HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-24 ACHD Final Report Miranda Gold,President
Alexis Pickering,Vice-President
ACHDKent Goldthorpe,Commissioner
Dave McKinney,Commissioner
/4419,- Patricia Nilsson,Commissioner
Date: April 24, 2025
To: Stephanie Hopkins, via email
Staff Contact: Kara Leigh Troyer, Planner
Project Description: Idaho Power McDermott Substation
Trip Generation: There is no available trip generation estimation based on the
Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 11' edition.
Proposed Development Traffic Impact Study
Meets
All ACHD Policies
Requires Revisions to meet X
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Ada County Highway District•5800 N Meeker Avenue• Boise,ID•83713•PH 2O8-387-6100• FX 345-7650•www.achdidaho.org
Development Services Department
'ACHD
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Project/File: Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-0037 / H-2025-0008
This is an annexation and conditional use permit application for the development of a
power substation on 2.5-acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: Southwest Corner of McMillan Road and Owyhee Storm Avenue
Staff Approval: April 24, 2025
Applicant: Stephanie Hopkins, via email
KM Engineering
5725 N Discovery Way
Boise, ID 83713
Representative: Same as above
Staff Contact: KaraLeigh Troyer, Planner
Phone: 208-387-6391
E-mail: ktroyer(a)-achdidaho.org
Report Summary:
ACHD Planned Improvements............................................2
Level of Service Planning Thresholds.................................2
A. Site Specific Conditions of Approval ............................3
B. Vicinity Map.................................................................4
C. Site Plan ......................................................................5
D. Findings for Consideration...........................................6
E. Policy...........................................................................8
F. Standard Conditions of Approval ...............................13
G. Conclusions of Law....................................................14
Request for Appeal of Staff Decision ................................15
1 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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ACHD Planned Improvements
1. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Five Year Plan (FYP):
• Ustick Road is scheduled in the FYP to be widened to 5-lanes from Phyllis Canal to Owyhee
Storm Avenue through a joint project with City of Nampa in 2027.
• The intersection of Ustick Road and Owyhee Storm Avenue is scheduled in the FYP to be
widened to 3-lanes on the north leg, 6-lanes east, and 5-lanes on the west leg, and
reconstructed in 2025 through a joint project with City of Nampa.
• McMillan Road and Bridge #2060 is scheduled in the FYP to be replaced with a design year
of 2024-2025 and a construction date yet to be determined.
• McMillan Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 3-lanes from Star Road to McDermott
Road between 2036 and 2040.
• Star Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 5-lanes from Ustick Road to McMillan Road
between 2031 and 2035
• The intersection of McMillan Road and Star Road is listed in the CIP to be reconstructed as a
multi-lane roundabout with 4-lanes on the north leg, 4-lanes on the south, 2-lanes east, and
2-lanes on the west leg, and signalized between 2031 and 2035.
Level of Service Planning Thresholds
1. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour(VPH)
Roadway Frontage Functional PM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Classification I Traffic Count Level of Service
McMillan Road 330-feet Minor Arterial 386 Better than "E"
Owyhee Storm Avenue 305-feet Collector 230 Better than "D"
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane minor arterial is "E" (575 VPH).
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane collector is "D" (425 VPH).
2. Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT)
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD's most current traffic counts.
• The average daily traffic count for McMillan Road east of McDermott Road was 6,747 on
January 25, 2024.
• The average daily traffic count for Owyhee Storm Avenue south of McMillan Road was 4,321
on January 25, 2024.
2 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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A. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Construct a 10-foot wide detached multi-use pathway located 38-feet from centerline on McMillan
Road.
2. Dedicate right-of-way to total 50-feet from centerline on McMillan Road abutting the site.
3. Complete Owyhee Storm as a 36-foot wide residential collector tapering to a 46-foot wide collector
at the intersection with McMillan Road. Construct vertical curb, gutter, a minimum 8-foot wide
planter strip, and 10-foot wide detached sidewalk abutting the site on Owyhee Storm Avenue.
