HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ - Staff Report for 5-7
City of Meridian | Department Report I. Project Overview
HEARING
DATE:
5/7/2026
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Sonya Allen, Associate Planner
208-884-5533
sallen@meridiancity.org
APPLICANT: Hawkins Companies
SUBJECT: Ustick Commercial
H-2025-0059 (CPAM); H-2026-0007
(AZ, PP)
LOCATION: 5900 W. Ustick Rd., in the southwest 1/4
of Section 33, T.4N., R.1W.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A. Summary
The Applicant has submitted the following applications:
• Comprehensive Plan map amendment to change the Future Land Use Map (FLUM)
designation on 4-acres of land from Medium Density Residential (MDR) to Commercial;
• Annexation of 4.31 acres of land with a C-C zoning district; and
• Preliminary plat consisting of four (4) building lots on 4-acres of land in the C-C zoning
district for McUstick Subdivision.
B. Issues/Waivers
Staff is not in support of the proposed map amendment from MDR to Commercial for the
following reasons:
• The proposed development plan is entirely auto-oriented and the uses will create a high
volume of trips, which will create traffic conflicts in this area – none of which are desired in
such close proximity to the Ustick/McDermott interchange area.
• The proposed development is not consistent with key policies in the Comprehensive Plan, as
follows:
o There is no transition in uses, zoning or buffering provided between the proposed
commercial uses and future residential uses to the north, which negatively impacts
quality of life for those living in the immediate area;
o There is no landscape buffer and/or wall proposed along the northern boundary of the site
to assist in buffering the future residential uses to the north from noise, lighting, and odor
impacts from the proposed uses;
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT REPORT
City of Meridian | Department Report II. Community Metrics
o The proposed auto-oriented commercial development will not improve air quality or
reduce air pollution, which will negatively affect air quality in the Meridian and Treasure
Valley airshed due to added vehicular traffic and vehicles idling in drive-thru lines.
o The proposed commercial uses, associated business hours of operation and site design
will create conflicts with adjacent future residential uses and is not compatible.
o The Dayspring project on the south side of Ustick includes commercial uses that haven’t
been realized yet. Additionally, their concept plan did not include auto-dominated uses.
C. Recommendation
Planning Division: Denial of the proposed map amendment and consequently the proposed
annexation and preliminary plat.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Pending
D. Decision
City Council: Pending
E. Table of Contents
Community Metrics…………………………………………………………………… II
Staff Analysis…………………………………………………………………………. III
City/Agency Comments and Conditions……………………………………………… IV
Findings……………………………………………………………………………….. V
Action…………………………………………………………………………………. VI
Exhibits……………………………………………………………………………….. VII
COMMUNITY METRICS
Table 1: Land Use
Description Details Map Ref.
Existing Land Use(s) Rural residential -
Proposed Land Use(s) Commercial (e.g. convenience store/fuel facility, coffee
shop, oil change facility, financial institution, or other
commercial uses allowed in the C-C district)
-
Existing Zoning RUT in Ada County VII.A.2
Proposed Zoning C-C (Community Business District)
Adopted FLUM Designation Medium Density Residential (MDR) VII.A.3
Proposed FLUM Designation Commercial
Table 2: Project Overview
Description Details
History None
Phasing Plan 1 phase
Physical Features The Sky Pilot Drain lies on the northern boundary of this site; 50’ of the
100’ easement for the drain lies on this property
Acreage 4 acres
Lots 4 building lots/0 common lots
Table 3: Process Facts
Description Details
Preapplication Meeting date 12/2/2025
Neighborhood Meeting 11/19/2025
City of Meridian | Department Report II. Community Metrics
Table 4: Agency Comments
Agency / Element Description / Issue Reference
Ada County Highway District IV.K
• Comments Received Yes – Draft report -
• Commission Action Required No -
• Access Full access driveway to McDermott Bypass and RIRO to
Ustick as temporary access if cross access isn’t provided
from the Durango development.
-
• Traffic Level of Service
-
• TIS submitted? Yes
ITD Comments Received No comments received IV.L
Meridian Public Works
Wastewater
IV.B
• Distance to Mainline Sewer to this property is contingent on others extending the
sewer from McDermott Rd.
