ACHD Staff Report
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Development Services Department
Project/File: Elevate Storage Units—Ustick Marketplace/ MER18-004/ A-2018-0156
This is a design review and certificate of zoning compliance application for a self-
storage unit facility. The site is located on 2.6 acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 3590 N. Eagle Road
Staff Approval: May 18, 2018
Applicant: Ryan Montoya
Sun Mountain Investments, LLC
2371 Eastdale Drive
Boise, ID 83712
Architect: Ricci Reavis
Babcock Design
800 W. Main Street, Suite 940
Boise, ID 83702
Staff Contact: Dawn Battles
Phone: 387-6218
E-mail: dbattles@achdidaho.org
A. Findings of Fact
1. Description of Application: The applicant is requesting approval of a design review and
certificate of zoning compliance to construct a 52,000 square foot self-storage unit facility. The
site is located on 2.6 acres. The site is zoned C-G, General Retail and Service Commercial
District, and is consistent with the City of Meridian’s Comprehensive plan.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North Multi-Family Residential (Boise) R-3D
South General Retail and Service Commercial District (Meridian) C-G
East Single Family Residential (Boise) R-1C
West General Retail and Service Commercial District (Meridian) C-G
3. Site History: ACHD has not previously reviewed this site for a development application.
4. Adjacent Development: The following developments are pending or underway in the vicinity of
the site:
• Multi-Family Residential, consisting of 70 apartment units, located directly north of the site
was approved by ACHD in October 2017.
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5. Transit: Transit services are not available to serve this site.
6. New Center Lane Miles: The proposed development includes 0.0 centerline miles of new public
road.
7. Impact Fees: There will be an impact fee that is assessed and due prior to issuance of any
building permits. The assessed impact fee will be based on the impact fee ordinance that is in
effect at that time.
8. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
There are no roadways, bridges or intersections in the general vicinity of the project that are in the
District’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Cloverdale is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes from Ustick Road to
McMillan Road in 2019.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Trip Generation: This development is estimated to generate 130 vehicle trips per day; 14 vehicle
trips per hour in the PM peak hour, based on the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip
Generation Manual, 9th edition.
2. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane collector is “D” (425 VPH).
** ACHD does not set level of service thresholds for State Highways.
3. Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT)
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD’s most current traffic counts.
• The average daily traffic count for Eagle Road (SH-55) north of Ustick Road was 48,890 on
March 15, 2016.
• The average daily traffic count for Baldcypress Street west of Records Avenue was 1,114 on
September 14, 2017.
• The average daily traffic count for Records Avenue south of Baldcypress Street was 2,568
on September 13, 2017.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. Baldcypress Street
a. Existing Conditions: Baldcypress Street is improved with 2-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter,
and 5-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 52-feet of right-of-way for Baldcypress
Street (25-feet from centerline).
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak
Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level
of Service
Existing
Plus
Project
**State Highway 55/
Eagle Road 0-feet Principal
Arterial 1,966 N/A N/A
Baldcypress Street 115-feet Collector 60 Better than
“D”
Better than
“D”
Records Avenue 580-feet Collector 175 Better than
“D”
Better than
“D”
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b. Policy:
Collector Street Policy: District policy 7206.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all collector frontages adjacent to the site or internal to the development as required
below, regardless of whether access is taken to all of the adjacent streets.
Master Street Map and Typologies Policy: District policy 7206.5 states that if the collector
street is designated with a typology on the Master Street Map, that typology shall be
considered for the required street improvements. If there is no typology listed in the Master
Street Map, then standard street sections shall serve as the default.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, collector street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Baldcypress is designated in the
MSM as a Commercial Collector with 2-lanes and on-street bike lanes.
Access Policy: District Policy 7205.4.1 states that all access points associated with
development applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section
and Section 7202. Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is
being considered by the lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated
and/or restricted in the future if the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
District Policy 7206.1 states that the primary function of a collector is to intercept traffic from
the local street system and carry that traffic to the nearest arterial. A secondary function is to
service adjacent property. Access will be limited or controlled. Collectors may also be
designated at bicycle and bus routes.
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to
existing streets adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These improvements
are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk construction
or replacement; curb and gutter construction or replacement; replacement of unused
driveways with curb, gutter and sidewalk; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps;
pavement repairs; signs; traffic control devices; and other similar items.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is not proposing any improvements to Baldcypress Street
abutting the site.
