HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Hall Parking Facility CUPCITY OF MERIDIAN
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF
LAW AND
DECISION & ORDER
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In the Matter of Conditional Use Permit for a parking
facility in the O-T zoning district that does not fully comply with the Downtown Meridian
Design Guidelines, AND Alternative Compliance request to: 1) use off-site parking for new
city hall, 2) count motorcycle parking area towards required parking space requirement,
and 3) share parking stalls, by the City of Meridian
Case No(s). CUP-08-018 AND ALT-08-016
For the Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing Date of: July 17, 2008 (Findings on
August 7, 2008 agenda)
A. Findings of Fact
1. Hearing Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008
incorporated by reference)
2. Process Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008
incorporated by reference)
3. Application and Property Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17,
2008 incorporated by reference)
4. Required Findings per the Unified Development Code (see attached Staff Report for the
hearing date of July 17, 2008 incorporated by reference)
B. Conclusions of Law
1. The City of Meridian shall exercise the powers conferred upon it by the "Local Land Use
Planning Act of 1975," codified at Chapter 65, Title 67, Idaho Code (I.C. §67-6503).
2. The Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission takes judicial notice of its Unified
Development Code codified at Title 11 Meridian City Code, and all current zoning maps
thereof. The City of Meridian has, by ordinance, established the Impact Area and the
Amended Comprehensive Plan of the City of Meridian, which was adopted August 6,
2002, Resolution No. 02-382 and Maps.
3. The conditions shall be reviewable by the City Council pursuant to Meridian City Code §
11-SA.
CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER
CASE NO(S). CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016
Page I
4. Due consideration has been given to the comment(s) received from the governmental
subdivisions providing services in the City of Meridian planning jurisdiction.
5. It is found public facilities and services required by the proposed development will not
impose expense upon the public if the attached conditions of approval are imposed.
6. That the City has granted an order of approval in accordance with this Decision, which
shall be signed by the Chair of the Commission and City Clerk and then a copy served by
the Clerk upon the applicant, the Planning Department, the Public Works Department and
any affected party requesting notice.
7. That this approval is subject to Plans and Conditions of Approval all in the attached Staff
Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008 incorporated by reference. The conditions are
concluded to be reasonable and the applicant shall meet such requirements as a condition
of approval of the application.
C. Decision and Order
Pursuant to the Planning & Zoning Commission's authority as provided in Meridian City
Code § 11-SA and based upon the above and foregoing Findings of Fact which are herein
adopted, it is hereby ordered that:
The applicant's plan as evidenced by having submitted the plan, is hereby conditionally
approved; and,
2. The conditions of approval are as shown in the attached Staff Report for the hearing
date of July 17, 2008 incorporated by reference.
D. Notice of Applicable Time Limits
Notice of Eighteen (18) Month Conditional Use Permit Duration
Please take notice that the conditional use permit, when granted, shall be valid for a
maximum period of eighteen (18) months unless otherwise approved by the City.
During this time, the applicant shall commence the use as permitted in accord with the
conditions of approval, satisfy the requirements set forth in the conditions of approval,
and acquire building permits and commence construction of permanent footings or
structures on or in the ground. For conditional use permits that also require platting, the
final plat must be recorded within this eighteen (18) month period. For projects with
multiple phases, the eighteen (18) month deadline shall apply to the first phase. In the
event that the development is made in successive contiguous segments or multiple
phases, such phases shall be constructed within successive intervals of one (1) year
from the original date of approval. If the successive phases are not submitted within the
one (1) year interval, the conditional approval of the future phases shall be null and
void. Upon written request and filed by the applicant prior to the termination of the
period in accord with 1 I-SB-6.G.1, the Director may authorize a single extension of the
CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER
CASE NO(S). CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016
Page 2
time to commence the use not to exceed one (1) eighteen (18) month period. Additional
time extensions up to eighteen (18) months as determined and approved by the
Commission maybe granted. With all extensions, the Director or Commission may
require the conditional use comply with the current provisions of Meridian City Code
Title 11.
E. Notice of Final Action and Right to Regulatory Takings Analysis
1. The Applicant is hereby notified that pursuant to Idaho Code 67-8003, a denial of a plat
or conditional use permit entitles the Owner to request a regulatory taking analysis.
Such request must be in writing, and must be filed with the City Clerk not more than
twenty-eight (28) days after the final decision concerning the matter at issue. A request
for a regulatory takings analysis will toll the time period within which a Petition for
Judicial Review maybe filed.