4. Dedicate right-of-way to extend to 2-feet behind back of sidewalk or provide a permanent right-of-
way easement from the existing right-of-way line to extend to 2-feet behind back of sidewalk on
Owyhee Storm Avenue.
Sidewalk should be located either wholly within right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
5. Construct a 30-foot wide paved driveway on McMillan Road located 305-feet west of Owyhee Storm
Avenue.
6. Construct a 30-foot wide paved driveway on Owyhee Storm Avenue located 275-feet south of
McMillan Road.
7. Other than the access specifically approved with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to
McMillan Road and Owyhee Storm Avenue.
8. Submit civil plans to ACHD Development Services for review and approval. The impact fee
assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
9. There will be an impact fee that is assessed and due prior to issuance of any building permits. The
assessed impact fee will be based on the impact fee ordinance that is in effect at that time. The
impact fee assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
10. Comply with all Standard Conditions of Approval.
3 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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B. Vicinity Map
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C. Site Plan
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5 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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D. Findings for Consideration
1. McMillan Road
a. Existing Conditions: McMillan Road is improved with 2-travel lanes and no curb, gutter or
sidewalk abutting the site. There is 49-feet of right-of-way for McMillan Road (22-feet from
centerline).
b. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct 10-foot wide detached sidewalk
located 34-feet from centerline on McMillan Road.
The applicant is proposing to dedicate right-of-way to total 50-feet from centerline on McMillan
Road abutting the site.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal meets District policy with the
exception of the location of the sidewalk. The applicant should be required to construct the
sidewalk as a multi-use pathway located 38-feet from centerline of McMillan Road.
2. Owyhee Storm Avenue
a. Existing Conditions: Owyhee Storm Avenue is improved with no curb, gutter or sidewalk
abutting the site. There is 60-69 feet of right-of-way for Owyhee Storm Avenue (29-feet from
centerline).
b. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct 10-foot wide detached sidewalk
located 35-feet from centerline on Owyhee Storm Avenue.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal meets District policy and
should be approved, as proposed. The applicant should be required to complete Owyhee Storm
as a 36-foot wide residential collector tapering to a 46-foot wide collector at the intersection with
McMillan Road. The applicant should be required to construct vertical curb, gutter, a minimum
8-foot wide planter strip, and 10-foot wide detached sidewalk abutting the site on Owyhee Storm
Avenue.
The applicant should be required to dedicate right-of-way to extend to 2-feet behind back of
sidewalk or provide a permanent right-of-way easement from the existing right-of-way line to
extend to 2-feet behind back of sidewalk. Sidewalk should be located either wholly within right-
of-way or wholly within an easement.
3. Driveways
3.1 McMillan Road
a. Existing Conditions: There are no existing driveways from the site onto McMillan Road.
b. Applicant's Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct a 30-foot wide paved driveway
on McMillan Road located 305-feet west of Owyhee Storm Avenue (measured centerline to
centerline).
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal does not meet District Access
policy which requires that access be taken from the lesser classified roadway when a site abuts
two roadways of differing classifications. However, staff does not anticipate the site to generate
many vehicle trips per day due to its proposed use as a power substation then staff recommends
that the driveway be approved as proposed as it is needed to serve the site.
The driveway may be restricted in the future as traffic conditions warrant as determined by
ACHD.
3.2 Owyhee Storm Avenue
a. Existing Conditions: There are no driveways from the site onto Owyhee Storm Avenue.
6 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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b. Applicant's Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct a 30-foot wide paved driveway
on Owyhee Storm Avenue located 275-feet south of McMillan Road (measured centerline to
centerline).
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal does not meet District
Driveway Location policy which requires that full-access driveways on a collector near a
signalized intersection be located 440-feet or greater from the intersection. However, the site
does not have the appropriate frontage to meet that offset. Furthermore, as staff does not
anticipate the site to generate many vehicle trips per day then staff recommends that the
driveway is approved, as proposed.
The driveway may be restricted in the future as traffic conditions warrant as determined by
ACHD.
