2018-05-03Meridian Planning and Zoning Meeting May 3, 2018.
Meeting of the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission of 2018, was called to order
at 6: 00 p.m. by Chairman Rhonda McCarvel.
Members Present: Chairman Rhonda McCarvel, Commissioner Steven Yearsley,
Commissioner Jessica Perreault, Commissioner Cassinelli and Commissioner Lisa
Holland.
Members Absent: Commissioner Gregory Wilson and Commissioner Ryan Fitzgerald.
Others Present: Chris Johnson, Andrea Pogue, Sonya Allen, and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll-call Attendance
__X____ Lisa Holland ___X___ Steven Yearsley
______ Gregory Wilson _______ Ryan Fitzgerald
__X___ Jessica Perreault ___X___ Bill Cassinelli
___X___ Rhonda McCarvel-Chairman
McCarvel: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. At this time I would like to call to order
the regularly scheduled meeting of the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission on
May 3rd, 2018. Let's begin with roll call.
Item 2: Adoption of Agenda
McCarvel: Okay. Thank you. The first item on the agenda is the adoption of the
agenda. Could I get -- we have one item that will be opened only to be continued and
that item is 4-A, Paramount Self Storage, and so we will not be hearing any testimony
on that this evening. So, could I get a motion to adopt the agenda as amended?
Holland: So moved.
Perreault: Second.
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to adopt the agenda. All those in favor
say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. THREE ABSENT.
Item 3: Consent Agenda
A. Approve Minutes of the April 19, 2018 Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting
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May 3, 2018
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McCarvel: The next item on the agenda is the Consent Agenda and we have one item
on the Consent Agenda, the approval of the minutes for the April 19th Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting. Could I get a motion to accept the Consent Agenda?
Holland: So moved.
Perreault: Second.
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to adopt the Consent Agenda. All those in
favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. THREE ABSENT.
McCarvel: So, at this time I would like to briefly explain the public hearing process for
this evening. We will open each item individually -- and I'm going to stop just
momentarily and will knowledge on the record that Commissioner Cassinelli is present.
So, we will open each item individually and, then, start with the staff report. The staff
will report their findings regarding how the item adheres to our Comprehensive Plan and
Uniform Development Code, with the staff's recommendations. After the staff has made
their presentation the applicant will come forward to present their case for the approval
of their application and respond to any staff comments. The applicant will have 15
minutes to do so. After the applicant has finished we will open to public testimony.
There is a sign-up sheet in the back as you enter for anyone wishing to testify. Any
person testifying will come forward and be allowed three minutes. If they are speaking
for a larger group, like an HOA, and there is a show of hands to represent that group,
they will be given up to ten minutes. After all testimony has been heard, the applicant
will be given another ten minutes to have the opportunity to come back and respond if
they desire. After that we will close the public hearing and the Commissioners will take
the opportunity to discuss and, hopefully, be able to make a recommendation to City
Council.
Item 4: Action Items.
A. Public Hearing for Paramount Self Storage (H-2018-0033) by
Brighton Corporation, Inc. Located on the North Side of E.
Archerfield St. and West of N. Meridian Rd.
1. Request: A Conditional Use Permit for a Self-Storage
Facility on 3.56 Acres of Land in a C-G Zoning District
McCarvel: So, at this time I would like to open the public hearing for Item 4-A, public --
Paramount Self Storage, H-2018-0033. This item has been requested for a
continuance to May 7th because of signage -- improper signage.
Perreault: What date was that?
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May 3, 2018
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McCarvel: May 17th. And I think we have a draft of May 17th's agenda. So, if there is
no discussion, could I get a motion to continue H-2018-0033?
Perreault: So moved.
Cassinelli: Second.
McCarvel: Okay. It has been moved and seconded to continue H-2018-0033 to May
17th. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. TWO ABSENT.
B. Public Hearing for Calvary Chapel (H-2018-0031) by Calvary
Chapel Meridian, Located at 3600 W. Nelis Ave.
