CC - Commission Recommendations and Staff Report 10-13
Page 1
HEARING
DATE:
10/13/2020
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Joe Dodson, Associate Planner
208-884-5533
SUBJECT: H-2020-0075
Pearson Subdivision
LOCATION: The site is located at 175 W. Paint Horse
Lane, on the west side of S. Meridian
Road approximately ¼ mile south of
Lake Hazel Road, in the SE ¼ of the NE
¼ of Section 01, Township 2N., Range
1W.
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Request for a combined preliminary and final plat consisting of 2 building lots on 3.98 acres of land
in the R-4 zoning district and a Development Agreement Modification, by Melanie Pearson.
II. SUMMARY OF REPORT
A. Project Summary
Description Details Page
Acreage 3.98 (R-4 zoning district)
Future Land Use Designation Mixed Use Regional
Existing Land Use(s) Residential (one single-family home)
Proposed Land Use(s) Detached Single-family Residential
Lots (# and type; bldg./common) 2 total lots – 2 single-family residential (one new lot)
Phasing Plan (# of phases) Proposed as one phase
Number of Residential Units (type
of units)
2 units – detached single-family homes
Density (gross & net) Gross – 0.5 du/ac.
Open Space (acres, total
[%]/buffer/qualified)
N/A – Project size is below the 5 acre minimum.
Physical Features (waterways,
hazards, flood plain, hillside)
Rawson Canal – runs along eastern property boundary
adjacent to Meridian Road (area of minimal flood hazard).
Neighborhood meeting date; # of
attendees:
August 5, 2020 – no attendees.
Distance to nearest City Park (+
size)
1.6 miles to Discovery Park (76.8 acres in size, roughly 30
acres of this park has been developed at this time)
STAFF REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Page 2
Description Details Page
History (previous approvals) H-2015-0019 (South Meridian Annexation); DA Inst.
#2016-007442
B. Community Metrics
Description Details Page
Ada County Highway District
• Staff report (yes/no) Letter received from ACHD
• Requires ACHD Commission
Action (yes/no)
No
Access (Arterial/Collectors/State
Hwy/Local)(Existing and Proposed)
Access is proposed via existing W. Paint Horse Lane, a
private drive. No access is proposed to S. Meridian Road
other than via existing access of Paint Horse Lane.
Stub Street/Interconnectivity/Cross
Access
Other properties use existing W. Paint Horse Lane; no need
for stub street access at this time.
Existing Road Network Yes; private lane is existing and no new road dedication is
proposed or required.
Existing Arterial Sidewalks /
Buffers
The subject property has a small area of arterial street
frontage along S. Meridian Road. There are currently no
improvements along this frontage. There is an existing
berm and buffer.
Proposed Road Improvements Applicant is not proposing nor required to improve any
right-of-way along S. Meridian Road or Paint Horse Lane
at this time.
Fire Service
No Comments – required turnaround is shown on
property.
Police Service
No Comments
West Ada School District
No comments were received for this project.
Wastewater
• Distance to Sewer Services N/A
• Sewer Shed South Black Cat Trunkshed
• Estimated Project Sewer
ERU’s
See application
• WRRF Declining Balance 13.96
• Project Consistent with WW
Master Plan/Facility Plan
NO – Subdivision will be on septic until utilities are
available in the area.
• Additional Comments • Flow has been committed
• Both units for this subdivision will be on septic.
• No proposed changes to Public Sewer Infrastructure
within Record. Any changes or modifications, to the Public
Sewer Infrastructure, shall be reviewed and approved by
Public Works.
Water
• Distance to Water Services N/A
• Pressure Zone 5
• Estimated Project Water
ERU’s
See application
• Water Quality Concerns N/A
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Description Details Page
• Project Consistent with Water
Master Plan
NO – no utilities are proposed with this subdivision as
they are not available at this time.
• Impacts/Concerns There are no City utilities located in the area. The City
Engineer will need to review and grant the utility variance
request to not hook up to City water.
