and pathways, emergency services’
response time, and environmental constraints. Over time, it
is envisioned that the service impact tool will help the City
coordinate services so growth is strategic and more consistent
with plans for infrastructure.
Economic Development Analysis and Market Analysis
One objective of the Comprehensive Plan is to strategically
prepare for land use and transportation investments that will
support economic development across the City. An analysis of
economic development trends, regional demographics, Meridian’s
industry strengths, and anticipated areas of employment growth
was conducted as part of Plan development, and concluded
with recommendations for this Plan that are informed by data,
interviews with economic development stakeholders across
the region, and best practices.
Corridor Analysis
A focused review of key corridors in Meridian was conducted
to evaluate whether planned land uses have the right mix and
scale to support transit in the future. This analysis aims to
ensure that land uses provide enough potential ridership to
support transit investments, while also leveraging each unique
corridor’s development context. The study also identified
opportunities to capture the value of real estate and economic
development along each corridor to support funding of a
future transit system.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction1-11
Making the Plan Reality
A wide range of users can find meaning in this Plan. Citizens,
developers, the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as
the City Council and other commissions are all involved and
responsible for shaping community development and the
overall pattern of growth within the community.
Alignment with Other Plans and Resources
The Comprehensive Plan becomes an improved tool for growth
by driving the process of alignment with other plans, code, and
policy updates and goals for the City. The specific plans and
documents that are adopted as part of the Comprehensive
Plan are listed at the front of the Plan (List of Adopted Plans
by Reference).
The City hereby adopts as addenda to the Comprehensive Plan
the versions of these documents in the List of Adopted Plans
by Reference in effect at the time the Comprehensive Plan is
approved by the City Council, and as amended.
The Comprehensive Plan provides the overarching vision for
updates and revisions to City Code, and works symbiotically
with the City’s Community Development Block Grant
Consolidated Plan, the City’s Sewer and Water Master Plans,
other department master plans, capital improvement plans,
and various transportation plans and studies. It is also used in
conjunction with each City department’s strategic plan, action
plan, and annual employee performance appraisal.
All City departments shall use the Comprehensive Plan as a
tool for setting work plans, budgets, capital improvements,
amending the City Code, and allocating other resources for City
Council approval. City staff from all departments will regularly
discuss and coordinate the needs of the City. Staff will work
together with the common goal of guiding growth, providing
City services within available resources, being organized and
efficient, and acting as good stewards of the public trust.
Next Steps
Implementation of the Plan will take hard work and dedication
from the entire community. Many of these actions have
already started based on community input. After adoption
of the Comprehensive Plan, one of the first steps will be to
prioritize the action items listed in the Plan. City Departments
and other stakeholders will be part of the process to determine
which action items are immediate, intermediate, or long-term
priorities. This consolidated list of the action items will be
referred to as the Implementation Plan of the Comprehensive
Plan and it will establish both an action item lead and support,
including all City departments or civic organizations that need
to be involved in completing each action. After staff consensus
on priorities, the draft policies will be shared with the Mayor
and City Council. 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.
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | IntroductionIntroduction“The unique characteristics of place may be the only truly
defensible source of competitive advantage for cities & towns.”
- Joe Cortright, CEO’s for Cities
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Premier Community
Overview
The City of Meridian, uniquely situated within the Treasure
Valley, has distinguished itself with thriving neighborhoods;
a vibrant job market; broad educational opportunities; and
extensive community services. Meridian has become a top-
choice community for businesses and residents in the United
States.
Meridian’s Comprehensive Plan embraces the next steps to
solidifying itself as the region’s Premier Community. The Plan
encourages the attraction of diverse businesses by fostering an
inviting, creative, and enriching environment. Employment will
be located in emerging walkable centers and along multi-modal
corridors. The Plan encourages an exceptional educational system
creating an employment base attractive to the right type of
employers and provides the foundation for a new generation
of Meridian residents. This Premier Community will continue
to evolve from an edge community into a complete city with
safe neighborhoods, diverse housing, well-designed buildings,
and amenities. The Plan encourages enriching and inviting
environments for all lifestyle choices, ages, and backgrounds.
As part of the Premier Community Vision, the following
elements are included in this chapter:
»Housing
»Education, Health, and Community Services
»Economic Excellence
Below: The Scentsy campus on Pine Ave and Eagle Road
PREMIER COMMUNITY VISION
A vibrant, clean, safe, and secure community
in which to live, work, and thrive. City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Premier CommunityPremier Community2-1
Housing
Introduction
Opportunities for housing should be available for all income
groups with a diverse mix including rural, modular, townhouses,
apartments, workforce housing, large lot subdivision, and
single-family homes ranging in size from one-bedroom to
estate homes. A premier community needs a good cross-
section of housing and therefore must guard against an
abundance of subdivisions in similar and repetitive densities,
appearances, and price ranges. Neighborhoods should also
enhance and retain livability and value through innovatively
designed amenities, pathways, public spaces, gathering spaces,
and elements that promote social interaction and provide the
city with a sustainable tax base. High-density housing must
be strategically located to public transportation, community
services, and employment areas.
As part of the City’s Vision, new neighborhoods should emphasize
diverse open spaces and amenities, distinct, engaging places
and identities, and Meridian’s strong historic character and
charm. As such, this section relates closely with the policies
in Chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Above: Single family home in Meridian
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Background
Until 2014, Meridian’s population was distributed throughout the
community primarily in detached single-family suburban-style
developments. Increasingly, however, higher density housing is
being constructed throughout the community, particularly near
employment areas, major roadways, and regional attractions.
The City realizes that the baby boomer generation is aging
and creating an increased demand for 55-plus-age non-single-
family detached dwellings. Coupled with the fact that more
young adults are waiting longer to have children and may not
want large homes on large lots, this necessitates providing
more diversity in housing choices. The majority of the growing
senior population will prefer to “age in place” within existing
neighborhoods. Many will seek residential accommodations
to suit their emerging health and mobility needs. However,
there will also be a growing demand for highly specialized
senior living facilities within the community.
This Comprehensive Plan supports and encourages a variety
of housing types ranging from large single-family detached
homes to multi-family dwellings. Future Land Use designations
allow the City to integrate a range of residential unit densities,
from Low Residential to High Density Residential. These land
uses and other supportive policies are intended to ensure
opportunities exist for a variety of incomes, housing preferences,
lifestyles, household sizes, and age groups integrated within
neighborhoods and across the community. See the Future
Land Use element in Chapter 3 for more details. For character,
design, and identity elements related to housing, see the
Vibrant Community, Chapter 5.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
»Consolidated Plan and Fair Housing Assessment
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Premier CommunityPremier Community“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also
dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
- Anatole France
2-3
Policy Direction
Table 2.1. Housing Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
2.01.00 Support a balance and integration of diverse housing and neighborhood types.CD, MO CD, AO, MO
2.01.01 Encourage diverse housing options suitable for various income levels, household sizes, and lifestyle preferences.CD, MO AO, MO
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
2.01.01B Regularly assess permitting activity and work to encourage a mix of housing types.On-going CD
2.01.01C Maintain a range of residential land use designations that allow diverse lot sizes, housing types,
and densities.On-going CD
2.01.01D Regularly monitor local codes and ordinances to ensure compliance with state and federal laws
such as the Fair Housing Act.On-going CD
2.01.01E
Encourage development of universally accessible home designs within new developments and
home retrofits, allowing residents to age in place and creating full accessibility for all residents of
varying levels of physical ability.
On-going CD
2.01.01F Maintain clear and concise housing development ordinances, codes, requirements, restrictions,
and policies that are consist with the Comprehensive Plan.On-going CD
2.01.01G Avoid the concentration of any one housing type or lot size in any geographical area; provide for
diverse housing types throughout the City.On-going CD
2.01.01H Locate higher density housing near corridors with existing or planned transit, Downtown, and in
proximity to employment centers.On-going CD
2.01.01I Consider providing incentives to developers that produce affordable housing units as defined by
federal and state agencies.Low CD CD, AO, MO
2.01.01J Support an open housing market for all persons, regardless of protected class.On-going CD
2.01.01K Remove regulatory barriers and develop design criteria that support the construction of accessory
dwelling units and micro homes where appropriate.Medium CD
2.01.01L Ensure the Unified Development Code provides opportunities for diverse and innovative housing
options.On-going CD
2.01.01M Support active-adult or independent senior living developments.On-going CD
2.01.01N Work with the County/State on developing property tax relief programs for seniors and others on
low/fixed incomes.Low MO
2.01.02 Support a balance of housing tenure and supply and demand.CD
2.01.02A Regularly monitor property tax revenue and vacancy rates in the rental and ownership market.On-going CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 2.1. Housing Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
2.01.02B Coordinate and align public and private housing development to improve consistency with local
housing agency plans.On-going CD
2.01.02C Explore ways to encourage diversity of housing tenure and price points. High CD
2.01.02D Encourage a variety of housing types that meet the needs, preferences, and financial capabilities of
Meridian’s present and future residents.On-going CD
2.01.02E
Support housing affordability, special-needs housing, ownership opportunities, and housing
rehabilitation through programs administered by the State of Idaho, Ada County, nonprofits, and
federal agencies.
On-going CD
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
2.02.01 Elevate and enhance the quality and connectivity of residential site and subdivision planning.CD FD, FI, AO, PR, PD
2.02.01A
With new subdivision plats, require the design and construction of pathways connections, easy
pedestrian and bicycle access to parks, safe routes to schools, and the incorporation of usable
open space with quality amenities.
On-going CD PR
2.02.01B Evaluate open space and amenity requirement and criteria for consistency with community needs
and values.On-going CD PR, PD
2.02.01C Require all new residential neighborhoods to provide complete streets, consistent with the
Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan.On-going CD FD
2.02.01D Require pedestrian access in all new development to link subdivisions together and promote
neighborhood connectivity.On-going CD
2.02.01E
Encourage the development of high quality, dense residential and mixed use areas near in and
around Downtown, near employment, large shopping centers, public open spaces and parks, and
along major transportation corridors, as shown on the Future Land Use Map.
On-going CD
2.02.01F
Evaluate the potential to incentivize dedication of public school sites, public parks and other open
spaces, and public access easements to linear open space corridors, which contain bicycle and/or
pedestrian pathway systems.
Low CD FI, PR
2.02.01G Ensure development provides safe routes and access to schools, parks, and other community
gathering places.On-going CD
2.02.01H Evaluate and improve the current grading and stormwater drainage requirements for subdivisions
to ensure they reflect the community's values.Very High PW CD, AO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 2.1. Housing Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
2.02.02A Develop standards for upkeep of vacant lots such as dust and weed mitigation requirements.Low PD CD
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
2.02.02C
Support infill development that does not negatively impact the abutting, existing development.
Infill projects in Downtown should develop at higher densities, irrespective of existing
development.
On-going CD
2.02.02D Apply appropriate design and construction standards to infill development in order to reduce
adverse impacts to existing development. On-going CD
2.02.02E Assist development groups to develop multiple plats into one cohesive plat.On-going CD
2.02.02F Ensure that new development within existing residential neighborhoods is cohesive and
complementary in design and construction.On-going CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Education, Health, and Community
Services
Introduction
This element discusses the educational and community
services provided by Meridian and partner organizations
that enhance Meridian residents’ well-being. To address the
physical and mental health needs of the community, a wide
array of services are needed, including educational, social,
cultural, and health services. Some other services, like sewer,
water, and transportation, are addressed in other parts of this
Plan and are not duplicated here.
Background
Educational facilities and programs in the City of Meridian
are provided by the West Ada School District, a growing
variety of charter and private schools, and several college
and university campuses. K-12 student enrollment growth
has placed tremendous demands on schools in the recent
past resulting in a record-setting pace of new schools. This
rate of school construction is expected to continue into the
foreseeable future, as Meridian and its neighbors continue to
grow. New school locations require land acquisition and are
based on residential density of an area and other build-out
factors.
To support access to quality lifelong learning opportunities,
the City of Meridian seeks to continue joint long range and
site planning, continued exploration into multi-use and shared
facilities, and providing increased safety through school resource
officers and efficient use of multi-modal transportation corridors
servicing schools. The City will continue to support appropriate
locations of school sites, encourage communication between
essential service providers to plan for and accommodate growth
associated with schools, and further explore opportunities
to cut operating costs through joint land use agreements.
Thoughtful communication and coordination will help to
ensure residents in the City of Meridian have accessible and
safe educational opportunities.
Partner organizations such as the Meridian Library District,
Meridian Senior Center, Meridian Food Bank, Meridian Boys
and Girls Club, and many others also support the community
by providing a variety of important services, facilities, and
programs. Even with the increasing demand and availability
of digital resources, community facilities still play a key role
in connecting residents with those services.
Below: The Meridian Senior Center in Kleiner Park.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Premier CommunityPremier Community2-7
Meridian prides itself on maintaining a safe and caring community
where residents of all ages and abilities feel accepted, respected,
and connected. The City has developed several initiatives and
organizations focused specifically on youth, and has invested
in programs and facilities designed for older residents. With
the provision of community services and a continuum of care,
Meridian families and individuals have the opportunity to stay
and thrive in their communities as they age.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
Above: South Meridian YMCA
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Table 2.2. Education and Community Services Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
2.03.00 Improve coordination of long range City and school district planning.CD, PD FD
2.03.01 Jointly plan and site schools and subdivisions to ensure mutual benefits, neighborhood identity, and community health. CD
2.03.01A Assist West Ada School District in identifying potential future school sites, by providing
information about anticipated future land uses, utilities, and entitlements.On-going CD
2.03.01B Support construction of multi-use facilities that can be used by both schools and the community.On-going CD
2.03.01C Invite West Ada School District staff to pre-application meetings with potential developers and
discuss school siting and access needs.On-going CD
2.03.01D Ensure the location and design of schools are compatible with existing and planned
neighborhoods and land uses.On-going CD
2.03.01E Work with West Ada School District to locate and connect schools to safe and accessible walking,
bicycle, transit, and automobile routes. On-going CD
2.03.02 Coordinate with public safety officials and other local agencies to ensure safe school environments.PD FD
2.03.02A Support educational and training programs lead by school resource officers and neighborhood
contact officers.On-going PD FD
2.04.00 Support a diverse range of educational opportunities that continues lifelong learning.MO CD, FD, PR,
PD
2.04.01 Partner with schools, non-profits, and other community-based organizations to provide a variety of educational opportunities throughout all stages of life.MO CD, FD, PR, PD
2.04.01A Support a network of public resources, schools, community centers and other public facilities that
address the city’s educational and training needs. On-going MO FD, PR, PD,
PW
2.04.01B
Encourage educational institutions and community organizations to provide a broad set of
programs within the community, including programs for special needs students, early childhood,
the arts, math and science, English as a Second Language, and life-skills.
On-going MO
2.04.01C Investigate potential public-private partnerships to provide additional health and educational
programs.Medium MO CD, PR
2.05.00 Plan for a multi-generational city with adequate public services and health care resources
for existing and future residents of all ages.CD, MO, PR CD, FD, MO,
PR
2.05.01 Cooperate with other agencies and service providers around the Valley.CD, MO, PR MO, PR,
2.05.01A Identify partnerships that support multi-generational activities.Medium MO PR
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Policy Direction Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 2.2. Education and Community Services Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
2.05.01B Continue to support the Meridian senior citizens' organization as an important social program in
the community.On-going MO PR
2.05.01C Support joint use agreements with the West Ada School District, Meridian Library District, and
other private and non-profit entities.On-going MO PR
2.05.01D Coordinate planning efforts and strategic growth of the City with other service providers and local
decision-makers.On-going CD MO
2.05.01E Support and encourage involvement of seniors in activities, groups, and volunteer opportunities.On-going MO PR
2.05.01F Support and encourage involvement of community youth in the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
(MYAC) and other youth activities, groups and volunteer opportunities.On-going PR MO
2.05.01G Strengthen public services, programs, and community resources to be responsive to and
representative of Meridian's diversity.On-going PR MO
2.05.02 Support access to high-quality emergency care, primary, outpatient, home care, long-term care, and mental health care within the community.MO CD, FD
2.05.02A Encourage the expansion of medical service related industries that are needed.On-going MO CD, FD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Economic Excellence
Introduction
The Economic Excellence element gives context to the City’s goals,
objectives, and action items regarding economic development
and provides the framework for growing Meridian’s workforce
and economy. Policy decisions reflect Meridian’s goal of
improving and diversifying the local economy to ensure a
sustainable economic tax base.
Background
A strong and diverse business community that is “Built for
Business and Designed for Living” is fundamental to the
City’s vision to be a premier city in which to live, work, and
grow. As part of its commitment to economic excellence, the
City supports and grows new and existing businesses and
has developed Specific Area Plans with partner agencies to
encourage and promote a robust and sustainable economy.
Above: The Village at Meridian
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Premier CommunityPremier Community“New investment is increasingly seeking locations based on the
quality of place rather than the utility of location.”
- Steve McKnight, Fourth Economy Consultants
2-11
The City realizes that the 21st century economy requires
flexibility. Over the last several decades, Meridian has evolved
from an economy based primarily on agriculture to one
increasingly based on innovation and creativity. The City is
striving to strengthen its competitive position by creating an
environment and infrastructure where industries can create,
respond, and adjust rapidly. Several of the goals, objectives,
and action items contained in this Comprehensive Plan are
meant to improve economic prosperity by ensuring that the
economy grows in ways that strengthen industries, retain and
create good jobs across a variety of sectors, increase average
income, attracts companies willing to pay a living wage, and
stimulate economic investment in the community. A strong and
diverse economy provides the financial support and stability
for Meridian residents that will ensure that public facilities,
services, and quality of life are superior.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
»Destination Downtown
Below: Graphic from the Destination Downtown vision plan
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Policy Direction
Table 2.3. Economic Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
2.06.00 Enhance Meridian's economic vitality and position in the local and regional economy.MO CD, FI, MO,
PW
2.06.01 Diversify Meridian's economic base to establish and maintain a self-sustaining, full-service economy.MO, CD CD, FI, MO, PW
2.06.01A Provide location-specific standards as incentives to attract high-quality businesses and living-to-
high wage jobs.Medium MO CD, FI
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
2.06.01C Regularly conduct industry market analysis to determine feasibility of existing and emerging
industries to better understand workforce, land use, and transportation needs.On-going CD MO
2.06.01D Encourage environmentally-friendly industries.On-going CD MO
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 CD, ED
2.06.02A Regularly assess changes in local income levels.On-going CD MO
2.06.02B Pursue public-private partnerships and economic development grants that bring additional job
opportunities to the community.On-going ED CD
2.06.02C Coordinate with the public, private, and non-profit sectors on possibilities for creating/sustaining
workforce housing. On-going CD MO
2.06.02D Work to encourage a diversity of housing, recreation, and mobility options to attract and sustain
the local workforce.On-going CD MO
2.07.00
Create a business-friendly environment that supports and expands existing business
opportunities by developing a diverse and qualified workforce through educational
partnerships.
