HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC - Narrative City of Meridian
Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, ID 83642
November 15,2023
Dear Community Development Staff,
I am pleased to present the Nine Mile Creek Bungalows short plat subdivision located at 2055 S. Locust Grove
Road(Parcel#5119141856; GPS coordinates 43.5863, -116.37514). I believe this development will be a true
asset to the City of Meridian and provide an oasis for people seeking to build on a larger lot but not wanting to
live in a large, exclusive development.
The property is located on the west side of Locust Grove Road. The Nine Mile Creek drain runs through the
northeast corner of the property and continues along the north property line. Three homes in Sportsman Pointe
Subdivision adjoin the south property line, and the Sportsman Pointe open space and tennis courts adjoin the west
property line.
The Future Land Use Map designates the property as"Office",however the existing zoning is for medium low-
density residential(R-4). The comprehensive plan addresses this difference between the comprehensive plan
designation and zoning: "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."
Because I am not asking for annexation or rezoning,the residential use is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
(As a side note,I considered a mixed-use project in the past and discussed the proposal with staff at a pre-
application meeting. I was discouraged from seeking a rezone and instead guided toward developing within the
existing zone.) The proposed infill residential project is consistent with many of the housing policies of the
comprehensive plan—particularly those that seeking a variety of lot sizes and avoiding a"concentration of any
one housing type of lot size in any geographical area"(Policy 2.01.01 G).
The proposed Nine Mile Creek Bungalows short plat subdivision will divide the 1.344-acre property to create four
residential lots(ranging in size from 10,281 square feet to 15,665 square feet)and one common lot(3,185 square
feet). The proposed lots all exceed the minimum lot size requirement of 8,000 square feet in the R-4 zone. The
existing home will remain on Lot 1 of the subdivision.All other accessory structures will be removed. There are
no significant scenic or historic features on the site. The Nine Mile Creek natural feature is preserved as it
traverses the property.
The common lot is the boundary for the common drive that provides shared access for all four homes improving
safety by minimizing the connections to Locust Grove Road. At the request of the Fire Department and City Staff,
the configuration of the common driveway does not include a cul-de-sac; it is 140' long by 30' wide. The
common lot also includes the easement area around the Nine Mile Creek bridge as well as designated area for
mail boxes and picnic area(open space). All four homes will take access from the common lot. The new
residences will be oriented toward the common drive. (The existing home had been oriented to Locust Grove
Road,but the front door in use, on the west side, as well as the parking will access the common drive.)
The project meets the applicability requirements for a short plat. It is an original parcel of record and has not been
part of a previous short plat. The subdivision does not exceed four residential lots. There is no new street
dedication involved. In fact,ACHD recently completed road widening and sidewalk improvements along Locust
Grove Road.No additional roadwork is required.
With regard to the required findings,I think that you will find that the Nine Mile Creek Bungalows conforms to
the comprehensive plan and is consistent with the UDC. All public services are readily available. Larger home
lots within a smaller subdivision are in demand and limited supply. The development will in no way be
detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare. And,the proposed development preserves the Nine
Mile Creek natural feature.
I look forward to answering any questions you may have about the proposal.
Sincerely,
Robyn Shea