• Impacts or Concerns No
Meridian Public Works Water IV.B
• Distance to Mainline Water is available to the site.
• Impacts or Concerns No
Note: See section IV. City/Agency Comments & Conditions for comments received or see the public
record. Paste the following link into your browser to access the public record:
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=435499&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCity
City of Meridian | Department Report II. Community Metrics
Figure 1: One-Mile Radius Existing Condition Metrics
Notes: See VIII. Additional Notes & Details for Staff Report Maps, Tables, and Charts.
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
STAFF ANALYSIS
Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code (UDC)
A. History
None
B. General Overview
The subject property is currently zoned RUT in Ada County and designated Medium Density
Residential (MDR) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) in the Comprehensive Plan. The MDR
designation allows residential dwellings at gross densities of three (3) to eight (8) units per acre.
The adjacent property to the north and east has a development application (i.e. Durango
Subdivision H-2025-0017) in process for annexation with R-8 and L-O zoning and a preliminary
plat, scheduled to be heard by the Commission on May 28th. That property is proposed to develop
with single-family detached residential homes and offices along Ustick Rd., as shown below. The
configuration of the proposed Office area has shifted from the east to the west from that shown on
the FLUM.
The property directly to the south across W. Ustick Rd. (Dayspring Subdivision H-2024-0070)
was recently annexed and is proposed to develop with neighborhood commercial non-auto-
oriented uses along Ustick Rd. and single-family residences to the south. The McDermott Road
Bypass runs along the west side of the property, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
The Applicant proposes an amendment to the FLUM to change the future land use designation of
this property from MDR to Commercial, annexation of 4-acres of land with a C-C (Community
Business District) zoning district, and a preliminary plat consisting of four (4) buildable lots on 4-
acres of land.
Per the Comprehensive Plan, the Commercial designation provides for a full range of commercial
uses to serve area residents and visitors and is the most intense of the commercial designations.
Per the UDC (11-2B-1), the purpose of the commercial districts is to provide for the retail and
service needs of the community in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed C-C
zoning district allows a larger scale and broader mix of retail, office and service uses with access
to arterial streets than the C-N district but is less intense than the C-G district, which allows the
largest scale of these uses along with industrial uses.
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
A conceptual development plan and building elevations are proposed with the annexation
application that demonstrate how the site is proposed to develop with a convenience store/fuel
sales facility, oil change facility, coffee shop, financial institution and/or other commercial uses
as allowed in the proposed C-C zoning district. Four (4) building pads are proposed, two (2) of
which have drive-through establishments.
The proposed development plan is entirely auto-oriented, which is not desired in such close
proximity to the Ustick/McDermott interchange. This area is not intended for high volume trips
and is to be protected from traffic conflicts, which are created by high traffic-generating uses,
thus the reason the MDR FLUM designation was determined to be the most appropriate for this
site and the Mixed Use – Interchange (MU-I) designation most appropriate for across the street to
the west adjacent to the interchange.
As noted above, the adjacent development to the north and east of this site (Durango Subdivision)
is not scheduled to be heard by the Commission until after the subject application is heard. If
office uses aren’t approved along the frontage of Ustick Rd. on that property, residential uses will
likely develop in that area, which will abut the commercial uses proposed on this site making the
use even more inappropriate due to incompatibility of uses.
At the pre-application meeting, Staff requested the Applicant submit a market analysis to support
the proposed change to the FLUM – the Applicant did not do so but their narrative does include
their reasoning for why the property should be designated Commercial rather than Residential.
The Applicant also recommended waiting until the project to the east (Durango) obtains
entitlements before submitting an application for this property – that application as noted is in
process but scheduled to be heard by the Commission after this application.
Beyond the desire for low intensity uses to be located in close proximity to the interchange area,
Staff is concerned about the negative impact approving the proposed development might have on
nearby planned retail and restaurant uses in Commercial and Mixed-Use designated properties in
the nearby area. Therefore, Staff is of the opinion the existing entitled and designated commercial
uses should develop first in order to determine if the market will support additional commercial
uses beyond those planned in this area.