C. Project Area Maps
0BFuture Land Use Map
1BAerial Map
2BZoning Map
3BPlanned Development Map
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III. APPLICANT INFORMATION
A. Applicant:
Melanie Pearson – 1717 N. 7th Street, Boise, ID 83702
B. Owner:
Mary Taysom – 175 W. Paint Horse Lane, Meridian, ID 83642
C. Representative:
Same as Applicant
IV. NOTICING
Planning & Zoning
Posting Date
City Council
Posting Date
Newspaper Notification 7/17/2020 9/25/2020
Radius notification mailed to
properties within 300 feet 7/14/2020 9/23/2020
Site Posting 7/25/2020 9/23/2020
Nextdoor posting 7/14/2020 9/23/2020
V. STAFF ANALYSIS
To be concise, the subject application is proposing to subdivide one 4 acre lot into two lots for
the purposes of allowing the current owner of the parcel to deed the new lot over to her
daughter so that her and her family are close-by, this includes helping her daughter with her
newborn child.
The subject property was annexed in 2015 as part of a larger annexation known as South
Meridian Annexation (H-2015-0019). There is an existing Development Agreement (DA)
associated with the original annexation and property and this application constitutes
development under City code. In reviewing the existing DA, the Applicant needs to apply for a
Development Agreement Modification prior to the City Council hearing for this combined
preliminary/final plat. Per the existing DA, the first modification is at no cost to the Applicant.
The Applicant has submitted a concurrent DA Modification since being heard at the Planning
and Zoning Commission; the new DA provisions are provided below in Section VIII.A1.
The subject property has also received City Engineer and Public Works Director approval for a
utilities waiver to not connect to City services at this time due to services being more than a half
mile away. Staff finds that making a singular property owner pay for extending City services
for a two lot subdivision is neither fair nor necessary. Central District Health (CDH) has also
approved of an additional temporary well site and septic system—this fact further diminishes
any concern Staff has with the Applicant’s application regarding water and sewer services.
Please see further Staff analysis below.
A. Future Land Use Map Designation (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan)
Mixed Use Regional – The purpose of this designation is to provide a mix of employment, retail,
and residential dwellings and public uses near major arterial intersections. The intent is to
integrate a variety of uses together, including residential, and to avoid predominantly single use
developments such as a regional retail center with only restaurants and other commercial uses.
Developments should be anchored by uses that have a regional draw with the appropriate
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supporting uses. For example, an employment center should have supporting retail uses; a retail
center should have supporting residential uses as well as supportive neighborhood and
community services.
The subject site is part of a large area in south Meridian with this future land use designation.
However, much of these sites are already zoned R-4, medium-low density residential. This
zoning does not allow or offer the Applicant the opportunity to develop the site in accordance
with the future land use designation. Because this site is relatively small in comparison to most
mixed use properties, Staff finds that the mixed use requirements and policies cannot be obtained
at this time. These policies should not be aimed for at this time due to the fact that no other
nearby properties offer any mix of uses and have not been redeveloped since their annexation in
2015—Staff’s review shows all of the nearby properties to still be low-density residential homes.
There is always the chance that in the future much of this area in south Meridian will redevelop
with larger parcels of land. At that time, it will be up to the property owners to determine if
redevelopment is applicable.
B. Comprehensive Plan Policies (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan):
The applicable Comprehensive Plan policies are cited below with Staff analysis in italics.
“Avoid the concentration of any one housing type or lot size in any geographical area; provide for
diverse housing types throughout the City” (2.01.01G). The main purpose of the proposed
development is to create a new lot for the Applicant to build a home nearby her mother, the
existing property owner. All of the surrounding homes lay on large undeveloped lots even though
they are annexed into the City. This subdivision will not change the existing character of the
surrounding development and will add an additional single-family home for the City of Meridian.
“Establish and maintain levels of service for public facilities and services, including water, sewer,
police, transportation, schools, fire, and parks” (3.02.01G). Staff finds that the existing and known
development of the immediate area create conditions that do not allow for this property owner to
connect to City water and sewer services as required by code. Public Works, Meridian Police
Department and Meridian Fire have no objections to this small subdivision. No other services
should be affected as the existing access is to remain.
