HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC - Commission Recommendation and Staff Report for 2-4
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HEARING
DATE:
February 4, 2025
Continued from: 1/21/2025
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Sonya Allen, Associate Planner
208-884-5533
SUBJECT: H-2024-0060
Lennon Pointe – PP, PS
LOCATION: 1515 W. Ustick Road, at the southeast
corner of N. Linder Rd. and W. Ustick
Rd., in the NW 1/4 of Section 1, T.3N.,
R.1W. (Parcel #S1201223115)
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Preliminary Plat consisting of 41 single-family/townhome residential building lots, one (1) multi-
family building lots, one (1) commercial building lot and seven (7) common lots on 8.80-acres of land
in the R-15 and C-C zoning districts.
Approval of private streets in a portion of the project is also proposed. This application is reviewed
and approved by the Director; Commission and Council action is not required.
Note: A Development Agreement (DA) exists for this property that requires future development to be
consistent with the previously approved plans for this site, including the preliminary plat, which was
for the same lot configuration as proposed but with one (1) less lot. The previous preliminary plat
expired on March 8, 2024. A time extension was not requested prior to the expiration date; therefore,
a new preliminary plat application is required. The only changes to the plans are those required with
the previous application and due to updates to the UDC since the previous submittal.
II. SUMMARY OF REPORT
A. Project Summary
Description Details
Acreage 8-80-acres
Future Land Use Designation Mixed Use Community (MU-C)
Existing Land Use(s) Single-family rural residential/agricultural
Proposed Land Use(s) Residential (single-family attached and detached homes, townhomes,
and multi-family apartments) and commercial
Lots (# and type; bldg./common) 41 single-family & townhome, 1 multi-family residential, 1 commercial
and 7 common lots
STAFF REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Page 2
Description Details
Phasing Plan (# of phases) 1
Number of Residential Units
(type of units)
59 residential units (3 single-family detached, 30 single-family attached,
8 townhome and 18 multi-family apartment units)
Density Gross – 7.35 du/ac.; Net – 18.55 du/ac.
Open Space (acres, total
[%]/buffer/qualified)
1.33-acres (or 19.07%) of qualified open space
Amenities Dog park, (2) dog waste stations, playground, pedestrian/bicycle
circulation system with landscaping, multi-se pathway and (5) bicycle
storage
Physical Features (waterways,
hazards, flood plain, hillside)
The Creason Lateral crosses the southwest corner of this site and the
Kellogg Drain crosses the southern portion of the site. Floodplain exists
over a majority of the site.
Neighborhood meeting date 10/7/24
History (previous approvals) H-2021-0071 (AZ, PP, CUP, PS – DA Inst. #2022-041093), ESMT-
2023-0098, FP-2023-0004
B. Community Metrics
Description Details
Ada County Highway District
• Staff report (yes/no) Yes
• Requires ACHD
Commission Action
(yes/no)
No
Access
(Arterial/Collectors/State
Hwy/Local) (Existing and
Proposed)
One (1) full access is proposed via N. Linder Rd. and one (1) right-in/right-out access is
proposed via W. Ustick Rd., both arterial streets; access is also proposed via the
extension & connection of W. Pebblestone Dr and N. Zion Park Ave., both existing
local streets stubbed to this property. Private Streets are also proposed internally for
access and addressing purposes.
Traffic Level of Service Linder Road – Better than “E”
Ustick Road – Better than “E”
(Acceptable level of service is “E”)
Stub
Street/Interconnectivity/Cross
Access
Two local stub streets exist to the east (W. Pebblestone Dr.) and south (N. Zion Park
Ave.) property boundaries that are proposed to be extended and connect into one street.
Internal private streets are proposed for access and addressing purposes, which will
connect to the extended local streets.
Access to the commercial property at the northwest corner of the site is proposed via
drive aisle connections to the proposed private street and the multi-family drive aisle.
Access to the multi-family units is proposed via a drive aisle.
Existing Road Network Internal road network is not existing.
Existing Arterial Sidewalks /
Buffers
There is existing 7-foot wide attached sidewalks along Linder & Ustick Roads. Street
buffers will be installed with development of this project.
Proposed Road Improvements
Note: Linder & Ustick Roads have already been widened to 5-lanes adjacent to this site.
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Description Details
Fire Service (Comments received from FD on previous application)
• Distance to Fire
Station
1.5 miles from Fire Station #2
• Fire Response Time This project lies within the Meridian Fire response time goal of 5 minutes.
• Resource Reliability Fire Station #2 reliability is 85%.
• Risk Identification Risk Factor 4 – commercial with hazards (multi-family waterway)
• Accessibility Proposed project meets all required access, road widths, and turnarounds; Fire has
signed off on Private Street layout.