C. Comprehensive Plan Policies (Staff analysis in italic text)
• 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. There is no transition in uses or zoning between the proposed
commercial uses and future residential uses to the north, which negatively impacts
quality of life for those living in the immediate area. No landscape buffer and/or walls
are proposed outside of the 50’ wide Sky Pilot drain easement along the northern
boundary of the site to adequately buffer/screen the proposed commercial development
from the future residential development to the north.
• 5.01.01F – Minimize noise, lighting, and odor disturbances from commercial
developments to residential dwellings by enforcing city code. The UDC limits business
hours of operation in the C-C district adjacent to residential uses and zoning from 6 am
to 11 pm to minimum these disturbances; however, extended hours may be requested
through a conditional use permit as set forth in UDC 11-2B-3B. It’s anticipated extended
hours will be needed for the fuel facility and drive-through uses.
• 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. The proposed sidewalks along the arterial streets (McDermott Bypass
& Ustick) are separated from the motor vehicle lane by a planter strip.
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
• 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. The proposed convenience
store/fuel facility, drive-through establishments and oil change facility uses are larger
scale and more intense than neighborhood-serving uses listed in the Comprehensive Plan
with direct access to adjacent arterial roadways and no vehicular connectivity with the
future residential neighborhood.
• 4.06.00 – Improve air quality and reduce air pollution in the Meridian and Treasure
Valley airshed. The proposed development would negatively affect air quality for
adjacent residential uses due to added vehicular traffic and vehicles idling in drive-thru
lines.
• 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). The existing FLUM designation for this property in the Comprehensive Plan is
MDR, which has a much lower traffic impact than the proposed development plan. As
noted in the Applicant’s narrative, the McDermott Bypass/Ustick intersection is expected
to be extremely busy – the proposed uses will exacerbate traffic in this area where low
traffic generating uses are desired. The study that went into the FLUM determined that
residential use was the best use for this property with higher intensity/traffic generating
uses located further away from the interchange area.
• 3.07.00 – Encourage compatible uses and site design to minimize conflicts and maximize
use of land. Residential uses as currently planned on this property which are more
compatible with future adjacent residential uses and the nearby interchange area than
the proposed commercial uses. Residential uses will create less traffic than commercial
uses, which is more appropriate and will create less conflicts in this area. The proposed
commercial uses, associated business hours of operation and site design will create
conflicts and is not compatible with adjacent residential uses.
• 3.07.01 – Proactively address potential conflicts between incompatible uses. The
proposed convenience store/fuel facility, drive-through and vehicle service uses and
associated hours of operation will likely conflict with future residential uses due to
impacts pertaining to lighting, noise and air quality, which are not proposed to be
buffered and/or mitigated.
D. Site Development and Use Analysis
1. Existing Structures/Site Improvements (UDC 11-1):
There is an existing home and accessory structures on the property that will be removed with
development.
2. Proposed Use Analysis (UDC 11-2):
The proposed convenience store & fuel sales facility and restaurant (coffee shop) are
principal permitted uses in the C-C district, subject to the specific use standards in UDC 11-
4-3-20 (and 11-3A-16 if applicable) and 11-4-3-49 (and 11-4-3-11 Drive-through
Establishment if applicable), respectively. The proposed vehicle service (oil change facility)
use requires conditional use permit approval in the C-C district, subject to the specific use
standards in UDC 11-4-3-38. A financial institution is a principal permitted use in the C-C
district, subject to the specific use standards in 11-4-3-17 (and 11-3A-16 if applicable). See
UDC Table 11-2B-2 for additional uses allowed in the C-C district.
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
3. Dimensional Standards (UDC 11-2):
Compliance with the dimensional standards of the C-C zoning district in UDC Table 11-2B-3
is required.
E. Design Standards Analysis
1. Structure and Site Design Standards (UDC 11-3A-19):
All structures and site design is required to comply with the standards listed in UDC 11-3A-
19.
The conceptual development plan depicts an interconnected network of walkways and drive
aisles that promote pedestrian and vehicular mobility within the development and to the
adjacent development to the east; a pathway is proposed to the future residential development
to the north for pedestrian access and connectivity, no vehicular connectivity is proposed.