CD MO
2.07.01 Promote business retention, expansion, and improvement programs.CD MO
2.07.01A Connect businesses with local, state, regional, and federal resources for incentives, resources, and
opportunities.On-going CD MO
2.07.01B Establish and maintain relationships with existing businesses and industry groups to determine
present and future needs.On-going CD MO
2.07.02 Implement a clear development application review process for new and expanding businesses.CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 2.3. Economic Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
2.07.02B Maintain the integrity of public process and transparency of development review.On-going CD
2.07.02C Encourage developers to engage with the public early in the development proposal process.On-going CD
2.07.02D Review development regulations to ensure an efficient process and remove unnecessarily
burdensome costs and delays.On-going CD MO
2.07.03 Support innovative workforce development, training, technology, and education to meet the needs of a diverse workforce. CD
2.07.03A
Coordinate with business leaders and local, regional, state, and non-profit job-oriented programs
to match existing and anticipated business and industry needs and identify gaps in workforce
education and training needs.
On-going CD
2.08.00 Proactively recruit and attract new businesses to the area.CD, MO MO, CD, PR
2.08.01 Develop effective marketing tools and regional partnerships.CD MO
2.08.01A Develop and maintain marketing materials to share with targeted industries.High ED
2.08.01B Strengthen relationships with economic development sources for new business referrals and
opportunities.On-going CD MO
2.08.02 Pursue economic development opportunities with technology, healthcare, environmentally-friendly manufacturing, light industrial, and professional service industries.MO CD, PR
2.08.02A Make Meridian the premier place to create, attract, and retain high-quality businesses and a
talented workforce.On-going MO CD, PR
2.08.02B Capitalize on the City’s central location by promoting more tourism and business growth along
entryways and key corridors.On-going MO CD
2.08.03 Encourage new dynamic, sustainable, and collaborative opportunities that enhance Meridian's existing and planned industrial nodes.MO, CD CD
2.08.03A Keep the Future Land Use Map current by defining appropriate locations for industrial, commercial,
and office businesses.On-going CD
2.08.03B Identify and consider services and programs desired by potential businesses within the industrial
areas.Medium MO CD
2.08.03C Work with existing industrial businesses to expand or relocate operations to appropriate areas.On-going MO CD
2.09.00 Create positive, vibrant, and accessible commercial activity centers within the community. CD, MO, PR,
ED
CD, FI, ED,
PR
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 2.3. Economic Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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 FI, ED
2.09.01B Establish incentives to develop gathering spaces and civic facilities within Downtown.High MO CD, FI, PR
2.09.01C Work towards mitigating and removing floodplain issues around Downtown.High PW CD
2.09.01D Pursue grant and other funding mechanisms to fund complete street and streetscape
improvements.On-going CD
2.09.01E Explore incentives for targeted projects that meet economic development goals.High ED CD
2.09.02 Integrate and maintain quality public spaces throughout Downtown for recreation, social, and civic activities.CD, MO, PR MO
2.09.02A Actively implement action items in the Destination Downtown Plan.High MO CD
2.09.02B Pursue grants and public-private partnerships to enhance Downtown.On-going CD
2.09.02C Develop programs with local partners to expand art, cultural, and educational facilities in
Downtown.Medium PR MO
2.09.02D Develop and support regular cultural activities and events Downtown, in partnership with the
Downtown Business Association and other organizations.Medium PR MO
2.09.02E Implement consistent landscaping, lighting, and historic preservation standards. On-going CD
2.09.02F Support a compatible mix of land uses Downtown that activate the area during day and night.On-going CD
2.09.02G
Implement the City of Meridian Design Standards and City of Meridian Architectural Standards
Manual to ensure that Downtown remains the historic center for mixed-use tourism, business,
retail, residential, and governmental activities.
On-going 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
2.09.03B Promote Ten Mile, Downtown, and The Village as centers of activity and growth.On-going CD
2.09.03C Support public-private partnerships that provide plazas and public areas within activity centers.On-going PR MO, CD
2.09.03D Develop a collaborative economic development strategy to recruit new businesses.High ED
2.09.03E Develop concept plans of potential destination activities and promote appropriate development,
infill, and redevelopment of activity centers.Low CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Evolving Community
Overview
Since 1990, Meridian has experienced exponential growth,
becoming the second largest city in Idaho and one of the top
ten fastest growing cities in the nation. Due to the desirability
of the area, population growth will continue. Over the last 20
years, property in and around Meridian has changed from
primarily agricultural and single-family residential to include
a more diverse mix of residential types and commercial and
industrial uses. That trend will continue as land traditionally
used for agriculture develops at urban intensities. However,
the foremost goals will remain to grow the city as a premier
place to live, work, and play.
The Plan embraces Meridian as an Evolving Community by
focusing on strategically planning for future growth. It provides
new land use tools to ensure strategic and sustainable growth
through the provision of services and infrastructure consistent
with this Plan’s vision. Essential to community health is the
promotion of responsible land use and growth by ensuring
that development pays for itself and enhances the quality and
character of the community. Reinventing key areas, supporting
infill, and focusing growth in strategic areas support an efficient
and high-quality development pattern that aligns with the
availability and capacity of services and infrastructure.
As part of the Evolving Community Vision, the following
elements are included in this chapter:
»Growth and Population
»Land Use
»Utilities and Infrastructure
EVOLVING COMMUNITY VISION
A community thoughtfully adapting to changes.
Left: Artistic rendering of potential development with economic opportunities, mixed residential
neighborhoods, and quality services and amenities.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-1
Growth and Population
Introduction
The Growth and Population element reinforces the City’s
commitment to meet and protect the needs of existing residents
and businesses in tandem with future population growth and
land development. Policies in this section address how to
plan for the redevelopment of properties already within the
corporate boundaries of the City and its Area of City Impact,
and guide growth to priority areas, all while protecting private
property rights.
Background
Understanding the implications of changing demographics
and population projections enables a community to anticipate
and effectively plan for future market conditions and how best
to meet its residents’ future needs. COMPASS, the agency
responsible for regional transportation planning, estimates
that by 2040 the regional population total will exceed 1 million
people. At the center of all this, very conservative estimates
put Meridian’s population at over 160,000 people in the same
time period. COMPASS updates these numbers yearly to reflect
recent growth. As Meridian continues to grow and respond
to development pressure, it is important to employ tools and
planning protocols that guide responsible development and
the expansion of public utilities and services.
The City of Meridian’s leaders and staff adopt and enforce
policies and regulations that govern the City, in addition to
applicable state and federal laws. Meridian is committed
to authentic citizen engagement in government through
participation on boards, commissions, and committees, as
well as through public feedback as part of planning initiatives.
Area of City Impact
In accord with § 67-6526 of Idaho Code, unincorporated
properties within the City’s Area of City Impact (AOCI) are
governed by Ada County for day-to-day administration of
zoning matters. However, there is an agreement between
Ada County and Meridian for the Area of City Impact. This
agreement states that the current Meridian Comprehensive
Plan will apply within the City’s established AOCI.
Below: Treasure Valley Kite Festival
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Within the AOCI, the county has generally applied a Rural
Urban Transition (RUT) zone which permits five-acre-lot, single-
family residential development, as well as agricultural-related
uses and a range of conditional uses. County development
applications within the AOCI are reviewed by the City of
Meridian for compliance with the comprehensive plan and
applicable City policies.
The City of Meridian desires, over time, all development within
its Area of City Impact to be served with urban services from
the City of Meridian. Such services primarily include sanitary
sewer, water, reclaimed water, fire, police, and parks. Secondarily,
the City considers the availability and capacity of the school
system, transportation facilities, libraries, and storm water
facilities in any review of development within the AOCI. All
requests for annexation into the City limits will require that the
owner extend City-owned services at the time of development.
The importance of cooperating with Ada County and
neighboring cities is imperative to successful long-term land
use, transportation, and utility planning. There are very significant
financial and quality-of-life implications for not doing so. As
such, the City of Meridian is committed to fulfilling the terms
of its Area of City Impact Agreement with Ada County and
coordinating with adjacent service providers.
Meridian aims to guide growth in a way that efficiently expands
infrastructure and services to support sustainable growth
patterns. Targeting the right development and growing
responsibly – in the right locations with the right services – is
the foundation of the Evolving Community Vision.
Plans for specific areas, corridors, and infrastructure provide the
next level of detail for implementation of the vision, including
Urban Renewal Districts and Opportunity Zones. These following
policies address utility and service expansion, transportation,
quality development, fiscal impact, and compatibility with
Meridian’s Unified Development Code, among other attributes
the community values regarding growth and population.
Property Rights
The City of Meridian respects the rights of its citizens and
their property, and is committed to counter negligence, abuse
or devaluing of private property by others. Residents should
feel their private property rights are respected and secure.
See Appendix C for a checklist used in reviewing proposed
regulations or actions to ensure compliance with private
property rights.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Ada County Code, Title 9, Chapter 4: Meridian Area of
City Impact
»Communities in Motion 2040 2.0
»Appendix C: Regulatory Takings Checklist
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-3
Policy Direction
Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.01.00 Recognize that Meridian's population will continue to grow and positively foster Meridian's
continued growth.CD All
3.01.01 Provide facilities and services that maintain a premier level of service commensurate with growth.CD All
3.01.01A Evaluate comprehensive impacts of growth and consider City Master Plans and Strategic Plans in
all land use decisions (e.g., traffic impacts, school enrollment, and parks).On-going CD All
3.01.01B Update the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code as needed to accommodate the
community's needs and growth trends.On-going CD
3.01.01C Ensure that regulations and plans support and encourage desired development and land use
patterns within the Area of City Impact.On-going CD
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
3.01.01E Coordinate with the City of Nampa, Canyon County, Star, Eagle, Kuna, Boise, and Ada County on
land use, transportation, and emergency services.On-going CD All
3.02.00 Maintain, improve, and expand the City's infrastructure to meet existing and growing
demands in a timely, orderly, and logical manner.FI, MO, PW All, CD, FI,
HR
3.02.01 Develop and implement master plans for all public facilities, services, and safety to guide the growth of the City.FI, MO, PW All, CD, FI, HR
3.02.01A Provide City utilities in high priority growth areas and discourage in low priority growth areas.On-going PW
3.02.01B Protect investments in existing public facilities (water, sewer, streets, fire, police, etc.) by ensuring
extension of services by new development is in the best interest of the City.On-going PW CD
3.02.01C Utilize preferred methods of communication with citizens and engage their input on public
facilities planning, construction, and funding.On-going PW
3.02.01D Support the appropriate expansion of City facilities, services, staff, and other resources to keep up
with demand and established levels of service.On-going PW CD, FI, HR
3.02.01E Phase-in developments in accordance with their connection to the municipal sewer and water
system and the provision of other necessary infrastructure and services.On-going PW CD
3.02.01F
Maintain an efficient and fair system of fees and development requirements that assesses the costs
and benefits of financing public facilities and services, the need for which is generated by new
development.
On-going FI CD, PW
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
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.03.00 Direct and prioritize development in strategic areas and in accordance with corridor and
special area plans.CD, PW All, CD, AO,
PW, MO
3.03.01 Plan for an appropriate land use mix, recreational and civic facilities, and phased service extension within specific area plans and urban renewal districts.CD, PW All, CD
3.03.01A Continue to develop and implement the desired vision in special areas, areas with specific plans,
and along key transportation corridors.On-going CD
3.03.01B
Actively engage with City leadership and community members to explore the idea, process, and
potential impacts of implementing districts, subareas, neighborhood association areas, or similar
concepts.
On-going CD
3.03.01C
Consider developing new subarea plans as appropriate for areas with unique characteristics,
public/private partnerships in place, and that are compatible with Comprehensive Plan policies in
order to provide additional guidance on future land uses, design, infrastructure, and amenities.
Very High CD All
3.03.01D Ensure that adequate water supply and pressure are available for fire protection in areas suitable
for industrial and commercial uses.On-going PW
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
3.03.02B Focus future investments within established priority growth areas.On-going CD All
3.03.02C Utilize the City’s Service Impact Tool to help identify potential strategic 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 CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.03.02G Build and provide services in a manner that promotes the vision of priority growth areas,
reinforcing and protecting Meridian's growth objectives.On-going PW CD
3.03.02H Require rural area residential development to submit alternative development plan to allow for the
efficient extension of urban services in the future (resubdivision plan).On-going PW CD
3.03.03 Annex lands into the corporate boundaries of the City only when the annexation proposal conforms to the City's vision and the necessary extension of public services and infrastructure is provided.PW, CD CD, All
3.03.03A
Ensure development is connected to City of Meridian water and sanitary sewer systems and the
extension to and through said developments are constructed in conformance with the City of
Meridian Water and Sewer System Master Plans in effect at the time of development.
On-going CD PW
3.03.03B Implement an irrevocable consent to annexation as a condition of hook-up to City sanitary sewer
or water and make a deed restriction on all buildable lots to be placed as a note on all final plats.On-going PW CD
3.03.03C Require all City sewer and water inspections and plan review fees (for the main lines) in effect at
the time of development be paid to the City of Meridian.On-going PW CD
3.03.03D Require all development to be consistent with Future Land Use Map designations for the property.On-going CD
3.03.03E Require all development to be contiguous to the City.On-going CD
3.03.03F
Permit new development only where it can be adequately served by critical public facilities and
urban services at the time of final approval, and in accord with any adopted levels of service for
public facilities and services.
On-going CD All
3.03.03G Require urban infrastructure be provided for all new developments, including curb and gutter,
sidewalks, water and sewer utilities.On-going CD
3.03.03H Evaluate both the short and longer-term fiscal and environmental impacts of annexing lands.On-going CD All
3.03.03I Evaluate the feasibility of annexing existing county enclaves and discourage the creation of
additional enclaves.On-going CD
3.03.03J Encourage the assembly of parcels for master planning, design and entitlement purposes;
discourage piecemeal annexation and development.On-going CD
3.03.04 Plan for transportation connectivity and the provision of adequate urban utilities and services for county enclaves.MO AO, PW, CD
3.03.04A Plan for connectivity between annexed parcels and county enclaves that may develop at a higher
intensity. On-going CD
3.03.04B Ensure existing county enclaves provide necessary urban-level transportation and utility
infrastructure as part of the annexation process.On-going CD PW
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.03.04C
Consider the establishment of improvement districts, extra-ordinary impact fee areas, and other
funding mechanisms to provide the necessary urban infrastructure and services for existing county
enclaves.
High CD AO, PW
3.04.00 Shape the future of the City through implementation and coordination of long range
planning efforts.CD, IT, MO All, CD,
PW, CO
3.04.01 Advance, support, and promote development of City planning tools, including the Comprehensive Plan, City ordinances, plans, and other guiding documents that execute the City's vision.CD, IT, MO All, PW
3.04.01A Promote the Comprehensive Plan as the primary guide for growth and development of the
community.On-going CD
3.04.01B Maintain and update the Unified Development Code and Future Land Use Map to implement the
provisions of this Comprehensive Plan.On-going CD
3.04.01C Support and expand the capabilities of all City Departments and Staff to better serve the
community.On-going MO All
3.04.01D Maintain, update, and find better ways to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in everyday
City business and for project-specific purposes.On-going IT All, PW
3.04.01E Monitor the progress of the Comprehensive Plan implementation plan to ensure steady progress.On-going CD
3.04.01F Review the policies within the adopted Comprehensive Plan on a regular basis and update as
needed to ensure that they reflect, support, and advance the City's vision.On-going MO All
3.04.01G Participate in planning efforts with COMPASS and affiliated local governments and agencies to
better coordinate planning policies regionally.On-going CD PW
3.04.01H Organize and fund committees or special commissions consistent with the provisions of this
Comprehensive Plan.On-going MO All
3.04.01I Enforce the Unified Development Code and all other City ordinances and ensure their alignment
with the Comprehensive Plan.On-going CD
3.04.02 Engage and inform the public about land use planning processes.CD, MO CD
3.04.02A Solicit public participation in the land use and entitlement process through a variety of digital and
in person methods.On-going CD
3.04.02B Hold public meetings in conjunction with updates to the Comprehensive Plan to promote a better
understanding of the plan and its purpose.On-going MO CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.1. Growth and Population Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.04.02C
Convey the Comprehensive Plan's legal elements and intent by informing and educating the
public, agencies and service providers, advisory boards and other stakeholders to improve the
overall planning process.
On-going CD
3.04.02D Improve the neighborhood meeting and public notice process.On-going CD AO, CO
3.05.00
Ensure that all planning, zoning and land use decisions balance the interests of the
community by protecting private property rights for current citizens and future
generations.
AO CD
3.05.01 Enact land use ordinances, policies, and fees, and make decisions, including land use restrictions and conditions of approval, that do not violate private property rights.AO CD
3.05.01A
Conduct regular training with City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and City staff to
ensure that Idaho Code §67-8003 is properly applied in land use planning and development review
processes.
On-going AO CD
3.05.01B Regularly review policies, the Unified Development Code, and other City regulations for
consistency with Idaho Code.On-going AO CD
3.05.01C Preserve private property rights and values by enforcing regulations that will prevent and mitigate
against incompatible and detrimental neighboring uses.On-going AO CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Future Land Use
Introduction
The Future Land Use element emphasizes the importance of
thoughtful and responsible land use planning, cooperation,
and collaboration among the various jurisdictions and agencies
in the area, and preservation and enhancements of the high
quality of life that currently exists in Meridian. The policies in
this section are graphically represented in the Future Land
Use Map.