The applicant is proposing to construct a gated 20-foot wide emergency access only curb cut
type driveway from the site onto Baldcypress Street, located at the west property line.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Baldcypress Street is fully improved with 2-travel
lanes, vertical curb, and gutter and 5-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. Therefore, no
additional right-of-way or street improvements are required as part of this application.
If required by the Meridian Fire Department, the applicant may construct an emergency
access only from the site onto Baldcypress Street. The emergency access shall be restricted
with a gate or bollards, located outside the right-of-way, and as determined by the Meridian
Fire Department.
Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should correct deficiencies
or replace deteriorated or damaged facilities on Baldcypress Street abutting the site.
2. Records Avenue
a. Existing Conditions: Records Avenue is improved with 2-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter,
and 5-foot wide detached sidewalk abutting the site. There is 70-feet to 58-feet of right-of-way
for Records Avenue (36-feet to 27-feet from centerline).
b. Policy:
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Collector Street Policy: District policy 7206.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all collector frontages adjacent to the site or internal to the development as required
below, regardless of whether access is taken to all of the adjacent streets.
Master Street Map and Typologies Policy: District policy 7206.5 states that if the collector
street is designated with a typology on the Master Street Map, that typology shall be
considered for the required street improvements. If there is no typology listed in the Master
Street Map, then standard street sections shall serve as the default.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, collector street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Records Avenue is designated in
the MSM as a Commercial Collector with 2-lanes and on-street bike lanes.
Access Policy: District Policy 7205.4.1 states that all access points associated with
development applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section
and Section 7202. Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is
being considered by the lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated
and/or restricted in the future if the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
District Policy 7206.1 states that the primary function of a collector is to intercept traffic from
the local street system and carry that traffic to the nearest arterial. A secondary function is to
service adjacent property. Access will be limited or controlled. Collectors may also be
designated at bicycle and bus routes.
Driveway Location Policy (Stop Controlled Intersection): District policy 7206.4.4 requires
driveways located on collector roadways near a STOP controlled intersection to be located
outside of the area of influence; OR a minimum of 150-feet from the intersection, whichever is
greater. Dimensions shall be measured from the centerline of the intersection to the centerline
of the driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7206.4.6 restricts high-volume driveways (100 VTD or
more) to a maximum width of 36-feet and low-volume driveways (less than 100 VTD) to a
maximum width of 30-feet. Curb return type driveways with 30-foot radii will be required for
high-volume driveways with 100 VTD or more. Curb return type driveways with 15-foot radii
will be required for low-volume driveways with less than 100 VTD.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7206.4.6, the applicant should be required to pave the driveway its full width and at least 30-
feet into the site beyond the edge of pavement of the roadway and install pavement tapers in
accordance with Table 2 under District Policy 7206.4.6.
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to
existing streets adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These improvements
are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk construction
or replacement; curb and gutter construction or replacement; replacement of unused
driveways with curb, gutter and sidewalk; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps;
pavement repairs; signs; traffic control devices; and other similar items.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is not proposing any improvements to Records Avenue
abutting the site.
The applicant is proposing to construct a 20-foot wide curb cut type driveway from the site
onto Records Avenue, located approximately 325-feet south of Baldcypress Street (measured
centerline-to-centerline).
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d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Records Avenue is fully improved with 2-travel lanes,
vertical curb, and gutter and 5-foot wide detached sidewalk abutting the site. Therefore, no
additional right-of-way or street improvements are required as part of this application.
The applicant’s proposal to construct a 20-foot wide curb cut type driveway does not meet
District Driveway Design Criteria policy because it is not a curb return type driveway and
should not be approved as proposed.
The applicant should construct the driveway from the site onto Records Avenue with a
maximum width of 36-feet as a curb return type driveway, located approximately 325-feet
south of Baldcypress Street (measured centerline to centerline).
The applicant should locate the gate or keypad (whichever is closer) a minimum of 50-feet
from Records Avenue.
Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should be required to
correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities on Records Avenue abutting the site.
3. Tree Planters
Tree Planter Policy: Tree Planter Policy: The District’s Tree Planter Policy prohibits all trees in
planters less than 8-feet in width without the installation of root barriers. Class II trees may be
allowed in planters with a minimum width of 8-feet, and Class I and Class III trees may be allowed
in planters with a minimum width of 10-feet.