“Preserve, protect, and provide open space for recreation, conservation, and aesthetics”
(4.05.01F). Due to the size of the subject property being less than 5 acres, there are no open
space requirements. However, this application is only a two-lot subdivision where a majority of
each parcel will be undeveloped and remain natural space for each property owner to enjoy.
Although the proposed development does not align entirely with the current vision of the
Comprehensive Plan, the predominate FLUM designation in the area is MU-R. Staff is of the
opinion that it may be quite some time before City utilities are available to this area of
Meridian and therefore supports the development of this property as it is consistent with the
current R-4 zoning of the property. A mix of uses should occur in the vicinity with the
redevelopment of the adjacent property to the north and east. For these reasons, staff believes
the proposed development is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
C. Existing Structures/Site Improvements:
The subject site currently holds a single family home on the entire 4 acre parcel owned by the
mother of the Applicant. This property, along with nearby properties, was annexed in 2015
but were not required to connect to City services at that time due to services not being
available. This situation has not changed and because this subdivision is only for the
purposes of creating one additional lot, Staff does not find it appropriate to require this
owner to provide public utilities to their property at this time. However, when services do
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become available in S. Meridian Road, the Applicant will be required to connect to them as
conditioned in this application and the existing Development Agreement.
D. Proposed Use Analysis:
The proposed use is single-family residential; single-family detached dwellings are listed as
principally permitted uses in the R-4 zoning district per UDC Table 11-2A-2. The average lot size
is 2 acres with the largest lot being 2.6 acres in size. The proposed use complies with all UDC
requirements for the R-4 zoning district.
E. Dimensional Standards (UDC 11-2):
The submitted Preliminary Plat and Final Plat show lots that are 1.36 and 2.62 acres in size.
These proposed lot sizes are vastly larger than the minimum lot size requirement of 8,000 square
feet for the R-4 zoning district. The existing R-4 zoning district also requires a minimum dwelling
size of 1,400 square feet with the first floor gross area being at least 800 square feet.
The proposed plat meets the UDC dimensional standards for the R-4 zoning district. In addition,
any future home built on the new parcel will be required to meet the minimum dwelling size
requirements as outlined in UDC Table 11-2A-5.
F. Access (UDC 11-3A-3, 11-3H-4):
Access to this development is proposed via an existing private lane, W. Paint Horse Lane. ACHD
is not requiring any public road dedication due to the access not being changed—the subject
application does not warrant a public road or road improvements at this time according to ACHD.
In accord with the existing access, UDC 11-3H-4 requires that if an existing state highway access
has an increase in intensity that it is to be removed upon development or dedicated to ACHD and
be constructed as noted on the Master Street Map (MSM). Paint Horse Lane is shown as a future
collector roadway on the MSM but the addition of one single-family home does not warrant the
construction of a collector roadway at this time. With the DA Modification the Applicant needs to
apply for prior to City Council, new DA provisions will address this and ensure any future
development meets the required development standards.
As noted above, the subject application is proposing to subdivide one 4 acre lot into two lots and
is proposing to use the existing access; there is no proposal to add an additional access to the
state highway. Staff and ACHD find that the existing private access is sufficient for one
additional single family home. Because other abutting properties are not redeveloping at this
time there is no feasible way for the Applicant and owner to comply with those requirements in
11-3H-4. In addition, adding one home does not warrant sufficient traffic to construct a collector
roadway as shown on the MSM. However, Staff understands that should any more intensive
redevelopment occur on site or surrounding the property, the access will be evaluated for
compliance with these requirements. Staff is recommending DA provisions be added with the DA
Modification application that requires a future collector street consistent with the MSM if/when
this or adjacent properties redevelop with more intense uses consistent with the MU-R land use
designation.
G. Pathways (UDC 11-3A-8):
Per UDC 11-3H-4C.4, the Applicant is required to construct a ten (10) foot multi-use pathway
along the frontage that abuts S. Meridian Road (SH 69). The Applicant is not proposing a multi-
use pathway along Meridian Road at this time.