1. Request: A Conditional Use Permit for a Church on 8.36
Acres of Land in the I-L Zoning District
McCarvel: So, we will move on to open the public hearing for H-2018-0031, Calvary
Chapel, and we will begin with the staff report.
Allen: Thank you, Madam Chair. The first application before you tonight is a request for
a conditional use permit -- and let me get on the right slide here. This site consists of
8.36 acres of land. It's zoned I-L, light industrial, located at 3600 West Nelis Avenue.
Adjacent land use and zoning. To the north is the city's wastewater treatment plant,
zoned I-L. To the west is vacant land owned by the city for a future water reservoir,
zoned C-N and agricultural land zoned RUT in Ada county. To the south is vacant,
undeveloped land, zoned C-G. And to the east is also vacant, undeveloped land, zoned
I-L. This property was annexed back in 2004 and included in the subdivision plat for
McNelis Subdivision. The Comprehensive Plan future land use map designation is
mixed use, nonresidential. The applicant is requesting approval of a conditional use
permit for a church in the I-L zoning district. The site plan submitted depicts a 28,000
square foot church, with access via a local street within the subdivision. Parking, drive
aisles, a large grassy area with a walking path, provided -- providing a connection from
Nelis Avenue to the pathway along the west and north property boundaries and a future
parking area. Several conceptual building elevations were submitted with this
application as shown that demonstrate what the future building may look like. The
structure is proposed to be two stories in height to allow for a high ceiling height in the
main worship area with offices, meeting rooms, et cetera, above. Building materials are
proposed to consist of a mix of materials, including glass, stucco, metal panels and
stone-type materials on the front facade, with the goal of using common materials in
uncommon ways. For example, texture, pattern, orientation to provide visual interest.
The future structure is required to comply with the design standards listed in the UDC
and the Architectural Standards Manual. Staff is recommending the commercial
standards, rather than industrial apply to the proposed structure due to the type of use
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May 3, 2018
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proposed and the commercial properties and uses to the south and the east. Written
testimony has been received from Ed Mechtel, the applicant. He is requesting the
project be held to the industrial design standards, rather than the commercial design
standards as recommended by staff. Staff is recommending approval of the subject
conditional use permit and stands for any questions.
McCarvel: Okay. Any questions for staff?
Perreault: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Perreault.
Perreault: Could you give us -- or give -- well, give all of us an idea of some examples
of the differences between the commercial and industrial standards?
Allen: Chairman, Commissioner Perreault, yes. A lot of times the industrial standards
allow for more of the big box warehouse type uses that are typical in industrial areas. A
lot of times industrial buildings will have more metal materials used. They won't have as
much articulation, modulation, varying roof heights, that kind of thing. The elevations
that are shown before you I -- I don't see any obvious issues with meeting the
commercial standards. I think the applicant was just a little concerned that it might end
up possibly costing more money. I don't really want to speak for the applicant, but he
can address his reasons for -- for that request.
Perreault: Thank you.
McCarvel: Any other questions? I see our applicant has come forward. And, please,
state your name and address for the record.
Mechtel: My name is Ed Mechtel. I represent Calvary Chapel in Meridian. The
address is 1550 South Tech Lane, Meridian, Idaho. 83642.
McCarvel: Okay.