Background
Planning in a deliberate manner, with an understanding of
market, financial, and physical realities, can help foster a healthy
balance of land uses and minimize uncertainty for officials,
staff, residents, and others. Land use planning is an important
tool in attracting and retaining the residents, businesses, and
visitors that sustain the community’s economy and contribute
to a city’s high quality of life. As such, it is important to
continually evaluate what changes are needed to ensure that
the community grows the way it desires.
The location and balance of land uses and densities should be
efficient and sustainable; enhance community identity; support
a multimodal transportation network; provide housing choices
near jobs, schools, shops, and parks; minimize conflicts between
incompatible uses; and integrate development with existing
and planned infrastructure. See the Transportation element
in the Connectivity Chapter of this Plan for more information
on Transportation and Land Use Integration.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»ACHD Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan
Transportation, Land Use, and Corridors
The transportation network plays an especially critical role in the
location, types, and balance of land uses across the City. Two types
of corridors that are particularly relevant to the land use policies are
defined below. See Chapter 6 for more on transportation and land
use integration.
Key Multimodal Corridors: These corridors have land uses with the
potential to support future multimodal transportation, including transit.
Fairview Avenue/Cherry Lane
Meridian / SH-69
Railroad Corridor
Overland Road
Ten Mile Road
Eagle Road Corridor
Key Transportation Corridors: These corridors are important for
regional connectivity and community identity, and may require special
land use considerations.
Chinden
Ustick
Fairview/Cherry
Franklin
Railroad Corridor
Overland
Linder
Lake Hazel
Highway 16
Ten Mile
Meridian
Eagle City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-9
Future Land Use Map
Mapping future land uses is a key component of the
Comprehensive Plan, so that development occurs in the
direction and manner most desired by the community.
The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) identifies the vision for a
portfolio of land uses to implement the City’s many diverse
goals and objectives, and works in conjunction with the text
of the Comprehensive Plan, City Code and various policies of
the City. In addition, the FLUM is closely aligned with ACHD’s
Master Street Map (MSM). The MSM is the transportation
equivalent of the City’s Future Land use Map and reflects a
built-out collector and arterial street network. The FLUM is
not a zoning map and differs in that the FLUM describes the
character and type of use that is desired in the future and
not necessarily what is currently in place. The FLUM depicts a
built-out Meridian that is very diverse in residential densities,
commercial and industrial land uses as well as civic/public
opportunities.
Descriptions of the various future land use designations that
appear on the FLUM are described on the following pages.
The FLUM is shown in Appendix D.
Symbols
All “future” symbols shown on the Future Land Use Map, such
as parks, schools, fire and police stations, transit stations, etc.,
represent generalized locations based on the best information
the City has to date. All such symbol locations are to be
considered conceptual and not exact locations. All “existing”
symbols shown on the Future Land Use Map for parks, schools,
fire and police stations, etc. represent precise locations based
on the facilities in place at the time of Plan adoption.
Difference between
Future Land Use and Zoning
The Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use descriptions and
map work in tandem with the Plan’s policies to help direct
development patterns citywide to achieve the #MyMeridian
Vision. They determine the desired character of new develop-
ment, range of densities allowed, and intensity and mix of uses.
The City of Meridian Unified Development Code (UDC)
defines a series of zoning districts that are much more
specific in terms of allowed uses and other development and
operational requirements than future land use designations.
The future land use designations help determine what type
of zoning new development may receive when a project
applies for annexation into the City, or what allowances
exist for a property to rezone. However, the future land
use designations and zoning districts are not a one-to-
one with each other. Some future land use designation
descriptions in this chapter include sample zoning. Sample
zoning listed does not preclude the use of other zoning
districts provided the proposed project is consistent with
the description of the land use designation.
Contact the Meridian Planning Division for more informa-
tion on what zoning districts typically apply to the various
Future Land Uses.
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General Guidance
Future Land Use designations are not parcel specific. An adjacent,
abutting designation, when appropriate and approved as part
of a public hearing with a land development application, may be
used. A designation may not be used however, across planned
or existing collector or arterial roadways, must not be used
on a parcel not directly abutting the designation, and may
not apply to more than 50% of the land being developed. All
other changes to designations must be approved through a
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment. Sample zoning listed in
the future land use designation descriptions does not preclude
the use of other zoning districts provided the proposed project
is consistent with the description of the land use designation.
Residential Land Uses
The purpose of this designation is to provide for a variety
of housing types and densities varying from large estate
or semi-rural lots to multi-family homes. In all cases, urban
services such as sewer, water, parks, and emergency services
should be provided. Residential designations are described
in following pages.
Within residential areas the following ideas and policies shall
apply:
»The Comprehensive Plan encourages a variety
of product types and lot sizes within every
neighborhood.
»Gross residential densities are rounded to the nearest
whole number.
»At the discretion of City Council, areas with a
Residential Comprehensive Plan designation may
request an office use if the property only has
frontage on an arterial street or section line road
and is two acres or less in size. In this instance, no
ancillary commercial uses shall be permitted.
Above: Overlooking Paramount
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Low Density Residential
This designation allows for the development of single-family
homes on large and estate lots at gross densities of three
dwelling units or less per acre. These areas often transition
between existing rural residential and urban properties.
Developments need to respect agricultural heritage and
resources, recognize view sheds and open spaces, and maintain
or improve the overall atmosphere of the area. The use of
open spaces, parks, trails, and other appropriate means should
enhance the character of the area. Density bonuses may be
considered with the provision of additional public amenities
such as a park, school, or land dedicated for public services.
Medium Density Residential
This designation allows for dwelling units at gross densities of
three to eight dwelling units per acre. Density bonuses may be
considered with the provision of additional public amenities
such as a park, school, or land dedicated for public services.
Medium High Density Residential
This designation allows for a mix of dwelling types including
townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. Residential
gross densities should range from eight to twelve dwelling
units per acre. These areas are relatively compact within the
context of larger neighborhoods and are typically located
around or near mixed use commercial or employment areas to
provide convenient access to services and jobs for residents.
Developments need to incorporate high quality architectural
design and materials and thoughtful site design to ensure
quality of place and should also incorporate connectivity with
adjacent uses and area pathways, attractive landscaping and
a project identity.
High Density Residential
This designation allows for the development of multi-family
homes in areas where high levels of urban services are provided
and where residential gross densities exceed twelve dwelling
units per acre. Development might include duplexes, apartment
buildings, townhouses, and other multi-unit structures. A
desirable project would consider the placement of parking
areas, fences, berms, and other landscaping features to serve
as transitions between neighboring uses. These areas are
compact within the context of larger neighborhoods and are
typically located around or near mixed use commercial or
employment areas to provide convenient access to services
and jobs for residents. Developments need to incorporate
high quality architectural design and materials and thoughtful
site design to ensure quality of place; they should incorporate
connectivity with adjacent uses and area pathways, attractive
landscaping, gathering spaces and amenities, and a project
identity.
Commercial Land Uses
This designation will provide a full range of commercial uses
to serve area residents and visitors. Desired uses may include
retail, restaurants, personal and professional services, and
office uses, as well as appropriate public and quasi-public
uses. Multi-family residential may be allowed in some cases,
but should be careful to promote a high quality of life through
thoughtful site design, connectivity, and amenities. Sample
zoning include: C-N, C-C, and C-G.
Office Land Uses
This designation will provide opportunities for low-impact
business areas. These uses would include professional offices,
technology and resource centers; ancillary commercial uses may
be considered (particularly within research and development
centers or technological parks). Sample zoning include L-O.
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Industrial Land Uses
This designation allows a range of uses that support industrial and
commercial activities. Industrial uses may include warehouses,
storage units, light manufacturing, flex, and incidental retail
and offices uses. In some cases uses may include processing,
manufacturing, warehouses, storage units, and industrial
support activities. Sample zoning include: I-L and I-H.
Old Town Land Uses
This designation includes the historic downtown and the true
community center. The boundary of the Old Town district
predominantly follows Meridian’s historic plat boundaries. In
several areas, both sides of a street were incorporated into the
boundary to encourage similar uses and complimentary design
of the facing houses and buildings. Sample uses include offices,
retail and lodging, theatres, restaurants, and service retail for
surrounding residents and visitors. A variety of residential
uses are also envisioned and could include reuse of existing
buildings, new construction of multi-family residential over
ground floor retail or office uses.
The City has developed specific architectural standards for Old
Town and other traditional neighborhood areas. Pedestrian
amenities are emphasized in Old Town via streetscape standards.
Additional public and quasi-public amenities and outdoor
gathering area are encouraged. Future planning in Old Town
will be reviewed in accordance with Destination Downtown, a
visioning document for redevelopment in Downtown Meridian.
Please see Chapter 2 Premier Community for more information
on Destination Downtown. Sample zoning include O-T.
Mixed Use Land Uses
In general, the purpose of this designation is to provide for a
combination of compatible land uses within a close geographic
area that allows for easily accessible and convenient services for
residents and workers. The intent is to promote developments
that offer functional and physical integration of land uses,
to create and enhance neighborhood sense of place, and to
allow developers a greater degree of design and use flexibility.
Uses can be mixed vertically, such as a building with retail on
the ground floor and offices above, or horizontally, such as
a healthcare center with a mix of doctor offices, pharmacy,
beauty salon, assisted care facilities, and apartments. Mixed use
areas tend to have higher floor area ratios (less area devoted
to parking), open space, and interconnected vehicular and
pedestrian networks. A Mixed Use designation is typically
used to identify a key area within the City which is either infill
in nature or situated in a highly visible or transitioning area
where innovative and flexible designs are encouraged.
There are five sub-categories of the Mixed Use designation
that are used throughout the City: Neighborhood, Community,
Regional, Interchange, and Non-Residential. This section
further describes the purpose, intent, and development
standards for these sub-categories. In addition, there are three
sub-categories of the Mixed Use designation that are solely
used in the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area: Commercial,
Residential, and Lifestyle Center. Mixed Use designations in
the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area are different than those
throughout the rest of the City and are not subject to this
section. For detailed descriptions of the land use designations
in the Ten Mile area, go directly to the Ten Mile Interchange
Specific Area Plan.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-13
For the purposes of the Mixed Use section, the City identifies
five different land use types:
1. commercial (includes retail, restaurants, etc.);
2. office;
3. residential;
4. civic (includes public and quasi-public open space,
parks, entertainment venues, etc.); and,
5. industrial.
Figure 3A: General Mixed Use Concept Diagram
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All development in Mixed Use areas fall within one of these five
categories. Industrial uses are typically discouraged in residential
mixed use areas. However, if the developer can demonstrate
that industrial uses are compatible and appropriate in Mixed
Use Regional (MU-R), Mixed Use Non-Residential (MU-NR),
or Mixed Use Interchange (MU-I) areas, the City will consider
industrial uses when proposed as part of a larger Mixed Use
development.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in all Mixed Use areas:
»A mixed use project should include at least three
types of land uses. Exceptions may be granted for
smaller sites on a case-by-case basis. This land
use is not intended for high density residential
development alone.
»Where appropriate, higher density and/or multi-
family residential development is encouraged for
projects with the potential to serve as employment
destination centers and when the project is adjacent
to US 20/26, SH-55, SH-16 or SH-69.
»Mixed Use areas are typically developed under a
master or conceptual plan; during an annexation
or rezone request, a development agreement will
typically be required for developments with a Mixed
Use designation.
»In developments where multiple commercial and/or
office buildings are proposed, the buildings should
be arranged to create some form of common, usable
area, such as a plaza or green space.
»The site plan should depict a transitional use and/
or landscaped buffering between commercial
and existing low- or medium-density residential
development.
»Community-serving facilities such as hospitals, clinics,
churches, schools, parks, daycares, civic buildings, or
public safety facilities are expected in larger mixed
use developments.
»Supportive and proportional public and/or quasi-
public spaces and places including but not limited to
parks, plazas, outdoor gathering areas, open space,
libraries, and schools are expected; outdoor seating
areas at restaurants do not count.
»Mixed use areas should be centered around spaces
that are well-designed public and quasi-public
centers of activity. Spaces should be activated
and incorporate permanent design elements and
amenities that foster a wide variety of interests
ranging from leisure to play. These areas should be
thoughtfully integrated into the development and
further placemaking opportunities considered.
»All mixed use projects should be accessible to
adjacent neighborhoods by both vehicles and
pedestrians. Pedestrian circulation should be
convenient and interconnect different land use types.
Vehicle connectivity should not rely on arterial streets
for neighborhood access.
»A mixed use project should serve as a public
transit location for future park-and-ride lots, bus
stops, shuttle bus stops and/or other innovative or
alternative modes of transportation.
»Alleys and roadways should be used to transition
from dissimilar land uses, and between residential
densities and housing types.
»Because of the parcel configuration within Old
Town, development is not subject to the Mixed Use
standards listed herein.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-15
Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N)
The purpose of this designation is to assign areas where
neighborhood-serving uses and dwellings are seamlessly
integrated into the urban fabric. The intent is to avoid
predominantly single-use developments by incorporating a
variety of uses. Land uses in these areas should be primarily
residential with supporting non-residential services. Non-
residential uses in these areas tend to be smaller scale and
provide goods or services that people typically do not travel far
for (approximately one mile) and need regularly. Employment
opportunities for those living in the neighborhood are
encouraged. Connectivity and access between the non-residential
and residential land uses is particularly critical in MU-N areas.
Tree-lined, narrow streets are encouraged. Developments are
also encouraged to be designed according to the conceptual
MU-N plan depicted in Figure 3B.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in MU-N areas:
»Development should comply with the items listed for
development in all Mixed Use areas.
»Residential uses should comprise a minimum of 40%
of the development area at gross densities ranging
from 6 to 12 units/acre.
»Non-residential buildings should be proportional to
and blend in with residential buildings.
»Three specific design elements should be
incorporated into a mixed use development: a) street
connectivity, b) open space, and c) pathways.
»Unless a structure contains a mix of both residential
and office, or residential and commercial land uses,
maximum building size should be limited to a 20,000
square-foot building footprint. For the development
of public school sites, the maximum building size
does not apply.
»Supportive and proportional public and/or quasi-
public spaces and places such as parks, plazas,
outdoor gathering areas, open space, libraries,
and schools should comprise a minimum of 10%
of the development area. Outdoor seating areas at
restaurants do not count towards this requirement.
»Where the development proposes public and quasi-
public uses to support the development above the
minimum 10%, the developer may be eligible for
additional residential densities and/or an increase to
the maximum building footprint.
Figure 3B: Mixed Use Neighborhood Concept Diagram
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»A straight or curvilinear grid or radiating street
pattern is encouraged for residential areas, and most
blocks should be no more than 500’ to 600’ long,
similar to Old Town or Heritage Commons; larger
blocks are allowed along arterial streets.
Sample uses appropriate in MU-N areas include: alley-loaded
single-family homes, townhouses, multi-family developments,
neighborhood grocer, drug stores, coffee/sandwich/ice-cream
shops, vertically integrated buildings, live-work spaces, dry
cleaner/laundromat, salons/spas, daycares, neighborhood-
scale professional offices, gift shops, schools, parks, churches,
clubhouses, public uses, and other appropriate neighborhood-
scale uses. Sample zoning include: R-8, R-15, TN-R, TN-C, L-O,
and C-N.
Mixed Use Community (MU-C)
The purpose of this designation is to allocate areas where
community-serving uses and dwellings are seamlessly integrated
into the urban fabric. The intent is to integrate a variety of
uses, including residential, and to avoid mainly single-use and
strip commercial type buildings. Non-residential buildings in
these areas have a tendency to be larger than in Mixed Use
Neighborhood (MU-N) areas, but not as large as in Mixed Use
Regional (MU-R) areas. Goods and services in these areas tend
to be of the variety that people will mainly travel by car to, but
also walk or bike to (up to three or four miles). Employment
opportunities for those living in and around the neighborhood
are encouraged. Developments are encouraged to be designed
according to the conceptual MU-C plan depicted in Figure 3C.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in MU-C areas:
»Development should comply with the general
guidelines for development in all Mixed Use areas.
»All developments should have a mix of at least three
land use types.
»Residential uses should comprise a minimum of 20%
of the development area at gross densities ranging
from 6 to 15 units/acre.
»Non-residential buildings should be proportional to
and blend in with adjacent residential buildings.
»Vertically integrated structures are encouraged.
»Unless a structure contains a mix of both residential
and office, or residential and commercial land uses,
maximum building size should be limited to a 30,000
square-foot building footprint. For community
grocery stores, the maximum building size should be
limited to a 60,000 square-foot building footprint. For
the development of public school sites, the maximum
building size does not apply.
Below: The Village at Meridian
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-17
»Supportive and proportional public and/or quasi-
public spaces and places including but not limited to
parks, plazas, outdoor gathering areas, open space,
libraries, and schools that comprise a minimum of
5% of the development area are required. Outdoor
seating areas at restaurants do not count towards
this requirement.
»Where the development proposes public and quasi-
public uses to support the development above the
minimum 5%, the developer may be eligible for
additional residential densities and/or an increase to
the maximum building footprint.
Sample uses appropriate in MU-C areas include: All MU-N
categories, community grocer, clothing stores, garden centers,
hardware stores, restaurants, banks, drive-thru facilities,
auto service station, and retail shops, and other appropriate
community-serving uses. Sample zoning include: R-15, R-40,
TN-R, TN-C, C-C, and L-O.
Mixed Use Regional (MU-R)
The purpose of this designation is to provide a mix of
employment, retail, and residential dwellings and public uses
near major arterial intersections. The intent is to integrate a
variety of uses together, including residential, and to avoid
predominantly single use developments such as a regional
retail center with only restaurants and other commercial
uses. Developments should be anchored by uses that have
a regional draw with the appropriate supporting uses. For
example, an employment center should have supporting retail
uses; a retail center should have supporting residential uses
as well as supportive neighborhood and community services.
The standards for the MU-R designation provide an incentive
for larger public and quasi-public uses where they provide
a meaningful and appropriate mix to the development. The
developments are encouraged to be designed consistent with
the conceptual MU-R plan depicted in Figure 3D.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in MU-R areas:
»Development should generally comply with the
general guidelines for development in all Mixed Use
areas.