For lots with frontage on a public street, a minimum of thirty (30) percent of the buildable
frontage of the property shall be occupied by building facades and/or public space per UDC
11-3A-19B.2b. A drive aisle is proposed along the frontage of the property adjacent to Ustick
Rd., which separates the buildings from the street – parking is proposed at the rear of the
buildings. If the proposed development is approved, compliance with this standard is
required. A revised conceptual development plan should be submitted that
demonstrates compliance with this standard.
Pedestrian pathways are proposed from the perimeter sidewalk to the main building
entrances. Where the pathway crosses vehicular driving surfaces, it is required to be
distinguished through the use of pavers, colored or scored concrete, or bricks, per UDC
11-3A-19B.4b.
2. Landscaping (UDC 11-3B):
i. Landscape buffers along streets
UDC Requirement Proposed/Analysis
Entry Way Corridor:
35 Feet
W. Ustick Rd. – the proposed buffer width is 35’, which
complies with this standard
Arterial Road: 25 Feet N. McDermott Rd. Bypass – the proposed buffer width is
26’, which complies with this standard
Landscaping must comply with the standards in UDC 11-3B-7C. Lawn and other
grasses requiring regular mowing shall comprise no more than sixty-five (65)
percent of the vegetated coverage of a landscape buffer; calculations demonstrating
compliance should be included on the plan. Because W. Ustick Rd. is an entryway
corridor, additional landscape design features are required within the buffer as set forth in
UDC 11-3B-7C.3f. The additional design features consist of a dry creek bed with river
rock and boulders as shown on the cross-section below and on the landscape plan below
in Section VII.H.
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
ii. Parking lot landscaping
Landscaping is required to be provided in all parking areas with future development per
the standards listed in UDC 11-3B-8. Analysis of the plans for consistency with these
standards will take place with the Certificate of Zoning Compliance and/or Conditional
Use Permit application, as applicable.
iii. Landscape buffers to adjoining uses
A minimum 25-foot-wide buffer is required adjacent to residential land uses in the C-C
district in accord with UDC Table 11-2B-3 landscaped per the standards in UDC 11-3B-
9C. Where the adjacent property is vacant, the FLUM designation determines use.
Although no residential land uses currently exist on the adjacent property to the north and
east, the FLUM designation on that property is MDR. With the pending Durango
Subdivision application for that property, residential uses are proposed to the north and
office uses are proposed to the east.
Because there is a 50’ wide easement for the Sky Pilot Drain along the north property
boundary, which prohibits trees/shrubbery, the buffer should be placed outside of the
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
easement. The width of the buffer may be modified by City Council at a public
hearing with notice to surrounding property owners if requested by the Applicant.
iv. Tree preservation
Per UDC 11-3B-10, Mitigation shall be required for all existing trees four-inch caliper or
greater that are removed from the site with equal replacement of the total calipers lost on
site up to an amount of one hundred (100) percent replacement (Example: Two (2) ten-
inch caliper trees removed may be mitigated with four 5-inch caliper trees, five (5) four-
inch caliper trees, or seven (7) three-inch caliper trees).
There are existing trees on the site that will be removed with development. Mitigation
should be assessed prior to removal of any trees from the site and information
should be included on the landscape plan that demonstrates compliance with the
standards in UDC 11-3B-10C.5.
v. Storm integration
An adequate storm drainage system shall be required in all developments in accord with
the city's adopted standards, specifications and ordinances. Design and construction shall
follow Best Management Practice as adopted by the city.
A geotech report was submitted with this application for Durango Subdivision; a
report for the proposed subdivision and not the adjacent subdivision should be
submitted.
vi. Pathway landscaping
A minimum 5’ wide landscape strip is required along each side of all pathways
landscaped per the standards in UDC 11-3B-12C.
3. Parking (UDC 11-3C):
i. Nonresidential parking analysis
UDC Requirement Proposed/Analysis
Commercial: 1 Parking
Stall per 500 Square Feet
of Gross Floor Area
Future development should comply with this standard.
Specific Use Standards:
Restaurants: 1 Parking
Stall per 250 Square Feet
of Gross Floor Area
Future development should comply with this standard.