4. Landscaping
Landscaping Policy: A license agreement is required for all landscaping proposed within ACHD
right-of-way or easement areas. Trees shall be located no closer than 10-feet from all public
storm drain facilities. Landscaping should be designed to eliminate site obstructions in the vision
triangle at intersections. District Policy 5104.3.1 requires a 40-foot vision triangle and a 3-foot
height restriction on all landscaping located at an uncontrolled intersection and a 50-foot offset
from stop signs. Landscape plans are required with the submittal of civil plans and must meet all
District requirements prior to signature of the final plat and/or approval of the civil plans.
5. Other Access
Baldcypress Street and Records Avenue are classified as collector roadways. Other than the
access specifically approved with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to these
roadways.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. If required by the Meridian Fire Department, construct an emergency access only from the site
onto Baldcypress Street. The emergency access shall be restricted with a gate or bollards,
located outside the right-of -way, and as determined by the Meridian Fire Department.
2. Construct a 24 to 36-foot wide curb return type driveway on Records Avenue, located
approximately 325-feet south of Baldcypress Street. Locate the gate or keypad (whichever is
closer) a minimum of 50-feet from Records Avenue.
3. Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should correct deficiencies or
replace deteriorated or damaged facilities on Baldcypress Street and Records Avenue abutting
the site.
4. Baldcypress Street and Records Avenue are classified as collector roadways. Other than the
access specifically approved with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to these
roadways.
5. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
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6. Comply with all Standard Conditions of Approval.
E. Standard Conditions of Approval
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).
2. Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the
ACHD right-of-way.
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.
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.
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. All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be
borne by the developer.
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.
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.
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.
10. Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
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.
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.
F. Conclusions of Law
1. The proposed site plan is approved, if all of the Site Specific and Standard Conditions of Approval
are satisfied.
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2. ACHD requirements are intended to assure that the proposed use/development will not place an
undue burden on the existing vehicular transportation system within the vicinity impacted by the
proposed development.
G. Attachments
1. Vicinity Map
2. Site Plan
3. Utility Coordinating Council
4. Development Process Checklist
5. Appeal Guidelines
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VICINITY MAP
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SITE PLAN
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Ada County Utility Coordinating Council
Developer/Local Improvement District
Right of Way Improvements Guideline Request
Purpose: To develop the necessary avenue for proper notification to utilities of local highway
and road improvements, to help the utilities in budgeting and to clarify the already existing process.
1) Notification: Within five (5) working days upon notification of required right of way
improvements by Highway entities, developers shall provide written notification to the affected
utility owners and the Ada County Utility Coordinating Council (UCC). Notification shall include
but not be limited to, project limits, scope of roadway improvements/project, anticipated
construction dates, and any portions critical to the right of way improvements and coordination
of utilities.
2) Plan Review: The developer shall provide the highway entities and all utility owners with
preliminary project plans and schedule a plan review conference. Depending on the scale of
utility improvements, a plan review conference may not be necessary, as determined by the
utility owners. Conference notification shall also be sent to the UCC. During the review meeting
the developer shall notify utilities of the status of right of way/easement acquisition necessary
for their project. At the plan review conference each company shall have the right to appeal,
adjust and/or negotiate with the developer on its own behalf. Each utility shall provide the
developer with a letter of review indicating the costs and time required for relocation of its
facilities. Said letter of review is to be provided within thirty calendar days after the date of the
plan review conference.
3) Revisions: The developer is responsible to provide utilities with any revisions to preliminary
plans. Utilities may request an updated plan review meeting if revisions are made in the
preliminary plans which affect the utility relocation requirements. Utilities shall have thirty days
after receiving the revisions to review and comment thereon.
4) Final Notification: The developer will provide highway entities, utility owners and the UCC with
final notification of its intent to proceed with right of way improvements and include the
anticipated date work will commence. This notification shall indicate that the work to be
performed shall be pursuant to final approved plans by the highway entity. The developer shall
schedule a preconstruction meeting prior to right of way improvements. Utility relocation activity
shall be completed within the times established during the preconstruction meeting, unless
otherwise agreed upon.
Notification to the Ada County UCC can be sent to: 50 S. Cole Rd. Boise 83707, or Visit
iducc.com for e-mail notification information.