Addressing for project is very important for emergency responses; Applicant shall work
with City Addressing Agent and the Fire Official to have lighted maps wherever
necessary.
Police Service (Comments received from PD on previous application)
• Distance to Station Approximately 4.2 miles from Meridian Police Department
• Response Time Approximate 4-minute response time to an emergency.
West Ada School District
See school impact table in the Agency Comments folder in the project file.
Enrollment in area schools is under capacity based on 2023-2024 enrollment numbers.
Wastewater
• Distance to sewer services Directly adjacent
• Project consistent with
wastewater master
plan/facility plan?
Yes
• Impacts/concerns Flow is committed; see Public Works Site Specific Conditions
Water
• Distance to water services Directly adjacent
• Project consistent with
water master plan?
Yes
• Impacts/concerns See Public Works Site Specific Conditions
C. Project Area Maps
Future Land Use Map
Aerial Map
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III. APPLICANT INFORMATION
A. Applicant:
Benjamin Semple, Rodney Evans + Partners, LLC – 1450 W. Bannock St., Boise, ID 83702
B. Owner:
Lane Development, LLC – PO Box 608, Eagle, ID 83616
C. Representative:
Same as Applicant
IV. NOTICING
Planning & Zoning
Posting Date
City Council
Posting Date
Newspaper Notification 12/3/2024
Radius notification mailed to
properties within 500 feet 12/19/2024
Site Posting 12/9/2024
Nextdoor posting 11/26/2024
V. STAFF ANALYSIS
A. Comprehensive Plan (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan)
The subject property is designated as Mixed Use – Community (MU-C) on the Future Land
Use Map (FLUM) contained in the Comprehensive Plan.
The purpose of the MU-C 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.
Zoning Map
Planned Development Map
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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.
The subject property was annexed in 2021 with R-15 and C-C zoning districts and approved
through a Development Agreement (DA) to develop with a mix of single-family residential
detached and attached homes, townhomes, multi-family apartments and commercial uses as
proposed with this application consistent with the MU-C designation. The proposed preliminary
plat layout coincides with that previously approved for this property in accord with the DA and
accommodates the site development plan included in the DA.
The larger MU-C area is all developed except for the 4.6-acre property kitty corner to this site at
the northwest corner of Linder & Ustick Roads, which consists of vacant land; office uses exist to
the north across Ustick Rd. on a 4-acre parcel and an Ada County Emergency Medical Services
center exists to the west across Linder Rd. on a 1.6-acre parcel.
Overall, Staff finds the proposed site design does integrate the project and proposed uses in
appropriate manners. Specifically, the Applicant has proposed their multi-family residential
product along Ustick and the commercial buildings at the hard corner of the Ustick and Linder
intersection which places the most intense uses closest to the arterials. Therefore, the single-
family uses are proposed on the remaining area of the site that makes up approximately 70% of
the site area. The single-family portion of the site is as proposed to be 2-stories in height and the
townhomes are proposed to be 3-stories in height. Because of the proposed transitional density
and placement of the proposed uses, this project is generally consistent with the concept
diagrams in the City’s Comprehensive Plan for mixed-use designations. Therefore, Staff finds
the proposed project to be generally consistent with the MU-C designation.
B. Comprehensive Plan Policies (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan):
The applicable Comprehensive Plan policies are cited below with Staff analysis in italics.
• “Avoid the concentration of any one housing type or lot size in any geographical area;
provide for diverse housing types throughout the City” (2.01.01G).
This project proposes a mix of residential housing types and commercial land uses in one
development. All of the housing types in this area are detached single-family homes;
therefore, the additional housing types will contribute to the variety of housing types
available in this area.
• “Require all new development to create a site design compatible with surrounding uses
through buffering, screening, transitional densities, and other best site design practices”
(3.07.01A).
The proposed site design incorporates mews, private streets, an extension of public streets,
common open space, and different land uses within the same project area. Staff finds the
proposed site design is compatible with adjacent uses through transitional density, buffering,
and overall design.
• “Establish and maintain levels of service for public facilities and services, including water,
sewer, police, transportation, schools, fire, and parks” (3.02.01G).
All public utilities are available for this project site due to existing facilities abutting the site.
This project also lies within the Fire Department response time goal of 5 minutes. Linder and
Ustick Roads are currently built at their ultimate anticipated widths directly abutting the site.
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• “Preserve, protect, and provide open space for recreation, conservation, and aesthetics”
(4.05.01F).
