PZ - Staff ReportFire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 1
STAFF REPORT Hearing Date: April 5, 2018
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Josh Beach, Associate City Planner
208-884-5533
Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager
208-887-2211
SUBJECT: Fire Station No. 6 – AZ (H-2018-0016)
I. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT’S REQUEST
The applicant, City of Meridian, has submitted an application for annexation and zoning (AZ) of 1.99
acres of land with an R-8 zoning district.
II. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the proposed AZ application with the agency comments listed in
Exhibit B per the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in Exhibit D.
III. PROPOSED MOTION
Approval
After considering all staff, applicant and public testimony, I move to recommend approval to the City
Council of File Number H-2018-0016, as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of April 5,
2018, with the following modifications: (Add any proposed modifications).
Denial
After considering all staff, applicant and public testimony, I move to recommend denial to the City
Council of File Number H-2018-0016, as presented during the hearing on April 5, 2018, for the
following reasons: (You should state specific reasons for denial)
Continuance
I move to continue File Number H-2018-0016 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:
The site is located at 1435 W. Overland Road, in the NW ¼ of Section 24, Township 3 North,
Range 1 West. (Parcel No.: S1224223380)
B. Owner:
Meridian Rural Fire Protection District
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, ID 83642
C. Applicant:
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway
Meridian, ID 83642
Fire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 2
D. Representative:
Pivot North Architecture
1101 W. Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702
E. Applicant's Statement/Justification: Please see applicant’s narrative for this information.
V. PROCESS FACTS
A. The subject application is for annexation and zoning. A public hearing is required before the
Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council on this matter, consistent with Meridian City
Code Title 11, Chapter 5.
B. Newspaper notifications published on: March 16, 2018
C. Radius notices mailed to properties within 300 feet on: March 9, 2018
D. Applicant posted notice on site(s) on: March 12, 2018
VI. LAND USE
A. Existing Land Use(s) and Zoning: The site is currently undeveloped and zoned RUT in Ada
County.
B. Character of Surrounding Area and Adjacent Land Use and Zoning:
1. North: W. Overland Road and Camper World, zoned I-L
2. East: single family residence and Boise Party Barn, zoned R-8
3. South: Recently approved Star Point Apartments (a.k.a Linder Road Apatments), zoned R-15
4. West: Vacant/undeveloped property, zoned RUT in Ada County
C. History of Previous Actions: None
D. Utilities:
1. Location of sewer: A sanitary sewer service stub intended to provide service to the proposed
parcel currently exists on the subject site.
2. Location of water: A water service stub intended to provide service to the proposed parcel
currently exist on the subject site.
3. Issues or concerns: None.
E. Physical Features:
1. Canals/Ditches Irrigation: There are no waterways that cross this site.
2. Hazards: Staff is unaware of any hazards that exist on this site.
3. Flood Plain: This site does not lie within the Meridian Floodplain Overlay District.
VII. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND GOALS
The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designates this site as Medium Density
Residential (MDR). MDR designated areas allow smaller lots for residential purposes within City
limits. Uses may include single-family homes at gross densities of 3 to 8 dwelling units per acre
(d.u./acre). While single-family residential uses are typical in the R-8 zoning district, this zoning does
allow for public or quasi-public uses with approval of a Conditional Use Permit. While this specific
Fire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 3
application only applies to annexation of the subject property at this time, the applicant will be
required to obtain approval of a Conditional Use Permit and subsequent Certificate of Zoning
Compliance and Administrative Design Review prior to establishing the fire station use on the
property.
The applicant proposes to develop the 1.99 acre site with an approximately 12,000 square foot fire
station with associated site improvements.
Staff finds the following Comprehensive Plan policies to be applicable to this property and apply to
the proposed use (staff analysis in italics):
“Continuously provide essential services and utilities to all residents.”
(3.01.01H)
The proposed fire station will provide essential fire services to the south side of I-84. With the
growth of the city on the south side of the freeway, another fire station is necessary to keep up
with this growth.
“Permit new development only where urban services can be reasonably provided at the time
of final approval and development is contiguous to the City.” (3.01.01F)
City services are available and will be extended by the developer to the proposed lots upon
development of the site in accord with UDC 11-3A-21.
“Implement the City’s Pathways Master Plan.” (5.03.01A)
A segment of the City’s multi-use pathway system is designated on the Master Pathways Plan
on this site along the south side of W. Overland Road. This segment of the pathway must be
10 feet wide and will be required to be paved in accord with UDC 11-3A-8 and landscaped in
accord with UDC 11-3B-12.
