MER18-0053 Rocket Express Final Report
1 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
Development Services Department
Project/File: Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/ A-2018-0159
This is a design review and certificate of zoning compliance application to construct
an 8,940 square foot car wash with vacuum station parking. The site is located on 2
acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 1717 W. Island Green Drive
Staff Approval: May 25, 2018
Applicant: Joe Russell
12345 W. Fairview Avenue
Boise, ID 83719
Owner: Chinden and Linder Crossing, LLC
350 N. 9th Street, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83702
Architect: Joshua E. Howa
Howa Design, Inc.
11928 W. Netherland Drive
Boise, ID 83709
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 application to construct a new car wash with an 8,940 square
foot car wash building with vacuum stations on 2 acres. The proposal is consistent with the City
of Meridian’s comprehensive plan.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North Community Business District C-C
South General Retail and Service Commercial District C-G
East Community Business District (Meridian)/Highway Business
District (Eagle)
C-C/ C-3 DA
West Community Business District C-C
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:
2 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
• Creason Creek, a 51-lot residential subdivision is located south of the site, and was
approved by ACHD in August 2015.
• Paramount Director, a 196 residential lot subdivision is located east of the site, and was
approved by ACHD in May 2017.
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):
• Linder Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes from Cayuse Creek Drive
to Chinden Boulevard (Hwy 20/26) in 2019.
• Linder Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 7-lanes from Chinden Boulevard
(Hwy 20/26) to State Street (Hwy 44) and is listed as unfunded.
• Ten Mile Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes from McMillan Road to
Chinden Boulevard (Hwy 20/26) in 2022.
• Meridian Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to 3-lanes from McMillan Road to Chinden
Boulevard (Hwy 20/26) between 2031 and 2035.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Trip Generation: The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 9th
edition does not provide an estimate of vehicle trips generated per day for an automated car
wash, but PM peak hour trip information is provided. The car wash is estimated to generate 126
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 seven-lane principal arterial is “E” (2,720 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 Chinden Boulevard west of Linder Road was 23,618 on
October 17, 2017.
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak
Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak
Hour Level
of Service
Existing
Plus
Project
**State Highway 20/26/
Chinden Boulevard 345-feet Expressway 1,099 N/A N/A
Linder Road 180-feet Principal
Arterial 1,164 Better than
“E”
Better
than “E”
Island Green Drive 136-feet Local N/A N/A N/A
3 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
• The average daily traffic count for Linder Road north of Chinden Boulevard was 20,164 on
September 26, 2017.
• There are no current traffic counts for Island Green Drive.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. State Highway SH-20/26 /Chinden Boulevard
SH-20/26/Chinden Boulevard is under the jurisdiction of the Idaho Transportation Department
(ITD). The applicant, City of Meridian, and ITD should work together to determine if additional
right-of-way or improvements are necessary on SH-20/26/Chinden Boulevard.
2. Linder Road
a. Existing Conditions: Linder Road is improved with 7-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter, and
5-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 118-feet to 110-feet of right-of-way for Linder
Road (67-feet to 6-feet from centerline).
b. Policy:
Arterial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of whether or not access is taken
to all of the adjacent streets.
Master Street Map and Typology Policy: District Policy 7205.5 states that the design of
improvements for arterials shall be in accordance with District standards, including the Master
Street Map and Livable Streets Design Guide. The developer or engineer should contact the
District before starting any design.
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 Linder Road
abutting the site.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Linder Road is fully improved with 7-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.
Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should correct deficiencies
or replace deteriorated or damaged facilities on Linder Road abutting the site.
3. Island Green Drive
a. Existing Conditions: Island Green Drive is improved with 2-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter,
and 5-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 50-feet of right-of-way for Island Green
Drive (25-feet from centerline).
There is an existing 20-foot wide driveway from the site onto Island Green Drive located at the
west property line.
b. Policy:
Commercial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7208.2.1 states that the developer is
responsible for improving all commercial street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of
whether or not access is taken to all of the adjacent streets.
4 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
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.
Driveway Location Policy: District policy 7208.4.1 requires driveways near intersections to
be located a minimum of 75-feet (measured centerline-to-centerline) from the nearest local
street intersection, and 150-feet from the nearest collector/arterial or arterial street
intersection.
Successive Driveways: District Policy 7208.4.1 states that successive driveways away from
an intersection shall have no minimum spacing requirements for access points along a local
street, but the District does encourage shared access points where appropriate.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7208.4.3, 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.
c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is not proposing any improvements to Island Green
Drive abutting the site.
The applicant is proposing to construct a shared driveway at the east property line and a
driveway near the west property line.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Island Green Drive is fully improved with 2-travel
lanes, vertical curb and gutter and 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk abutting the site. Therefore,
no additional right-of-way or street improvements are required as part of this application.
The applicant should close the existing 20-foot wide driveway on Island Green Drive, located
at the west property line, with vertical curb, gutter and 5-foot wide sidewalk to match the
existing improvements.
The applicant should construct the shared driveway located at the east property line and the
driveway located near the west property line with a maximum width of 30-feet as curb cut type
driveways on Island Green Drive.
Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should correct deficiencies
or replace deteriorated or damaged facilities on Island Green Drive abutting the site.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Other Access
5 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
Linder Road and Chinden Boulevard are classified as principal arterial roadways. Direct lot
access is prohibited to these roadways.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Close the existing 20-foot wide driveway on Island Green Drive, located at the west property line,
with vertical curb, gutter and 5-foot wide sidewalk to match the existing improvements.
2. Construct the shared driveway located at the east property line and the driveway located near the
west property line as 24 to 30-feet wide as curb cut type driveways on Island Green Drive.
3. Consistent with ACHD’s Minor Improvements Policy, the applicant should correct deficiencies or
replace deteriorated or damaged facilities on Linder Road and Island Green Drive abutting the
site.
4. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
5. 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.
6 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
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.
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
VICINITY MAP
7 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
8 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
SITE PLAN
9 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
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.
10 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
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.
11 Rocket Express Car Wash/ MER18-0053/
A-2018-0159
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.