4. Other Access
McMillan Road is classified as a minor arterial roadway, Owyhee Storm Avenue is classified as a
collector roadway. Other than the access specifically approved with this application, direct lot
access is prohibited to these roadways.
7 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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E. Policy
1. Federal Accessibility Design Guidelines and Standards
District policy 7203.1.1 states that developers shall follow the current version of the U.S. Access
Board's Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way(PROWAG), 36
CFR Part 1190, September 7, 2023; (Also see, https//www.access-board.gov/prowag and
https//www.access-board.gov/files/prowag/planning-and-design-for-alternatives.pdf for additional
information).
2. Minor Improvements
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to existing
Highways adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These needed transportation
facilities are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk and/or
bike lane construction or replacement (with physical buffers if missing and needed); construction of
transitional sidewalk segments; crosswalk construction or replacement; curb and gutter
construction or replacement; repair, replacement or expansion of curb extensions; replacement of
unused driveways with curb, gutter, sidewalk, repair or addition of traffic calming or speed mitigation
features; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps; pavement repairs; signs, motor vehicle,
pedestrian and bicycle traffic control devices; and other similar items. The current version of
PROWAG will determine the applicable accessibility requirements for alterations and elements
added to existing streets. ACHD staff is responsible for identifying the minor improvements that
would be proportionate to the size and complexity of the development.
3. Livable Street Performance Measures
District policy 7203.8 states that ACHD has adopted performance measures (level of stress) for
evaluating the experience of bicyclists and pedestrians. ACHD seeks to create a transportation
network that serves all ages and abilities. Bike and pedestrian facilities built through development
should achieve a bike and pedestrian level of traffic stress 1 or 2, with no new bike lane below a
minimum of 5-feet.
4. McMillan Road
Arterial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of whether or not access is taken to all
of the adjacent streets. Improvements shall include transitional segments in accordance with the
current version of PROWAG.
Master Street Map and Typology Policy: District Policy 7205.5 states that the design of
improvements for arterials shall be in accordance with District standards, including the Master
Street Map, Livable Streets Design Guide, and the most current ACHD Livable Streets Performance
Measures Plan as adopted by the ACHD Commission. The developer or engineer should contact
the District before starting any design.
Street Section and Right-of Way Width Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 & 7205.5.2 states that
the standard 3-lane street section shall be 37-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). This width
typically accommodates a single travel lane in each direction, and a continuous center left-turn lane,
and curbs and gutters. A 3-lane road shall also include a minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path on
both sides with at 8-foot wide buffer from back-of-curb. Other bike facility treatments as defined in
the ACHD Bike Master plan may be approved at the discretion of the ACHD Development Review
Supervisor. If an interim on-street bike lane is required in order to connect to existing facilities, the
street section shall be 53-feet to allow for a 5-foot wide bike lane and 3-foot wide painted buffer.
Landscaped medians with intermittent turn lanes may be allowed when a minimum of 20-feet of
pavement on both sides of the median is provided.
8 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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If a landscaped median is included in any of these cross sections, the landscaping shall be
maintained by license agreement with the adjacent HOA, property owner, or by interagency
agreement with the corresponding land use jurisdiction.
At the discretion of Traffic Engineering staff, adjustments may be made to the street section,
including removal of the continuous center turn lanes or modification to lane widths, where no
driveways or intersections are present or to ensure adequate space for pathway and buffers.
Right-of-Way Dedication: District Policy 7205.2 states that The District will provide compensation
for additional right-of-way dedicated beyond the existing right-of-way along arterials listed as impact
fee eligible in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan using available impact fee revenue in the
Impact Fee Service Area.
No compensation will be provided for right-of-way on an arterial that is not listed as impact fee
eligible in the Capital Improvements Plan.
The District may acquire additional right-of-way beyond the site-related needs to preserve a corridor
for future capacity improvements, as provided in Section 7300.