“Reduce the number of existing access points onto arterial streets by using methods such as
cross access agreements, access management and frontage/backage roads.” (3.03.02N)
The submitted concept plan depicts two (2) accesses to W. overland Road. Typically, staff
would require cross-access to adjacent parcels. Due to the potential issue this requirement
could have with the operational characteristics of a fire station, City staff is of the opinion
that cross-access may not be along the west boundary of this site. However, staff believes the
Rural Fire District should coordinate with the property owner of the adjacent eastern
property to share an access so the proposed eastern most access aligns with the access
constructed with Camping World on the north side of W. Overland Road.
“Coordinate with public works, police, and fire departments on proposed annexation and
development requests, and the impacts on services.” (3.04.01H)
Staff has coordinated with public works, police and fire and has incorporated their comments
and conditions in this report.
“Require all commercial and industrial businesses to install and maintain landscaping.”
(2.01003B)
A fire station is similar to a commercial business in that property landscaping will be
required on the site, including a 25 foot landscape buffer along W. Overland Road. Internal
parking lot landscaping will be required with future development of the property.
“Require neighborhood and community commercial areas to create a site design compatible
with surrounding uses (e.g., landscaping, fencing, etc.).” (3.05.02A)
Fire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 4
Even though the fire station will be located on a parcel that is zoned R-8, it will operate much
like a commercial business and could even be more impactful on the surrounding residences
than a commercial business due to the 24 hour operational characteristics. The UDC does
not require a landscape buffer to any abutting residential uses because this property is zoned
R-8. However staff feels that there should be at least a 12 foot landscape buffer against the
recently approved Linder Road Apartments as depicted on the submitted concept plan.
For the above stated reasons, staff finds the proposed project is generally consistent with the goals
and objectives in the Comprehensive Plan.
VIII. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)
A. Purpose Statement of Zone: Per UDC 11-2A-1, the purpose of the residential districts is to
provide for a range of housing opportunities consistent with the Meridian Comprehensive Plan.
Residential districts are distinguished by the dimensional standards of the corresponding zone and
housing types that can be accommodated. Residential land uses are also allowed within the O-T,
TN-C, and TN-R Districts as set forth in article D of this chapter.
B. Schedule of Use: Unified Development Code (UDC) Table 11-2A-2 lists the principal permitted
(P), accessory (A), conditional (C), and prohibited (-) uses in the R-8 zoning district. Any use not
explicitly listed, or listed as a prohibited use is prohibited. Public or quasi-public uses such as fire
stations are a conditional use in the R-8 zoning district.
C. Dimensional Standards: Development of the site should be consistent with the dimensional
standards listed in UDC Tables 11-2A-6 for the R-8 zoning district.
D. Landscaping: Street buffer landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the standards listed
in UDC Table 11-2A-6 for the R-8 zoning district.
E. Off-Street Parking: Off-street parking is required in accord with UDC Table 11-3C-6B for
commercial uses.
F. Structure and Site Design Standards: The proposed multi-family development must comply with
the design standards in accord with UDC 11-3A-19 and the Architectural Standards Manual.
IX. ANALYSIS
A. Analysis of Facts Leading to Staff Recommendation:
1. Annexation & Zoning
The applicant has applied for annexation and zoning of 1.99 acres of land with an R-8 zoning
district. As discussed above in Section VII, the proposed zoning is consistent with the policies in
the Comprehensive Plan and the FLUM designation of Medium Density Residential.
The applicant proposes to develop a new City of Meridian Fire Station on the property which
includes an apparatus bay, housing areas for staff and offices. (see the concept plan included in
Exhibit A.2).
The legal description submitted with the application, included in Exhibit C, shows the boundaries
of the property proposed to be annexed and zoned. The property is contiguous to land that has
been annexed into the City and is within the Area of City Impact boundary.
Once the property is annexed, the applicant intends to apply for a conditional use permit,
certificate of zoning compliance and administrative design review for the property to establish the
fire station use on the property.
Fire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 5
Site Plan: The applicant has provided a concept plan indicating the access point, circulation,
parking and building footprint of the property. With the Conditional Use Permit application, the
applicant will need to submit a site and landscape plan that meets the applicable UDC sections as
outlined below.
Specific Use Standards: UDC 11-4-3-30 applies to the property in the following ways:
A. Public recreation and community centers: The use shall meet the standards in accord with
section 11-4-3-2, "Arts, Entertainment Or Recreation Facility, Indoors And Outdoors", of this
chapter.
This condition is not applicable to this development.
