PZ - Staff ReportMeridian Meats – H-2017-0052 1
STAFF REPORT
Hearing Date: June 1, 2017
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Bill Parsons, Planning Supervisor
208-884-5533
Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager
208-887-2211
SUBJECT: Meridian Meats – CUP H-2017-0052
I. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT’S REQUEST
The applicant, Meridian Meat and Sausage Inc., has applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to
expand an existing non-conforming use (Food Products Processing) to construct a 673 square foot
addition in the O-T zoning district. See Section IX Analysis for more information.
II. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the proposed CUP with the conditions listed in Exhibit B, based on the
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in Exhibit C of the Staff Report.
III. PROPOSED MOTION
Approval
After considering all staff, applicant and public testimony, I move to approve File Number H-2017-
0052 as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of June 1, 2017, with the following
modifications: (Add any proposed modifications.)
Denial
After considering all staff, applicant and public testimony, I move to deny H-2017-0052 as presented
during the hearing on June 1, 2017, for the following reasons: (You should state specific reasons for
denial.)
Continuance
I move to continue File Number H-2017-0052 to the hearing date of (insert continued hearing date
here) for the following reason(s): (You should state specific reason(s) for continuance.)
IV. APPLICATION AND PROPERTY FACTS
A. Site Address/Location:
119 E. Bower Street, in the SW¼ of Section 7, Township 3N., Range 1E. (Parcel: R1039000405
and R1039000390)
B. Applicant/Owner:
Meridian Meat and Sausage Inc.
119 E. Bower Street
Meridian, ID 83642
C. Representative:
Kent Brown
3161 E. Springwood Drive
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 2
Meridian, ID 83642
E. Applicant's Statement/Justification: Please see applicant’s narrative for this information.
V. PROCESS FACTS
A. The subject application is for a conditional use permit. A public hearing is required before the
Planning & Zoning Commission on this matter, consistent with Meridian City Code Title 11,
Chapter 5.
B. Newspaper notifications published on: April 28, 2017
C. Radius notices mailed to properties within 300 feet on: April 21, 2017
D. Applicant posted notice on site by: May 21, 2017
VI. LAND USE
A. Existing Land Use(s) and Zoning: The property is partially developed with a 9,361 square foot
commercial building, zoned O-T.
B. Character of Surrounding Area and Adjacent Land Use and Zoning: This site is primarily
surrounded by existing single family residences; north is a vacant property and under-developed
industrial property. All properties surrounded the proposed project are zoned Old Town (O-T).
C. History of Previous Actions: This property is platted as Lots 3-8, Block 5, Bowers Addition to
Meridian.
D. Utilities:
1. Public Works:
a. Location of sewer: Existing structure is connected to City sewer.
b. Location of water: Existing structure is connected to City water.
c. Issues or concerns: None
E. Physical Features:
1. Canals/Ditches Irrigation: None
2. Hazards: Staff is not aware of any hazards that exist on this property.
3. Flood Plain: This property currently does not lie within the floodplain or floodway however
the Meridian Development Corporation is in the process of re-evaluating the flood plain in
Downtown and there is a possibly the subject property may be located within the flood plain.
The property owner should contact the City’s Flood Plain Administer regarding the future
flood plain boundaries.
VII. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND GOALS
This property is designated Old Town on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM).
Per the Comprehensive Plan, “This designation includes the historic downtown and the true
community center. 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. Sample uses
include offices, retail and lodging, theatres, restaurants, and service retail for surrounding residents
and visitors. A variety of residential uses are also envisioned and could include reuse of existing
buildings, new construction of multi-family residential over ground floor retail or office uses. In order
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 3
to provide and accommodate preservation of the historic character, the City has developed specific
Design Guidelines for this area. Pedestrian amenities are emphasized in Old Town. Future planning in
Old Town will be reviewed in accordance with Destination Downtown, a visioning document for
redevelopment in downtown Meridian. Please see the Economic Excellence chapter for more
information on Destination Downtown.”
The current use of the property for food products processing is not listed as a desired land use in the
Old Town area however; the use predates the UDC and therefore is deemed a non-conforming use. To
expand the use as requested by the applicant requires the procurement of a conditional use permit.