Pedestrian Facilities: District Policy 7205.5.7 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide are
required on both sides of all arterial streets. A parkway strip at least 8-feet wide between the back-
of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is required to provide increased safety and protection of
pedestrians. Alternatively, on roadways identified for improvement in the Capital Improvement Plan,
a minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path may be required. The path shall be placed in accordance
with planned buildout in the Master Street Map with a minimum 8-foot wide planter strip as
measured to the closest edge of the path. Street trees are encouraged between the pedestrian
facility and the roadway when irrigation and maintenance will occur by the adjacent property owner
or HOA through an approved license agreement. Consult the District's planter width policy if trees
are to be placed within the parkway strip. In some instances, to match existing conditions, a
minimum 7-foot wide sidewalk may be constructed next to the back-of-curb. ACHD Development
Review staff will be responsible for determining the required facility. Vertical hardscape alternatives
to street trees may be considered in the buffer space when street trees are not practicable.
Detached sidewalks and multi-use paths are encouraged and should be parallel to the adjacent
roadway. Pedestrian facilities will only be allowed to deviate from a straight line parallel to the
roadway when authorized by Development Review staff to accommodate site specific conditions
(i.e., street trees, utilities, etc.).
Appropriate easements shall be provided if public pedestrian facilities are placed out of the right-of-
way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-of-way line and 2-feet behind
the back edge of the pedestrian facility. Pedestrian facilities shall either be located wholly within the
public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
Curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided to connect the pedestrian access route at each
pedestrian street crossing in accordance with the current version of PROWAG. Provide detectable
warning surface in accordance with the current version of PROWAG.
Frontage Improvements Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer shall widen the
pavement to a minimum of 17-feet from centerline plus a 3-foot wide gravel shoulder adjacent to
the entire site. Curb, gutter and additional pavement widening may be required (See Section
7205.5.5).
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map (MSM)
guide the right-of-way acquisition, arterial street requirements, and specific roadway features
required through development. This segment of McMillan Road is designated in the MSM as a
Residential Arterial with 3-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 37-foot street section within 100-feet of
right-of-way.
9 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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5. Owyhee Storm Avenue
Collector Street Policy: District policy 7206.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all collector frontages adjacent to the site or internal to the development as required
below, regardless of whether access is taken to all of the adjacent streets. Improvements shall
include transitional segments in accordance with ADA and the current version of PROWAG.
Master Street Map and Typologies Policy: District policy 7206.5 states that if the collector street
is designated with a typology on the Master Street Map, that typology shall be considered for the
required street improvements. If there is no typology listed in the Master Street Map, then standard
street sections shall serve as the default. ACHD reserves the right to require bicycle and pedestrian
facilities above those identified in the Livable Streets Design Guide and Master Street Map to
ensure the safest facility possible based on current best practice.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Policy: District policy 7206.5.2 states that the standard right-
of-way width for collector streets shall typically be 50 to 70-feet, depending on the location and
width of the sidewalk or multi-use path and the location and use of the roadway. The right-of-way
width may be reduced, with District approval, if the sidewalk or multi-use path is located within an
easement; in which case the District will require a minimum right-of-way width that extends 2-feet
behind the back-of-curb on each side.
The standard street section shall be 47-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). This width typically
accommodates a single travel lane in each direction, a continuous center left-turn lane, and bike
lanes. If a multi-use path is determined to be the required treatment, the street section shall be
reduced to 37-feet. If it is determined a continuous center left-turn lane is not appropriate and a
path is installed, the street section may be reduced to 26-feet.
Residential Collector Policy: District policy 7206.5.2 states that the standard street section for a
collector in a residential area shall be 36-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). The District will
consider a 33-foot or 29-foot street section with written fire department approval and taking into
consideration the needs of the adjacent land use, the projected volumes, the need for bicycle lanes,
and on-street parking.
At the discretion of Traffic Engineering staff, adjustments may be made to the street section,
including removal of the continuous center turn lanes or modification to lane widths, where no
driveways or intersections are present or to ensure adequate space for pathways and buffers.