2. Please take notice that this is a final action of the governing body of the City of
Meridian, pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-6521 an affected person being a person who has
an interest in real property which maybe adversely affected by the issuance or denial of
the conditional use permit approval may within twenty-eight (28) days after the date of
this decision and order seek a judicial review as provided by Chapter 52, Title 67, Idaho
Code.
F. Attached: Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008
CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER
CASE NO(S). CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016
Page 3
By action of the Planning & Zoning Commission at its regular meeting held on the ~~
day of , 2008.
COMMISSIONER DAVID MOE VOTED
(Chair)
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL ROHM VOTED C~
COMMISSIONER WENDY NEWTON-HUCKABAY VOTED G`..
COMMISSIONER TOM O'BRIEN VOTED
COMMISSIONER JOE MARSHALL VOTED ~~/
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Copy served upon Applicant, The Planning Department, Public Works Department and City
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Attorney.
By Dated: ~~ f I ~~ S
• Clerk's Office
CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER
CASE NO(S). CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016
Page 4
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF NLY 17, 2008
STAFF REPORT Hearing Date: July 17, 2008
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission E IDIAN~-
FROM: Caleb Hood, Current Planning Manager I D A H O
(208) 884-5533
SUBJECT: City Hall Parking Facility on E. Idaho Avenue
• CUP-08-018
Conditional Use Permit for a parking facility in the O-T zoning district that
does not fully comply with the Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines
• ALT-08-016
Alternative Compliance request to: 1) use off-site parking for new city hall, 2)
count motorcycle parking area towards required parking space requirement,
and 3) share parking stalls
1. SUMMARY DESCRII'TION OF APPLICANT'S REQUEST
The Applicant, City of Meridian, is requesting Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approval for a surface
parking facility that does not fully comply with the Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines as
required by UDC 11-2D-4D.3. CUP approval is required for parking facilities in the O-T zoning
district (UDC Table 11-2D-2). Further, as allowed by UDC 11-3C-7 alternatives to the standard
parking requirements are proposed (please see Alternative Compliance in the Analysis section
below).
Currently, there is an 8,000 square foot City Hall building on the site with associated parking. There
are 44 parking spaces currently on the site. The applicant is proposing to re-stripe the eastern portion
of the lot to add two addition parking spaces for a total of 46. These parking spaces are proposed to
contribute to the total number of required spaces for the new City Hall, which is generally located
200+ feet to the south, and for the existing City Hall building that is to remain (see
Parking/Alternative Compliance in Analysis section below). The property consists of 1.07 acres of
land and is currently zoned O-T (Old Town). The site is located at 33 E. Idaho Avenue, on the
southeast corner of E. Idaho Avenue and N. Meridian Road.
2. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Staff has provided a detailed analysis of the requested CUP and ALT applications below. Staff
recommends approval of CUP-08-018 for a parking facility in Old Town, as presented in the
Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008, subject to the conditions listed in Exhibit B.
NOTE: The ALT application would not typically require Commission action, it is a staff-level
application. However, because the request is not consistent with Resolution No. 07-583
(attached) Staff is requesting the Commission to decide if the alternative compliance request is
appropriate in this case. Staff thought it would be appropriate for the decision to be made as
part of a public hearing, rather than at the staff level.
The Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission heard this item on July 17, 2008. At the public
hearing, they moved to approve CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016.
a. Summary of Commission Public Hearing:
i. In favor: None
ii. In opposition: None
iii. Commenting. None
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 1
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
iv. Written testimony: None
v. Staff presenting application: Caleb Hood
vi. Other staff commenting on application: Bill Nary
b. Kev Issues of Discussion by Commission:
i. Appropriateness of requests.
c. Kev Commission Changes to Staff Recommendation:
i. The Commission voted to approve the concurrent Alternative Compliance request
(ALT-08-016).
3. PROPOSED MOTIONS
Approval
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move to approve File Numbers CUP-
08-018 and ALT-08-016, as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008, with
the following modifications to the conditions of approval: (add any proposed modifications and
clarification on conditions for the alternative compliance application).1 further move to direct Staff to
prepare an appropriate fmdings document to be considered at the next Planning and Zoning
Commission hearing on August 7, 2008.
Denial
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move deny File Numbers CUP-08-018
and ALT-08-016, as presented during the hearing on July 17, 2008, for the following reasons: (you
must state specific reasons for denial and what the applicant could do to obtain your approval in the
future). I further move to direct Staff to prepare an appropriate findings document to be considered at
the next Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on August 7, 2008.