The proposed project offers open space that exceeds the minimum UDC standards for such. A
large common area is proposed at the southwest corner of the site where the irrigation
facilities and their easements lie. Additionally, there is a mew running north-south through
the center of the development for the attached single-family units to front on green space
rather than the road network, which adds a more livable component to the project. Other
areas of open space are also proposed along the west boundary as a buffer from Linder Rd.
as well as a dog park. All of the open space areas are accessible through pedestrian facilities
that connect throughout the entire site. Staff supports the proposed open space areas and
anticipates they will provide recreation, conservation, and add to the aesthetics of the
project.
• “Establish distinct, engaging identities within commercial and mixed-use centers through
design standards.” (2.09.03A).
As discussed above, the proposed project offers a distinct set of uses and design that are
currently not available nearby. The site plan included in the DA for this project incorporates
two (2) commercial buildings at the northwest corner of the site with a shared plaza for use
by the residents and future business patrons. This is a desired aspect of mixed-use areas that
helps engage the commercial buildings with the residential component of a project.
Additionally, in accord with the submitted elevations and site renderings, the Applicant is
proposing distinct architecture for the project that creates a specific identity for this
development and corner property.
In addition to general Comprehensive Plan policies, projects in mixed-use areas should also aim
to meet the mixed-use policies. Rather than list them all in this report, Staff has analyzed the
project against them and finds the project to be consistent with a majority of those policies
outlined in the mixed-use area of the Comprehensive Plan here.
Therefore, Staff finds this development to be generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and a majority of the mixed use-policies.
C. Existing Structures/Site Improvements:
There is an existing single-family detached home and accessory buildings on this property. All
existing structures are required to be removed prior to the City Engineer’s signature on the
final plat for this property.
There are existing sidewalks along Linder and Ustick Roads that will remain; care should be
taken during construction to not damage these walkways.
D. Proposed Use Analysis:
A preliminary plat is proposed consisting of 41 single-family/townhome residential building lots,
one (1) multi-family building lot for the development of 18 apartment units, one (1) commercial
building lot for two (2) building pads and (7) common lots on 8.80-acres of land in the R-15 and
C-C zoning districts. The plat is proposed to develop in one (1) final plat phase.
A mix of residential housing types are proposed on 7.28-acres of land in the R-15 district
consisting of three (3) single-family detached units, 30 single-family attached units, 8 townhome
units and 18 multi-family apartment units. The proposed single-family and townhome uses are
principally permitted in the R-15 zoning district; the multi-family residential use is a conditional
use in R-15 zoning district per UDC Table 11-2A-2 and will require future approval of a
conditional use permit (CUP); compliance with the specific use standards listed in UDC 11-4-3-
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27 is also required. Previous CUP approval was granted but has since expired as a time
extension was not requested prior to the expiration date.
The commercial portion of the site consists of two (2) building pads totaling 12,000 square feet at
the northwest corner of the site at the Linder/Ustick intersection on 1.47 acres in the C-C district.
Tenants are unknown at this time, but the site plan included in the DA shows the larger building
at the hard corner with a drive-through on the east side, and the smaller building along the south
boundary of the C-C area adjacent to a shared plaza. If a drive-through is proposed in the future,
it will require approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) as it’s within 300-feet of a residential
use and district. See UDC Table 11-2B-2 for allowed uses in the C-C zoning district. Commercial
buildings require Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) and Design Review application
approval; compliance with UDC development standards will be evaluated at that time.
E. Dimensional Standards (UDC 11-2):
Development in the R-15 district should comply with the standards listed in UDC Table 11-2A-7.
All of the residential building lots comply with the minimum property size standard; there is no
minimum street frontage required in the R-15 district. Building setbacks and heights should
comply with the standards listed.
Development in the C-C district should comply with the standards listed in UDC Table 11-2B-3.
There is no minimum lot size or street frontage requirement in the C-C district, nor are there
minimum front, rear or interior side setback requirements. Buildings may not encroach in
required street buffers or buffers to residential uses. Buildings should not exceed the maximum
height standard of 50-feet.
F. Subdivision Design & Improvement Standards (11-6C-3):
All subdivisions are required to comply with the subdivision design and improvement standards
listed in UDC 11-6C-3.
A common driveway is proposed on Lot 13 off N. Zion Park Ave., a local street, for access to the
single-family homes proposed on Lots 14-16, Block 2 at the southeast corner of the site as shown
in the exhibit in Section VII.C below. The driveway complies with the standards for such listed in
UDC 11-6C-3D pertaining to maximum number of dwelling units to be served by the driveway
and the number of units located on one side of the driveway, and the minimum width and
maximum length standards. The exhibit depicts the proposed building envelopes with building
setbacks – the side, rear and front setback to living area comply with the standards but the front
setback to garage is below the minimum 20-foot standard – a portion of the 20-feet is depicted on
the adjacent common lot where the common driveway is located. The plat should be revised to
reflect wider building lots to accommodate the front setback to garage on the building lot so
that parking pads in front of garages are on privately owned lots rather than common lots.