Half Street Policy: District Policy 7206.2.2 required improvements shall consist of pavement
widening to one-half the required width, including curb, gutter and concrete sidewalk (minimum 5-
feet), plus 12-feet of additional pavement widening beyond the centerline established for the street
to provide an adequate roadway surface, with the pavement crowned at the ultimate centerline. A
3-foot wide gravel shoulder and a borrow ditch sized to accommodate the roadway storm runoff
shall be constructed on the unimproved side. Alternatively, on roadways identified as low-stress
bikeways in ACHD's Bike Master Plan, a minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path may be required in
lieu of sidewalks. ACHD Development Review staff will be responsible for determining the required
facility. The path shall be built 8-feet behind the top back of curb as measured to the closest edge
of the path. Street trees are encouraged between the pedestrian facility and the roadway when
irrigation and maintenance will occur by the adjacent property owner or HOA through an approved
license agreement. Vertical hardscape alternatives to street trees may be considered in the buffer
space when street trees are not practicable.
Pedestrian Facilities: District policy 7206.5.6 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide to
be constructed on both sides of all collector streets. A parkway strip at least 8-feet wide between
the back-of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is required to provide increased safety and
protection of pedestrians. Consult the District's planter width policy if trees are to be placed within
the parkway strip. Sidewalk constructed next to the back-of-curb shall be a minimum of 7-feet wide.
Alternatively, on roadways identified as low-stress bikeways in ACHD's Bike Master Plan, a
10 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path may be required in lieu of sidewalks. ACHD Development
Review staff will be responsible for determining the required facility. The path shall be built 8-feet
behind the back-of-curb as measured to the closest edge of the path. Street trees are encouraged
between the pedestrian facility and the roadway when irrigation and maintenance will occur by the
adjacent property owner or HOA through an approved license agreement. Vertical hardscape
alternatives to street trees may be considered in the buffer space when street trees are not
practicable.
Pedestrian facilities should be parallel to the adjacent roadway. Pedestrian facilities will only be
allowed to deviate from a straight line when authorized by Development Review staff to meet site
specific conditions (i.e., street trees, utilities, etc.).
Appropriate easements shall be provided if public sidewalks or multi-use paths are placed out of
the right-of-way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-of-way line and
2-feet behind the back edge of the sidewalk or multi-use path. Sidewalks shall either be located
wholly within the public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
Curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided to connect the pedestrian access route at each
pedestrian street crossing in accordance with the current version of PROWAG. Provide detectable
warning surface in accordance with the current version of PROWAG.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map (MSM)
guide the right-of-way acquisition, collector street requirements, and specific roadway features
required through development. This segment of Owyhee Storm Avenue is designated in the MSM
as a Residential Collector with 2-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 36-foot street section within 50-
70 feet of right-of-way.
6. Driveways
6.1 McMillan Road
Access Points Policy: District Policy 7205.4.1 states that all access points associated with
development applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section and
Section 7202. Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is being
considered by the lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated and/or
restricted in the future if the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
Access Policy: District policy 7205.4.6 states that direct access to minor arterials is typically
prohibited. If a property has frontage on more than one street, access shall be taken from the street
having the lesser functional classification. If it is necessary to take access to the higher classified
street due to a lack of frontage, the minimum allowable spacing shall be based on Table 1 a under
District policy 7205.4.6, unless a waiver for the access point has been approved by the District
Commission.
Driveway Location Policy: District policy 7205.4.5 requires driveways located on minor arterial
roadways from a signalized intersection with a single left turn lane shall be located a minimum of
330-feet from the nearest intersection for a right-in/right-out only driveway and a minimum of 660-
feet from the intersection for a full-movement driveway.
District policy 7205.4.5 requires driveways located on minor arterial roadways from a signalized
intersection with a dual left turn lane shall be located a minimum of 330-feet from the nearest
intersection for a right-in/right-out only driveway and a minimum of 710-feet from the intersection
for a full-movement driveway.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7205.4.6 Table la, requires driveways located on minor
arterial roadways with a speed limit of 45 MPH to align or offset a minimum of 380-feet from any
existing or proposed driveway.