B. Public or quasi-public office: The use shall meet the standards for office use in accord with the
district in which the use is located. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
This condition is not applicable to this development.
Landscaping: A 25 foot landscape buffer is required along W. Overland Road in accord with
UDC 11-3B-7. Internal parking lot landscaping shall be in accordance with UDC 11-3B-8.
Although not required, the applicant shall install a 12 foot landscape buffer along the southern
boundary of the site against the recently approved Linder Road Apartments.
Access/Connectivity: The applicant shows to vehicular access points to Overland Road. Staff is
of the opinion that the applicant should relocate the eastern vehicular access to both line up with
the drive access from Camper World, and to share an access with the parcel to the east. Once the
property to the east develops, further, that parcel will likely be required to eliminate their existing
access and share.
Additionally, the City Council will need to grant permission to have direct access to W. Overland
Road.
Dimensional Standards: The R-8 zoning requested by the applicant requires a minimum lot size
of 4,000 square specific lot sizes. The applicant is advised to review section 11-2A-6 of the UDC
and to ensure that any proposed development conforms to this section. Future development of this
site should comply with the dimensional standards set forth in UDC 11-2A-6.
Parking: The conceptual site plan indicates that there will be a total of 18 parking stalls on the
property. UDC 11-3C-6 requires one space for every 500 square feet of gross floor area. The
applicant shall comply with this section of code or receive alternative compliance approval to
reduce the number of parking spaces.
The applicant is also required to provide one (1) bicycle parking stall for every 25 proposed
parking stalls. The submitted site plan does not show these items. The applicant will also need to
meet any requirements for ADA stalls as dictated by the International Building Code. Bike
parking on the site must comply with the standards set forth in UDC 11-3C-5C and 11-3C-6G.
Building Elevations: Architectural elevations were not submitted for this application. Staff will
review the architecture with the Conditional Use Permit. The applicant however, is required to
comply with the design review standards set forth in UDC 11 -3A-19 and the guidelines contained
in the Architectural Standards Manual.
In summary, Staff recommends approval of the proposed annexation and zoning request for this
site per the agency comments listed in Exhibit B of this report in accord with the findings
contained in Exhibit D.
Fire Station No. 6 – AZ H-2018-0016 PAGE 6
X. EXHIBITS
A. Drawings
1. Vicinity/Zoning Map
2. Proposed Conceptual Site Plan
3. Proposed Conceptual Floor Plan
B. Agency & Department Comments
C. Legal Description & Exhibit Map for Annexation Boundary
D. Required Findings from Unified Development Code
Exhibit A Page 1
EXHIBIT A: DRAWINGS
1. Vicinity/Zoning Map
Exhibit A Page 2
2. Proposed Conceptual Site Plan
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3. Proposed Conceptual Floor Plan
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EXHIBIT B - AGENCY & DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
1. PLANNING DIVISION
1.1.1 The applicant shall submit and obtain approval of a conditional use permit to establish the
Public/Quasi Public use and comply with the specific use standards in UDC 11-4-3-30.Future
development of this site shall be generally consistent with the conceptual site plan and depicted in
Exhibit A and the conditions noted in the staff report.
1.1.2 The applicant shall comply with the landscape ordinance in accord with UDC 11-3B- 7 and 11-
3B-8.
1.1.3 The applicant shall install a 12 foot landscape buffer against the recently approved Linder Road
Apartments. The buffer shall meet the requirements of UDC 11-3B-9.
1.1.4 Future development of this site is required to comply with the design standards listed in UDC 11-
3A-19 and the Architectural Standards Manual.
1.1.5 The applicant shall submit and obtain approval of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and Design
Review application prior to submittal of a building permit application(s).
1.1.6 The applicant shall relocate the eastern vehicular access to both line up with the drive access from
Camper World, and to share an access with the parcel to the east.
1.1.7 Access to site shall comply with UDC 11-3A-3 unless waived by City Council.
2. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2.1 The Public Works Department has no comment on this application.
3. POLICE DEPARTMENT
2.1 The Police Department has no comment on this application.
3. FIRE DEPARTMENT
3.1 The Fire Department has no comments on this application.
4. REPUBLIC SERVICES
4.1 Republic Services has no comments on this application.
5. PARKS DEPARTMENT
5.1 The Park’s Department has no comments on this application.
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6. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT
6.1 Site Specific Conditions of Approval
6.1.1 Repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities, including curb, gutter and sidewalk on
Overland Road abutting the site.