Continuance
After considering all Staff, Applicant, and public testimony, I move to continue File Number CUP-
08-018 to the hearing date of (insert continued hearing date here) for the following reason(s): (you
should state specific reason(s) for continuance)
4. APPLICATION AND PROPERTY FACTS
a. Site Address/Location:
33 E. Idaho Avenue
Generally located on the southeast corner of N. Meridian Road and E. Idaho Avenue
Southwest '/o of Section 7, Township 3 North, Range 1 East
b. Owner:
City of Meridian
33 E. Idaho Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
c. Applicant /Contact:
Same as Owner
d. Present Zoning: O-T (Old Town)
e. Present Comprehensive Plan Designation: Old Town
£ Description of Applicant's Request: The Applicant is requesting Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
approval for a surface parking facility in the Old Town district that does not fully comply with the
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 2
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines, per UDC 11-2D-4D.3. Additionally, CUP approval is
requested for a parking facility in the O-T zoning district, as required by UDC 11-2D-2.
Alternative Compliance (ALT) approval is requested to the standard on-site parking requirements
in Old Town.
g. Description of Applicant's Justification for CUP Approval: "The proposed surface parking
facility will provide much needed parking for the new City Hall and the general public. No other
improvements are proposed with the subject parking request. We believe that allowing the
existing parking areas to remain, and to continue to be used for city business will benefit the
current parking situation downtown."
5. PROCESS FACTS
a. The subject application will, in fact, constitute a conditional use as determined by City
Ordinance. By reason of the provisions of Idaho Code, Title 67, Chapter 65, and UDC 11-SA-2D,
a public hearing is required before the Planning and Zoning Commission on this matter.
b. The subject application will, in fact, constitute an alternative compliance request as determined
by City Ordinance. By reason of the provisions of UDC 11-SA-2D, a public hearing is not
required before the Planning and Zoning Commission on this matter. However, due to Resolution
No. 07-583 it is requested that the Commission, and not the Planning Director, act on this matter.
c. Newspaper notifications published on: June 30, and July 14, 2008
d. Radius notices mailed to properties within 300 feet on: June 20, 2008
e. Applicant posted notice on site by: July 3, 2008
6. LAND USE
a. Existing Land Use(s): This property is currently used for the City Hall and has an existing
associated parking lot.
b. Description of Character of Surrounding Area: The surrounding area is all zoned O-T (Old
Town) and primarily consists of small retail and service oriented uses.
c. Adjacent Land Use and Zoning
1. North: Commercial business, library, and church site; zoned O-T
2. East: Commercial businesses/offices; zoned O-T
3. South: Commercial business (bank) and City Hall office; zoned O-T
4. West: Single-family residences; zoned R-8
d. History of Previous Actions: City Hall has existed on this site since 1987.
e. Existing Constraints and Opportunities
1. Public Works
Location of sewer: Existing building already serviced.
Location of water: Existing building already serviced.
Issues or concerns: None
2. Vegetation: There is existing landscaping on this site. The landscaping should be retained.
3. Floodplain: N/A
4. Canals/Ditches Irrigation: N/A
City Hall Pazking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 3
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
5. Hazards: N/A
6. Existing Zoning: O-T (Old Town)
7. Lot Size: 1.07 acres
£ Conditional Use Information:
1. Non-residential square footage: N/A - 8,000 square feet exists on this site
2. Hours of Operation: 24 hours aday/7 days a week
g. Off-Street Parking:
1. Parking spaces required: The UDC requires a minimum of 1 space per every 500 square feet
of gross floor area. The subject application proposes to provide 46 parking spaces. (See
Analysis below for parking and alternative compliance request).
2. Parking spaces provided: 44 exist today, 46 total parking spaces proposed (including 3
handicap accessible stalls) with re-striping the east parking area
h. Summary of Proposed Streets and/or Access (private, public, common drive, etc.): Access to the
parking facility is proposed to/from E. Idaho Avenue and an exit is proposed onto Meridian Road
from the existing alley (no changes proposed).
7. COMMENTS MEETING
On June 27, 2008, a joint agency and departments meeting was held with service providers in this
area. The agencies and departments present included: Meridian Fire Department, Meridian Public
Works Department, and the Meridian Police Department. Staff has included comments, conditions,
and recommended actions in Exhibit B below.
8. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND GOAL5
The 2002 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designates the subject property as "Old Town."