Coffee shops are considered a restaurant.
ii. Bicycle parking analysis
A minimum of one (1) bicycle parking space must be provided for every 25 vehicle
spaces or portion thereof per UDC 11-3C-6G; bicycle parking facilities are required to
comply with the location and design standards listed in UDC 11-3C-5C.
Review of compliance with parking standards will take place with future Certificate of
Zoning Compliance and Conditional Use Permit applications, as applicable.
4. Building Elevations (Architectural Standards Manual):
Conceptual building elevations were submitted for the proposed convenience store, fuel
canopy, coffee shop and oil change facility as shown below in Section VII.J. All structures
are proposed to be a single story in height. Final design is required to comply with the
design standards in the Architectural Standards Manual (ASM).
City of Meridian | Department Report III. Staff Analysis
5. Fencing (UDC 11-3A-6, 11-3A-7):
No fencing is proposed on the landscape plan.
6. Parkways (UDC 11-3A-17):
Parkways are required to comply with the standards in UDC 11-3A-17.
F. Transportation Analysis
1. Roadway Improvements (FYWP & CIP):
Ustick Road, between McDermott and Black Cat, is planned to be widened to 5-lanes (2-thru
lanes in each direction with center medians and turn pockets where appropriate) in 2027 per
the adopted North Meridian Neighborhood Plan & the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The
project includes adding multi-use pathways.
State Highway 16 and an interchange at Ustick/McDermott Roads are currently being
constructed ¼+ mile to the west.
A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) was submitted to ACHD for this development at the request of
the city. The TIS included trip generation information for the current MDR designation and
the proposed commercial designation as follows:
2. Access (UDC 11-3A-3, UDC 11-3H-4):
One (1) full access is proposed via N. McDermott Bypass on the west side of the site at the
north boundary; and one (1) right-in/right-out temporary access is proposed via W. Ustick
Rd. at the east boundary of the site. The McDermott Bypass is currently under the jurisdiction
of ITD but is expected to be turned over to ACHD at some point in the future. ITD has stated
they won’t support access via McDermott Bypass.
Staff is not supportive of an access via W. Ustick Rd. ACHD states that the TIS did not
demonstrate a need for this driveway. Further ACHD, like City policy, requires access to be
taken from lesser-classified roadways, which is McDermott Bypass; a collector roadway once
under the jurisdiction of ACHD.
Drive aisle stubs are proposed to the property to the east but no vehicular connectivity is
proposed to the future residential development to the north. If approved, Staff recommends
a drive aisle connection be provided to the north for interconnectivity with the
residential neighborhood. Cross-access/ingress-egress easements are required between
all lots in the subdivision and to adjoining properties either by recorded easement or as
a note on the final plat as set forth in UDC 11-3A-3A.2.
City of Meridian | Department Report IV. City/Agency Comments & Conditions
3. Pedestrian Connectivity (UDC 11-3A-5, UDC 11-3A-8, UDC 11-3A-17):
A 10’ wide detached sidewalk/multi-use pathway is required on this site along W. Ustick Rd.
per the Pathways Master Plan; and a 10’ wide detached sidewalk is also required along N.
McDermott Road Bypass, as proposed.
All pathways should comply with the standards in UDC 11-3A-8. If any portion of the
multi-use pathway lies outside of the adjacent right-of-way, it shall be included in a
public use easement as required by the Park’s Dept.
G. Services Analysis
1. Waterways (UDC 11-3A-6):
The Sky Pilot Drain lies along the northern boundary of this site within a 100’ wide
easement, 50’ of which lies on this property. The drain is proposed to be relocated and piped
by the developer.
2. Pressurized Irrigation (UDC 11-3A-15):
An underground pressurized irrigation system is required to be installed in the development
for each lot as set forth in UDC 11-3A-15.
3. Storm Drainage (UDC 11-3A-18):
An adequate storm drainage system is required for this development in accord with the City’s
adopted standards, specifications and ordinances per UDC 11-3A-18. Design and
construction shall follow Best Management Practice as adopted by the City.
