ACHD Comments
Mary May, President
Kent Goldthorpe, Vice-President
Rebecca W. Arnold, Commissioner
Sara M. Baker, Commissioner
Jim D. Hansen, Commissioner
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
February 21, 2020
To: Ariah Orr
725 E. 2nd Street
Meridian, ID 83642
Subject: MER20-0007/A-2020-0030
1205 N. Meridian Road
CZC to convert residential structure to office space with an addition
The applicant is requesting approval of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and Design Review
application to convert an existing residential structure to office space and construct a 1,000 square
foot addition.
A. Findings of Fact
1. Alleys
a. Existing Conditions: There is an existing unpaved 10-foot wide alley abutting the site’s
west property line that is within 16-feet of right-of-way.
b. Policy:
Existing Alley Policy: District Policy 7210.2 states that if a proposed development abuts
an existing alley, the dedication of additional right-of-way to obtain a minimum width from
the centerline of the alley of 8-feet for residential uses and 10-feet for non-residential or
commercial uses may be required. Each development will be reviewed by the District on
a case-by-case basis. If the proposed development takes access from an alley, the
developer will be required to pave the entire width of the right-of-way from the nearest
public street to and abutting the development.
Alley Parking & Setbacks Policy: District Policy 7210.3.3 states that parking within the
alley right-of-way is prohibited. “No Parking” signs are required to be installed by the
developer. The signs should be located at the alley/street intersections. Parking which is
entered from the alley shall be designed so the minimum clear distance from the back of
the parking stall to the opposite side of the alley is 20-feet for all perpendicular parking.
Setbacks for structures taking access from the alley should be closely coordinated with
the lead land use agency. The setbacks shall either discourage parking within the alley
(where it may partially block or occur within the right-of-way) or allow adequate area for
one perpendicular parking pad. In order to discourage parking, building setbacks shall be
minimal from the alley right-of-way line, while still achieving the required 20-feet of back-
up space from a garage or other parking structure to the opposite side of the alley (i.e. 4-
foot setback + 16-foot alley= 20-feet for back-up space).
Vacations of Alleys Policy: District Policy 7210.3.6 states that vacations of alley right-
of-way are discouraged and shall not result in dead-end alleys.
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant has proposed to construct 4 perpendicular parking
spaces on site that will be adjacent to the alley with 16-feet of backing space as measured
from the back of the parking stall to the opposite side of the alley.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to construct the
perpendicular parking stalls adjacent to the alley with 16-feet of backing space does not
meet District Policy which requires at least 20-feet of backing space from the back of the
parking stall to the opposite side of the alley and should not be approved, as proposed.
The applicant should be required to construct the perpendicular parking on the site that is
adjacent to the alley so there is a minimum of 20-feet of backing space as measured from
the back of the parking stall to the opposite side of the alley. The applicant should also be
required to install “NO PARKING” signs at the intersection of the alley and Washington
Street.
The applicant should also be required to pave the entire width of the alley abutting the
property line to the nearest public street, Washington Street.
2. 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.
3. 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.
B. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Construct 4 perpendicular parking spaces adjacent to the alley with at least 20-feet of backing
spacing as measured from the back of the parking stall to the opposite side of the alley.
2. Pave the entire width of the alley abutting the property line to the nearest public street,
Washington Street.
3. Install “NO PARKING” signs at the intersection of the alley and Washington Street.
4. Enter into a license agreement with ACHD for landscaping within the right-of-way.
5. Replace any broken or deteriorated segments of curb, gutter and sidewalk on Meridian Road
and Washington Street abutting the site.
6. A Traffic Impact Fee will be assessed by ACHD and will be due prior to issuance of a building
permit. Please contact the ACHD Planner (see below) for information regarding impact fees.
7. Submit civil plans to ACHD Development Services for review and approval. The impact fee
assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
8. Comply with the Standard Conditions of Approval as noted below.
Traffic Information
This development is estimated to generate 12 additional vehicle trips per day (10 existing); and 2
additional vehicle trips per hour in the PM peak hour (1 existing), based on the Institute of
Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 10th edition.
Condition of Area Roadways:
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak Hour
Level of Service
Meridian Road 60-feet Principal Arterial 1,048 Better than “D”
Washington Street 110-feet Local N/A N/A
* Acceptable level of service for a five-lane principal arterial is “E” (1,770 VPH).
Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT):
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD’s most current traffic counts
• The average daily traffic count for Meridian Road south of Fairview Avenue was
23,830 on 03/20/2019.
• The are no traffic counts for this segment of Washington Street.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (208) 387-6293.
Sincerely,
Paige Bankhead, E.I.
Planner II
Development Services
cc: City of Meridian
Rep
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
VICINITY MAP
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
SITE PLAN
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
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, 7203.6, 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.
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Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
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.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ada County Highway District • 3775 Adams Street • Garden City, ID • 83714 • PH 208-387-6100 • FX 345-7650 • www.achdidaho.org
Standard Conditions of Approval
13. 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).
14. Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the
ACHD right-of-way.
15. In accordance with District policy, 7203.6, 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be
borne by the developer.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
23. 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.
24. 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.