The Parks Department has reviewed this application for the applicability of the required multi-
use pathway along Meridian Road. Per the comments received by Parks (see Section VIII.C), the
Applicant is not required to construct this section of the multi-use pathway along Meridian Road.
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The closest pathway that is currently under construction is adjacent to Prevail Subdivision and is
located approximately ¾ of a mile north of this and is on the opposite of Meridian Road. Because
of this, this short segment of pathway would be constructed and then lead to nowhere for the
foreseeable future. Therefore, Staff is recommending that the Applicant grant a multi-use
pathway easement within the required street buffer prior to final plat signature. This future
pathway is the only required pedestrian infrastructure at this time due to Paint Horse Lane being
a private lane that will likely be removed or redeveloped when other, larger nearby properties
redevelop in the future.
H. Sidewalks (UDC 11-3A-17):
No sidewalks are proposed with this development. See pathway analysis above for further
clarification.
As noted above, the Applicant will be using an existing private easement for access and therefore
no streets are being constructed with this application. Sidewalks will be required in the future
with the extension of the collector street as this area redevelops.
I. Landscaping (UDC 11-3B):
A 35-foot wide street buffer is required adjacent to S. Meridian Road, a state highway and
entryway corridor, landscaped per the standards listed in UDC 11-3B-7C. The landscape plan
depicts a 25-foot wide landscape buffer instead of the required 35 feet. The correct amount of
landscaping and a berm/fence combination at least 10’ above the height of Meridian Road
centerline height in accord with UDC 11-3H-4D is shown on the submitted landscape plans (see
Exhibit VII.D). Staff is recommending a condition of approval to correct the width of the required
landscape buffer along the state highway—the buffer width shall begin its measurement into the
site at the edge of the ultimate right-of-way for Meridian Road/SH 69.
In accord with UDC 11-3B-7C, the required street buffer is to be placed in a common lot and
owned and maintained by a homeowner’s association. The nature of this two lot subdivision will
not create a homeowner’s association and therefore that requirement cannot be applied in this
case. In addition, the submitted plat and landscape plans do not show the street buffer to
Meridian Road in a common lot. Staff is recommending a condition of approval to amend the plat
prior to City Council to show this lot in a common lot to be owned and maintained by the
Applicant, Melanie Pearson.
Parallel to Meridian Road, the Rawson canal runs through the eastern edge of the subject site.
The required buffer landscaping is shown to be outside of the easement for the Rawson Canal
meeting the Boise Project Board of Control (BPBC) requirements. In addition, the Meridian
Lateral abuts the property along its southern boundary but is not on the subject site. The
Applicant is not proposing any landscaping within its easement per the requirements of BPBC.
J. Fencing (UDC 11-3A-6, 11-3A-7):
All fencing is required to comply with the standards listed in UDC 11-3A-7. The existing fencing
along the boundary of the subject site is shown on the landscape plans. This fence appears to be
open vision fencing and is proposed to be protected in place. In addition, the Applicant is
proposing a 6-foot tall vinyl privacy fence along the top of the proposed landscape berm.
The existing and proposed fencing appear to meet those standards listed in UDC 11-3A-7.
K. Waterways (UDC 11-3A-6):
The Rawson Canal runs along the eastern boundary of the subject site and appears to already be
tiled. The Applicant has not proposed any improvements within its easement other than shrubs
and grass as allowed by BPBC.
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VI. DECISION
A. Staff:
Staff recommends approval of the requested combined preliminary and final plat application per
the Findings in Section IX of this staff report.
B. The Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on August 20, 2020. At the public
hearing, the Commission moved to recommend approval of the subject combined Preliminary and
Final Plat request.
1. Summary of Commission public hearing:
a. In favor: Melanie Pearson, Applicant
b. In opposition: None
c. Commenting: Melanie Pearson
d. Written testimony: None
e. Staff presenting application: Joseph Dodson
f. Other Staff commenting on application: None
2. Key issue(s) of public testimony:
a. None
3. Key issue(s) of discussion by Commission:
a.
b.