»Residential uses should comprise a minimum of 10%
of the development area at gross densities ranging
from 6 to 40 units/acre.
Fi GU re 3C: Mixed Use Community Concept Diagram
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»There is neither a minimum nor maximum imposed
on non-retail commercial uses such as office, clean
industry, or entertainment uses.
»Retail commercial uses should comprise a maximum
of 50% of the development area.
Where the development proposes public and quasi-public uses
to support the development, the developer may be eligible
for additional area for retail development (beyond the allowed
50%), based on the ratios below:
»For land that is designated for a public use, such as
a library or school, the developer is eligible for a 2:1
bonus. That is to say, if there is a one-acre library site
planned and dedicated, the project would be eligible
for two additional acres of retail development.
»For active open space or passive recreation areas,
such as a park, tot-lot, or playfield, the developer
is eligible for a 2:1 bonus. That is to say, if the park
is 10 acres in area, the site would be eligible for 20
additional acres of retail development.
»For plazas that are integrated into a retail project,
the developer would be eligible for a 6:1 bonus.
Such plazas should provide a focal point (such as a
fountain, statue, and water feature), seating areas,
and some weather protection. That would mean
that by providing a half-acre plaza, the developer
would be eligible for three additional acres of retail
development.
Sample uses, appropriate in MU-R areas would include: All
MU-N and MU-C categories, entertainment uses, major
employment centers, clean industry, and other appropriate
regional-serving most uses. Sample zoning include: R-15, R-40,
TN-C, C-G, and M-E.
Fi GU re 3D: Mixed Use regional Concept Diagram
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-19
Mixed Use Non-Residential (MU-NR)
The purpose of this designation is to designate areas where
new residential dwellings will not be permitted, as residential
uses are not compatible with the planned and/or existing
uses in these areas. For example, MU-NR areas are used near
the City’s Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility and where
there are heavy industrial or other hazardous operations
that need to be buffered from residential. Developments are
encouraged to be designed similar to the conceptual MU-NR
plan depicted in Figure 3E.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in MU-NR areas:
»No new residential uses will be permitted (existing
residential may remain).
»All developments should have a mix of at least two
types of land uses.
»Development is not required to comply with the
minimum number of uses in the general mixed use
standards.
»Street sections consistent with the Ada County
Highway District Master Street Map are required
within the Unified Development Code.
»There is neither a minimum nor maximum imposed
on non-retail commercial uses such as office, food
service/restaurants, industry, or warehouse uses.
»A transitional use is encouraged on the perimeter of
the MU-NR areas between any existing or planned
residential development.
Sample uses, appropriate in MU-NR areas would include:
employment centers, professional offices, flex buildings,
warehousing, industry, storage facilities and retail, and other
appropriate non-residential uses. Sample zoning include: C-C,
C-G, L-O, M-E, H-E, I-L, and I-H.
Figure 3e: Mixed Use Non-residential Concept Diagram
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Mixed Use Interchange (MU-I)
The purpose of this designation is to call-out areas where
construction of future SH-16 interchanges is likely to occur,
and to acknowledge that this land will have a high degree of
visibility. These areas will be served by highway interchange
ramps and restricted local access. There are two interchange
areas, one located at US 20-26 and one at Ustick Road, that
differ from the other Mixed Use categories in that a much
stronger emphasis will be placed upon gateway elements and
traffic flow/trip generation factors when reviewing new land
use applications. Uses in these areas will need to be compatible
with the impacts of a freeway interchange. These areas are not
intended for high volume uses such as retail. The intention
is to protect the immediate vicinity of the interchange from
traffic conflicts and shift the high traffic-generating uses away
from the immediate vicinity of the interchange.
In reviewing development applications, the following items
will be considered in MU-I areas:
»Land uses within the MU-I areas and adjacent to the
SH-16 corridor should be carefully examined for their
potential impacts on nearby existing and planned
retail and restaurant in Commercial and Mixed Use
areas.
»A traffic impact study may be required for larger
developments in these areas.
»Vehicular access points are prohibited near
interchange ramps. Future uses should be planned
to integrate with a frontage/backage road type
circulation system.
»Any new development at or near MU-I areas should
promote a nodal development pattern where
buildings are clustered, off-street parking is screened
in the rear of the parcel and, where practical,
development is inter-connected with adjoining
parcels.
»The SH-16/US 20-26 interchange will be one of
only two regional gateways to the City of Meridian
for travelers coming from north of the Boise River
(the other being Linder Road). As such, buildings,
landscaping, and other design features at this
interchange should reflect Meridian’s heritage,
quality, and character.
»Regional ridesharing, park-and-ride and transit
transfer facilities are strongly encouraged.
»The MU-I area at Ustick Road, west of SH-16, should
minimize retail and auto-oriented services and
transition rapidly from the interchange to residential
uses near the county line.
»Examples of uses include schools, post office
or library branches, office uses, light residential
developments, athletic clubs, and technology/
research parks.
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
The City developed a specific plan for approximately 2,800 acres
bordered (roughly) by Linder Road to the east; McDermott Road
to the west: the Union Pacific Railroad line to the north and ½
mile south of Overland Road on the south. The specific area
plan is an addendum to this Comprehensive Plan and places
an emphasis on a mix of uses, both residential and commercial;
new employment areas; higher density residential; a planned
collector road network and design guidelines.
It is important to note that the Ten Mile Interchange Specific
Area Plan (TMISAP) uses different land use designations than the
rest of the FLUM. While there are some similarities, for example
Low Density Residential, there are also new designations which
do not exist outside of this Ten Mile area. The TMISAP was City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-21
adopted as an addendum to the City of Meridian Comprehensive
Plan on June 19th, 2007 by Resolutions Numbers 07-563 (Map)
and 07-564 (Text). Development in the Ten Mile Interchange
area will also be reviewed using the TMISAP. See the Ten Mile
Interchange Specific Area Plan for more details of this area.
Civic Land Uses
The purpose of this designation is to preserve and protect
existing and planned municipal, state, and federal lands for
area residents and visitors. This category includes public
lands, law enforcement facilities, post offices, fire stations,
cemeteries, public utility sites, public parks, public schools, and
other government owned sites within the Area of City Impact.
Park Land Uses (Symbol)
The purpose of this designation is to preserve and protect
existing and future public neighborhood, community, regional,
and urban parks. The park locations designated on the Future
Land Use Map are the most current and should be used for
planning purposes. Constructed parks are further described
in the Existing Conditions Report Addendum.
School Land Use (Symbol)
The purpose of this designation is to provide areas throughout
the Area of City Impact which provide educational opportunities,
community gathering places, and green space.
Fire and Police Stations (Symbol)
The purpose of this designation is to preserve and protect
existing and planned fire and police station locations throughout
the Area of City Impact which provide efficient emergency
response.
Entryway Corridors
The City feels it is important to identify roadways that introduce
and welcome both visitors and residents to the City of Meridian.
These roadways are noted as entryway corridors on the FLUM
and are subject to additional standards within the Unified
Development Code.
Below: The PKG building on Pine Ave
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Transit Stations and Transit Oriented Development
(Symbol)
The Transit Station designation is used for areas where transit
supported uses are envisioned along the railroad and other
predefined corridors Within areas around these symbols,
the City seeks projects that incorporate features which
enhance alternative transportation and are transit friendly.
Said developments are envisioned within commercial activity
centers and should incorporate the following development
and design principles:
»A mix of land uses
»Building orientation that provides the maximum level
of services to pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users
»Alternative transit features such as a bus shelter
(where approved by VRT), bicycle lockers or similar
facilities
»Residential densities that are at least 8 dwelling units
per acre and designed to comply with the Traditional
Neighborhood design standards in the Unified
Development Code
»Park and ride lots and other transit-supportive
facilities are encouraged at interchanges throughout
the City. VRT and ACHD Commuteride should be
partners in determining appropriate facilities at each
interchange.
»New types of street cross sections, including multi-
purpose pathways, buffered bike lanes and managed
lands that can accommodate new forms of vehicles
from electric bicycles, scooters, autonomous
vehicles and future dedicated transit.
Above: Valley Regional Transit and COMPASS
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-23
Policy Direction
Table 3.2. Future Land Use Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
3.06.01A Maintain the Future Land Use Map to reflect existing facilities. On-going CD
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
3.06.01C
Coordinate with Ada County to ensure all applicable land use ordinances and provisions of this
Plan are recognized when development within the Area of City Impact but outside City Limits is
proposed.
On-going CD MO
3.06.02 Plan for an appropriate mix of land uses that ensures connectivity, livability, and economic vitality.CD PW, ED
3.06.02A Support the inclusion of small-scale neighborhood commercial areas within planned residential
developments as part of the development plan, where appropriate.On-going CD
3.06.02B
Encourage and support mixed-use areas that provide the benefits of being able to live, shop, dine,
play, and work in close proximity, thereby reducing vehicle trips, and enhancing overall livability
and sustainability.
On-going CD
3.06.02C Encourage the development of supportive commercial near employment areas.On-going CD
3.06.02D Plan for industrial areas with convenient access to state highways or the rail corridor, where
appropriate. On-going CD
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
3.06.02F Allocate land uses near the rail corridor to both support industrial and freight movement but also
residential and the movement of people within the corridor.On-going CD
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
3.07.01A Require all new development to create a site design compatible with surrounding uses through
buffering, screening, transitional densities, and other best site design practices. On-going CD
3.07.01B Encourage land uses and site designs that do not harm natural systems and resources.On-going CD
3.07.01C Require appropriate landscaping, buffers, and noise mitigation with new development along
transportation corridors (setback, vegetation, low walls, berms, etc.).On-going CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.2. Future Land Use Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
3.07.01E
Where feasible, encourage large transmission and pipeline utility corridors to function as
transitional buffers, parkland, pathways, and gathering spaces within and adjacent to their right of
way.
On-going CD
3.07.02 Integrate land use and transportation planning to ensure that they mutually support the communities' goals and desires.CD PR
3.07.02A Require pedestrian circulation plans to ensure safety and convenient access across large
commercial and mixed-use developments.On-going CD
3.07.02B
Locate smaller-scale, neighborhood-serving commercial and office use clusters so they
complement and provide convenient access from nearby residential areas, limiting access to
arterial roadways and multimodal corridors.
On-going CD
3.07.02C Focus development and redevelopment intensity on key transportation corridors.On-going CD
3.07.02D Pursue transit-supportive densities of residential and employment uses along key multi-modal
corridors.On-going CD
3.07.02E Explore the development of additional design guidelines or standards for transit-oriented
development.On-going CD
3.07.02F Coordinate with transportation agencies to align future needed infrastructure with land use plans
and implement through the development review processes.On-going CD
3.07.02G
Coordinate with transportation agencies, private property owners and the public to plan for
appropriate land uses that will accommodate both freight and public transportation access within
the rail corridor.
On-going CD
3.07.02H Integrate the Meridian Pathways Master Plan into the site development review process to ensure
planned paths are built out as adjacent land develops.On-going CD PR
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Utilities and Infrastructure
Introduction
Utilities are the foundation to quality of life within cities. Clean
drinking water, electricity, stormwater management, natural
gas, telecommunications, and wastewater make city-living
possible. Adequate, efficient, accessible, and affordable utilities
contribute to attracting business, reducing the environmental
footprint of urban development, and playing a vital role in social
development. Public facilities discussed in this section include
domestic water service, sewer collection, sewage treatment,
and other independently operated utilities (such as power,
natural gas, and communications). The Utilities Element works
in concert with the Growth and Land Use Elements to ensure
adequate infrastructure is in place to accommodate existing
and future needs.
Background
The City owns and operates its own domestic water and sewer
services; however it relies on other entities for some of the other
essential services. Therefore, coordination between the City
and each service provider is vital in planning and prioritizing
of expansion areas, and continued service to existing locations.
With the exception of a portion of north Meridian where SUEZ
Water provides service, the City’s Public Works Department
provides water to Meridian residents. In order to keep up
with water demand, new wells and water line extensions are
constructed and generally funded by new development.
With a vision for sustainability, Meridian works to conserve
ground water and reduce discharge flows into the Boise River.
As Meridian is located in an arid climate, using recycled water
is a “drought-proof” water supply that reduces demand on
municipal supply, frees up agricultural water for agricultural
uses, and lowers effluent flow to the Boise River.
Water Service
The City’s domestic water system is currently supported by a
series of deep wells, booster pump stations, multiple reservoirs,
and pipeline. In order to keep up with water demand, the City
has constructed, on average, one new well per year, each funded
by connection fees and charged to new development. Water
line extensions to new developments are generally paid for
and constructed by developers. Although the City plans new
wells and reservoirs, the specific locations to those facilities
are largely dictated by growth patterns, and will continue to
be funded by new development. In a few small areas of the
City, SUEZ provides water service to residents and businesses,
and new development must coordinate this service with both
the City of Meridian and with SUEZ.
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately
degenerate into hard work.”
- Peter F. Drucker
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Sewer Collection & Treatment
The sewer (also known as wastewater) collection system in
the City consists of pipe and lift (pump) stations. Sewage
generally flows by gravity to the Wastewater Resource Recovery
Facility located northwest of the Ten Mile/Ustick intersection.
The Sewer Master Plan includes development of a computer
model which helps Public Works staff identify priority areas
for development in the City as well as segments of the existing
sewage collection system that are approaching capacity.
Future capital improvements are prioritized to upgrade the
lines that are approaching capacity. The City will evaluate the
need for additional expansion projects based on the Sewer
Master Plan and model.
The Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) consists
of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment followed by
disinfection. Treated effluent is discharged to Five Mile Creek.
The City continues to upgrade the facility following its current
Facility and 5 year Capital Improvement Plans. This facility is
regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Wastewater discharge permit from the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
With a vision for sustainability, Meridian holds a Citywide
Class A Recycled Water Permit. Recycled water is a highly
treated water resource generated at the WRRF that meets
standards for reuse, as established by the Idaho Department
of Environmental Quality. The WRRF makes this recycled water
available free of charge in supported areas.
Garbage and Recycling
Republic Services (Republic) is the solid waste and recycling
collection contractor for the City of Meridian. Republic is
dedicated to providing reliable and innovative recycling and
Above: Meridian Water Tower
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Evolving CommunityEvolving Community3-27
waste reduction programs to the City. The City has established
a Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to help set steer a
curbside recycling program and to advise the City Council on
other solid waste issues. The SWAC works in conjunction with
Republic staff. The SWAC focuses its attention on growing the
solid waste and recycling programs and making them as user
friendly as possible.
Irrigation
Meridian irrigation water is largely supplied by a series of
canals and laterals diverted from the Boise River. There are
many irrigation districts with operations in Meridian’s Area of
City Impact, but the two largest affecting most of Meridian
are the Settler’s Irrigation District and Nampa and Meridian
Irrigation District (NMID).
Power
Idaho Power Company provides electrical services throughout
the City of Meridian and its Area of City Impact. Idaho Power
is a public service company regulated by the Idaho Public
Utility Commission (IPUC), the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC), and the state regulatory commissions of
Idaho and Oregon. Idaho Power’s long-range electrical plan
for Meridian and the larger area is called the Eastern Treasure
Valley Electrical Plan, which is listed in the adopted by reference
section of this Plan.
Natural Gas
Intermountain Gas Company is the sole provider of natural
gas in southern Idaho, including Meridian. Meridian is serviced
by dual, high pressure natural gas pipelines that bisect the
southwest part of the Area of City Impact. These lines are an
important consideration for any development adjacent to them.
Communications
Sparklight and CenturyLink provide landline phone and cable
television agreements in the area. Sparklight (formerly CableOne)
has a franchise agreement with the City for traditional cable T.V.
services. There are also a number of other fiber and wireless
providers which also offer telecommunication services.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Meridian Water Master Plan
»Meridian Water Conservation Plan
»Meridian Collection System Master Plan
»Eastern Treasure Valley Electric Plan (Idaho Power)
»Environmental Programs Plan
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Policy Direction
Table 3.3. Utilities and Infrastructure Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.08.00 Coordinate with service providers to ensure the long-term utility needs of Meridian’s existing
and future residents and businesses are met.
CD, PW, PR,
MO
All, CD, IT,
PW
3.08.01 Plan and expand public utility facilities and services as part of the development process.CD All
3.08.01A Require that development projects have planned for the efficient provision of all public services.On-going CD All
3.08.01B Require adequate fees from new development to fund expansion of services.On-going CD All
3.08.01C Ensure that other City departments, area agencies, and service providers are informed about and have
an opportunity to participate in the City's development review process.On-going CD All
3.08.01D Consider the impact on key service providers prior to acting on annexation requests at a public
hearing.On-going CD All
3.08.01E Ensure key service providers have provided written comment on the impact and potential mitigation
measures that may be necessary, prior to acting on large development applications.On-going CD All
3.08.02 Cooperate with other agencies and service providers around the Valley to continuously provide essential services and utilities to all residents.PW, PR, MO CD, IT, PW
3.08.02A Communicate planning efforts with local decision makers and utility service providers, including
irrigation districts, energy, natural gas, solid waste, and telecommunications.On-going PW CD
3.08.02B Coordinate with developers, irrigation districts, and drainage entities to implement the proposed
pathway network along canals, ditches, creeks, laterals and sloughs.Very High PR CD
3.08.02C Regularly coordinate with other public utilities and essential service providers and annually review
master plans for public facilities and services; update as needed.On-going PW CD
3.08.02D Coordinate with Idaho Power to make additions and improvements to their facilities so that adequate
capacity for projected growth is realized.On-going CD PW
3.08.02E Encourage the enhancement of the capacity and reliability of renewable energy resources.On-going PW CD
3.08.02F Encourage multi-use utility corridors.On-going CD PW
3.08.02G Support the expansion of and accessibility to high-speed internet and broadband throughout the
Area of City Impact.On-going MO IT, PW
3.08.03 Coordinate with utility providers on acceptable landscape materials, design and site locations for their future facilities to avoid negative impacts to the community.CD PW
3.08.03A Minimize the impact of electric facilities in environmentally sensitive areas and consider social and
environmental justice impacts.On-going CD PW
3.08.03B Site utility corridors within identified or designated transportation corridors and ensure that they
connect to similar facilities in adjacent jurisdictions.On-going CD PW
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 3.3. Utilities and Infrastructure Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
3.08.03C Coordinate future placement of Idaho Power electrical transmission lines and substations in
accordance with Eastern Treasure Valley Electric Plan.On-going CD PW
3.08.03D Encourage all electrical distribution utilities to be located underground.On-going CD PW
3.09.00 Maximize diversion of the municipal waste stream from disposal to recycling and reduce the
amount of solid waste generated in the City.PW FI, AO, MO
3.09.01 Develop and support markets for recycled materials and products.PW AO, MO
3.09.01A Investigate opportunities with other jurisdictions and private refuse contractors for new waste
reduction and recycling markets.Medium PW AO
3.09.01B Establish solid waste fees that encourage waste reduction and recycling.Low PW AO
3.09.01C Develop and implement public education and outreach activities to raise awareness on waste
reduction, reuse, recycling, and hazardous waste reduction.On-going PW MO
3.09.02 Establish recycling/diversion and hazardous waste disposal goals.PW
3.09.02A Maintain opportunities for proper disposal of target priority waste streams such as mercury, used oil,
fluorescent lamps, used gas, and waste tires.On-going PW
3.09.02B Work with local stakeholders to develop public education campaigns regarding the importance of and
opportunities for the proper disposal of hazardous waste.On-going PW
3.09.03 Reinforce existing City recycling and procurement policies.PW FI
3.09.03A Partner with City's solid waste contractor to investigate conservation options including composting,
recycling, and green waste.Medium PW
3.09.03B Maintain internal recycling and sustainability programs that procure specific recycled content and less
hazardous materials.On-going PW FI
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Livable Community
Overview
“Quality of life” represents the social well-being of individuals
in a community; “livability” is a term used to express the
overall relationship between community members and the
satisfaction they derive from their surroundings. Quality of
life and livability factors can be both public service-related
and derived from natural and constructed open space and
amenities. Elements such as security, parks, trails, recreation,
and natural resources contribute to the overall livability of an
area. Quality of life factors have a direct connection to citizens’
health, happiness, and prosperity.