A minimum 20-foot wide perpetual ingress/egress easement should also be depicted on Lot
13 for the common driveway (or the driveway may be placed in a separate common lot),
and a plat note should be included for the easement, which requires maintenance of a paved
surface capable of supporting fire vehicles and equipment.
Street names should be included on the plat in accord with the names approved by the Ada
County Street Name Review Committee in the final approval letter included in Section
VII.G below.
G. Access (UDC 11-3A-3, 11-3H-4) & Private Streets (UDC 11-3F-4):
One (1) full access is proposed via N. Linder Rd., an arterial street, which may be restricted to a
right-in/right-out if warranted by ACHD in the future; and one (1) access is proposed via W.
Ustick Rd., an arterial street, which is restricted by “candles” in the center median to right-
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in/right-out. Access is also proposed via the extension and connection of W. Pebblestone Dr at
the east boundary of the site and N. Zion Park Ave. at the south boundary of the site, both
existing local streets stubbed to this property. A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) was not required as
less than 100 residential units are proposed.
An emergency access exhibit was submitted, included in Section VII.F, that has been approved
by the Fire Dept.
An ingress-egress easement should be provided on the plat across Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 granting
access to all lots in the subdivision.
Twenty-six (26) foot wide private streets are proposed on Lot 4, Block 1 for addressing purposes
and for access to/from the single-family attached and townhome units on the western portion of
the site. Because the lot is wider than the actual easement for the private streets, the
easements should be depicted on the lot to delineate the location of the private streets.
Connection points are proposed via the local street (W. Pebblestone Dr./N. Zion Park Ave.) on
the eastern portion of the site. The proposed development incorporates a mew in accord with the
purpose statement for private streets; a gated development is not proposed.
The private street should be a loop off the local street and should not extend to the west of
N.W. 15th Ln. along the north side of Lot 11, Block 1; Lot 4, Block 1 should terminate on the
west side of N. W. 15th Ln. A cross-section of the proposed private streets is included below and
in Section VII.B, which demonstrates compliance with the standards for private streets listed in
UDC 11-3F-4. Five-foot wide sidewalks are proposed along private streets. The proposed private
streets shall comply with the construction standards listed in UDC 11-3F-4B.2. An
ingress/egress/cross-access easement shall be depicted on the plat granting access to all lots
in the subdivision to use the private streets on Lot 4, Block 1. All drive aisles/private streets
shall be posted as fire lanes with no parking allowed as set forth in UDC 11-3F-4B.2d. In
addition, if a curb exists next to the drive aisle, it shall be painted red.
A maintenance agreement was submitted for the proposed private streets, included in the
project file, which appears to only require property owners of single-family and townhome
lots to pay for maintenance costs associated with the private streets within the development,
which all lots, including the commercial and multi-family development, will be using.
Because this would place and undue hardship on residential lot owners, Staff recommends
the maintenance agreement is amended to include proportionate cost-share for maintenance
of the private streets between all lots within the subdivision.
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The driveway via Linder Rd. for the commercial portion of the development and the drive
north of Lot 11, Block 1 between the townhomes and commercial lot should include a cross-
access/ingress/egress easement for all lots within the subdivision to use these driveways.
Note: Staff is only supportive of the proposed layout with the private streets because of the
previous development approved and entitled to develop on this site, which included private streets
in the proposed layout. The proposed site layout with both commercial and residential uses
utilizing the private streets places an undue burden on the homeowners in Staff’s opinion and
should not be supported in the future.
H. Pathways (UDC 11-3A-8):
A 10-foot wide multi-use pathway is required along the Creason Lateral in the southwest corner
of the property, which will provide a connection between the existing pathway to the south and
the sidewalk/pathway along Linder Rd. in accord with the Pathways Master Plan.
A public use easement (ESMT-2023-0098) was previously recorded for the multi-use pathway on
this site in conjunction with the previous development application; however, the Park’s Dept.
requested this easement be vacated and a new easement recorded in a new location, which is
currently in process (ESMT-2024-0165). The easement should be graphically depicted on the
plat along with a reference to the recorded instrument number of the easement. The
landscape plan depicts the correct location of the pathway.
Internal pedestrian pathways are also proposed for access through common areas within the site
and for interconnectivity between residential and commercial uses in accord with development
guidelines for mixed-use developments.