11 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
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Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7205.4.8 restricts high-volume driveways (100 VTD or
more)to a maximum width of 36-feet and low-volume driveways (less than 100 VTD)to a maximum
width of 30-feet. Curb return type driveways with 30-foot radii will be required for high-volume
driveways with 100 VTD or more. Curb return type driveways with 15-foot radii will be required for
low-volume driveways with less than 100 VTD.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7205.4.8, the applicant should be required to pave the driveway its full width and at least 30-feet
into the site beyond the edge of pavement of the roadway and install pavement tapers in accordance
with Table 2 under District Policy 7205.4.8.
Cross Access Easements/Shared Access Policy: District Policy 7202.4.1 states that cross
access utilizes a single vehicular connection that serves two or more adjoining lots or parcels so
that the driver does not need to re-enter the public street system.
6.2 Owyhee Storm Avenue
Access Policy: District Policy 7206.4.1 states that all access points associated with development
applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section and Section 7202.
Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is being considered by the
lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated and/or restricted in the future if
the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
District Policy 7206.1 states that the primary function of a collector is to intercept traffic from the
local street system and carry that traffic to the nearest arterial. A secondary function is to service
adjacent property. Access will be limited or controlled. Collectors may also be designated at bicycle
and bus routes.
Driveway Location Policy (Signalized Intersection): District policy 7206.4.3 requires driveways
located on collector roadways near a signalized intersection to be located outside the area of
influence; OR a minimum of 440-feet from the signalized intersection for a full-access driveway and
a minimum of 220-feet from the signalized intersection for a right-in/right-out only driveway.
Dimensions shall be measured from the centerline of the intersection to the centerline of the
driveway.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7206.4.5 Table 1 requires driveways located on collector
roadways with a speed limit of 30 MPH and daily traffic volumes less than 100 VTD to align or offset
a minimum of 150-feet from any existing or proposed driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7206.4.6 restricts high-volume driveways (100 VTD or
more)to a maximum width of 36-feet and low-volume driveways (less than 100 VTD)to a maximum
width of 30-feet. Curb return type driveways with 30-foot radii will be required for high-volume
driveways with 100 VTD or more. Curb return type driveways with 15-foot radii will be required for
low-volume driveways with less than 100 VTD.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7206.4.6, the applicant should be required to pave the driveway its full width and at least 30-feet
into the site beyond the edge of pavement of the roadway and install pavement tapers in accordance
with Table 2 under District Policy 7206.4.6.
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to existing
Highways adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These needed transportation
facilities are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk and/or
bike lane construction or replacement (with physical buffers if missing and needed); construction of
transitional sidewalk segments; crosswalk construction or replacement; curb and gutter
construction or replacement; repair, replacement or expansion of curb extensions; replacement of
12 Idaho Power McDermott Substation / MER25-
0037 / H-2025-0008
unused driveways with curb, gutter, sidewalk, repair or addition of traffic calming or speed mitigation
features; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps; pavement repairs; signs, motor vehicle,
pedestrian and bicycle traffic control devices; and other similar items. The current version of
PROWAG will determine the applicable accessibility requirements for alterations and elements
added to existing streets. ACHD staff is responsible for identifying the minor improvements that
would be proportionate to the size and complexity of the development.
7. Tree Planters
Tree Planter Policy: Tree Planter Policy: The District's Tree Planter Policy prohibits all trees in
planters less than 8-feet in width without the installation of root barriers. Class II trees may be
allowed in planters with a minimum width of 8-feet, and Class I and Class III trees may be allowed
in planters with a minimum width of 10-feet.
8. Landscaping
Landscaping Policy: A license agreement is required for all landscaping proposed within ACHD
right-of-way or easement areas. Trees shall be located no closer than 10-feet from all public storm
drain facilities. Landscaping should be designed to eliminate site obstructions in the vision triangle
at intersections. District Policy 5104.3.1 requires a 40-foot vision triangle and a 3-foot height
restriction on all landscaping located at an uncontrolled intersection and a 50-foot offset from stop
signs. Landscape plans are required with the submittal of civil plans and must meet all District
requirements prior to signature of the final plat and/or approval of the civil plans.