4. Utilities (UDC 11-3A-21):
All utilities for an approved use shall be installed at or below grade in accord with the City's
adopted standards, specifications and ordinances.
Street lighting shall be installed in accord with the city's adopted standards, specifications and
ordinances.
The development shall be connected to the City of Meridian water and sewer systems in
accord with the standards in UDC 11-3A-21C. Toll Brothers, the developer of the adjacent
Dayspring and Springday developments to the south and east, recently reached an agreement
with the City to extend sewer service from the north down McDermott Rd. and east on Ustick
Road to serve their projects earlier than the City project to do so. This extension of services
is planned to occur at the same time as the Ustick Rd. widening project and would also
provide service to this development if approved. This development is subject to the Oaks
lift station & West Ada School District reimbursement agreement:
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=178931&dbid=0&repo=Merid
ianCity
Adequate fire protection is required in accord with Fire Dept. standards. An emergency
access plan is included below in Section VII.I.
CITY/AGENCY COMMENTS & CONDITIONS
A. Meridian Planning Division
Staff is recommending denial of the comprehensive plan map amendment application and
consequently the annexation & zoning and preliminary plat applications; therefore,
conditions of approval are not included.
If the Commission and/or City Council determines the proposed map amendment is in the
best interest of the City with the proposed development plan, the project should be
City of Meridian | Department Report IV. City/Agency Comments & Conditions
continued to a later hearing date in order for Staff to prepare recommended conditions of
approval.
B. Meridian Public Works
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=435509&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
City of Meridian | Department Report IV. City/Agency Comments & Conditions
City of Meridian | Department Report V. Findings
Click or tap here to enter text.
C. Meridian Park’s Department
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=435517&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
D. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=436100&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
E. Ada County Highway District (ACHD)
See public record.
FINDINGS
A. Comprehensive Plan (UDC 11-5B-7D)
Upon recommendation from the Commission, the Council shall make a full investigation and
shall, at the public hearing, review the application. In order to grant a amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan, the Council shall make the following findings:
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with the other elements of the comprehensive plan.
Staff finds the proposed amendment is not consistent with key elements of the Comprehensive
Plan pertaining to compatibility and transition of land uses and other elements, as noted
above in Section III.C.
2. The proposed amendment provides an improved guide to future growth and development of
the city.
Staff finds the proposed amendment will not provide an improved guide for future growth and
development of the city and that the existing MDR FLUM designation is more appropriate for
this property and should remain.
3. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff finds the proposed map amendment is not consistent with the goals, objectives and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan, including but not limited to, compatibility and transition
of land uses, as noted above in Section III.C.
4. The proposed amendment is consistent with this Unified Development Code.
Staff finds the proposed map amendment is not consistent with UDC 11-5B-7, which requires
the amendment to be compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses. The
proposed land uses will not be compatible with the adjacent Ustick/McDermott interchange
area and future residential uses to the north as discussed above in Section III.
5. The amendment will be compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses.
Staff finds the proposed map amendment to Commercial will not be compatible with abutting
planned residential uses to the north.
6. The proposed amendment will not burden existing and planned service capabilities.
Staff finds the proposed amendment will burden existing and planned transportation
capabilities in this area due to the increase in traffic a map amendment from MDR to
Commercial will create.
City of Meridian | Department Report VI. Action
7. The proposed map amendment (as applicable) provides a logical juxtaposition of uses that
allows sufficient area to mitigate any anticipated impact associated with the development of
the area.
Staff finds the proposed map amendment does not provide a logical juxtaposition of uses that
allows sufficient areas to mitigate any anticipated impact associated with the development of
the area.
8. The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the City of Meridian.
Staff finds the proposed map amendment is not in the best interest of the City for the above-
noted reasons.
B. Annexation and/or Rezone (UDC 11-5B-3E)
Because the proposed map amendment request is recommended for denial, the proposed
annexation & zoning request is also recommended for denial because the proposed development
plan isn’t consistent with the FLUM designation in effect for the property. Therefore, no findings
analysis is provided for the associated annexation & zoning request.