I. Sidewalks (UDC 11-3A-17):
A 7-foot wide attached sidewalk exists along Linder and Ustick Roads abutting the site. Because
these sidewalks were recently constructed with the associated road widening projects and are in
good condition, Staff does not recommend they’re reconstructed as detached sidewalks as
typically required by UDC 11-3A-17.
In consideration of pedestrian safety as well as traffic calming for the site, the DA requires all
pedestrian crossings that cross the private street and any drive aisle be constructed with brick
pavers, stamped concrete, or equal, as outlined in UDC 11-3A-19B.4b.
J. Landscaping (UDC 11-3B):
A 25-foot wide street buffer is required adjacent to N. Linder Road and W. Ustick Road, both
arterial streets, measured from the back of the attached sidewalk, with landscaping per the
standards listed in UDC 11-3B-7C. A 25-foot wide common lot is depicted on the plat adjacent to
both streets; however, the southern portion of the buffer along Linder cannot accommodate trees
in the common lot due to the location of the Calkins Lateral easement. The UDC (11-3B-7C.1b)
states that where the buffer is encumbered by easements or other restrictions that the buffer area
shall include a minimum 5-foot wide area for planting shrubs and trees outside of the easement.
The landscape plan depicts trees outside of the easement area as required. Lawn and other
grasses requiring regular mowing shall comprise no more than 65% of the vegetated
coverage of the buffer; all other vegetated coverage shall be mulched and treated as
planting area for shrubs or other vegetative cover as set forth in UDC 11-3B-7C.3e. Also,
because the buffers were counted toward qualified open space, enhanced buffers are
required per the standards in UDC 11-3G-3B.3 and 11-3B-7C.3f. Revisions shall be made to
the landscape plan to comply with these standards.
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Landscaping is required along all pathways in accord with the standards listed in UDC 11-3B-
12C, which include a mix of trees and shrubs along with lawn or other vegetative groundcover.
Landscaping is depicted on the landscape plan in accord with UDC standards. A portion of the
multi-use pathway lies within the easement for the Kellogg Drain, which prohibits trees – trees
are placed outside of the easement area.
Common open space is required to be landscaped in accord with the standards listed in UDC 11-
3G-5B.3, which requires one (1) tree per 5,000 square feet of area with a variety of trees, shrubs,
lawn, or other vegetative groundcover. The calculation table on the landscape plan should be
updated to reflect compliance with this standard; the calculations included on the plan are
not up to date with current standards.
The proposed C-C zoning district requires a minimum 25-foot landscape buffer to a
residential zoning district, landscaped per the standards listed in UDC 11-3B-9C. This
buffer is not required with the subdivision improvements but will be required with
development of the C-C zoned lot. The buffer depicted on the landscape plan is below the
required minimum width; the previous development application for this site proposed 10-
feet on the C-C zoned property and 10-feet on the R-15 zoned property with the
requirement of an additional 5-feet to be provided. Staff is amenable with this request if still
proposed because it’s a mixed-use development, provided a dense landscape buffer
consisting of a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, lawn, or other vegetative
groundcover is provided that allows trees to touch within five (5) years of planting as set
forth in UDC 11-3B-9C.
K. Waterways (UDC 11-3A-6):
The subject property contains two major waterways, the Creason Lateral and the Kellogg Drain,
that encompass area on the south and southwest portions of the site. The Applicant proposes to
pipe the Kellogg Drain and re-route it further to the south to make more area of the site usable as
well as provide open space and pathways in the southwest corner of the site and along the west
boundary. Both waterways are proposed to be piped in accord with UDC 11-3A-6 to provide
more usable open space area for the site. The easements for such are depicted on the plat. The
easement should also be clearly depicted on the landscape plan to ensure no trees are
located within the easement.
A majority of the site is in the floodplain in zones AE & X, which will require a floodplain
development permit before any site work begins.
L. Qualified Open Space (UDC 11-3G):
A minimum of 15% qualified open space meeting the standards listed in UDC 11-3G-3 is
required for the single-family and townhome portion of the development. Analysis on the open
space area associated with the multi-family portion will take place with the future CUP
application.
Based on 6.96-acres, a minimum of 1.05-acres of qualified open space is required; the open space
exhibit submitted with this application, included below in Section VII.E, depicts a total of 1.33-
acres (or 19.07%). Proposed open space consists of linear open space exceeding 20’ x 50’ in area
with an access at each end improved with landscaping, open grassy areas exceeding 5,000 square
feet in area, 50% of the arterial street buffers along Linder & Ustick Roads, stormwater retention
facility, and a plaza with a minimum dimension of 20’ in all directions, which meets and exceeds
UDC standards.