Staff finds the following Comprehensive Plan policies to be applicable to this property and apply to
the existing and expansion of the use (staff analysis in italics):
• “Implement design criteria to set quality standards City-wide.” (2.01.02B)
The proposed 673 square foot addition must comply with the design standards set forth in the
ASM.
• “Require all commercial and industrial businesses to install and maintain landscaping.”
(2.01.03B)
Currently, the site lacks any landscaping and a portion of the site is improved with the
required parking. Staff is of the opinion that the applicant should install the number of
parking stalls based on the existing and proposed addition (10 in total). The parking lot
landscaping should comply with the parking lot landscape standards set forth in UDC 11-3B-
8C. Further, staff recommends the applicant construct a 6-foot tall solid fence and install a 5-
foot wide landscape buffer in accord with UDC 11-3B-8C along the eastern boundary to
mitigate any impacts to the surrounding residential uses.
• “Promote area beautification and community identity through building and site design, signs,
and landscaping.” (2.01.04G)
As noted above staff is recommending that the applicant install the landscaping and the
parking in accord with current UDC standards. Staff is of the opinion that this would
improve the aesthetics of the development consistent with this policy.
• “Pursue sidewalk construction for existing substandard streets.” (3.03.02D)
Currently, this segment of Bower Street lacks the required 5-foot wide sidewalk. The sidewalk
is desired at this time however without addressing design of the entire street section it may be
difficult for the applicant to meet the requirements of ACHD. A larger effort is needed in the
future to ensure the entire street improvements can be constructed all at once. At a minimum,
the applicant should preserve the necessary right-of-way to ensure when Bower Street is re-
built, it can meet the street segment depicted in the Downtown Streetscape Manual. In the
interim, the applicant should stripe a 5-foot wide pedestrian walkway from the new parking
lot proposed by staff to the front entrance of the building.
• “Protect existing residential properties from incompatible land use development on adjacent
parcels.” (3.06.01F)
The subject property is surrounded by residential uses on the west, east and south boundary.
On the south boundary the residence are farther away from the commercial activity and
separated by an existing alley. On the west and east boundary traffic from the existing use is
more likely to impact these residents. The building addition is to occur on the northwest
corner of the building. The refrigeration unit will be enclosed by the addition. Currently, the
trash enclosure is also located on this portion of the property. Staff recommends that the
applicant construct a trash enclosure at the rear of the property in accord with Republic
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 4
Services standards. On the east boundary, staff is recommending fencing and landscaping as
noted above.
For the above-stated reason, staff is of the opinion that the expansion of the existing non-conforming
use is generally consistent with the applicable comprehensive plan policies and is appropriate in this
location.
VIII. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
A. Purpose Statement of Zones:
Per UDC 11-2D-1, the purpose of the O-T 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.
B. Schedule of Use: Unified Development Code (UDC) Table 11-2D-2 lists the permitted,
accessory, conditional, and prohibited uses in the O-T zoning district. The existing use operating
on this property is a prohibited use in the Old Town zone. However, the existing use was lawfully
established prior to the adoption of the UDC therefore; the use is allowed to continue. Any
expansion requires the approval of a conditional use permit.
C. Dimensional Standards: The dimensional standards listed in UDC 11-2D-4 for the O-T zoning
district applies to development of this site.
D. Landscaping Standards (UDC 11-3B): The standards for landscaping contained in UDC 11-3B
apply to development of this site (if applicable).
E. Off-Street Parking: Off-street parking is required in accord with UDC 11-3C-6B.
F. Structure and Site Design Standards: Development of this site must comply with the design
standards listed in UDC 11-3A-19 and the guidelines listed in the Architectural Standards
Manual.
IX. ANALYSIS
A. Analysis of Facts Leading to Staff Recommendation:
Conditional Use Permit: The applicant requests a conditional use permit to expanding the
existing non-conforming use with a 673 square foot addition. The existing structure consists of
approximately 9,361 square feet. The expansion is desired by the applicant that that he can
replace his existing refrigeration units. The new addition will be located in the NWC of the site.
