2020-01-05 Meridian Fire Department Pre-Ap Notes
January 5, 2021
RE: Skybreak Subdivision
Alan,
Here are some pre-application comments for the above listed project:
1. Yes, the project can be served by the fire department. The questions is what kind of
service will we provide? The closest fire station to the project has a low reliability rating
and only the front part of the subdivision lies within the 5 minute response area:
2. Ever since the project was submitted by Dave Yorgason – Myself and the Development
staff has asked for a road connection to the north down to Lake Hazel. As it stands if
Eagle Road is closed down for any reason – there will be no access to the subdivision. If
the developer works with the property developers to the north to allow access all the way
through to Lake Hazel, it will benefit all involved.
3. The project will require a Fire/Wildland interface plan to be submitted prior to permitting
for the area to the east of the project:
This proposed subdivision is located within Wildland-Urban Interface. Defensible space is the area extending
out from any part of the structure, in all directions, up to the property boundary or 30’, whichever is less.
Only fire-resistant plant materials are allowed within the defensible space. This precluded the use of
hazardous, flammable trees, shrubs and grasses.
• A minimum setback for defensible space of 30’ from the structure to undeveloped, natural open
space is required, and may be increased based on topographical considerations, or other physical features
that create a higher risk from wildfire.
Meridian Fire Department 33 E. Broadway, Suite 210, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-888-1234 Fax 208-895-0390 www.meridiancity.org
• Include information on plants that would be used in creating and maintaining Firewise landscaping
including those in the Idaho Firewise Fire Resistance of Plants Master Database found on the Idaho Firewise
website. This document describes characteristics of hazardous and fire-prone vegetation, as well as
characteristics of fire-resistant plants that should be utilized in landscaping and vegetation management.
Information can be found on the “Idaho Firewise” website. This information should include zone concepts
(Immediate Zone (0-5’), Intermediate Zone (5-30’) and Extended Zone (30-100’). Note: these zones may be
increased to account for steep topography.
A wildfire safety plan is required for this subdivision. A plan shall be submitted and approved prior to
approval of the final plat. The plan shall be based on a site-specific wildfire risk assessment that includes
considerations of project size, location, topography, aspect, flammable vegetation, climatic conditions and fire
history. The plan shall address water supply, access, building ignition and fire-resistive factors, fire
protection systems and equipment, defensible space and vegetation management. A copy of the Wildfire
Safety plan will be provided to the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) and will be referenced in the project
CCR’s, related to ongoing maintenance of open space and for guidance related to the construction of new
homes and for all landscaping.
4. Stations 7 and 8 have not been budgeted nor approved for construction or staffing at this
time. They are in planning/design phase at this time.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Joseph Bongiorno
Deputy Chief of Prevention
Meridian Fire Department
(208) 888-1234
Meridian Fire Department 33 E. Broadway, Suite 210, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-888-1234 Fax 208-895-0390 www.meridiancity.org