In order to count toward the qualified open space requirement, the arterial street buffers
are required to comply with the enhanced buffer requirements listed in UDC 11-3G-3B.3;
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stormwater detention facilities are required to be designed in accord with UDC 11-3B-11
Stormwater Integration (gravel, rock, sand, or cobble stormwater facilities are not
permitted on the surface of required landscape areas, unless designed as a dry creek bed or
other design feature); and the plaza is required to be design in accord with the standards in
UDC 11-3G-3B.1d, which requires hardscape, seating, lighting in accord with UDC 11-3A-
11 and landscaping.
M. Qualified Site Amenities (UDC 11-3G):
Based on the area of the proposed plat (8.75 acres), site amenities totaling a minimum of two (2)
points are required to be provided per the standards listed in UDC 11-3G-4.
The applicant proposes amenities consisting of a dog park with a dog wash station (2 points), two
(2) dog waste stations (1 point), a tot lot with commercial grade play equipment (1 point), a short
segment of multi-use pathway, internal pedestrian/bicycle circulation system with landscaping
and (5) bicycle storage exceeding the minimum standards. The dog park, dog waste stations and
tot lot should comply with the associated standards for such in UDC 11-3G-4C included below;
the landscape plan (or a detail) submitted with the final plat application should demonstrate
compliance with these standards.
The dog park should include bags for dog waste disposal, a double entrance gate, benches
and fencing to enclose a minimum of 5,000 square feet and secured open space for an off-
leash dog park. The waste stations should be an installed in the ground fixture with waste
disposal bags and trash receptacle. The tot lot should have commercial grade play
equipment scaled and designed for the use and safety of younger children; benches for
seating should be nearby.
N. Fencing (UDC 11-3A-6, 11-3A-7):
Fencing is proposed as shown on the landscape plan. All fencing is required to comply with the
standards listed in UDC 11-3A-7. A separate fencing plan was submitted as shown in Section
VII.I, that complies with UDC standards.
O. Building Elevations (UDC 11-3A-19 | Architectural Standards Manual):
Conceptual building elevations and renderings were submitted with this application, included in
Section VII.H below, that are generally consistent with those approved with the previous
development application and included in the DA.
An administrative design view application is required to be submitted for all structures on the site
except for the single-family detached structures. The final design is required to comply with the
design standards in the ASM and the conceptual elevations included in the DA.
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) application is required to be submitted for the multi-
family residential and commercial portions of the development, which should be submitted
concurrently with the design review application.
VI. DECISION
A. Staff:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed preliminary plat application per the Findings in
Section IX of this staff report. The Director tentatively approved the private street application.
B. Commission:
The Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission heard these items on December 19, 2024. At the
public hearing, the Commission moved to recommend approval of the subject PP request.
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1. Summary of Commission public hearing:
a. In favor: Ben Semple, Rodney Evans + Partners
b. In opposition: None
c. Commenting: Joy Furlipa
d. Written testimony: Ben Semple, Rodney Evans + Partners (in agreement with the staff
report conditions)
e. Staff presenting application: Sonya Allen
f. Other Staff commenting on application: None
2. Key issue(s) of public testimony:
a. Concern with traffic stacking in front of the driveway access via Ustick Rd. preventing
vehicles from exiting the site – requests a painted “square” is placed in that area to
prevent stacking in that area to enable access out of the site.
3. Key issue(s) of discussion by Commission:
a. None
4. Commission change(s) to Staff recommendation:
a. At Staff’s request, include a condition requiring an ingress-egress easement to be depicted
on the plat across Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 granting access to all lots in the subdivision.
5. Outstanding issue(s) for City Council:
a. None
C. City Council:
Pending
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VII. EXHIBITS
A. Preliminary Plat (dated: 10/25/24)
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B. Private Street Cross-Section (dated: 4/19/23)
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C. Common Driveway Exhibit
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D. Landscape Plan (dated: 10/11/2024)
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E. Open Space Exhibit (date: 10/11/2024) & Amenity Detail
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F. Emergency Access Exhibit
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G. Street Names Approved by the Ada County Street Name Review Committee
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H. Conceptual Building Elevations
See the project file for renderings of the proposed structures
(https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=367303&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCi
ty )
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I. Fencing Plan (dated: 12/17/24)
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VIII. CITY/AGENCY COMMENTS & CONDITIONS
A. PLANNING DIVISION
1. The developer shall comply with the provisions of the existing Development Agreement
(DA), recorded as Instrument No. 2022-041093, associated with H-2021-0071.