Per Chapter VII of the Comprehensive Plan, the Old Town land use category "includes the historic
downtown and the true community center. Uses in this category would include offices, retail, and
lodging, theatres, restaurants, and service retail for surrounding residents and visitors. A variety of
residential uses could include reuse of existing buildings for residential uses, new construction of
multi-family residential over ground floor retail or office uses. In order to provide and accommodate
preservation of the historical character, specific design requirements may be imposed. Pedestrian
amenities would be emphasized. Public investment to ensure that Old Town becomes a centralized
activity center with public, cultural, and recreational structures would be encouraged. The boundary
of the Old Town district predominantly follows Meridian's historic plat boundaries. In several areas,
both sides of a street were incorporated into the boundary to encourage similar uses and
complimentary design of the facing houses and buildings."
Staff finds that the requested use of the property as a parking facility is considered apublic/quasi-
public use. Further, staff believes that the proposed use generally conforms to the stated purpose and
intent of the Old Town designation within the Comprehensive Plan. Staff finds the following
Comprehensive Plan policies to be applicable to this property and apply to the proposed use (staff
analysis in italics):
• Develop public parking areas in Old Town. (Chapter V, Goal II, Objective A, Action 13)
Staff believes that the proposed parking facility will provide the required parking for employees
and patrons of the new City Hall, as well as provide additional public parking for downtown
businesses when the City Hall is closed in the evening and on weekends.
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 4
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
• Encourage compatible uses to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. (Chapter VII, Goal
IV)
Staff believes that the proposed parking facility should be compatible with existing uses in the
area.
Staff believes that the proposed use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is compatible with
the surrounding uses. Staff recommends that the Commission rely on any verbal or written testimony
that may be provided at the public hearing when determining if the applicant's request is appropriate
for this property.
9. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
a. Allowed Uses in Commercial Districts: UDC Table 11-2D-2 lists the permitted, accessory, and
conditional uses in the O-T zoning district. Parking facilities are listed as a conditional use in the
O-T zone. Further, per UDC 11-2D-4.D.3, all applications that do not meet the criteria in the
"Downtown Meridian Design Guidelines" are subject to a CUP.
b. Purpose Statement of Zone: The purpose of the Old Town district is to accommodate and
encourage further intensification of the historical city center in accord with the Meridian
Comprehensive Plan. The intent of the O-T District is to delineate a centralized activity center
and to encourage its renewal, revitalization and growth as the public, quasi-public, cultural,
financial and recreational center of the City. Public and quasi-public uses integrated with general
business, and medium-high to high-density residential is encouraged to provide the appropriate
mix and intensity of activities necessary to establish a truly urban city center.
10. ANALYSIS
a. Analysis of Facts Leading to Staff Recommendation: Staff is generally supportive of the
proposed CUP request as presented in the staff report, with the following comments:
Conditional Use Permit (CUP): A CUP is requested for the following reasons: 1) Parking
facilities require CUP approval in the O-T zoning district, per UDC Table 11-2D.2; and 2) The
proposed layout of the parking facility does not fully comply with the Downtown Design
Standards (UDC 11-2D-4D.3). See Downtown Design Standards for Parking below for more
information.
City Hall and associated parking currently exist on this site. Access to the parking facility is
proposed to/from E. Idaho Avenue and exits are proposed onto Main Street and N. Meridian
Road from the existing alley (no changes proposed). A new City Hall is under construction to the
south of the subject property on the southeast corner of Broadway Avenue and Meridian Road.
The use of the subject property as City Hall will cease when the new City Hall opens. This
application proposes to use 46 total car parking spaces as a parking facility downtown. If the
subject CUP and ALT applications are approved, 30 of the 46 stalls will count towards the
required spaces for the new City Hall. The remaining 16 stalls will count towards the required
parking for the existing 8,000 square foot building on this site. The parking facility can be used
for general public/business parking after standard city hall business hours (see Alternative
Compliance below for more details).
Downtown Design Standards for Parking: Standards for parking in the downtown (O-T) area
are as follows: (Staff's analysis in italics)
• Number of Parking Spaces Required: If off-street parking is provided, the applicant
shall provide accessible spaces as per federal accessibility standards. Three handicap
accessible stalls are currently provided on the site; only 1 standard and 1 van accessible
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 5
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
space are required, perADA standards.
• Size of Spaces: UDC Table 11-3C-5 requires 90° stalls to measure 9 feet in width by 19
feet in length, with 2-way drive aisles measuring 25 feet in width. The existing parking
stalls comply with this requirement. In fact, there is enough room on the east end of the
site to re-stripe the parking lot and pick up two additional stalls for a total of 46.