To enhance the Livable Community, the Plan encourages
stewardship of natural features that define the community, such
as open spaces and waterways. The Plan provides a setting
for a safe and resilient community through crime prevention,
sustainability, and emergency services. The community’s quality
of life will be enhanced by the diversification and expansion
of the renowned comprehensive parks and recreation system.
The Plan promotes the acquisition and development of land,
funding for maintenance and renovations, developing new
parks, and the creation of new programs. This park system
will be connected by new pathways, linking schools, parks,
and commercial areas.
As part of the Livable Community vision, the following elements
are included in this chapter:
»Parks and Pathways
»Stewardship
»Public Safety
LIVABLE COMMUNITY VISION
A community of family- friendly, healthy, and engaging
places.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Livable CommunityLivable CommunityBelow: Meridian Pathway
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Parks and Pathways
Introduction
The Parks and Pathways element reflects the City’s dedication
to providing a comprehensive parks and recreation system that
contributes to the quality of life in Meridian and surrounding
areas. As part of this section, the policy direction outlined in
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Pathways Master
Plan are summarized.
Background
The City of Meridian Parks and Recreation Department is
responsible for maintaining public open spaces and providing
a quality system of parks and recreation facilities with leisure
opportunities for all people in the community. The Department
is also responsible for the implementation of the Pathway
Master Plan, including some development and maintenance
of priority pathways and key connections. The system as a
whole is stronger and more sustainable when responsibility of
development and maintenance of parks and pathways is shared
between the City, developers, and homeowner associations.
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Livable CommunityLivable CommunityAbove: Hillsdale Park
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This system consists of recreation and community facilities,
pathways, and hundreds of acres of parkland. Parks and
Recreation offers and manages a variety of recreational programs,
adult sports leagues, and special events. Additionally, staff
handles shelter/field reservations and assists in the issuance
of temporary use permits.
The continued provision of high quality, year-round park and
recreation facilities and activities requires the acquisition and
development of land, funding for maintenance and renovations,
and programming of activities. Developing new parks and
expanding the existing park system with cutting-edge features
like outdoor exercise equipment, pickleball courts, dog parks,
destination playgrounds, and year-round programs is vital to
keeping up with demand from growth.
The City also seeks to continue expanding its pathway system
by coordinating new projects with regional partners, and
providing safe, integrated pathways linking popular destinations
such as schools and parks to neighborhood centers. Therefore,
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Pathways Master
Plan should be used when evaluating proposed development
for consistency with the City’s plans. Refer to Chapter 6 for
additional policies related to pathways, transportation, and
connectivity.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Meridian Parks and Recreation Master Plan
»Meridian Pathway Master Plan
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Meridian Rail-With-Trail Action Plan
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Livable CommunityLivable CommunityBelow: Outdoor exercise equipment at Keith Bird Legacy Park
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Policy Direction
Table 4.1. Parks and Pathways Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.01.00 Pursue partnerships and funding sources to facilitate and expand access to parks and
recreational facilities, programming, and services. FI, PR CD, FI, HR,
AO, MO, PR
4.01.01 Increase appropriate partnerships within the community to provide programs and activities to the community.FI, PR CD, FI, AO, MO
4.01.01A Explore additional partnership opportunities as well as build on existing partnerships with focus on
low-service areas.On-going PR CD, FI
4.01.01B Identify desired sports facilities or complexes and establish partnerships that foster their
development.High PR FI, MO
4.01.01C Continue to explore partnerships with alternative providers, such as schools, to increase level of
service. On-going PR CD, AO
4.01.01D Evaluate impact fees for public open space to ensure development is paying the full allowable fee.On-going FI PR
4.01.02 Increase opportunities to fund programming, services, and facility improvements.FI, PR FI, AO, PR
4.01.02A Increase special event and activities sponsorships.On-going PR AO
4.01.02B Pursue grant and philanthropic opportunities at the federal, state, regional, and local levels.On-going PR FI
4.01.02C Implement a cost recovery and pricing policy to determine a consistent method of pricing Parks
and Recreation activities.Medium FI PR
4.01.02D Explore feasibility of a dedicated funding source for parks and recreation through special revenue,
sports, or other available sources.Medium PR FI
4.01.02E Consider a process and policies for the acceptance of donated land and or money to be dedicated
to public open space or facilities.Low PR FI, AO
4.01.02F Explore the use of digital displays to show showcase and advertise City events near parks.Low PR AO
4.01.03 Continue to improve organizational efficiencies and maintain existing quality standards for park facilities and recreational amenities.PR FI, HR
4.01.03A Enhance and improve internal and external communication regarding recreation activities and
services using social media and mobile tools.On-going PR IT
4.01.03B Staff appropriately to meet demand and maintain established quality of service.On-going PR FI
4.01.03C Expand and improve the volunteer program to meet growing needs.On-going PR HR
4.02.00 Provide for park acquisition and maintenance to meet projected city and population growth
and demands.FI, PR CD, FI, AO,
MO
4.02.01 Continue working toward the park land level of service goal of four acres/1,000 persons and a 0.5 miles service area radius from residences.FI, PR CD, FI, AO, MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.1. Parks and Pathways Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.02.01A Evaluate developer impact fee to align with Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requests and current
park land level of service. On-going FI PR
4.02.01B Continue to find and purchase additional land for future park development where level of service is
below threshold.On-going PR FI
4.02.01C Identify and require future park sites using information in the Meridian Parks and Recreation
Master Plan and on the Future Land Use Map.On-going PR CD
4.02.01D Look for opportunities to add parks and pathways in new growth areas.On-going PR FI, AO, MO
4.02.01E Consider population/housing density and accessibility when acquiring future land for parks and
recreation.On-going PR CD
4.02.02 Provide a variety of park types (neighborhood parks, community parks, regional parks) with a diversity of uses and activities interspersed throughout the community. PR FI, MO
4.02.02A Consider programming needs for all ages and abilities when adding new components to existing
parks or when developing new parks. On-going PR FI
4.02.02B Continue to monitor recreational trends to stay current with programming and demand.On-going PR MO
4.02.02C Consider future operation and maintenance costs and work to minimize those costs into the
development of park while delivering a highly functional and quality park.On-going PR FI
4.02.03 Monitor and evaluate the use, demands, and trends of recreation components. PR FI, MO
4.02.03A Implement and maintain the existing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Master Plan, Comprehensive
Parks and Recreation System Plan, and Life Cycle Replacement Programs.On-going PR FI, MO
4.03.00 Maintain and improve the user experience and awareness of recreational facilities,
amenities, and programs. PR CD, IT, AO,
MO
4.03.01 Increase year round recreational programming and activities that encourage education, health and wellness, community involvement, and multi-sensory play. PR CD, IT, AO, MO
4.03.01A Explore opportunities for additional indoor recreation space through partnerships, agreements,
and the construction of a new Community Center. Very High PR CD, AO, MO
4.03.01B Continue to look for opportunities to expand programs around working hours and commuting
citizens.On-going PR MO
4.03.01C Explore increasing the number of program opportunities for seniors, young adults, teens, tweens,
and people with special needs.On-going PR MO
4.03.01D Set targets, identify gaps, and deploy programs, activities, and events that provide
multigenerational recreational opportunities. On-going PR IT, MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.1. Parks and Pathways Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.03.01E Support symbiotic uses of facilities through programs that encourage community interactions.On-going PR MO
4.03.02 Add destination park amenities that uniquely blend arts, entertainment, and culture.PR FI, MO
4.03.02A Explore opportunities to add destination playground and natural play areas with climbing features
and multi-sensory play.High PR FI, MO
4.03.02B Foster development of discovery-oriented parks that uniquely blend arts, entertainment, and
culture.High PR FI, MO
4.04.00 Develop a connected, comfortable, and comprehensive network of multi-purpose pathways.PR CD
4.04.01 Seamlessly connect local pathways with regionally significant pathways.PR CD
4.04.01A Ensure that new development and subdivisions connect to the pathway system.Very High PR CD
4.04.01B Provide options for passive recreational opportunities not typically supplied by parks and facilities,
such as jogging, walking, and bicycling.Very High PR CD
4.04.01C Establish and enhance regional pathway connections to the adjacent communities of Eagle,
Nampa, Boise, Caldwell, and Kuna.Very High PR CD
4.04.02 Link pathways to important pedestrian generators, environmental features, historic landmarks, public facilities, Town Centers, and business districts.PR CD
4.04.02A
Identify opportunities for new paths that connect residential neighborhoods and community
facilities, such as the library and city hall, parks, schools, athletic facilities, swimming pools, historic
districts, the Downtown, as well as other commercial and retail activity centers in Meridian.
Very High PR CD
4.04.02B
Preserve existing public rights-of-way and other easements for future pathways and accessways,
particularly along powerline and utility corridors, railway corridors, and waterway or irrigation
corridors.
Very High PR CD
4.04.02C Continue partnerships with area irrigation districts to continue to expand pathway system along
existing waterways.On-going PR CD
4.04.03 Facilitate accessibility of pathway system for people of all abilities, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized pathway users.PR CD, FD, MO, PD
4.04.03A
Through coordination with Pathway Plan updates, locate trailheads at or in conjunction with park
sites, schools, and other community facilities to increase local access to the pathway system and
reduce duplication of supporting improvements.
High PR CD
4.04.03B
Furnish pathway systems with trailhead improvements that include interpretive and directional
signage systems, benches, drinking fountains, restrooms, parking and staging areas, and other
services for all ages and abilities.
High PR MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.1. Parks and Pathways Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.04.03C Develop pathway design and development standards that are easy to maintain and access by
maintenance, security, and emergency vehicles.High PR FD, PD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Stewardship
Introduction
The Stewardship element discusses the City’s ongoing
commitment and obligation to be good stewards of the
public trust. As part of this section, the natural and built
environment, sustainability, hazardous areas, and historic
resources are covered.
Background
Productive agricultural soils, open space, vegetation, air, water,
and energy are all valuable resources that the residents of
Meridian enjoy and want to preserve. Beyond the environmental
and health benefits realized from preserving the natural
resources, preservation can offer exciting recreational
opportunities, provide for pedestrian travel ways, and offer
a simple break from the standard suburban affair. As growth
continues however, increased pressures are placed on natural
resources. While development is expected within the Area of
City Impact, a maze of monotonous expansion is not desired,
either. It is essential to find a balance that protects and preserves
Meridian’s natural resources, agricultural heritage, and open
spaces, while supporting the need for new development and
sustainable provision of services.
Growth projected for Meridian emphasizes the need for
attention to Meridian’s character, specifically its natural and
historic resources. Meridian has seen much of its natural
resources change over the years from agricultural open spaces
to a growing city. Providing and protecting unique sites and
resources will assure the quality of life that the residents have
come to know and expect.
The City of Meridian is committed to creating balanced solutions;
solutions that deliver services at levels citizens expect in an
environmentally and socially responsible way; and ensuring the
best economic choice in the long term. These fundamentals
should balance the needs of protecting and enhancing the
economy and preserving the natural and built environment
today and for future generations.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Meridian Parks and Recreation Master Plan
»Eastern Treasure Valley Electric Plan
»Meridian Water Conservation Plan
»Meridian Environmental Programs Plan
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www.meridiancity.org/compplan
Table 4.2. Stewardship Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.05.00 Preserve, protect, enhance, and wisely use natural resources.CD, MO, PR,
PW
CD, FI, AO,
PR, PW, ED
4.05.01 Protect and enhance existing waterways, groundwater, wetlands, wildlife habitat, air, soils, and other natural resources.CD, PR, PW CD
4.05.01A Identify waterways, wetlands, other natural resources, viewsheds, and natural features of
topographic interest for preservation.On-going PW CD
4.05.01B Develop and implement programs to encourage and promote tree health and preservation
throughout the City, including along waterways and within proposed development.Medium PR CD
4.05.01C Limit canal tiling and piping of creeks, sloughs, laterals, and drains to man-made facilities where
public safety issues cannot be mitigated or are not of concern.On-going CD
4.05.01D Improve and protect creeks and other natural waterways throughout commercial, industrial, and
residential areas.On-going CD
4.05.01E Assess environmental impact of potential new development, infill, and redevelopment.On-going CD
4.05.01F Preserve, protect, and provide open space for recreation, conservation, and aesthetics.On-going CD
4.05.01G Support a long-term transportation system that conforms to the public health standard for carbon
monoxide attainment.On-going CD
4.05.02 Protect Meridian's surface water quality.CD, PW CD, FI, AO, PR, PW
4.05.02A
Refine framework of environmental programs including construction, storm water compliance, and
floodplain management to satisfy the City's requirements under the Clean Water Act, FEMA, and
the National Flood insurance program.
Medium PW
4.05.02B Provide incentives for developers to grant conservation easements along creek-side corridors.Medium CD FI, AO, PR,
PW
4.05.02C Encourage the incorporation of creek corridors as amenities in development design.On-going CD
4.05.02D Identify and implement Low Impact Development (LID) in storm water drainage systems that are
administered by the City of Meridian. Low CD
4.05.02E Develop and cultivate partnerships with local and regional stakeholders on public education
campaigns for water conservation and water quality.On-going CD
4.05.02F Promote the increase of permeable areas through sound site design and use of materials that limit
stormwater runoff.On-going PW CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Policy Direction
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.2. Stewardship Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
4.05.03A Encourage, as appropriate, the continued use of land for farming near Area of City Impact
boundaries to effectively transition from rural uses to urban.On-going CD
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
4.05.03C Support appropriate agriculture operations within the Area of City Impact as a source of locally
grown food.On-going MO CD
4.05.03D Consider public support for funding to preserve open space as part of permanent land trust.Low MO CD
4.06.00 Improve air quality and reduce air pollution in the Meridian and Treasure Valley airshed.CD, PW, FI,
MO All, FD
4.06.01 Protect public health by reducing ozone, fine particulate matter and other greenhouse gases and toxics in the air.CD, PW, MO All, FD
4.06.01A Coordinate with ACHD to improve traffic flow, minimize vehicle time spent idling and accelerating,
and reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles.On-going CD
4.06.01B Promote transportation choices, facilities, and alternatives such as car and van pooling, public
transit, alternative fleet vehicles, bicycle racks/storage and telecommuting.On-going CD
4.06.01C Partner with transportation agencies and large employers to promote public awareness of air
quality concerns and the need/benefits of making alternative transportation choices.On-going CD
4.06.01D Research utilization/installation of Energy Management Systems in municipal buildings to track and
cut energy costs for lighting and heating/cooling.Medium PW
4.06.01E Convert appropriate municipal fleet vehicles to low-emission/alternative fuel vehicles when
feasible.On-going PW All
4.06.01F Participate with Ada County in publicizing burning bans when necessary.On-going MO FD
4.07.00 Reduce energy consumption in municipal facilities and operations; provide leadership in
promoting energy conservation throughout the City.PW, CD CD, FI, MO,
PW
4.07.01 Provide City services in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner.PW, CD CD, FI, MO, PW
4.07.01A Investigate funding opportunities to finance City conservation programs and projects, and retrofit
Meridian public buildings to improve energy efficiency.On-going PW FI
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.2. Stewardship Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.07.01B Support construction projects that demonstrate an innovative and effective approach to
stormwater management and Low Impact Development.On-going PW CD
4.07.01C Partner with other entities to expand opportunities for energy conservation outreach and
education, such as schools, utility providers, and other public places.On-going PW MO
4.07.01D Seek opportunities for public-private partnerships to develop and showcase alternative electricity-
generating facilities or to enhance the capacity and reliability of renewable energy resources.On-going PW MO
4.07.01E Build public facilities that utilize energy conservation technologies.On-going PW MO
4.07.01F Adopt and implement guidelines and standards for energy conservation practices.Low PW
4.07.01G Partner with regional stakeholders to increase public awareness of the benefits of sustainable
design and constructing high-performance built environments.On-going PW CD, MO
4.07.01H Collaborate with stakeholders to develop demonstration projects incorporating water and energy
conservation; and energy efficient construction methods and materials.Low PW
4.07.01I
Integrate new technologies and advancements in building science to promote a whole-building
approach to sustainability. Recognize performance in five key areas of human and environmental
health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and
indoor environmental quality.