2. The final plat shall include the following revisions:
a. Widen Lots 14-16, Block 2 to accommodate the minimum front setback of 20-feet to the
face of garage on these lots.
b. Depict a minimum 20-foot wide perpetual ingress/egress easement on Lot 13 for the
common driveway and include a note for the easement requiring maintenance of a paved
surface capable of supporting fire vehicles and equipment in accord with UDC 11-6C-
3D.8. Alternatively, a separate 20-foot wide common lot could be included for the
common driveway.
c. Plat note #7 includes incorrect common lot numbers; revise accordingly and remove the
portion pertaining to the common driveway.
d. Depict a 26-foot wide easement for the private street on Lot 4, Block 1 and include a note
granting an ingress/egress/cross-access easement to all lots in the subdivision to use the
private streets on Lot 4, Block 1.
e. Include street names on the plat consistent with those approved by the Ada County Street
Name Review Committee as shown in the exhibit in Section VII.G above.
f. Graphically depict the public use easement (ESMT-2024-0165) for the multi-use pathway
on the site along with a reference to the recorded instrument number of the easement.
g. The private street shall be a loop off the local street (i.e. N. Zion Park Ave./W.
Pebblestone Dr.) and shall not extend to the west of N.W. 15th Ln. along the north side of
Lot 11, Block 1; the private street shall terminate on the west side of N.W. 15th Ln.
h. Depict an access easement for the driveway proposed via N. Linder Rd. to the
commercial property on Lot 3, Block 1 and for the driveway along the north side of Lot
11, Block 1 between the townhomes and commercial lot; the easements should grant
access to all lots within the subdivision.
i. All drive aisles/private streets shall be posted as fire lanes with no parking allowed as set
forth in UDC 11-3F-4B.2d. In addition, if a curb exists next to the drive aisle, it shall be
painted red.
j. Depict an ingress-egress easement across Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 granting access to all lots
in the subdivision.
3. The landscape plan, included in Section VII.D, shall be revised as follows prior to submittal
of the Final Plat application:
a. All pedestrian crossings that cross the private street and any drive aisle shall be depicted
with brick pavers, stamped concrete, or equal, as outlined in UDC 11-3A-19B.4.b and per
requirement of the development agreement.
b. Include details that demonstrate compliance with the Quality of Life amenity standards
for the dog park and dog waste stations in UDC 11-3G-4C; and with the Recreation
Activity Area amenity standards for the tot lot in UDC 11-3G-4D.
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c. Clearly depict and label the irrigation district easements for the Kellogg Drain and the
Creason Lateral; ensure no trees are placed in these easements. If easements prevent
compliance with UDC landscape standards, alternative compliance may be requested to
the standard.
d. Demonstrate how the arterial street buffers comply with the enhanced buffer
requirements listed in UDC 11-3G-3B.3 and 11-3B-7C.3f; make revisions as necessary to
comply with these standards.
e. Stormwater swales shall be landscaped per the standards in UDC 11-3B-11C. Note:
Gravel, rock, sand, or cobble stormwater facilities are not permitted on the surface of
required landscape areas, unless designed as a dry creek bed or other design feature.
f. Depict landscaping within the street buffers along Linder and Ustick Roads per the
standards listed in UDC 11-3B-7C.3e, which require lawn and other grasses requiring
regular mowing to comprise no more than 65% of the vegetated coverage of the buffer;
all other vegetated coverage shall be mulched and treated as planting area for shrubs or
other vegetative cover.
g. Revise the calculations table to reflect a minimum of one (1) deciduous shade tree in
common open space areas for every 5,000 (instead of 8,000) square feet of area in accord
with UDC 11-3G-5B.3 to comply with the current standard.
h. Depict a dense 25-foot wide landscape buffer to residential uses entirely on the C-C
zoned property; or, split between the C-C and R-15 zoned properties, with dense
landscaping consisting of a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, lawn, or other
vegetative groundcover that allows trees to touch within five (5) years of planting as set
forth in UDC 11-3B-9C.
4. Future development shall comply with the minimum dimensional standards listed in UDC
Table 11-2A-7 for the R-15 zoning district and UDC Table 11-2B-3 for the C-C zoning
district.
5. The Applicant shall comply with all ACHD conditions of approval.
6. The plaza in the residential portion of the development shall have lighting in conformance
with UDC 11-3A-11 and landscaping in accord with UDC 11-3B, per UDC 11-3G-3B.1d.
Details that demonstrate compliance shall be submitted with the final plat application.
7. A revised common driveway exhibit shall be submitted with the final plat application that
reflects the revisions to the plat noted above.
8. A floodplain development permit shall be required prior to any site work occurring on the
property.
9. All fencing shall comply with the standards listed in UDC 11-3A-7.
10. Provide a pressurized irrigation system consistent with the standards as set forth in UDC 11-
3A-15, UDC 11-3B-6 and MCC 9-1-28.