Location: Off-street parking is allowed only at the rear of building not visible from
streets and in parking structures, Parking is not allowed within street-facing facades. This
street-facing area must be used for tenant space with active uses. Parking exists on the
sides of the existing building. There is an alley that lies directly behind (south) the
existing building. Because there is no room behind the building for parking, Staff does
not believe that requiring the applicant to comply with this requirement is feasible. A
parking structure is not proposed.
• Screening: Screening of parked cars in parking structures above the first floor must
include a solid panel up to 42 inches from floor levels. Structured parking garages will
conform to the requirements of the Facade Treatment, Entrances section in these
guidelines, except glazing is not required at floors above the first floor. N/A (A parking
structure is not proposed with this application.)
• Landscaping: Surface parking lots shall be required to have streetscapes as described
above and be screened at the street side(s) with minimum 3 foot high hedges, fences, or
walls. Additional plantings, such as Class I trees, flowers and/or smaller shrubs, may also
be included. (The classes of trees are defined for the purposes of these guidelines by the
publication Tree Selection Guide for Streets and Landscapes Throughout Idaho by the
Urban Forestry Unit of the Boise Parks and Recreation Department (latest edition). In
general, Class I trees are smaller ornamental trees; Class II trees are medium/large trees
appropriate for street tree planning; and Class III trees are very large). There is existing
landscaping along both Meridian Road and Idaho Avenue. Further, there are hedges at
the ends of the parking areas on Idaho Avenue and at the alley. The existing landscaping
complies, and should continue to comply with this standard.
Parking/Alternative Compliance: There are currently 44 spaces on the current City Hall site
(see Exhibit A.2). The existing surface parking lot is not proposed to be reconstructed but is
proposed to be re-striped to add up to two additional stalls for a total of 46 stalls. Staff believes
that when the parking lot is re-striped, it maybe possible to add 2 additional spaces along the east
property boundary (currently, the stalls are wider than the UDC requires). Staff is supportive of
the applicant adding up to two additional parking spaces along the east boundary if it is
feasible dimensionally. Additionally, wheel stops should be added to the parking area as
required by the UDC.
As allowed by UDC 11-3C-7, the applicant is proposing three alternatives to the standard on-site
parking requirements of UDC 11-3C. As an alternative to the on-site parking, or the in-lieu-of
parking fee, the applicant is proposing to use 30 parking stalls at the current city hall site, 33 E.
Idaho Avenue. (By City Code, at least 16 of the stalls should be reserved for the existing 8,000
square foot structure to remain. The other 30 stalls are proposed to count toward the parking
associated with the new city hall at 33 E. Broadway Avenue.) Further, the applicant is proposing
to reduce the required number of stalls related to areas used primarily in the evening. Finally, the
applicant is proposing to count some motorcycle parking towards the required standard car park
requirement. The applicant believes that in this case it is more appropriate to provide parking as
proposed than pay an in-lieu fee.
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 6
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
The two city hall structures (current and new) together total 87,870 square feet. Therefore, by
City Code, a minimum of 176 parking stalls total should be provided. As an alternative, a total of
166 parking stalls are proposed to serve both buildings. The applicant's justification for the
lessened parking stalls is that a substantial square footage of the new city hall will be used after
normal business hours. Council Chambers, Historic Commission meeting room, and a multi-
purpose room total almost 5,000 square feet. These areas are not generally being used from 8 am
to 5 pm, but are instead used after hours. The applicant contends that sharing the parking stalls for
standard business hours and after-hours business is appropriate in this instance.
The Unified Development Code requires 1 parking stall for every 500 square feet of building
area. The new Meridian City Hall will contain a total of 79,870 square feet of area. Therefore,
160 parking stalls are required for Meridian City Hall. There are 120 on-site parking stalls
proposed on the plans for CZC-07-036, Meridian City Hall, which includes both 33 E. Broadway
Avenue and 641 N. Main Street. This leaves a shortage of 40 parking stalls for the new City Hall.
The applicant believes providing 30 of the remaining 40 stalls for Meridian City Hall off-site, at
33 E. Idaho Avenue will be favorable for several reasons. First, the properties are approximately
215 feet apart. There is only an alley, the Bank of the Cascades property and Broadway Avenue
between the two properties. UDC 11-3C-7 allows shared parking for uses within 1,000 feet of
each other. That standard is met in this situation.
Second, as required by UDC 11-3C-7, the applicant believes these 30 stalls will be convenient for
the users. Should the on-site parking lots be full, patrons and/or employees can park at 33. E.