On-going CD PW
4.07.01J Identify funding sources and appropriate partners to stimulate energy efficient retrofits in existing
housing stock.On-going CD FI, PW
4.08.00 Responsibly treat wastewater for current and future users by focusing on stewardship and
fiscal and environmental sustainability.PW CD
4.08.01 Protect public health and watersheds through adequate treatment and disposal of wastewater.PW
4.08.01A Implement and maintain the Public Works Department's Sewer Master Plan and Wastewater
Resource Recovery Facility Plan.On-going PW
4.08.02 Provide cost effective and environmentally sustainable wastewater service to citizens and business.PW CD
4.08.02A
Eliminate existing private treatment and septic systems on properties annexed into the City and
instead connect users to the City wastewater system; discourage the prolonged use of private
treatment septic systems for enclave properties.
On-going PW CD
4.09.00 Provide ample and clean water to the citizens of Meridian in perpetuity.PW CD, MO, FI
4.09.01 Protect the quality of source water.PW CD
4.09.01A Ensure that new development is connected to the City's sanitary sewer system (no septic systems).On-going PW CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.2. Stewardship Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.09.01B Develop a source water protection plan.High PW CD
4.09.02 Provide water in a cost effective and healthy manner.PW
4.09.02A Develop and implement a water supply master plan.On-going PW
4.09.02B Assess and provide new water sources.On-going PW
4.09.03 Conserve existing water supplies.PW, CD MO, PW
4.09.03A Implement and maintain the Public Works Department Water Conservation Plan.On-going PW
4.09.03B Reduce reliance on City potable water for landscape irrigation purposes by educating the public,
encouraging the use of recycled water, and adoption of water conserving landscape guidelines.On-going PW
4.09.03C Maintain a public outreach program on water conservation.On-going PW MO
4.09.03D Encourage the appropriate and attractive use of xeric, drought-tolerant plant species and non-
plant materials that reduce landscape maintenance and water consumption.On-going CD PW
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Public Safety
Introduction
The Public Safety element considers the City’s role and
responsibility to maintain the public safety and welfare for
Meridian residents. As part of this section, the function of the
Police and Fire Departments, as well as the City’s approach to
hazard preparedness and mitigation are discussed.
Background
Fortunately, very few natural hazards exist within the City of
Meridian and its Area of City Impact. However, there exists
man-made hazards that may require both police and fire
response. As more development occurs, responses to time
sensitive emergencies and hazardous areas will likely increase
due to residential build out, increased traffic congestion,
growth of commercial and/or industrial business, and storage
of hazardous chemicals associated with certain businesses.
While federal regulations require some preventative measures
with hazardous uses, as development increases so will the
potential for spills, accidents, and fires. The City coordinates
with Ada County Emergency Management on natural hazard
disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation, and recovery,
and is a participant in the Ada County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
With the rapid rate of growth, one would expect an increase
in the number of crimes and vehicle collisions occurring in
Meridian. The City takes great pride in the crime rate when
compared to the dramatic increase in population. The rate of
criminal offenses has remained lower than the national and
state averages for several years. Going forward, continued City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Livable CommunityLivable CommunityAbove: Meridian Anti Drug Coalition outreach
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coordination with the Fire and Police Departments is vital
to ensure adequate services and resources are available for
proposed annexation and development requests.
The Meridian Fire Department has been effectively serving the
Meridian area since 1908, and is now a full-time all-hazards
response department servicing both the City of Meridian
and the Meridian Rural Fire District. Services provided by the
department include fire suppression, advanced life support
emergency medical service, technical rescue, community
risk reduction, fire prevention education, fire and life safety
inspections, and plans’ review for new developments and
construction.
As the rate of growth increases, so too will the rate of requests
for service from the community. The Meridian Fire and Police
Departments’ will continue to be an important asset in
development review and land use decisions, as they ensure
that there is adequate access, service, and mitigation measures
in place.
Making best use of the Fire and Police Departments’ obvious
expertise in matters of safety is important in the planning
and design of new facilities, services, and contingency/hazard
response plans.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Ada County Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Policy Direction
Table 4.3. Public Safety Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.10.00 Protect public health and safety by guiding growth and development away from hazardous
areas that pose a threat to people and property.CD, PW
CD, FD,
MO, PD,
PW
4.10.01 Reduce the threat of loss of life and property from hazards.CD, PW CD, FD, MO, PD, PW
4.10.01A Plan for and allow land uses surrounding the Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility that reduce
human exposure to odors.Very High PW CD
4.10.01B Require industrial uses to conform to disposal, spill, and storage measures as outlined by the
Environmental Protection Agency.On-going PW CD, FD, PD
4.10.01C Work with ITD and ACHD to ensure highways and roadways are designed to mitigate natural
hazards and are as safe as possible.On-going CD PD, FD
4.10.01D Work with Idaho Power to ensure that a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor does not
traverse through Meridian.On-going CD MO
4.10.01E Identify and protect areas below canals and laterals that could be damaged if the slope is
compromised.On-going CD PW
4.10.01F Identify target hazards based on commercial/industrial occupancy type.On-going FD PD
4.10.01G Encourage the installation of residential fire sprinklers as part of a comprehensive fire safe
community effort.On-going FD 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
4.11.00 Create an environment in which the people of Meridian feel safe by providing effective fire,
police, and other emergency response services.FD, PD
CD, CO, FD,
MO, PR,
PD
4.11.01 Ensure the capability to direct, control, and coordinate emergency response and recovery operations.FD, PD CD, MO
4.11.01A Coordinate with emergency service providers on proposed annexation and development requests,
and the reporting of impacts on services through comprehensive analysis and adopted standards.On-going FD, PD
4.11.01B Assess and compare response times to adopted standards for identification of additional needed
resources.On-going FD, PD CD, MO
4.11.01C Identify future and current fire and police station locations based on adopted service level
standards and goals.On-going FD, PD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.3. Public Safety Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.11.01D Prioritize the location of future fire and police stations on collectors to eliminate access issues on
arterials.On-going FD, PD
4.11.01E Communicate with staff, elected and appointed officials on impacts from development to adopted
Police and Fire Department response time standards and goals.On-going FD, PD CD, MO
4.11.01F Based on Police Allocation Model (PAM), ensure adequate Police staff and resources to respond to
growth and development.On-going PD
4.11.02 Support crime prevention and risk reduction through environmental design, sharing resources and information with other cities, and citizen assistance.PD, FD
4.11.02A Develop programs, in partnership with allied agency responders, which focus on preventative
emergency medical services risk reduction.On-going FD, PD
4.11.02B Coordinate Fire and Police Department planning, training, and response efforts with neighboring
jurisdictions.On-going FD, PD
4.11.02C Coordinate with Meridian Rural Fire Protection District as growth occurs in the Area of City Impact.On-going FD
4.11.02D Help educate and curtail the rate of drug, alcohol, tobacco and other substance use.On-going PD
4.11.02E Work with public and private development and management groups to promote and implement
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies.On-going PD
4.11.02F Enhance crime prevention awareness through the education of neighborhood watch groups, multi-
family property management companies, homeowners' associations, and other organizations.On-going PD
4.11.02G Utilize the crime analysis unit to identify ongoing crime trends utilizing statistical analysis, heat
maps, and other tools to more effectively and effectively deploy police resources.On-going PD
4.11.03 Ensure that quality fire protection, rescue and emergency medical services are provided within Meridian.FD CD, CO, PR, PD
4.11.03A Maintain and enforce construction standards, and adopt fire protection codes that are consistent
with International Fire Code standards.On-going FD CD
4.11.03B Develop contingency plans for special events to ensure adequate fire and emergency medical
services.On-going FD CO, PR, PD
4.11.04 Provide quality police services for public health, safety, and welfare throughout the community.PD CO, FD, PR
4.11.04A Develop contingency plans for special events to ensure adequate police protection.On-going PD CO, FD, PR
4.11.04B Support and cooperate with federal, state, and local public safety agencies.On-going PD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 4.3. Public Safety Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
4.11.04C Consider police protection and enforcement issues as part of the development review process and
as part of mobile sales, vehicle immobilization, and alcohol permitting and licensing processes.On-going PD
4.11.04D Continue coordinating with the Idaho Humane Society to ensure delivery of services.On-going PD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Vibrant Community
Overview
Community design focuses on aspects of the built environment
that add enduring value to the community. Thoughtfully
designed community spaces improve the livability and quality
of life for current and future generations of Meridian residents.
Without intentional and context-oriented design to promote
neighborhood reinvestment, vibrancy, and social interactions,
the city could lose sight of its unique character.
A Vibrant Community is built on creative design that integrates
past and future. As Meridian becomes one of the larger cities
in the West, the Plan encourages the creation of well-designed
places that will serve generations to come. Arts, community
events, cultural assets, and celebrations can play a critical
role in making Meridian a vibrant and beloved place with a
distinct, engaging identity. The Plan focuses on enhancing
and improving the built environment, contributing value to
Meridian’s sense of place and reinforcing community identity
through redevelopment areas that incorporate amenities and
gathering places. The Plan stresses encouraging creativity and
high-quality in new neighborhoods and commercial areas. The
Plan identifies tools for implementation so that neighborhoods,
gateways, corridors, public spaces, and commercial areas
represent community values through thoughtful design and
strategic building placement, materials, and signage. The
community also seeks authenticity within places; the Plan’s
historic preservation element underscores the importance of
heritage by directing the preservation, restoration, celebration,
and memorialization of sites/buildings with historical or cultural
relevance. The Plan transcends all these elements with arts
and culture, which brings enrichment to the community and
reinforces sense of place.
As part of the Vibrant Community vision, the following elements
are included in this chapter:
»Character, Design, and Identity
»Historic Preservation
»Arts and Culture
VIBRANT COMMUNITY VISION
A community strengthened by
historic character and vibrant activity centers.
Below: Gene Kleiner Day festivities at the Kleiner Park Band Shell
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Vibrant CommunityVibrant Community5-1
Character, Design, and Identity
Introduction
The Character, Design, and Identity element focuses on
protecting, enhancing, and improving the unique features
of the natural and built environment that contribute value
to Meridian’s quality of place. From residential areas to retail
centers, business parks to open space, the community should
look and feel intentional. Neighborhoods, neighborhood centers,
and commercial developments should be both grounded and
unique, incorporating features of their surroundings while
offering residents, visitors, and employees distinctive, safe,
and inviting environments.
Gathering places should be convenient and integrated, encourage
social activity and engagement through generous and intentional
amenities and activation, and be a cornerstone of community
pride and timeless neighborhood value. Policy decisions
reflect Meridian’s desire for quality and aesthetic design that
reinforces the community’s identity, instills community pride,
and is built to last.
Background
The inherent goal of community design is to prioritize and
improve livability and quality of life for current and future
generations of Meridian residents. For the purpose of this Plan,
community design refers to both residential and non-residential
layout and building design, transition, and buffers. Moreover,
community design is inextricably linked to sustainability, livability,
healthy initiatives, as well as other elements of this Plan.
Community design also involves preserving and enhancing
unique and extraordinarily valuable areas or attributes of the
City; community design provides a means to maintain the
unique characteristics of the City and to improve the built
environment.
Subdivision Design
The foundation of ensuring good Community Design principles
is largely accomplished through the City’s subdivision review
and approval process. This process involves the entitlement
of land for division through a public hearing process. While
land use is an integral component of the development process
(see Chapter 3), equally if not more important is the role
of the Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards,
Common Open Space and Amenity Requirements, and other
supporting development standards contained in Title 11 of
Meridian City Code, in supporting the vision and intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Below: Outdoor seating Downtown, adjacent to Generations Plaza
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These sections of City Code should be continually re-examined
and updated as needed to enable and implement the vision
and policies in the Comprehensive Plan related to the general
location and configuration of all development types to be
realized. Subdivision review and approval establishes future
road configurations, access locations, lot layouts, areas and
amounts of open space, and serves as a prelude to subsequent
administrative design review.
Building and Site Design
The City requires Certificate of Zoning Compliance and
Administrative Design Review approval prior to construction
of any new building (except single-family). This process typically
occurs after subdivision approval. The Architectural Standards
Manual (ASM) and Title 11 of City Code are the primary
tools used in this process. The ASM provides the City with
a standards based tool to guide the creation of attractive,
lasting, and quality-built environments that contribute to the
progression of Meridian as a livable community. This process
ensures that development complies with all of the provisions
of City Code as well as encouraging high quality building
construction that employs the use of good design principles
to produce attractive developments with unique character
and that are appropriate for existing district identities. Some
in the community have voiced concern about the design and
character of buildings and integration of some projects into the
community. Thoughtful design of commercial and residential
developments can have a positive or negative effect on
community pride, city character, and economic vitality. The City
should explore ways to improve the building and site design
review process. Building permit review follows the Certificate
of Zoning Compliance process, ensuring life safety standards
are met regarding building construction.
GUIDE TO COMMUNITY CHARACTER
The following material helps to identify key design characteristics and
benefits of different development densities.
Keys to Urban Character
Streets and other public spaces are framed by buildings
Housing types range from small, narrower single-family lots dominated
by driveways and front-loaded garages (auto-urban) to attached residen-
tial (e.g., brownstones, town houses) and multi-family dwellings with
alley access or rear garages. Yard and landscaped areas are reduced.
Reduced front and side setbacks with tighter building spacing.
Opportunities for pedestrian activity and interaction.
Higher land use intensities allow for additional amenities otherwise not
cost effective in lower densities.
Keys to Rural Character
Wide-open landscapes
Views to the horizon mostly unbroken by buildings as structures are in
the background and blend into the landscape
Very high open-space ratios and very low building coverage
Great building separation, providing privacy and detachment from neigh-
boring dwellings
Keys to Sub-Urban Character
More horizontal development than the rural class with broader spacing
than the urban class.
Space enclosure, if any, is provided by trees and vegetation rather than
buildings.
Building setbacks from streets with more “green” and open space versus
on-lot driveways and on-lot parking surfaces
More building separation, through larger setbacks and, in some cases,
larger lots.
Much lower lot coverage than the urban class and a correspondingly
higher open spaces ration on lots.
Extensive vegetation and landscaping.
Schwab, Jim, (2010, Dec). Defining and Measuring Community Character. ZoningPractice, Vol.27, No.12, 6-7
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Entryway Corridors and Gateways
Meridian welcomes residents and visitors into the community
through designated entryway corridors and gateways. It is
the community’s intent to require additional landscaping and
entryway features at these locations. This includes elevated
building façades, parking lot layout, and public space design.
Artistic features and public art can also enhance the overall
character of a gateway. The goal of entryway and gateway
design standards is to make a positive impression on visitors
and instill community pride in residents. Gateways will inspire
people to live, work, play, and stay in Meridian.
The City has also established a plan for welcoming residents
and visitors into the community with welcome signage. In
combination with entryway and gateway requirements, these
signs have a significant effect on visitors’ first impression of the
City. See the List of Adopted Plans and Studies by Reference
for more information.
Signs
Signs are an invaluable source of providing direction and
maintaining optimal mobility through a city. They can also
provide advertising, and marketing, and contribute to community
identity. Signs will not be a distraction to motorists or pedestrians,
or otherwise present a safety hazard by interfering with line-
of-sight, blocking traffic control devices, or hampering traffic
flow. By complementing building design and landscaping,
signs will integrate aesthetically into the community. Sign
regulations must ensure there is balance between safety,
advertising, communication, architectural elements, aesthetics,
and free speech.
Sustainability
The fundamentals of sustainability within local government center
on creating balanced solutions; solutions that deliver services
at levels citizens expect in an environmentally, economically,
and socially responsible way. These fundamentals interact
in the process of balancing the needs of protecting and
enhancing the economy, the natural environment, and the
built environment. By utilizing industry standard best practices,
quality design standards, and project commissioning, the City
can quantify and verify that tax and rate payers are paying for
facilities and infrastructure that enable sustainable and livable
neighborhoods.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Welcome to Meridian Signage Plan
»Architectural Standards Manual
»Meridian City Code, Title 11, Subdivision Design and
Improvement Standards, Common Open Space and
Amenity Requirements
“New investment is increasingly seeking locations based on the
quality of place rather than the utility of location.”
- Steve McKnight, Fourth Economy Consultants
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Policy Direction
Table 5.1. Character, Design, and Identity Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
5.01.00 Sustain, enhance, promote, and protect elements that contribute to livability and a high
quality of life for all Meridian residents.CD, MO FD, PR, PD,
PW
5.01.01 Encourage the safety, health, and well-being of the community.CD PR, PD
5.01.01A Foster a walkable and bikeable community through good site and street design.On-going CD
5.01.01B Provide pathways, crosswalks, traffic signals and other improvements that encourage safe, physical
activity for pedestrians and bicyclists.On-going CD PR
5.01.01C Provide, partner, and preserve public and private indoor and outdoor recreation amenities for a
diverse range of physical activities.On-going CD
5.01.01D Plan for and encourage neighborhoods that provide reasonable pedestrian and bicycle access to
services like healthcare, daycare, grocery stores, and recreational areas.On-going CD
5.01.01E Promote best management practices to control the spread of noxious weeds, in conjunction with
Ada County Weed and Pest Control and City Code Enforcement.On-going CD PD
5.01.01F Minimize noise, lighting, and odor disturbances from commercial developments to residential
dwellings by enforcing city code.On-going CD
5.01.01G Ensure developments employ proper water drainage techniques to eliminate the risks of water
contamination, mold, and pests.On-going CD
5.01.02 Support beautiful and high quality development that reinforces neighborhood character and sustainability.CD
5.01.02A Maintain and implement community design ordinances, quality design criteria, and complete street
policies to set quality standards citywide.High CD
5.01.02B Coordinate with ITD regarding interstate beautification and appropriate signage.On-going CD
5.01.02C Promote area beautification and community identity through context sensitive building and site
design principles, appropriate signage, and attractive landscaping.On-going CD
5.01.02D Require appropriate building design, and landscaping elements to buffer, screen, beautify, and
integrate commercial, multifamily, and parking lots into existing neighborhoods.On-going CD
5.01.02E Support and protect the identity of existing residential neighborhoods.On-going CD
5.01.02F Explore development and implementation of architectural and/or landscape standards for
geographic areas of the City.High CD
5.01.02G Require attractive landscaping and pedestrian friendly design within new developments.On-going CD
5.01.02H Require the improvement and maintenance of landscaping along public rights-of-way and
landscaping of dedicated but unimproved rights-of-way strips.On-going CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 5.1. Character, Design, and Identity Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
5.01.03 Strengthen community pride and identity.CD, MO, PD FD, PW
5.01.03A
Continue supporting community-betterment activities, such as "Rake Up Meridian," and
implementing new or old programs to support residents in need of help for property cleanup and
repair.