9. Pathway Crossings
United States Access Board R304.5.1.2 Shared Use Paths. In shared use paths, the width of curb
ramps runs and blended transitions shall be equal to the width of the shared use path.
AASHTO's Guidelines for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 5.3.5 Other Intersection
Treatments: The opening of a shared use path at the roadway should be at least the same width
as the shared use path itself. If a curb ramp is provided, the ramp should be the full width of the
path, not including any flared sides if utilized. . . . Detectable warnings should be placed across the
full width of the ramp.
FHWA's "Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access" (1999) reflected common ADA-related
concepts: Chapter 6, Page 16-6: The width of the ramp should be at least as wide as the average
width of the trail to improve safety for users who will be traveling at various speeds. In addition, the
overall width of the trail should be increased, so the curb ramp can be slightly offset to the side.
The increased width reduces conflict at the intersection by providing more space for users at the
bottom of the ramp.
F. Standard Conditions of Approval
1. All proposed irrigation facilities shall be located outside of the ACHD right-of-way (including all
easements). Any existing irrigation facilities shall be relocated outside of the ACHD right-of-way
(including all easements).
2. Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the ACHD
right-of-way.
3. In accordance with District policy, 7203.3, the applicant may be required to update any existing non-
compliant pedestrian improvements abutting the site to meet current Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), ISPWC, or ACHD
requirements. The applicant's engineer should provide documentation of compliance to District
Development Review staff for review.
4. Replace any existing damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk and any that may be damaged during the
construction of the proposed development. Contact Construction Services at 387-6280 (with file
number)for details.
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5. A license agreement and compliance with the District's Tree Planter policy is required for all
landscaping proposed within ACHD right-of-way or easement areas.
6. All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be borne
by the developer.
7. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify all existing utilities within the right-of-way. The
applicant at no cost to ACHD shall repair existing utilities damaged by the applicant. The applicant
shall be required to call DIGLINE (1-811-342-1585) at least two full business days prior to breaking
ground within ACHD right-of-way. The applicant shall contact ACHD Traffic Operations 387-6190
in the event any ACHD conduits (spare or filled)are compromised during any phase of construction.
8. Utility street cuts in pavement less than five years old are not allowed unless approved in writing by
the District. Contact the District's Utility Coordinator at 387-6258 (with file numbers) for details.
9. All design and construction shall be in accordance with the ACHD Policy Manual, ISPWC Standards
and approved supplements, Construction Services procedures and all applicable ACHD Standards
unless specifically waived herein. An engineer registered in the State of Idaho shall prepare and
certify all improvement plans.
10. Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
11. No change in the terms and conditions of this approval shall be valid unless they are in writing and
signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative and an authorized
representative of ACHD. The burden shall be upon the applicant to obtain written confirmation of
any change from ACHD.
12. If the site plan or use should change in the future, ACHD Planning Review will review the site plan
and may require additional improvements to the transportation system at that time. Any change in
the planned use of the property, which is the subject of this application, shall require the applicant
to comply with ACHD Policy and Standard Conditions of Approval in place at that time unless a
waiver/variance of the requirements or other legal relief is granted by the ACHD Commission.
G. Conclusions of Law
1. The proposed site plan is approved, if all of the Site Specific and Standard Conditions of Approval
are satisfied.
2. ACHD requirements are intended to assure that the proposed use/development will not place an
undue burden on the existing vehicular transportation system within the vicinity impacted by the
proposed development.
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Request for Appeal of Staff Decision
To request an appeal of a staff level decision, see District policy 7101.6.7 at
https://www.achdidaho.org/home/showpublisheddocument/452/638243231708370000
Request for Reconsideration of Commission Action
To request reconsideration of a Commission Action, see District policy 1006.11 at
https://www.achdidaho.org/home/showpublisheddocument/452/638243231708370000
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