C. Preliminary Plat (UDC-6B-6)
Because the proposed map amendment request is recommended for denial, the proposed
annexation & zoning and preliminary plat requests are also recommended for denial because the
proposed development plan isn’t consistent with the FLUM designation in effect for the property.
Therefore, no findings analysis is provided for the associated preliminary plat request.
ACTION
A. Staff:
Staff recommends denial of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment for the reasons
noted above in Section III. Consequently, Staff recommends denial of the associated annexation
& zoning and preliminary plat requests because the proposed development plan isn’t consistent
with the MDR FLUM designation in effect for this property.
B. Commission:
Pending
C. City Council:
Pending
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
EXHIBITS
A. Project Area Maps
1. Aerial
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
2. Zoning Map
3. Future Land Use
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
4. Planned Development Map
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
B. Service Accessibility Tool (Existing Conditions)
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
C. Aerial View of Property/Site Photos
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
D. Adopted vs. Proposed Future Land Use Map
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
E. Conceptual Development Plan
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
F. Concept Plan with Durango Subdivision
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
G. Preliminary Plat (dated: 12/15/2025)
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
H. Landscape Plan (date: 12/15/2025)
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
I. Fire Access Exhibit
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
J. Conceptual Building Elevations
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
City of Meridian | Department Report VII. Exhibits
City of Meridian | Department Report VIII. Additional Notes & Details for Staff Report
Maps, Tables, and Charts
ADDITIONAL NOTES & DETAILS FOR STAFF REPORT MAPS, TABLES, AND CHARTS
(link to Community Metrics)
A. One-Mile Radius Existing Condition Notes
This data is automatically derived from enterprise application and GIS databases, and exported
dynamically. Date retrieved notes generally reflect data acquired or processed within the last 30-
days. Analysis is based on a one-mile radius from the centroid of the identified parcel. Parcel
based data excludes certain properties and represents land as it exists now. Properties considered
are only those with a total assessed value greater than 0 (i.e. excludes most HOA area, transitional
development, government, and quasi government facilities). The following values also constrain
included property acreage to reduce outliers and non-conforming instances from distorting
averages: R-2 < 5.0; R-4 < 2.0; R-8 < 1.0; R-15 < 0.5; R-40 < 0.25.
Conditional Use Permits and Preliminary plat data likely include duplicate project submittals as
they may be for the same project, approved at different times through multiple application types.
Consider each independently or review prior application approvals. Some approved entitlements,
and particularly older ones, may be constructed.
Decennial population counts and household counts are based on the most recent Decennial
Census. Current population and current household values are COMPASS estimates, usually for
the year previous, and are based on traffic analysis zone boundaries (TAZ’s).
B. Service Assessment Notes
This data represents existing conditions derived from our enterprise application and GIS database,
exported through dynamic reporting. The system references the most recent available data from
various sources, including sewer main lines, sewer trunk sheds, floodplain, fire service areas and
response times, police crime reporting, pathway information, existing and planned transit,
roadway improvements, school and park proximity, and other resources.
The tool provides context for project review, using multiple indicators consistently. Data from
similar topics may vary based on different levels of review.
The overall score is based on weighted criteria (not a ranked order), and the percentile score
compares the parcel to others in the city (higher is better). This tool was developed as a City
Council priority and outcome of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. Scores, whether high or low, are
just one data point and should not be the sole basis for decisions.
C. ACHD Roadway Infographic Notes
The Ada County Highway District utilizes a number of planning and analysis tools to understand
existing and future roadway conditions.
• Existing Level of service (LOS). LOS indicator is a common metric to consider a
driver’s experience with a letter ranking from A to F. Letter A represents free flow
conditions, and on the other end Level F represents forced flow with stop and go
conditions. These conditions usually represent peak hour driver experience. ACHD
considers Level D, stable flow, to be acceptable. The LOS does not represent conditions
for bikes or pedestrians, nor indicate whether improvements: are possible; if there are
acceptable tradeoffs; or if there is a reasonable cost-benefit.
• Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP). The IFYWP marker (yes/no) indicates
whether the specified roadway is listed in the next 5-years. This work may vary, from
concept design to construction.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP marker (yes/no) indicates whether the
specified roadway is programmed for improvement in the next 20-years.