On-going MO
5.01.03B Work with residents and homeowners associations to maintain and take pride in their common
areas and landscaping along public rights of way and other areas visible to the public.On-going MO
5.01.03C Review and implement design guidelines for properties along entryway corridors and gateways to
promote aesthetic features and clearly identify the community.Medium CD
5.01.03D Continue property maintenance programs to remove junk vehicles, abate weed nuisances, and
eliminate trash build up.On-going PD FD
5.01.03E
Implement the Welcome to Meridian Signage Plan by budgeting for construction and maintenance
of signs at key locations throughout the City; look for partnership opportunities with property
owners and developers.
On-going CD PW
5.01.03F Encourage volunteerism within the community, City Hall, and City Boards and Commissions.On-going MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Historic Preservation
Introduction
The Historic Preservation element underscores the importance
of preserving Meridian’s heritage by remembering previous
generations who laid the foundation for Meridian today.
Policies not only direct the preservation and restoration of
sites/buildings with historic or cultural relevance, but also how
to celebrate and memorialize them.
Background
Meridian has a unique, storied history. Preserving that history
is important because it defines the roots of the community
and provides a sense of belonging to residents who treasure it.
Some Meridian properties are on the National Register
of Historic Places, but there are many additional historical
resources and architectural features within the city limits and
the Area of City Impact that are not yet listed on this Registry.
Although they may not be listed on the National Registry,
they still carry historical and cultural significance to Meridian.
Meridian’s important agricultural heritage and history of town
settlement is reflected in the many private historic residences
and commercial buildings within the area. However, continued
urban expansion and development have threatened some of
these sites over the years.
While many of these sites and features have been lost, and
others can no longer be realistically preserved, they can still
be remembered. To preserve the memory and significance of
these sites, all viable resources such as photos, models, written
and oral stories, and memorabilia or significant artifacts should
be used to pay tribute to a site’s important role in shaping
Meridian history. The design of new structures and landscapes
can also acknowledge and celebrate Meridian’s heritage by
incorporating art and/or learning experiences for youth.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Meridian Historic Preservation Plan
»Destination Downtown
Below: Meridian Historic Walking Tour sign at City Hall
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Vibrant CommunityVibrant Community5-7
Table 5.2. Historic Preservation Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
5.02.00 Celebrate Meridian's historical, cultural, and agricultural heritage.PR CD, FI, MO
5.02.01 Enhance and restore the historical quality of Old Town.PR CD
5.02.01A Maintain and implement design and building standards for historically significant buildings and
resources in Old Town.Medium PR CD
5.02.01B Support owners of historic buildings in their efforts to restore and/or preserve their properties. On-going PR CD
5.02.02 Preserve and enhance historic and cultural resources.PR CD, FI
5.02.02A Coordinate with the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission to recommend use, restoration,
and preservation of historical structures and sites throughout Meridian.On-going PR CD
5.02.02B Investigate and promote incentive programs for historic properties.On-going PR FI
5.02.02C Implement tools and undertake programs that will increase the community's awareness of its
heritage as well as the economic and aesthetic value of historic preservation.Low PR MO
5.02.02D Stimulate private and public investment in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings,
outdoor spaces, and natural historical features.On-going PR CD, FI
5.02.02E Support the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission to foster preservation and
conservation.On-going PR MO
5.02.02F
When appropriate, seek comments and approval from the Historic Preservation Commission prior
to any changes to City-owned or controlled property, including buildings, outdoor spaces, and
natural features.
On-going PR CD
5.02.02G Place informational plaques on historic structures and special sites.On-going PR MO
5.02.02H Incorporate, into the development review process, a way to determine any impact on unique
geological, historical, and archeological sites; preserve and protect as appropriate.On-going PR CD
5.02.02I Encourage events and activities that celebrate the cultural heritage of Meridian.On-going PR MO
5.02.02J Develop policies to preserve and protect or document and memorialize historic and culturally
significance structures and sites.On-going PR MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Policy Direction Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Arts and Culture
Introduction
The Arts/Culture element reinforces the City’s vision for a
vibrant arts and entertainment scene that integrates the arts
experience into everyday life and enhances the spirit of the City.
Background
As part of its commitment to raising awareness of existing
opportunities and providing new offerings to experience art, the
Meridian Arts Commission (MAC) provides the community with
visual, performing, and musical arts opportunities throughout
the year. MAC ensures continued access to a variety of offerings
for all residents, regardless of age, race, or ability.
In addition to supporting the arts, the City will continue to
encourage community events and annual programs that are
vital to the community’s well-being. Maintaining a variety
of social opportunities is essential in promoting community
for all residents; the City supports the exploration of other
opportunities to support new facilities for community enrichment,
education, and outreach.
Through Meridian’s Art in Public Spaces Ordinance and
community partnerships, major public art pieces have been
installed throughout Meridian—in Downtown, in several parks,
and in city buildings. The visual arts, performing arts, community
events, and Meridian’s heritage are integral components of
the community’s identity. The sense of community is evident
in many celebrations and events, neighborhoods, and public
institutions.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Citywide Strategic Plan
»Meridian Arts Commission Strategic Plan
Below: Sculptures on Broadway Ave, adjacent to City Hall
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Vibrant CommunityVibrant Community5-9
Policy Direction
Table 5.3. Arts and Culture Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
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
5.03.01A Exhibit both permanent and rotating works of art in City Hall and other public places.On-going PR AO, MO
5.03.01B Encourage the integration of public art as an integrated component with new development.On-going PR CD
5.03.01C Consider a central Art and Cultural District to showcase a wide variety of cultural offerings.Low PR MO
5.03.01D Provide local artists with opportunities to showcase their work.On-going PR MO, IT
5.03.01E Determine and respond to the community's art and cultural facility needs.On-going PR MO
5.03.02 Raise awareness and promote existing arts offerings and artwork within the community.PR AO, MO
5.03.02A Utilize the Meridian Art in Public Spaces program to raise awareness and appreciation of the arts.On-going PR MO
5.03.02B Partner with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to create and install artwork on traffic boxes,
within roundabouts, and as part of other roadway improvement projects as appropriate.On-going PR AO, MO
5.04.00 Support hands-on experiences in the arts.PR, MO MO, PR
5.04.01 Provide a diversity of education and art experiences for all residents.PR, MO MO, PR
5.04.01A Develop and offer youth art opportunities in partnership with the School District and afterschool
programs.On-going PR MO
5.04.01B Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, schools, and institutions to support and
encourage arts programs and education for adults and seniors.On-going PR MO
5.04.01C Sponsor a variety of musical and performing arts in partnership with community organizations.On-going MO PR
5.04.01D Identify opportunities to partner with existing organizations and businesses to make their facilities
available for civic and cultural purposes.On-going PR MO
5.04.01E Engage with and support the full diversity of the community in the planning for arts and culture
facilities, programs, and events.On-going PR MO
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Connected Community
Overview
The condition of an area’s transportation system impacts
the community’s quality of life and economic vitality. Great
cities such as Meridian need better connectivity, a range of
transportation options, and vibrant multi-modal corridors.
These communities understand that transportation technology
is changing rapidly, and cities must plan accordingly, altlowing
for flexibility to address new types of vehicles, autonomous and
shared vehicles, transit, walking, and biking. Appropriate mix
and intensity of uses must be integrated to make alternative
modes of transportation viable. As a growing community, new
businesses and residents are looking for safe and efficient choices
that represent a community ready to embrace the future. At the
center of transportation, Meridian knows that it must join with
partner agencies that plans for the functional integration of
land use and infrastructure to create the community residents’
desire.
The Plan promotes a Connected Community that sets the
stage for different modes of travel while ensuring broad
system functionality, safety, and efficiency. The Plan creates
the framework for accommodating all modes of transportation
by planning, designing, and developing land use and corridors
that support pedestrians, bicycles, transit, motor vehicles,
and new forms of mobility. Refer to Chapter 4 for additional
policies related to pathway connectivity.
As part of the Connected Community Vision, the following
element is included in this chapter:
»Transportation and Streets
CONNECTED COMMUNITY VISION
A community of safe and efficient transportation.
Below: Main Street in downtown Meridian
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Connected CommunityConnected Community6-1
Transportation and Streets
Introduction
The Transportation and Streets element prioritizes regional
coordination to meet the existing needs for adequate
transportation service, while planning for and accommodating
future growth as efficiently as possible.
Background
As Meridian does not have roadway authority of its own,
providing adequate transportation service across all modes
requires significant coordination with transportation agencies
in the region. The City works closely with the Ada County
Highway District (ACHD), the Idaho Transportation Department
(ITD), Valley Regional Transit (VRT), and the Community
Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) to make
sure residents’ and business’ transportation needs are met.
In addition to planning for future transportation needs, the
roadway infrastructure already developed will require funding
for maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion.
Beyond supporting traditional motor vehicle use, the City
continues to maintain and promote alternative methods of
transportation. From sidewalks for pedestrians and regional
multi-modal pathways to public transportation efforts, the City
recognizes that supporting diversity and providing modal choice
helps to not only promote a healthier, happier community, but
reduces over-use of roadways by passenger vehicles. Through
cooperation with regional partners, Meridian supports and
promotes developments that provide transportation options
for everyone.
The City also recognizes that while it does not directly control the
roadways or public transportation service, its land use decisions
have a direct effect on the effectiveness and sustainability of
how these systems are able to function. The future land-uses
in Chapter 3 have been developed to support existing area
transportation plans, as well as to guide the future build-out
and operation of the different systems into the long-range
future.
Idaho is one of two states that do not currently have a dedicated
funding source for public transportation. The ability of the
“Life is the only art that we are required to practice without
preparation, and without being allowed the preliminary trials,
the failures and botches, that are essential for training.”
-Lewis Mumford
Below: Bridge deck of the Ten Mile Interchange over I-84
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City to act alone in remedying this situation is limited since
State law does not allow the City’s residents to vote to tax
themselves through a local-option sales tax. Realizing that
the current system is neither sustainable nor able to grow
indefinitely, this Plan assumes that State legislature will act to
resolve this issue at some point in the future.
Regional Transportation Plan
Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 (CIM 2.0) is the region’s long-
range transportation plan. However, CIM is more than just a
transportation plan; the intent of CIM is to further integrate
land use and transportation planning.
Transportation and Land Use Integration
To better connect transportation planning and land use decisions,
ACHD and the cities in Ada County use the Transportation
and Land Use Integration Plan (TLIP), which envisions livable
streets for tomorrow and depicts how streets should look
and function in the future. The goal is to create a roadway
network that balances the needs of all roadway users-motorists,
pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and people with disabilities,
with streets that complement the built environment. Because
a one-size-fits-all program for roadway construction does not
respond to either the land use or transportation needs of the
community, the City and ACHD have agreed to join together
the land use plans of the City with the transportation plans of
ACHD. A component of TLIP is the Master Street Map (MSM).
This map is a companion component to the City’s Future Land
Use Map, and indicates the types of complete street facilities
and right-of-way necessary to support the adjacent land uses.
Downtown Transportation Network
The City envisions a multi-modal transportation network
throughout the city, but there are several plans and studies that
more specifically evaluate where and how various opportunities
for access can and should be provided in downtown. The
Downtown Meridian Transportation Management Plan was
developed by ACHD with insight provided by the City to propose
solutions to circulation-related challenges in downtown Meridian.
While most of the work in this plan has been completed, two
projects remain: the 3rd Street and Commercial Street extensions.
To increase connectivity and facilitate additional north-south
traffic movement downtown, the City will work through
development and redevelopment to preserve right-of-way
and construct East 3rd from Franklin Road to Fairview Avenue
per the alignment identified in the subsequent 2009 East 3rd
Street Extension Alignment Study Report.
Adopted in 2012, the City worked with the ACHD to develop a
plan for future enhancements of pedestrian and bicycle facilities
downtown. The Downtown Meridian Neighborhood Pedestrian
and Bicycle Plan is intended to inform how investments in the
network can best be made to realize a safe, convenient and
accessible area to bike and walk.
The City has also adopted the Downtown Meridian Street
Cross-section Master Plan, which is intended to preserve for
and work towards long-term connectivity and streetscape
improvements. Finally, the railroad passes east-west through
the middle of downtown, and is the subject of several studies
and on-going local and regional planning efforts to share
the corridor, currently used for freight, for uses ranging from
regional pathways to public transportation.
Alternative Transportation
The City works with transportation providers to improve
access to employment opportunities, medical appointments,
recreational activities, and education. Local partnerships City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Connected CommunityConnected Community6-3
provide opportunities to create connections for drivers as
well as non-drivers.
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is the regional public transportation
authority for Ada and Canyon counties and is responsible for
coordinating transit service and implementing a regional public
transportation system. VRT operates the bus service in this area
under the name ValleyRide and works in close coordination
with other regional partners to plan for enhancements to the
public transportation system.
Pathways that encourage use by bicyclists and pedestrians can
decrease road congestion and add to the community’s quality
of life. Meridian continues to develop a pathway network that
identifies a core system of pathways based on the existing canal
system within the City of Meridian. This system is augmented
by the developer-implemented pathways that will provide
connections to and through many residential areas while
creating larger citywide loops. This system gives community
members a wide variety of pathway options throughout the
City and to other parts of the metropolitan region.
The ACHD has adopted a plan that seeks to create and connect
bicycle lanes throughout Ada County, to create a bicycle network
that provides a designated bicycle facility within a quarter-mile
from 95 percent of the residents in the County. The City, as
part of development review and ACHD roadway projects, look
to expand bicycle opportunities throughout the City.
Meridian Transportation Commission
The City has an appointed transportation commission of nine
residents, along with six non-voting ex-officio members, that
advises the City on transportation related issues. The Meridian
Transportation Commission works with City staff and agency
Above: Meridian Pathway and Park
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partners to set the City’s priorities and communicate them to the
transportation agency partners. It also makes recommendations
to the City regarding its own policies and actions.
For additional information, refer to the following resources:
»Existing Conditions Report; Addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan
»Meridian Pathway Master Plan
»Communities in Motion 2040 2.0
»ValleyConnect 2.0
»Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan
»Roadways to Bikeways Bicycle Master Plan
»Downtown Meridian Neighborhood Pedestrian and
Bicycle Plan
»Downtown Meridian Transportation Management
Plan
»Downtown Meridian Street Cross-section Master Plan
»Airport - Overland Corridor Study
The City of Meridian promotes citizen involvement in
government by inviting residents to serve on a variety of
boards, commissions, and committees designed to assist City
leaders in information gathering and deliberative processes.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Connected CommunityConnected Community6-5
Policy Direction
Table 6.1. Transportation and Streets Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
6.01.00 Facilitate the efficient movement of people and products to and from the City.CD, PR CD, FI, MO,
PR, PW
6.01.01 Support multi-modal and complete-street transportation improvements. CD, PR FI, MO, PR, PW
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
6.01.01B
Support Valley Regional Transit's (VRT) efforts to construct multi-modal transit centers in areas
of high commercial activity and employment as well as areas with transit-supportive residential
densities.
On-going CD PW
6.01.01C Improve ingress and egress opportunities for all modes of transportation in Downtown.On-going CD
6.01.01D Pursue construction of the City's pathways network. Very High PR FI, MO
6.01.01E Pursue bicycle routes/lanes/paths on roadways that will be appropriate for a wide range of ages
and abilities.On-going CD
6.01.01F Work with transportation providers to implement transportation plans, projects, and studies.On-going CD PW
6.01.01G Develop criteria for plan review in determining whether a development proposal is safe, accessible,
and comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists.High CD
6.01.01H Require pedestrian access connectors in all new development to link subdivisions together and to
promote neighborhood connectivity as part of a community pathway system.On-going CD PR
6.01.01I Work with Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to identify gaps in the sidewalk system and pursue
sidewalk construction for existing substandard streets.On-going CD PW
6.01.01J Encourage new development to include buffered sidewalks, a sidewalk separated from the motor
vehicle lane by a planter strip, especially on collector and arterial roadways.On-going CD
6.01.02 Enhance existing transportation systems. CD PW
6.01.02A Work with transportation partners to include Meridian’s highest priority transportation projects
within their plans and budgets.On-going CD PW
6.01.02B
Reduce the number of existing access points onto arterial streets by using methods such as cross-
access agreements, access management, and frontage/backage roads, and promoting local and
collector street connectivity.
On-going CD PW
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
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Table 6.1. Transportation and Streets Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
6.01.02C Require new development to establish street connections to existing local roads and collectors as
well as to underdeveloped adjacent properties.On-going CD
6.01.02D Consider needed sidewalk, pathway, landscaping, and lighting improvements with all land use
decisions. On-going CD PW
6.01.02E Consider incomplete and underserved roadways and timing of necessary roadway improvements
in all land use decisions.On-going CD
6.01.02F
Improve coordination with ACHD, ITD, VRT, COMPASS, and developers in addressing transportation
issues and needs before public hearings, including having school and transportation agency
comments in with adequate time to allow for review by the City before a decision is made on a
land-use application.
On-going CD PW
6.01.02G Work with the Transportation Commission and transportation partners to implement needed
neighborhood traffic calming and address safety concerns.On-going CD PW
6.01.02H Work with transportation partners to establish and implement a system of performance measures
to gauge whether transportation goals and objectives are being realized.On-going CD
6.01.02I Pursue the extension of Idaho Ave. and/or Broadway Ave. to Commercial Dr. and the extension of
East 3rd St. from Fairview Ave. to Pine Ave. in Downtown.On-going CD
6.01.02J Pursue the extension of Overland Road into Canyon County, consistent with the 2011 Airport-
Overland Corridor Study.On-going CD
6.01.02K Pursue the expansion of US 20/26; the development of an overpass of I-84 at Linder Road; the
extension of SH-16 from US 20/26 to I-84; and SH-55 and SH-69 corridor improvements.On-going CD
6.01.02L Work with ACHD to implement projects from the 2012 Downtown Meridian Neighborhood
Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan.On-going CD
6.01.02M
Work with transportation agencies and private property owners to preserve transportation
corridors, future transit routes and infrastructure, road, and highway extensions, and to facilitate
access management.