Idaho and walk to new City Hall. There is sidewalk along Idaho Avenue, Broadway Avenue and
Meridian Road, creating convenient pedestrian connections between the two properties. Further,
the applicant proposes to ask ACHD if striping and signing amid-block cross walk on Broadway
Avenue is possible to create an even more pedestrian friendly relationship between the off-site
parking area and the front door to City Hall. If approved, Staff believes signs should be erected at
33 E. Broadway Avenue providing notice of the availability of parking at 33 E. Idaho Avenue, as
well as signs at 33. E. Idaho Avenue indicating that the parking area is reserved during business
hours for City Hall.
Finally, the property at 33 E. Idaho Avenue is owned by the City and no lease agreement or other
contract is necessary for the proposed off-site parking. After city hall business hours, the subject
parking lot can be used for general downtown public parking needs.
To mitigate the 10 parking stall shortage, and as an alternative to providing standard car parking,
motorbike parking is proposed. With the cost of fuels and the need to have some designated
motorbike parking for city hall, the applicant is proposing to make up the shortage with
motorbike parking. The proposed motorbike parking is proposed on the southwest side of the new
city hall site at 33 E. Broadway Avenue. The applicant believes that motorbike parking is
consistent with the objectives of the alternative transportation section of UDC 11-3C-7. To even
further the goals of the City and improve the parking situation in downtown, the applicant will
also look into additional alternative modes of transportation to/from City Hall. Carpools and
vanpools as well as future access to both bus and rail routes are alternative long-term options.
NOTE: The ALT application would not typically require Commission action, it is an
administrative-level application. However, because the request is not consistent with the
terms of Resolution No. 07-583 (attached) Staff is requesting the Commission decide if the
alternative compliance request is appropriate in this case. Staff thought it would be
appropriate for the decision to be made as part of a public hearing, rather than at the staff
level. If the Commission approves the alternative compliance request, some conditions of
approval should be considered such as: 1) requiring the applicant to inquiring to ACHD if
striping and signing amid-block cross walk on Broadway Avenue is possible, linking the
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 7
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
current city hall parking to the new city hall site, 2) requiring signs to be erected at 33 E.
Broadway Avenue providing notice of the availability of parking at 33 E. Idaho Avenue, as
well as signs at 33. E. Idaho Avenue indicating that the parking area is reserved during
business hours for City Hall, 3) providing designated motorbike parking at 33 E. Broadway
Avenue, and, 4) requiring the applicant to look into additional alternative modes of
transportation to/from City Hall, such as carpools and vanpools.
Hours of Operation: The hours of operation for the proposed use are 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Parking for City Hall should only be needed Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. After
that time, the proposed parking facility should provide additional public parking for downtown
businesses when business is limited and/or when City Hall is closed in the evening and on
weekends. Staff is supportive of the proposed hours of operation for the proposed parking facility.
The Commission should rely on any public testimony to determine if hours should be limited.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance: The purpose of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC)
permit is to ensure that all construction, alterations and/or the establishment of a new use
complies with all of the provisions of the UDC before any work on the structure is started and/or
the use is established (UDC 11-SB-lA). To ensure that all of the conditions of approval listed in
Exhibit B are complied with, the Applicant will be required to obtain CZC approval from the
Planning Department prior to re-establishment of the parking lot for new City Hall use (NOTE:
CZC requirement only applies if the ALT application is approved).
b. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of CUP-08-018 for a parking facility in
Old Town, as presented in the Staff Report for the hearing date of July 17, 2008, based on
the Findings of Fact as listed in Exhibit C and subject to the conditions of approval listed in
Exhibit B. NOTE: The ALT application would not typically require Commission action, it is
a staff-level application. However, because the request is not consistent with Resolution No.
07-583 (attached) Staff is requesting the Commission to decide if the alternative compliance
request is appropriate in this case. Staff thought it would be appropriate for the decision to
be made as part of a public hearing, rather than at the staff level. The Meridian Planning
and Zoning Commission heard this item on July 17, 2008. At the public hearing, they
moved to approve CUP-08-018 and ALT-08-016.
11. EXHIBITS
A. Exhibits
1. Vicinity Map
2. Aerial Map
3. Resolution No. 07-583
B. Conditions of Approval
1. Planning Department
2. Public Works Department
3. Fire Department
4. Police Department
5. Parks Department
6. Sanitary Service Company
7. Ada County Highway District
8. Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District
C. Required Findings from UDC
City Hall Parking Facility - E Idaho Ave CUP Page 8
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF NLY 17, 2008
A. Drawings
1. Vicinity Map
Exhibit A
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
2. Aerial Map
Exhibit A
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF NLY 17, 2008
3. Resolution No. 07-583
CITY OF MERIDIAN RESOLUTION NO. Q 7' ~~
BY THE CITY COUNCIL: BIRD, BORTON, ROUNTREE, ZAREMBA
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCII. OF THE CITY OF
MERIDIAN, IDAHO, ADOPTING THE MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION'S PROPOSED FEES IN LIEU OF PARKING POWCY.