Mechtel: And I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to represent our church here this
evening and I'm going to speak only to our industrial standard and commercial
standards concerns. I am grateful that the project has been recommended for approval
and grateful for the help we have received from the staff here. They have been very
supportive. So, I sent the staff this particular return and I have five reasons on here that
we are asking to stay in industrial zoning. One is that the lot in particular question is
industrial zoned at this time and was moved to that particular zoning in 2012 when there
was an amendment to the development agreement with the City of Meridian and the
owner. So, the whole pretense I believe was a mixed zoning development to begin with
and so as you can see you -- and just as staff has reported, the sewer treatment plant
borders us to the north and additional industrial zoning properties border us to the east
and northeast. There is commercial zoning properties directly east and across Nelis
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May 3, 2018
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Avenue to this particular parcel. Due to the position of the building on the lot we have
been asked to create an enlarged zone of landscaping to kind of conceal the parking
and make the project look nicer and given that request we feel like the building won't
very well be seen much at all from the public or from the street and think that we would
like to have a little bit more flexibility in the industrial zoning standards. The particular
project right now is -- is the cost of about 5.5 million dollars and we would like to
minimize any budgetary impact over and above that in the project and while I can't really
say that that's exactly what would happen, we would like the freedom to be able to, you
know, be cost-effective. As you can see by the elevations submitted we are not trying
to create a box-type of building. We want it to be very appealing and we want it to be,
you know, an enhancement to the subdivision. Although the lots southeast and south
are zoned commercial, the overall project, both building and landscaping, will be an
enhancement to the subdivision and the future development opportunities there and it's
our intention to create a very nice building. We are not looking for a square box. We
want it to be appealing and we want it to be something that the City of Meridian and the
citizens that come to our church and those that will be coming to our church would really
enjoy and be beneficial. I would also like to cite -- in the beginning of the standards
manual -- it's actually on page A-4, there is two things here that are mentioned and --
that you can -- design standards exception is what it says in this heading. In the second
bullet down there it says does strict adherence to the standards create inconsistency in
the design objective of the proposed development and we just kind of feel like the mixed
use and mixed zoning in the development was attractive to us to begin with and that we
really feel like it would just not be detrimental to appearance or the development of the
property to remain in the I-L zone and to be able to stick to the industrial standards in
the design manual. That's all I have got.
McCarvel: Thank you. Are there any questions for the applicant? Okay. I do not have
anybody signed up on the sheet that indicates that they would wish to testify, but is
there anyone in the room that wishes to testify on this application? Okay. Last chance
at any questions for the applicant. Okay. So, at this time could I get a motion to close
the public hearing for Item H-2018-0031?
Cassinelli: So moved.
Holland: Second.
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing for Item
H-2018-0031. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. TWO ABSENT.
McCarvel: I personally think it's a great use of the property. I'm glad to see it. I -- I
would be somewhat in support of the staff of having that -- I mean just because they
have already presented such beautiful facades, I think they are already in that
commercial -- I mean at least at the front of the building, because the back of the
building, obviously, isn't going to be seen by anybody but the storage lot on the other
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May 3, 2018
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side. But that entryway I think is beautiful, so I don't know what exactly -- how the rest
of the Commission feels about putting some teeth into that and making that just -- since
it is a transit -- it is a transitional lot between other commercial and the industrial next to
it, with -- out in front of it is a commercial subdivision, which I think they have presented
a beautiful -- beautiful façade options.
Yearsley: So, are you thinking we should hold to the standard of the commercial or
allow him the industrial?
McCarvel: Is it possible to have commercial on the front of the building and allow them
to do what they want on the back? Allow more flexibility -- allow that commercial -- or
industrial look to the back of the building?
Allen: Yes, Madam Chair. That -- design standards really aren't applicable when the
building or part of the building isn't viewable from the public street or a public space. If
you would like to specifically, you know, state that the commercial standard should
apply to the front, though, that's -- that's perfectly fine.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: I -- to me it seems fine to -- to go with industrial. I don't -- I think their plan --
their intent is to not have, you know, four-sided, tilt-up concrete walls and want to make
it attractive. They want to -- you know, they want to have some -- some beauty there.
It's tucked back in behind other commercial and like was brought up, it backs up to the
wastewater treatment plant and a storage unit. So, where it's located I think -- I think
the industrial -- I like what I have seen and to keep it in the industrial design standards I
think it will -- I think it will look good and it will fit in well.
McCarvel: Yeah.
Holland: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I tend to agree. I don't see that their -- the way that they have presented it I
don't see a concern whether it's industrial versus commercial. I think the project seems
like a pretty good fit and it's tucked away from the street, so it's not going to be a -- a
major frontage issue by any means. I guess I'm okay with it either way as well.
McCarvel: Yeah. It just seems like the -- you know, if it -- if they have maybe some
verbiage that it's similar to the example shown or something. But it -- you know, it's
industrial zoning, so I think --
Yearsley: Madam Chair?