6.1.2 Install standard warning signs, flashers and signals for the fire station on Overland Road. All
costs associated with these improvements shall be borne by the applicant. The applicant shall
submit plans to ACHD for review and approval.
6.1.3 Construct a 51-foot wide curb return type driveway from the site onto Overland Road located
393-feet east of Linder Road.
6.1.4 Construct a 25-foot wide curb return type driveway from the site onto Overland Road located
503-feet east of Linder Road.
6.1.5 Close the existing 26-foot wide driveway from the site onto Overland Road located
approximately 451-feet east of Linder Road with vertical curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide sidewalk.
6.1.6 Direct access is prohibited to Overland Road other than the access specifically approved with this
application.
6.1.7 Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
6.1.8 Comply with all Standard Conditions of Approval.
6.2 Standard Conditions of Approval
6.2.1 All proposed irrigation facilities shall be located outside of the ACHD right-of-way (including all
easements). Any existing irrigation facilities shall be relocated outside of the ACHD right-of-way
(including all easements).
6.2.2 Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the
ACHD right-of-way.
6.2.3 In accordance with District policy, 7203.3, the applicant may be required to update any existing
non-compliant pedestrian improvements abutting the site to meet current Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The applicant’s engineer should provide documentation of
ADA compliance to District Development Review staff for review.
6.2.4 Replace any existing damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk and any that may be damaged during the
construction of the proposed development. Contact Construction Services at 387-6280 (with file
number) for details.
6.2.5 A license agreement and compliance with the District’s Tree Planter policy is required for all
landscaping proposed within ACHD right-of-way or easement areas.
6.2.6 All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be
borne by the developer.
6.2.7 It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify all existing utilities within the right-of-way. The
applicant at no cost to ACHD shall repair existing utilities damaged by the applicant. The
applicant shall be required to call DIGLINE (1-811-342-1585) at least two full business days
prior to breaking ground within ACHD right-of-way. The applicant shall contact ACHD Traffic
Operations 387-6190 in the event any ACHD conduits (spare or filled) are compromised during
any phase of construction.
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6.2.8 Utility street cuts in pavement less than five years old are not allowed unless approved in writing
by the District. Contact the District’s Utility Coordinator at 387-6258 (with file numbers) for
details.
6.2.9 All design and construction shall be in accordance with the ACHD Policy Manual, ISPWC
Standards and approved supplements, Construction Services procedures and all applicable ACHD
Standards unless specifically waived herein. An engineer registered in the State of Idaho shall
prepare and certify all improvement plans.
6.2.10 Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
6.2.11 No change in the terms and conditions of this approval shall be valid unless they are in writing
and signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized representative and an authorized
representative of ACHD. The burden shall be upon the applicant to obtain written confirmation of
any change from ACHD.
6.2.12 If the site plan or use should change in the future, ACHD Planning Review will review the site
plan and may require additional improvements to the transportation system at that time. Any
change in the planned use of the property which is the subject of this application, shall require the
applicant to comply with ACHD Policy and Standard Conditions of Approval in place at that time
unless a waiver/variance of the requirements or other legal relief is granted by the ACHD
Commission.
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EXHIBIT C: LEGAL DESCRIPTION & EXHIBIT MAP FOR ANNEXATION BOUNDARY
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D. Required Findings from Unified Development Code
1. Annexation Findings:
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 an annexation, the
Council shall make the following findings:
a. The map amendment complies with the applicable provisions of the Comprehensive
Plan;
The map amendment to R-8 is consistent with the MDR FLUM designation. The proposed
fire station use will complement adjoining residential uses and provide a needed fire station
on the south side of the freeway.
b. The map amendment complies with the regulations outlined for the proposed district,
specifically the purpose statement;
Staff finds that the proposed map amendment to the R-8 zoning district is consistent with the
purpose statement for the commercial districts as detailed in Section VIII above.
c. The map amendment shall not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
and welfare;
Staff finds that the proposed zoning map amendment will not be detrimental to the public
health, safety, or welfare. City utilities will be extended at the expense of the applicant. Staf f
recommends that the Commission and Council consider any oral or written testimony that
may be provided when determining this finding.
d. The map amendment shall not result in an adverse impact upon the delivery of services
by any political subdivision providing public services within the City including, but not
limited to, school districts; and,
Staff finds that the proposed zoning amendment will not result in any adverse impact upon
the delivery of services by any political subdivision providing services to this site.
e. The annexation is in the best of interest of the City (UDC 11-5B-3.E).
Staff finds annexing this property with an R-8 zoning district is in the best interest of the
City.