WHEREAS, the Meridian Development Corporation has developed a policy for
Fees in Lint of Parking, which outlines the desired goals of providing an additional
option that may help Downtown developmettb solve site parking issues; eacrnttaging
shared parking through rise of a oomm~on parking lot ~ strut~tu't; improving urban design
by reducing on-site parking, by inexeasing the eotttimtity of store6onts and by ktcating
parking where it miaimipes traffic sad podestrian disruptions; limiting the numbs of
request for reduced parking requiretnenta; and preaexviag historic places through
adaptive re-tree rather than dattolition w cxeate aU requirod parking on-site; and;
WHEREAS, these same goals are ezpreasad in the Downtown Design Guidelines
addendum tct the City of il4aidiaan Comprehettsive Plan; arKl
WHEREAS, the Merrdrarr Development COrpOTattOa has requested that the City
of Meridian assist in tlu implmteniation of such Foes in Lieu of Parking; and
WHEREAS, Section 11-3C-6 ofthe Unified Development Cade (UDC) list the
required number of patlautg spaces by use; and
WHEREAS, Section 1 I-SB-SB of the UDC albws for alternativo compliance to
rho provisions listed in 5axion 11-3C-6 whore the proposed design includes innovative
design. features based on "rtew urbanism,"'Steotraditional design," or other site deigns
that promote walkable sad mixed u~ neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt a policy with regard to payment of is-lieu
fees that does rmt require additional staff to implement end maaitor ova time;
NOW, THEREFORE BE TT RESOLVED by The Mayor and Gity Cour~il of
the City of Meridian, that the City of Meridian a~pb the following policy with regard to
the Plattaing Director's approval of alternative eomptisace for required parking spacxs
within. the Old Town District:
1. Pa UDC l 1-3C-6, the required numbs of parking spaces is based on the gtnas
Boor area. In detamimng the numbs of required parking spaces within the Old
Town District, the Plsaning Directcx shah subtract the square footage of strtuxure
that will be saved, remodeled, arul/or restored. This policy shall apply to say
RESOLUTION-FEES IN LIEU OF PARKIIQG FOR THE OLD TOWN DISTRICT Page 1 of 2
Exhibit A
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
development within the Old Town District seeking alternative oompliaaoe,
regardless of whether or cot the applicant seeks to pay fees in-lieu of the roquired
P& (P18 staff shall initiate a UDC text amendment to formalize this
standard such. that alternative ornnpliance is riot required.)
2. All applicants seeking to pay fees in-lieu of providing the roquin~d parking must
submit as alternative compliance application to the Plmtning Departrnent
concurrent with a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) for the proposed site
and/or building itnprovementa.
3. All proposed proja~s must provide the required number of parking spscxs
through a combination of on-site parking and in-lieu fees.
4. Prior to issuance of the CZC, the application must include docarnxentation fi+om
the MDC Administrator fltat states the number of patkirtg spaces purchased
through in-lieu fees and the required payment amount.
5. Planning staff will collect will oolloct the fee and provide a roceipt to the
applicant.
6. Accounting staff will deposit the monies into the Meridiaa Development
Corporation Restricted Parking Fuad to be spent pursuant to the adopted Feo-In
Lieu of Parking Policy, and as provided by the agreement with the applicant.
AD, O/P"TED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 2~~ day
of !'r/'y-o~ ~yG+- .2007.
,,r~ APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this Z~ ~~day of
(%li~ ~i~ .2007.
APPROVED:
~,.``t ~ ~,~d~,fi y de Weerd
ATTEST: ~ ~ _Cp''u~.~;,;~';'~`
.~ ~' •~
Sy: - ~ ~ ~~
<.,
William G. Serg, Jr., Ci erfc t ti, `
,, ~ ..,
RESOLUTION-FEES tN LIEU OF PARKING FOR THE OLD TOWN DISTRICT Page 2 of 2
Exhibit A
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
B. Conditions of Approval
1. PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1.1 The applicant shall add up to two additional parking spaces along the east boundary, for a total of
46 parking stalls.
1.2 In accord with UDC 11-3C-S.B.3, provide wheel restraints to prevent cars from encroaching upon
abutting private property or overhanging beyond the designated stall area.