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May 3, 2018
Page 7 of 11
McCarvel: Commissioner -- okay.
Yearsley: I think I would have a tendency to lean to allow them the industrial use.
Interestingly enough, there is a church on Meridian Road south of the interstate that's
actually a tilt-up -- concrete tilt-up wall building. It actually looks very nice. I mean it's
right there against Meridian Road and they have actually done a very good job making
that look really good. So, I think there is ways that they have the flexibility to make it
look good and actually try to keep their costs down as well. So, given where it's at and
the fact that it will be set back quite a ways -- and I do think that they will try to make the
entrance feature more attractive to -- for their patrons, so I would be in favor of allowing
them their industrial.
McCarvel: Okay.
Perreault: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Perreault.
Perreault: I agree with my fellow Commissioners. So, long as it's similar and like in
kind to these renderings I think it will -- it will be great and it is far enough off -- off of
Ustick that I wouldn't have concerns about it.
Holland: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I will attempt to make a motion.
McCarvel: Okay.
Holland: After considering all staff, applicant, and public testimony, I move to approve
file number H-2018-0031, as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of May
3rd, 2018, with the following modification: That the staff recommendation for
commercial standards be struck and the -- the application could look at industrial
standards with a note that they would be similar to the presentation that we received
today at the Council meeting.
McCarvel: Okay.
Cassinelli: Second.
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to approve H-2018-0031 with
modifications. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Congratulations.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
May 3, 2018
Page 8 of 11
C. Public Hearing for Zimmerman Auto Body (H-2018-0029) by
Brian Zimmerman located at 1775 W. Pine Ave.
1. Request: Annexation and Zoning of a total of 1.12 Acres of
Land with the I-L (0.72 Acres) and R-8 (0.42 Acres) Zoning
Districts
McCarvel: Okay. So, we will move on and open H-2018-0029, Zimmerman Auto Body,
and we will begin with the staff report.
Allen: Madam Chair, Commissioners, the next application before you is a request for
annexation and zoning. The site consist of 1.13 acres of land. It's zoned R-1 in Ada
county and located at 1775 West Pine Avenue. The Comprehensive plan future land
use map designation is medium density residential as shown on the future land use
map on the left there. The abutting property to the south is designated General
Industrial. Because the future land use map is a vision for a built-out Meridian and
contains a variety of very diverse land uses and it's not necessarily parcel specific, staff
is recommending the General Industrial designation on the abutting property to the
south is floated to the .72 of an acre portion of the site proposed to be rezoned to I-L.
The applicant is proposing to annex three parcels of land totaling 1.3 acres with R-8,
which is .42 of an acre, and I-L, which is .72 of an acre, zoning districts consistent with
the future land use map designations of medium density residential and the floated
General Industrial. There is an existing home and accessory structure used as an auto
body shop on the property as shown on the site plan. The applicant's narrative states
he's lived in the home and operated the auto body shop since 1999. The shop operates
approximately three to four days a week and all power tools are used inside the shop,
so as not to disturb the adjacent neighbors. Vehicles serviced by the shop are
immediately moved behind the fence and are kept there until the repair work is
completed and the owner picks up the vehicle. In 2000 the subject property was
hooked up to city water and sewer service, but was never annexed. The reason the
applicant is requesting annexation into the city at this time is because of violations in
Ada county related to not being approved to operate the auto body shop at his
residence in the R-1 zoning district. Because the current parcel configuration does not
allow the home to comply with the minimum rear setback standards in the R-8 district,
staff is recommending the applicant submit and obtain approval of a property boundary
adjustment application to enlarge the residential parcel proposed to be zoned R-8, so
that the setback can be accommodated, and combine the narrow parcel along the west
boundary of the site with the larger parcel proposed to be zone I-L. The proposed
zoning boundary is consistent with the future parcel lines. Because letters have been
submitted from adjacent homeowners, which are indicated by all the red dots on the
map on the right there, they are in agreement with the proposed annexation and
continued use of the property as is. Staff is not recommending compliance with any
current development standards. However, if redevelopment occurs in the future, the
development standards in effect at that time will apply, including, but not limited to,
provision of cross-access to adjacent properties to the east and the land used buffers to
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May 3, 2018
Page 9 of 11
residential uses and districts. Staff is recommending approval of the proposed
annexation and zoning, with a development agreement that restricts the use of the
property to the existing uses and requires a modification to the agreement for any
expansion of the existing use or change in use to another industrial use. Written letters
of testimony from adjacent property owners, as I mentioned, are included in the
application. Staff will stand for any questions.