Because the use was lawfully established prior to the adoption of the UDC, the current use of the
property is defined as a non-conforming use. Further, the use is now a prohibited use on the Old
Town District. To expand a non-conforming use requires a procurement of conditional use permit
in accord with UDC 11-1B-4.
Not only is the use non-conforming but due to the lack of public parking and the fact that the site
lacks landscaping this is also defined as non-conforming in Chapter 1.
As noted above the subject property consists of two (2) parcels, the western parcel is all
paved. The eastern property is currently a gravel lot. As noted in the Comprehensive Plan
section above, staff is recommending several modifications to the property as follows:
1. The proposed 673 square foot building addition is required to comply with the design
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 5
standards set forth in the Architectural Standards Manual (ASM);
2. The applicant should construct ten (10) parking stalls and comply with the parking lot
landscape standards set forth in UDC 11-3B-8C on the eastern portion of the property.
3a.The applicant should construct a 6-foot tall solid fence and install a 5-foot wide
landscape buffer in accord with UDC 11-3B-8C along the eastern boundary to mitigate any
impacts to the surrounding residential uses.
b. The applicant shall construct a 6-foot tall solid fence along the west boundary.
4. The 5-foot wide detached sidewalk is desired at this time along Bower Street however
without addressing design of the entire street section it may be difficult for the applicant to
meet the requirements of ACHD and the City. A larger effort is needed in the future to
ensure the entire street improvements can be constructed all at once. At a minimum, the
applicant should preserve the necessary Bower Street right-of-way and stripe a 5-foot wide
pedestrian walkway from the new parking lot proposed by staff (#2 above) to the front
entrance of the building.
5. The applicant shall construct a trash enclosure at the rear of the property in accord with
Republic Services design standards.
6. Provide a bike rack near the entrance of the building in accord with UDC 11-3C-5C and
11-3C-6G.
NOTE: Although the proposed development is adjacent to single family residences, these
properties are all zoned O-T. As noted above the Old Town FLUM designation encourages the
conversion of these residents to more intense land uses (e.g. commercial or high density
residential). Further, the O-T zone does not require a land use buffer between incompatible
land uses. The Commission should determine if the existing use and the proposed expansion
warrants the proposed changes to the site as recommended by staff. Staff has not received any
public testimony on this project.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance and Administrative Design Review (CZC and DES): The
applicant is required to submit a CZC and DES application for approval of the proposed
expansion and site improvements noted above from the Planning Division prior to submittal of a
building permit application.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed CUP with the conditions listed in Exhibit B.
X. EXHIBITS
A. Drawings
1. Vicinity Map
2. Site Plan
B. Conditions of Approval
1. Planning Division
2. Public Works
3. Fire Department
4. Police Department
5. Republic Services
6. Ada County Highway District
7. Parks Department
C. Required Findings from Unified Development Code
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 6
Exhibit A.1: Vicinity Map
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 7
Exhibit A.2: Site Plan
Location of proposed
addition.
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 8
B. Conditions of Approval
1. PLANNING DIVISION
1.1 The site plan included in Exhibit A, shall be revised as follows:
a. The proposed 673 square foot building addition shall comply with the design
standards set forth in the Architectural Standards Manual (ASM);
b. The applicant shall construct ten (10) parking stalls and comply with the parking lot
landscape standards set forth in UDC 11-3B-8C on the eastern portion of the
property.
c. 1. The applicant shall construct a 6-foot tall solid fence and install a 5-foot wide
landscape buffer in accord with UDC 11-3B-8C along the eastern boundary to
mitigate any impacts to the surrounding residential uses.
2. The applicant shall construct a 6-foot tall solid fence along the west boundary.
d. The 5-foot wide detached sidewalk is desired at this time along Bower Street
however without addressing design of the entire street section it may be difficult for
the applicant to meet the requirements of ACHD and the City. A larger effort is
needed in the future to ensure the entire street improvements can be constructed all
at once. At a minimum, the applicant shall preserve the necessary Bower Street
right-of-way and stripe a 5-foot wide pedestrian walkway from the new parking lot
proposed by staff (b. above) to the front entrance of the building.
e. The applicant shall construct a trash enclosure at the rear of the property in accord
with Republic Services design standards.
f. Provide a bike rack near the entrance of the building in accord with UDC 11-3C-5C
and 11-3C-6G.