1.3 The Applicant shall have a maximum of 18 months to commence the use as permitted in accord
with the conditions of approval listed above. If the use has not begun within 18 months of
approval, a new conditional use permit must be obtained prior to commencement of the proposed
use.
1.4 Retain the existing parking lot landscaping including the hedges along the streets being 3' tall.
1.5 ALT-08-016 is approved for off-site, shared parking as described herein for the
new Meridian City Hall (CZC-07-036). ( , conditions are included in the
Analysis section, pages 7 and 8 of the Staff Report.
> •)
1.6 To ensure that all of the conditions of approval for CUP-08-018 (and ALT-08-016, if approved)
are complied with, the Applicant shall be required to obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance
(CZC) permit from the Planning Department prior to commencement of the new City Hall use.
2. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2.1 Public Works has no concerns with this application.
3. FIRE DEPARTMENT
3.1 The proposed project has no fire department concerns.
4. POLICE DEPARTMENT
4.1 The Police Department has no concerns related to this application.
5. PARKS DEPARTMENT
5.1 The Parks Department did not submit comments on this application.
6. SANITARY SERVICES COMPANY
6.1 Sanitary Services Company did not submit comments on this application.
7. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT
7.1 ACHD submitted a "no comment" letter regarding this application; all required improvements
exist abutting the site.
8. NAMPA & MERIDIAN IRRIGATION DISTRICT
8.1 Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District has no comment on the above-referenced application.
Exhibit B
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
C. Required Conditional Use Permit Findings from UDC
The Commission shall base its determination on the Conditional Use Permit request upon the
following:
1. That the site is large enough to accommodate the proposed use and meet all the dimensional
and development regulations in the district in which the use is located.
The Commission finds that the site is large enough to accommodate a portion of the required
parking for the new City Hall. Because the existing parking lot is not proposed to be replaced,
current UDC provisions pertaining to landscape requirements are not applicable to this site. Staff
recommends the Commission rely on Staff's analysis and any oral or written public testimony
provided when determining if this site is large enough to accommodate the proposed use,
including the alternative compliance request.
2. That the proposed use will be harmonious with the Meridian Comprehensive Plan and in
accord with the requirements of this Title.
The Commission finds that the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designation for this
property is Old Town. The property is currently zoned O-T, which complies this designation. The
proposed use is generally harmonious with the applicable requirements of the UDC (See Sections
8 and 10 above for more information regarding the requirements for this use).
3. That the design, construction, operation and maintenance will be compatible with other
uses in the general neighborhood and. with the existing or intended character of the general
vicinity and that such use will not adversely change the essential character of the same area.
The Commission finds that, if the Applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report,
the proposed use as a parking facility should be compatible with other uses in the general area
and with the existing and intended character of the area. Further, the Commission believes that
the proposed use will not adversely change the essential character of the area.
4. That the proposed use, if it complies with all conditions of the approval imposed, will not
adversely affect other property in the vicinity.
The Commission finds that, if the Applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report,
the proposed use will not adversely affect other property in the area. The Commission should rely
upon any public testimony provided to determine if the development will adversely affect the
other property in the vicinity.
5. That the proposed use will be served adequately by essential public facilities and services
such as highways, streets, schools, parks, police and fire protection, drainage structures,
refuse disposal, water, and sewer.
The Commission fmds that the subject property is currently served by public facilities such as
streets, police, and fire protection. The Commission fmds that the proposed use will continue to
be served adequately by those facilities and services previously mentioned.
6. That the proposed use will not create excessive additional costs for public facilities and
services and will not be detrimental to the economic welfare of the community.
The applicant is not proposing to replace any of the existing parking area at this time; some
additional striping is proposed. The Commission finds that the proposed use will not be
detrimental to the community's economic welfare.
Exhibit C
CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR THE HEARING DATE OF JULY 17, 2008
7. That the proposed use will not involve activities or processes, materials, equipment and
conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property or the general
welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare, or odors.
The Commission recognizes that traffic and noise is a concern; however, the Commission does
not believe that the amount generated by the continued use of the property as a parking facility
will be detrirental to any persons, property, or the general welfare of the public. The
Commission does not anticipate the proposed use will create excessive noise, smoke, fumes,
glare, or odors.
8. That the proposed use will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic,
or historic feature considered to be of major importance.
The Commission fmds that there should not be any health, safety or environmental problems
associated with the proposed use. The Commission fmds that the proposed use will not result in
the destruction, loss or damage of any natural, scenic, or historic feature of major importance.
Exhibit C