McCarvel: Any questions for staff? Would the applicant like to come forward. Would
you, please, state your name and address for the record.
Madsen: Sure, Commissioners. My name is Kylie Madsen. I represent the
Zimmermans regarding this matter. I don't have too much to add.
McCarvel: We need your address.
Madsen: Oh, I'm sorry.
Zimmerman: 1775 West Pine.
McCarvel: Into the microphone. He's got to --
Zimmerman: 1775 West Pine and there is 1785 West Pine.
McCarvel: Okay. Thank you.
Madsen: I don't have too much to add to Sonya's presentation, although I will mention
that the applicant is an agreement with the recommendations by the city, including they
would agree to sign the development agreement to that -- when that is available and
ready when that time comes and as you mentioned before the Zimmermans have
sought and obtained the approval of this proposal from pretty much all of their neighbors
and save one that you can see on that map that is being rented currently. So, we would
love to entertain questions if there is any for us.
McCarvel: Any questions for the applicant? All right.
Zimmerman: Thank you.
McCarvel: Thank you very much. Okay. We would normally take public testimony at
this time, but there is nobody that has indicated that they wish to testify, but is there
anybody in the room that would like to do so at this time? Okay. Again one more stab
at questions for the applicant. All right. Then could I get a motion to close the public
hearing for H-2018-0029?
Perreault: So moved.
Holland: Second.
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May 3, 2018
Page 10 of 11
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing on H-2018-
0029. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Yearsley: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Yearsley.
Yearsley: It's been so long since I have been here you forgot who I am. You know, I
think the staff has done a very good job identifying issues and making appropriate
recommendations, especially with cleaning up the lot lines and making sure that the
zoning fits the use. So, with that I -- I don't see, you know, where they reached out to
their neighbors and no one's really come out and said we don't like this and they have
been in business for so long, I don't see an issue with approving this application.
McCarvel: Yeah. I agree. I think it's a testament to, obviously, the way he handles his
business that he's got so much support surrounding him and especially since he's --
they are there already hooked up with city sewer and water, I think it's appropriate that it
be annexed and if we can take care of a couple minor issues with some property
adjustment and cleaning it all up, I think it's a great addition to the City of Meridian.
Perreault: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Perreault.
Perreault: I agree with the staff's recommendation regarding the DA and I think that's a
wise choice for -- just to make sure that his use is protected in the future use and as
long as the applicant is compliant -- willing to be compliant with that I don't see any
concerns.
Cassinelli: It sounds like everybody is happy.
Holland: Sounds good.
McCarvel: Then would somebody like to make a motion?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair? After considering all staff, applicant, and public testimony, I
move to recommend approval to the City Council of file number H-2018-0029 as
presented in the staff report for the hearing date of May 3rd, 2018, with the modification
to have the signed approval of a DA.
Holland: Second.
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May 3, 2018
Page 11 of 11
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to approve H-2018-0029. All those in
favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Congratulations. Welcome to the City of
Meridian.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. TWO ABSENT.
McCarvel: Who would like the honors?
Yearsley: Madam Chair?
McCarvel: Commissioner Yearsley.
Yearsley: I move that we adjourn.
Holland: Second.
McCarvel: It has been moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting for May 3rd. All
those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:32 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS.)
APPROVED
_____________________________________ _____|_____|_____
RHONDA McCARVEL-CHAIRMAN DATE APPROVED
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
C. JAY COLES-CITY CLERK