What is the timeline for services being available to the site;
Ensuring the Applicant is aware of the potential future costs associated with developing
the site.
4. Commission change(s) to Staff recommendation:
a. None
5. Outstanding issue(s) for City Council:
a. None
C. City Council:
To be heard at future date.
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VII. EXHIBITS
A. Preliminary Plat (dated: April 30, 2020)
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B. Final Plat (dated: April 30, 2020)
Page 11
Page 12
C. Landscape Plans (dated: 6/16/2020 9/21/2020)
Page 13
Page 14
D. Utilities Waiver Letter – City Engineer approval to delay utility hook-up (dated: July 30, 2020)
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VIII. CITY/AGENCY COMMENTS & CONDITIONS
A. PLANNING DIVISION
1. The Applicant shall apply for a concurrent Development Agreement Modification application
prior to this application being heard in front of City Council and at a minimum the following
new provisions shall be added to the amended DA:
a. This development is not currently serviceable by Meridian Sanitary Sewer or Water
Systems. The parcel owners shall be required to cease using their wells and septic
systems and connect at their expense, to the Meridian Sanitary Sewer or Water Systems
when they become available per MCC 9-1-4 and 9-4-8.
b. Prior to City Engineer’s signature on the final plat, the Applicant shall enter into a
Connection Agreement with the City of Meridian in accord with the connection waiver
letter attached in Exhibit VII.D.
c. The applicant shall place W. Paint Horse Lane (a private road) in a separate 50-foot wide
non-buildable lot for the construction of a public collector street in accordance with the
Master Street Map. Timing for the extension of the roadway is predicated on the
redevelopment of the parcel beyond two residential lots or with the redevelopment of the
MU-R designated parcels to the north. At the time said roadway is constructed, the
Applicant shall relinquish their rights to the use of said easement in favor of taking access
from a future public street.
2. The final plat included in Section VII.B, dated April 30, 2020, shall be revised as follows
prior to City Engineer signature on the plat:
a. Revise the plat to add a 35-foot wide common lot along S. Meridian Road/SH 69 to hold
the required landscape buffer starting at the western edge of ultimate right-of-way.
b. Revise plat note #6 to add: “…; direct lot access to S. Meridian Road/SH 69 is
prohibited.”
c. Add a 50-foot wide common lot along the northern property boundary over the existing
W. Paint Horse Lane to reserve this area for future public right-of-way.
d. Add a plat note that states the new common lot placed over the existing W. Paint Horse
Lane is a non-buildable lot until such time that it is constructed as a collector roadway.
3. The landscape plan included in Section VII.C, dated June 18, 2020, shall be revised prior to
City Engineer signature on the plat: September 21, 2020, is approved as submitted.
a. Revise the landscape plan to show a 35-foot wide landscape street buffer along S.
Meridian Road/SH 69 that begins at the western edge of the ultimate right-of-way of
Meridian Road.
b. Revise the berm/fence combo exhibit to meet UDC 11-3H-4D requirements—the
required berm/fence combo along Meridian Road shall be at least ten (10) feet high as
measured from the centerline of the road and not from the edge of pavement.
4. Prior to City Engineer signature on the Final Plat, the applicant shall submit a public access
easement for the required multi-use pathway along Meridian Road/SH 69 within the required
landscape buffer, wholly outside of the right-of-way. Submit easements to the Planning
Division for Council approval and subsequent recordation. The easements shall be a
minimum of 14’ wide (10’ pathway + 2’ shoulder each side). Use standard City template for
public access easement. Easement checklist must accompany all easement submittals.
Coordinate with Kim Warren from the City of Meridian Parks Department.
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5. Future development shall be consistent with the minimum dimensional standards listed in
UDC Table 11-2A-6 for the R-4 zoning district.
6. Off-street parking is required to be provided in accord with the standards listed in UDC Table
11-3C-6 for single-family dwellings based on the number of bedrooms per dwelling.
7. Provide a pressurized irrigation system consistent with the standards as set forth in UDC 11-
3A-15, UDC 11-3B-6 and MCC 9-1-28.