1.2 The conditional use permit shall be valid for a maximum period of 2 years 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. Upon written request and filing by the applicant prior to the termination of the period, a
time extension may be requested as set forth in UDC 11-5B-6.
1.3 Staff’s failure to cite specific ordinance provisions or terms of the approved conditional use does
not relieve the applicant of responsibility for compliance.
1.4 The applicant shall submit a CZC and DES application for approval of the proposed expansion
and site improvements noted above from the Planning Division prior to submittal of a building
permit application.
2. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2.1 This property currently does not lie within the floodplain or floodway however the Meridian
Development Corporation is in the process of re-evaluating the flood plain in Downtown and
there is a possibly the subject property may be located within the flood plain. The property owner
should contact the City’s Flood Plain Administer regarding the future flood plain boundaries.
3. FIRE DEPARTMENT
3.1 Trash enclosure must be 5 feet from the building.
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 9
4. POLICE DEPARTMENT
4.1 The Police Department had no comments on this application.
5. REPUBLIC SERVICES
5.1 Republic Services did not provide comments on this application.
6. PARKS DEPARTMENT
6.1 The Parks Department had no comments on this application.
7. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT
7.1 ACHD has no site specific conditions of approval for this application at this time.
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 10
C. Required Findings from Unified Development Code
1. Conditional Use Permit (UDC 11-5B-6E)
The Commission shall base its determination on the Conditional Use Permit request upon
the following:
a. 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.
Staff finds that the subject property is large enough to accommodate the expansion;
recommended site improvements; dimensional and development regulations of the O-T
district (see Analysis, Section IX for more information).
b. That the proposed use will be harmonious with the Meridian Comprehensive Plan and
in accord with the requirements of this Title.
Staff finds that the proposed use is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan future
land use map designation of Old Town and the UDC, if the applicant complies with the
conditions in Exhibit B.
c. 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.
Staff finds that if the applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report, the
continued operation of the non-conforming use should be compatible with other uses in the
general neighborhood and with the existing and intended character of the area.
d. That the proposed use, if it complies with all conditions of the approval imposed, will
not adversely affect other property in the vicinity.
Staff finds that if the applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report, the
existing non-conforming use and expansion will not adversely affect other property in the
area. The Commission should weigh any public testimony provided to determine if the
development will adversely affect the other property in the vicinity.
e. 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.
Staff finds that sanitary sewer, domestic water, refuse disposal, and irrigation are currently
provided to the subject property. Please refer to any comments prepared by the Meridian Fire
Department, Police Department, Parks Department, Sanitary Services Corporation and
ACHD in Exhibit B. Based on comments from other agencies and departments, Staff finds
that the proposed use will be served adequately by all of the public facilities and services
listed above.
Meridian Meats – H-2017-0052 12
f. 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.
If approved, the applicant will be financing any improvements required for development.
Staff finds there will not be excessive additional requirements at public cost and that the
proposed use will not be detrimental to the community’s economic welfare.
g. 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.
Staff finds that if the applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report, the
existing non-conforming use and expansion should not be detrimental to the general welfare
of the public. Staff does not anticipate the existing non-conforming use will create excessive
noise, smoke, fumes, glare, or odors.
h. 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.
Staff finds that there should not be any health, safety or environmental problems associated
with the existing non-conforming use and expansion that should be brought to the
Commission’s attention. Staff finds that the proposed use will not result in the destruction,
loss or damage of any natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance.
i. That the proposed nonconforming use does not encourage or set a precedent for
additional nonconforming uses within the area; and
Staff finds the business has existed in its current location from quite some time. The proposed
addition represents a 7% expansion. Staff finds the expansion will not set a precedent for the
area.
j. That the proposed nonconforming use is developed to a similar or greater level of
conformity with the development standards as set forth in this title as compared to the
level of development of the surrounding properties.
Staff finds that if the applicant complies with the conditions outlined in this report, the
existing non-conforming use and expansion will be is developed to a similar or greater level
of conformity with the development standards as set forth in this title as compared to the level
of development of the surrounding properties.