On-going CD PW
6.01.02N Coordinate with ACHD to more carefully examine the appropriateness of roundabouts with
intersection improvements in relation to pedestrians and other users.On-going CD PW
6.01.03 Provide the most efficient transportation network possible. CD
6.01.03A Work with ITD and ACHD to establish truck routes and design routes appropriately for their
contexts. On-going CD
6.01.03B Require collectors consistent with the ACHD Master Street Map (MSM), generally at/near the mid-
mile location within the Area of City Impact.On-going CD
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Connected CommunityConnected Community6-7
Table 6.1. Transportation and Streets Goals, Objectives and Action Items Priority Lead Support
6.01.03C Require the public street system to be continuous through each mile section, avoiding long,
straight stretches.On-going CD
6.01.03D Consider ACHD's Master Street Map (MSM), Complete Streets Policy and the Transportation and
Land Use Integration Plan in all land use decisions.On-going CD
6.01.03E Participate in the development of the Regional Transportation Plan (CIM 2.0) and Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).On-going CD PW
6.01.04 Encourage new and alternative transportation systems that reflect changes in technology and lifestyles. CD, PR CD, MO, PR
6.01.04A Support efforts to evaluate and plan for future transportation services such as public transit, on-
demand services, autonomous and shared vehicles.On-going CD
6.01.04B Develop and implement agreements with irrigation districts and the Union Pacific Railroad to allow
for bike/pedestrian pathways.Medium PR CD, MO
6.01.04C Work with transportation partners to identify and promote strategies for reducing reliance on the
single-occupant automobile.Low CD
6.01.04D Work with COMPASS and VRT to expand public transportation in Meridian.On-going CD
6.01.04E Integrate new technologies (e.g., connected and automated vehicle technology, micro-mobility
options) to increase efficiency, safety, and opportunities of transportation users. On-going CD
6.01.04F Consider and mitigate undesired impacts of emerging transportation and delivery technologies. On-going CD
6.01.05 Work with transportation partners to identify locations for future park & ride lots, shuttle buses, and/or transit stations.CD PW
6.01.05A In coordination with VRT and COMPASS, explore grants and other funding opportunities to provide
incentives for developers to locate public transit infrastructure within areas planned for transit.On-going CD
6.01.05B Work with VRT in developing design guidelines for transit stations.On-going CD
6.01.05C Support alternative public and private sector funding opportunities for transportation investment.On-going CD PW
Priorities: Very High = Currently/Immediately; High = 1 to 3 years; Medium = 3 to 5 years; Low = 5 to 10 years; and 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., FI = Finance, HR = Human Resources, IT = Information Tech.,
MO = Mayor’s Office, PD = Police Dept., PR = Parks and Recreation, PW = Public Works.
Table legend
Goal Objective Action
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Connected CommunityConnected Community6-8
A
www.meridiancity.org/compplan
Appendix A. Glossary of Terms
Area of City Impact –Area of City Impact – Also known as the City’s planning area. It
is the land area surrounding the limits of each City, negotiated
between each individual City and the county in which it lies. Each
City has comprehensive planning authority for its Area of City
Impact, but until annexation occurs, zoning and development
entitlement is handled by the county.
Buffer –Buffer – An area within a property or site, generally adjacent to
and parallel with the property line, either consisting of existing
natural vegetation or created by the use of trees, shrubs, berms
and/or fences and designed to limit views and sounds from
the development tract to adjacent parties and vice versa. Also
commonly used when describing a transitional use, typically
office, between residential and commercial or industrial.
Building Code –Building Code – Legislative regulations that prescribe the
materials, requirements, and methods to be used in the
construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and repair of buildings.
The City of Meridian, per state statue, has adopted the Uniform
Building Code (UBC), developed by the International Conference
of Building Officials.
Capital Improvement Program –Capital Improvement Program – A process of identifying
and budgeting for the public facilities that a jurisdiction will
need to construct in order to serve existing and anticipated
development. Capital improvement programming is typically
done in five-year increments with annual updates. A Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) must address the type of project,
the location of the project, the cost of the project, the source
of funds to finance the project, the agency or department
responsible for the project, and the time frame for completion
of the project. Capital Improvement Programs are a primary
tool of most growth management programs.
Compatible –Compatible – Land uses capable of existing together without
conflict or ill effects.
Conditional Use –Conditional Use – A utilization of land having characteristics
such that it may be allowed in a particular zoning district only
after review by the Commission and Council, and granting of
approval imposing conditions deemed necessary to make the
proposed use compatible with other uses in the area.
Conditional Use Permit –Conditional Use Permit – Permit issued to allow a conditional use.
Cross-Access Agreement –Cross-Access Agreement – An agreement between adjacent
property owners in which internal connections are provided
between parking areas in order to improve traffic flow on the
street by minimizing the number of access points needed.
Cross-access agreements are typically obtained incrementally
as a condition of approval for new development. The first one
to develop will be required to make an irrevocable offer of
cross-access to the adjacent parcel and must design the parking
lot to accommodate the access. When the adjacent owner
wishes to develop, they will be conditioned to reciprocate with
a similar cross-access agreement and complete the access.
Density –Density – The rate of residential development intensity, generally
described as a ratio of residential units per acre of land.
Density Bonus –Density Bonus – Incentives given for dedication of land to the
public for parks, schools, or other public facilities.
Fair Housing Act –Fair Housing Act – Fair Housing Title VIII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968, enacted to prohibit housing discrimination based
on race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, sex, and/or
familial status.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix A, Glossary of TermsAppendix A, Glossary of TermsA-1
Fire Flow –Fire Flow – The minimum number of gallons per minute that
are needed to fight a fire in a structure, for two continuous
hours through fire plugs in the near proximity of the structure.
Fire flow requirements are established by the national Uniform
Fire Code and are a factor in the City’s Insurance Services
Office (ISO) rating.
Floodway –Floodway – Drainage and irrigation channels and adjacent
land areas that must be reserved to discharge flood waters
from a 100-year flood. Development is prohibited in this area.
Green Building –Green Building – Also known as green construction or sustainable
building, is the practice of creating structures and using
processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-
efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to
design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation,
and demolition.
Hazardous Waste –Hazardous Waste – Waste that poses substantial or potential
threats to public health or the environment. There are four
factors that determine whether or not a substance is hazardous:
ignitability (i.e., flammable), reactivity, corrosiveness, and toxicity
Infill Development –Infill Development – Development on vacant parcels, or
redevelopment of existing parcels to a higher and better use
that is surrounded by developed property within the City of
Meridian.
Low Impact Development (LID) –Low Impact Development (LID) – A term used in the United
States to describe a land planning and engineering design
approach to managing stormwater runoff. LID emphasizes
conservation and use of on-site natural features to protect
water quality.
Placemaking –Placemaking – The process and philosophy that capitalizes
on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, with
the intention of creating quality public spaces that promote
people's health, happiness, and well-being.
Public Facilities and Services –Public Facilities and Services – See Urban Services.
Quality of Life –Quality of Life – Quality of life refers to the day living enhanced
by wholesome food and clean air and water, enjoyment of
unfettered open spaces and bodies of water, conservation
of wildlife and natural resources, security from crime, and
protection from radiation and toxic substances. It may also
be used as a measure of the energy and power a person is
endowed with that enable him or her to enjoy life and prevail
over life’s challenges irrespective of the handicaps he or she
may have.
Reclaimed Water –Reclaimed Water – Former wastewater (sewage) that has
been treated to remove solids and certain impurities, and
then used in sustainable landscaping irrigation or to recharge
groundwater aquifers. This is done for sustainability and water
conservation, rather than discharging the treated wastewater
to surface waters such as rivers and oceans. Sometimes called
recycled water.
Implementation Plan –Implementation Plan – The implementation plan will serve as a
roadmap for the City’s success over a period of five years. It will
also serve as a tool to communicate the City’s intentions to the
community, focus the direction of its financial resources and
employees, and ensure that short-term goals and objectives
are met in a timely fashion to ensure attainment of the City’s
overall vision.
Urban Service Planning Area –Urban Service Planning Area – Priority planning area where City
of Meridian sewer and water facilities and most other services
and utilities are available or planned in officially adopted plans.
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix A, Glossary of TermsAppendix A, Glossary of TermsA-2
www.meridiancity.org/compplan
Urban Services –Urban Services – Services provided by the City of Meridian or
established jurisdictions within the City of Meridian, including
City of Meridian water, fire protection by Meridian City-Rural
Fire District, City of Meridian parks and recreation facilities, City
of Meridian police protection, public sanitary sewers owned
by the City of Meridian, public transit, schools, storm drainage
facilities, and urban standard streets and roads.
Walkable –Walkable – Development that contains a comprehensive network
of sidewalks and trails. Development tends to be compact, and
diverse, providing varied and plentiful destinations for walking
and cycling; destinations tend to be within ¼ of a mile from
dwellings. Environment is safe and aesthetically pleasing, with
open space interspersed throughout development.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix A, Glossary of TermsAppendix A, Glossary of TermsA-3
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Appendix B. Acronyms and Abbreviations
ACHD Ada County Highway District
AOCI Area of City Impact
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CDHD Central District Health Department
CIM 2.0 Communities in Motion 2040 2.0
COMPASS Community Planning Association of Southwest
Idaho
DOT U.S. Department of Transportation
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FLUM Future Land Use Map
HUD Housing and Urban Development
IDHW Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
IPUC Idaho Public Utility Commission
ISU Idaho State University
ITD Idaho Transportation Department
LID Local Improvement District
MAC Meridian Arts Commission
MADC Mayor's Anti-Drug Coalition
MAYC Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
MDC Meridian Development Corporation
MSM Master Street Map
NC Neighborhood Center
NMID Nampa Meridian Irrigation District
NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
RUT Rural Urban Transition (Ada County zoning
designation)
SWAC Solid Waste Advisory Committee
TLIP Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan
TMISAP Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
UDC Unified Development Code
UPRR Union Pacific Railroad
USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation
USPA Urban Service Planning Area
VRT Valley Regional Transit
WRRF Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix B, Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix B, Acronyms and AbbreviationsB-1
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Appendix C. Regulatory Takings Checklist
The City of Meridian wholly respects the rights of its citizens
and their property, and is abjectly against the negligence, abuse
or devaluing of private property by others. By encouraging
property maintenance, preventing and mitigating incompatible
land use, and ensuring local, state, and federal code compliance,
residents should feel their private property rights are respected
and secure. The City will continue to review its policy for
compliance with the State regulatory takings guidelines, and
ensure that their staff is appropriately trained in applicable
code related to property rights. The following checklist is
used in reviewing proposed regulations or actions to ensure
compliance with private property rights.
1. Does the regulation or action result in a permanent or
temporary physical occupation of private property?
Regulation or action resulting in permanent or temporary
occupation of all or a portion of private property will generally
constitute a “taking.” For example, a regulation that required
landlords to allow installation of cable television boxes in their
apartments was found to constitute a “taking.” (See Loretto
v. Teleprompter Manhattan CATV Corp., 458 U.S. 419 [1982].)
2. Does the regulation or action require a property to
dedicate a portion of property or to grant an easement?
Carefully review all regulations requiring the dedication of
property or grant of an easement. The dedication of property
must be reasonably and specifically designed to represent or
compensate for adverse impacts of the proposed development.
Likewise, the magnitude of the burden placed on the proposed
development should be reasonably related to the adverse
impacts created by the development. A court will also consider
whether the action in question substantially advances a legitimate
state interest. For example, the United States Supreme Court
determined in Nollan v. California Coastal Comm’n, 483 U.S.
825 (1987) that compelling an owner of waterfront property
to grant public easement across his property that does not
substantially advance the public’s interest in beach access,
constitutes a “taking.” Likewise, the United States Supreme
Court held that compelling a property owner to leave a public
green way, as opposed to a private one, did not substantially
advance protection of a floodplain, and was a “taking.” (Dolan
v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309 [June 24, 1994].)City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistAppendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistC-1
3. Does the regulation deprive the owner of all economically
viable uses of the property?
If a regulation prohibits all economically viable or beneficial uses
of the land, it will likely constitute a “taking.” In this situation,
the agency can avoid liability for just compensation only if it
can demonstrate that the proposed uses are prohibited by the
laws of nuisance or other pre-existing limitations on the use
of the property (See Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Coun.,
112 S. Ct. 2886 [1992].)
Unlike 1 and 2 above, it is important to analyze the regulation’s
impact on the property as a whole, and not just the impact on
a portion whether there is any profitable use of the remaining
property available. (See Florida Rock Industries, Inc. v. United
States, 18 F.3d 1560 [Fed. Cir. 1994]. The remaining use does
not necessarily have to be the owner’s planned use, a prior
use, or the highest and best use of the property. One factor in
this assessment is the degree to which the regulatory action
interferes with a property owner’s reasonable investment
backed expectations.
Carefully review regulations requiring that all of a particular parcel
of land be left substantially in its natural state. A prohibition
of all economically viable users of the property is vulnerable
to a takings challenge. In some situations, however, there may
be pre-existing limitations on the use of property that could
insulate the government from takings liability.
4. Does the regulation have a significant impact on the
landowner’s economic interest?
Carefully review regulations that have a significant impact
on the owner’s economic interest. Courts will often compare
the value of property before and after the impact of the
challenged regulation. Although a reduction in property
value alone may not be a “taking,” a severe reduction in the
property value often indicates a reduction or elimination of
reasonably profitable uses. Another economic factor courts
will consider is the degree to which the challenged regulation
impacts any developmental rights of the owner. As with 3,
above, these economic factors are normally applied to the
property owner as a whole.
5. Does the regulation deny a fundamental attribute of
ownership?
Regulations that deny the landowner a fundamental attribute
of ownership-- including the right to possess, exclude other,
and dispose of all or a portion of the property—are potential
takings.
The United States Supreme Court recently held that requiring
a public easement for recreational purposes where the harm to
be prevented was to the flood plain was a “taking.” In finding
this to be a “taking,” the Court stated:
The City never demonstrated why a public green way, as
opposed to a private one, was required in the interest of flood
control. The difference to the petitioner, of course, is the loss
of her ability to exclude others…[T]his right to exclude others
is “one of the most essential sticks in the bundle of rights that
are commonly characterized as property.”
Dolan v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309 (June 24, 1994). The United
States Supreme Court has also held that barring inheritance
(an essential attribute of ownership) of certain interest in land
held by individual members of an Indian tribe constituted a
“taking.” Hodel v. Irving, 481 U.S. 704 (1987).
www.meridiancity.org/compplan City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistAppendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistC-2
www.meridiancity.org/compplan
6. Does the regulation serve the same purpose that would
be served by directly prohibiting the use or action; and
does the condition imposed substantially advance that
purpose?
A regulation may go too far and may result in a takings
claim where it does not substantially advance a legitimate
governmental purpose. (Nollan v. California Coastal Commission,
107 S. CT. 3141 [1987]; Dolan v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309
[June 24, 1994].)
In Nollan, the United States Supreme Court held that it was an
unconstitutional “taking” to condition the issuance of a permit
to land owners on the grant of an easement to the public to
use their beach. The court found that since there was not
an indication that the Nollan’s house plans interfered in any
way with the public’s ability to walk up and down the beach,
there was no “nexus” between any public interest that might
be harmed by the construction of the house, and the permit
condition. Lacking this connection, the required easement
was just as unconstitutional as it would be if imposed outside
the permit context.
Likewise, regulatory actions that closely resemble, or have effects
of a physical invasion or occupation or property, are more
likely to be found to be takings. The greater the deprivation
of use, the greater the likelihood that a “taking” will be found.City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistAppendix C, Regulatory Takings ChecklistC-3
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Ustick Rd
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Overland Rd
Franklin Rd Ten Mile RdLinder RdMeridian RdLocust Grove RdEagle RdVictory Rd
Amity Rd
£¤26Black Cat RdMcDermott RdStar RdCanAda RdLake Hazel Rd
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Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area PlanFields Subarea PlanB o i s e River
Boise River BoiseR i v e rBoiseRiver
Library
Post
Office
Gen. Plaza
WRRF
Golf Course
Idaho
Power
Idaho Power
Cemetery
State Police
Cemetery
City
Hall
ITD
Idaho Power
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Med-High Density Residential
High Density Residential
Commercial
Office
Industrial
Civic
Old Town
Mixed Use Neighborhood
Mixed Use Community
Mixed Use Regional
Mixed Use Non-Residential
Mixed Use - Interchange
Low Density Employment
High Density Employment
Mixed Employment
Mixed Use Residential
Mixed Use Commercial
Legend
Area of City Impact
Special Planning Area
Existing Waterway
ѨFire Station
ca Police Station
kj Parks
n School
Æb Transit Station
!Future Facilities
Entryway Corridor
Existing Crossing
Future Crossing
Future Roadway
Boise River
Future Land UsesCitywide Ten Mile Specific
Notes:
Symbols with halos indicate general future facility locations. These symbols
are not parcel specific and may float to nearby areas. The final location andstatus (halo) of symbols may be revised periodically to reflect existing facility
locations.
Land use designations in the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area are differentfrom the rest of the City, even when they share a name. Designations for that
area are described in the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan.
The information shown on this map is compiled from various sources and issubject to constant revision. The City of Meridian makes no warranty or
guarantee as to the content, suitability, accuracy, timeliness, or completeness,
or reliability of any of the data provided, for any purpose, and assumes no
legal responsibility for the information contained on this map.
This map is intended to work in tandem with the policies of the
Comprehensive Plan to serve as a guide for future land use patterns within
Meridian’s AOCI. Land use patterns depicted on the map are generalized,recognizing that development proposals may contain a mixture of land uses
and density levels to achieve the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. All
development is subject to City zoning and other development standards and
performance guidelines.
Prepared by Meridian Planning Division
Print Date: July 01, 2022
[
City of Meridian
Future Land Use Map
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Adopted June 28, 2022
Appendix D. Future Land Use Map
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan | Appendix D, Future Land Use MapAppendix D, Future Land Use Map
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