11. The subdivision shall be constructed in one (1) phase of development as proposed with this
application.
12. Upon completion of the landscape installation, a written Certificate of Completion shall be
submitted to the Planning Division verifying all landscape improvements are in substantial
compliance with the approved landscape plan as set forth in UDC 11-3B-14.
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13. The applicant and/or assigns shall comply with the private street standards as set forth
in UDC 11-3F-3 and 11-3F-4 and shall obtain final approval of said private streets
within one (1) year of approval of the preliminary plat.
14. The maintenance agreement for the private streets shall be amended to include proportionate
cost-share for maintenance of the private streets between all lots within the subdivision.
15. Business hours of operation within the C-C zoning district shall be limited from 6 am to 11
pm as set forth in UDC 11-2B-3A.4, unless otherwise approved through a conditional use
permit.
16. All existing structures shall be removed prior to the City Engineer’s signature on the final plat
for this property.
17. Upon completion of the landscape installation, a written Certificate of Completion shall be
submitted to the Planning Division verifying all landscape improvements are in substantial
compliance with the approved landscape plan as set forth in UDC 11-3B-14. Duplicate
condition.
18. Any drive-thru establishment use shall require Conditional Use Permit approval in accord
with UDC 11-4-3-11.
19. A conditional use permit shall be submitted for approval of the multi-family residential
development on Lot 2, Block 1 prior to submittal of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and
Administrative Design Review application. Compliance with the specific use standards listed
in UDC 11-4-3-27 – Multi-family Development is required.
20. The Applicant shall submit an application for Administrative Design Review (DES) for the
attached single-family and townhome units prior to building permit submittal.
21. The Applicant shall submit an application for Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) and
Administrative Design Review (DES) for the future commercial buildings and multi -family
structures prior to building permit submittal.
22. The preliminary plat approval shall become null and void if the applicant fails to either: 1)
obtain the City Engineer signature on a final plat within two years of the date of the approved
findings; or 2) obtain approval of a time extension as set forth in UDC 11-6B-7.
To access other City and Agency comments and conditions, please copy and paste the following
link in your browser:
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=367302&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCity
IX. FINDINGS
A. Preliminary Plat Findings:
In consideration of a preliminary plat, combined preliminary and final plat, or short plat,
the decision-making body shall make the following findings:
1. The plat is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan;
The Commission finds that the proposed plat, with Staff’s recommendations, is in substantial
compliance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan regarding land use, density,
transportation, and pedestrian connectivity. (Please see Comprehensive Plan Policies in,
Section V of this report for more information.)
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2. Public services are available or can be made available and are adequate to
accommodate the proposed development;
The Commission finds that public services will be provided to the subject property with
development. (See Section VIII of the Staff Report for more details from public service
providers.)
3. The plat is in conformance with scheduled public improvements in accord with the
City’s capital improvement program;
Because City water and sewer and any other utilities will be provided by the development at
their own cost, the Commission finds that the subdivision will not require the expenditure of
capital improvement funds.
4. There is public financial capability of supporting services for the proposed
development;
The Commission finds there is public financial capability of supporting services for the
proposed development based upon comments from the public service providers (i.e., Police,
Fire, ACHD, etc.). (See Section VII for more information.)
5. The development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare;
and,
The Commission is not aware of any health, safety, or environmental problems associated
with the platting of this property. ACHD considers road safety issues in their analysis and
has approved the proposed road layout and connections to adjacent arterials.
6. The development preserves significant natural, scenic or historic features.
The Commission is unaware of any significant natural, scenic, or historic features that exist
on this site that require preserving.
D. Private Street Findings:
In order to approve the application, the director shall find the following:
1. The design of the private street meets the requirements of this article;
The Director finds that the design of the proposed private streets complies with the standards
listed in UDC 11-3F-4.
2. Granting approval of the private street would not cause damage, hazard, or nuisance, or
other detriment to persons, property, or uses in the vicinity; and
The Director finds that the proposed private streets would not cause damage, hazard, or
nuisance, or other detriment to persons, property, or uses in the vicinity if all conditions of
approval are met.
3. The use and location of the private street shall not conflict with the comprehensive plan
and/or the regional transportation plan. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
The Director finds the use and location of the private streets do not conflict with the
comprehensive plan or the regional transportation plan because the proposed design meets
all UDC standards, and the project is also extending the required public streets through the
site.
4. The proposed residential development (if applicable) is a mew or gated development.
(Ord. 10-1463, 11-3-2010, eff. 11-8-2010)
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The Director finds the proposed residential development is a mew development by having a
majority of the units facing green space instead of the adjacent streets.