8. Upon completion of the landscape buffer installation, a written Certificate of Completion
shall be submitted to the Planning Division verifying all landscape improvements are in
substantial compliance with the approved landscape plan as set forth in UDC 11-3B-14.
9. Approval of this combined preliminary and final plat shall become null and void if the
applicant fails to obtain the city engineer's signature on the plat within two (2) years of the
approval of the combined preliminary and final plat.
B. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1.1 A street light plan will need to be included in the final plat application. Street light plan
requirements are listed in section 6-7 of the City's Design Standards. A future installation
agreement for streetlights will be required for the required lights on Meridian Road. Contact
the Meridian Transportation and Utility Coordinator for additional information.
1.2 This development is not currently serviceable by Meridian Sanitary Sewer or Water
Systems. The parcel owners shall be required to cease using their wells and septic
systems and connect at their expense, to the Meridian Sanitary Sewer or Water Systems
when they become available per MCC 9-1-4 and 9-4-8.
2. General Conditions of Approval
2.1 A letter of credit or cash surety in the amount of 110% will be required for all uncompleted
fencing, landscaping, amenities, etc., prior to signature on the final plat.
2.2 All improvements related to public life, safety and health shall be completed prior to
occupancy of the structures. Where approved by the City Engineer, an owner may post a
performance surety for such improvements in order to obtain City Engineer signature on the
final plat as set forth in UDC 11-5C-3B.
2.3 It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all development features comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.
2.4 Applicant shall be responsible for application and compliance with any Section 404
Permitting that may be required by the Army Corps of Engineers.
2.5 Developer shall coordinate mailbox locations with the Meridian Post Office.
2.6 All grading of the site shall be performed in conformance with MCC 11-12-3H.
2.7 Compaction test results shall be submitted to the Meridian Building Department for all
building pads receiving engineered backfill, where footing would sit atop fill material.
2.8 The applicants design engineer shall be responsible for inspection of all irrigation and/or
drainage facility within this project that do not fall under the jurisdiction of an irrigation
district or ACHD. The design engineer shall provide certification that the facilities have
been installed in accordance with the approved design plans. This certification will be
required before a certificate of occupancy is issued for any structures within the project.
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C. PARK’S DEPARTMENT
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=191554&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
D. CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT (CDH)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=191386&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
E. BOISE PROJECT BOARD OF CONTROL (BPBC)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=190916&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
F. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=191398&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
G. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT (ACHD)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=192079&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
IX. FINDINGS
A. Combined Preliminary and Final Plat Findings:
In consideration of a preliminary plat, combined preliminary and final plat, or short plat,
the decision-making body shall make the following findings:
1. The plat is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan;
Commission finds that the proposed plat, with Staff’s recommendations, is in general
compliance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan in regard to land use, density,
transportation, and pedestrian connectivity. (Please see Comprehensive Plan Policies in,
Section V of this report for more information.)
2. Public services are available or can be made available and are adequate to accommodate
the proposed development;
Water and Sewer services cannot be provided to the subject property at this time. The City
Engineer and Public Works Director have approved a waiver for this requirement (See Exhibit
VII.D). Commission finds that all other services are available for the subject property. (See
Section VIII of the Staff Report for more details from public service providers.)
3. The plat is in conformance with scheduled public improvements in accord with the City’s
capital improvement program;
Because City water and sewer and any other utilities will be provided by the development at a
later date as discussed above, Commission finds that the subdivision will not require the
expenditure of capital improvement funds.
4. There is public financial capability of supporting services for the proposed development;
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Commission finds there is public financial capability of supporting services for the proposed
development based upon comments from the public service providers (i.e., Police, Fire, ACHD,
etc.). (See Section VIII for more information.)
5. The development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare;
and,
Commission is not aware of any health, safety, or environmental problems associated with the
platting of this property. ACHD considers road safety issues in their analysis.
6. The development preserves significant natural, scenic or historic features.
Commission is unaware of any significant natural, scenic or historic features that exist on this
site that require preserving. The Applicant is not proposing any improvements along either
waterway on or adjacent to the site other than landscaping outside of the applicable easements.