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Development Process Checklist
Items Completed to Date:
Submit a development application to a City or to Ada County
The City or the County will transmit the development application to ACHD
The ACHD Planning Review Section will receive the development application to review
The Planning Review Section will do one of the following:
Send a “No Review” letter to the applicant stating that there are no site specific conditions of approval at
this time.
Write a Staff Level report analyzing the impacts of the development on the transportation system and
evaluating the proposal for its conformance to District Policy.
Write a Commission Level report analyzing the impacts of the development on the transportation system
and evaluating the proposal for its conformance to District Policy.
Items to be completed by Applicant:
For ALL development applications, including those receiving a “No Review” letter:
• The applicant should submit one set of engineered plans directly to ACHD for review by the Development
Review Section for plan review and assessment of impact fees. (Note: if there are no site improvements
required by ACHD, then architectural plans may be submitted for purposes of impact fee assessment.)
• The applicant is required to get a permit from Construction Services (ACHD) for ANY work in the right-of-
way, including, but not limited to, driveway approaches, street improvements and utility cuts.
Pay Impact Fees prior to issuance of building permit. Impact fees cannot be paid prior to plan review approval.
DID YOU REMEMBER:
Construction (Non-Subdivisions)
Driveway or Property Approach(s)
• Submit a “Driveway Approach Request” form to ACHD Construction (for approval by Development Services & Traffic
Services). There is a one week turnaround for this approval.
Working in the ACHD Right-of-Way
• Four business days prior to starting work have a bonded contractor submit a “Temporary Highway Use Permit
Application” to ACHD Construction – Permits along with:
a) Traffic Control Plan
b) An Erosion & Sediment Control Narrative & Plat, done by a Certified Plan Designer, if trench is >50’ or you
are placing >600 sf of concrete or asphalt.
Construction (Subdivisions)
Sediment & Erosion Submittal
• At least one week prior to setting up a Pre-Construction Meeting an Erosion & Sediment Control Narrative & Plan,
done by a Certified Plan Designer, must be turned into ACHD Construction to be reviewed and approved by the ACHD
Stormwater Section.
Idaho Power Company
• Vic Steelman at Idaho Power must have his IPCO approved set of subdivision utility plans prior to Pre-Con being
scheduled.
Final Approval from Development Services is required prior to scheduling a Pre-Con.
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Request for Appeal of Staff Decision
1. Appeal of Staff Decision: The Commission shall hear and decide appeals by an applicant of
the final decision made by the Development Services Manager when it is alleged that the
Development Services Manager did not properly apply this section 7101.6, did not consider all
of the relevant facts presented, made an error of fact or law, abused discretion or acted
arbitrarily and capriciously in the interpretation or enforcement of the ACHD Policy Manual.
a. Filing Fee: The Commission may, from time to time, set reasonable fees to be charged
the applicant for the processing of appeals, to cover administrative costs.
b. Initiation: An appeal is initiated by the filing of a written notice of appeal with the
Secretary and Clerk of the District, which must be filed within ten (10) working days from
the date of the decision that is the subject of the appeal. The notice of appeal shall refer
to the decision being appealed, identify the appellant by name, address and telephone
number and state the grounds for the appeal. The grounds shall include a written
summary of the provisions of the policy relevant to the appeal and/or the facts and law
relied upon and shall include a written argument in support of the appeal. The
Commission shall not consider a notice of appeal that does not comply with the
provisions of this subsection.
c. Time to Reply: The Development Services Manager shall have ten (10) working days
from the date of the filing of the notice of appeal to reply to the notice of the appeal, and
may during such time meet with the appellant to discuss the matter, and may also
consider and/or modify the decision that is being appealed. A copy of the reply and any
modifications to the decision being appealed will be provided to the appellant prior to the
Commission hearing on the appeal.
d. Notice of Hearing: Unless otherwise agreed to by the appellant, the hearing of the
appeal will be noticed and scheduled on the Commission agenda at a regular meeting to
be held within thirty (30) days following the delivery to the appellant of the Development
Services Manager’s reply to the notice of appeal. A copy of the decision being appealed,
the notice of appeal and the reply shall be delivered to the Commission at least one (1)
week prior to the hearing.
e. Action by Commission: Following the hearing, the Commission shall either affirm or
reverse, in whole or part, or otherwise modify, amend or supplement the decision being
appealed, as such action is adequately supported by the law and evidence presented at
the hearing.