ACHD comments-MER20-0126 Ralstin Flex Space
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Development Services Department
Project/File: Ralstin Flex Space/ MER20-0126/ A-2020-0216
This is a certificate of zoning compliance and design review application to allow for the
development of a flex space building on 1.4-acres.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 700 N. Ralstin
Staff Approval: December 18, 2020
Applicant: Toby Norskog
LKV Architects
2400 E. Riverside Dr.
Boise, ID 83706
Representative: Israel Waitman
Copium Investments
PO Box 2414
Boise, ID
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 for a certificate of zoning
compliance and design review to allow for the development of a 26,616 square foot flex space
building on 1.4 acres.
The site is zoned I-L (Light Industrial) and the applicant’s proposal is consistent with the City of
Meridian’s comprehensive plan which designates this site as Industrial.
2. Description of Adjacent Surrounding Area:
Direction Land Use Zoning
North Light Industrial I-L
South Light Industrial I-L
East Light Industrial I-L
West Light Industrial I-L
3. Site History: ACHD has not previously reviewed this site for a development application.
4. Transit: Transit services are not available to serve this site.
5. New Center Lane Miles: The proposed development includes 0 centerline miles of new public
road.
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6. 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. The impact fee assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
7. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
• Fairview Avenue is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 7-lanes from Locust Grove Road
to Eagle Road (SH-55) in 2023.
• The intersection of Fairview Avenue and Locust Grove Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be
widened to 7-lanes on the north leg, 7-lanes on the south, 9-lanes east, and 9-lanes on the
west leg, and reconstructed/signalized in 2023. The project will also curb, gutter, sidewalk
and a Level 3 bike facility.
8. Roadways to Bikeways Master Plan: ACHD’s Roadways to Bikeways Master Plan (BMP) was
adopted by the ACHD Commission in May of 2009 and was update in 2018. The plan seeks to
implement the Planned Bicycle Network to support bicycling as a viable transportation option for
Ada County residents with a wide range of ages and abilities, maintain bicycle routes in a state of
good repair in order to ensure they are consistently available for use, promote awareness of existing
bicycle routes and features and support encouragement programs and to facilitate coordination and
cooperation among local jurisdictions in implementing the Roadways to Bikeways Plan
recommendations.
The BMP identifies Locust Grove Road as an existing Level 2 facility. The BMP also identifies Pine
Avenue, located north of the site, as a level 2 facility that will be constructed as part of a future
ACHD project.
B. Traffic Findings for Consideration
1. Trip Generation: Below is a list of land uses and estimated trip generation rates for uses that may
be included within the site. Trip generation rates are based on the Institute of Transportation
Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 10th edition.
Use Avg. Daily Trips Avg. PM Peak Hour
General Light Industrial
(per 1,000 sf) 4.96 0.63
Manufacturing (per 1,000 sf) 3.93 0.67
Warehousing (per 1,000 sf) 1.74 0.19
2. 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
Locust Grove Road 200-feet Minor Arterial 1,125 Better than
“E”
Pine Avenue None Minor Arterial 436 Better than
“E”
Commercial Drive None Local N/A N/A
Ralstin Street 200-feet Local N/A N/A
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* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane minor arterial is “E” (575 VPH).
* Acceptable level of service for a five-lane minor arterial is “E” (1,540 VPH).
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 Locust Grove Road south of Fairview Avenue was 23,453
on July 31, 2018.
• The average daily traffic count for Pine Avenue west of Locust Grove Road was 6,862 on
September 17, 2019.
• There are no current traffic counts for Commercial Drive or Ralstin Street.
C. Findings for Consideration
1. Locust Grove Road
a. Existing Conditions: Locust Grove Road is improved with 5-travel lanes, vertical curb, gutter,
and 8-foot wide sidewalk abutting the site. There is 95-feet of right-of-way for Locust Grove
Road (44-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.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Width Policy: District Policies 7205.2.1 & 7205.5.2 state
that the standard 5-lane street section shall be 72-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) within 96-
feet of right-of-way. This width typically accommodates two travel lanes in each direction, a
continuous center left-turn lane, and bike lanes on a minor arterial and a safety shoulder on a
principal arterial.
Sidewalk Policy: District Policy 7205.5.7 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide to
be constructed on both sides of all arterial streets. A parkway strip at least 6-feet wide between
the back-of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is required to provide increased safety and
protection of pedestrians. Consult the District’s planter width policy if trees are to be placed
within the parkway strip. Sidewalks constructed next to the back-of-curb shall be a minimum of
7-feet wide.
Detached sidewalks are encouraged and should be parallel to the adjacent roadway.
Meandering sidewalks are discouraged.
A permanent right-of-way easement shall be provided if public sidewalks are placed outside of
the dedicated right-of-way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-
of-way line and 2-feet behind the back edge of the sidewalk. Sidewalks shall either be located
wholly within the public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
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
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with curb, gutter and sidewalk; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps; pavement
repairs; signs; traffic control devices; and other similar items.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map
(MSM) guide the right-of-way acquisition, arterial street requirements, and specific roadway
features required through development. This segment of Locust Grove Road is designated in
the MSM as an Industrial Arterial with 5-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 72-foot street section
within 96-feet of right-of-way.
c. Applicant Proposal: The applicant is not proposing any street improvements to Locust Grove
Road abutting the site.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Locust Grove Road is fully improved; therefore, no
additional right-of-way or street improvements are required as part of this application.
The applicant should be required to repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities along
Locust Grove Road abutting the site.
2. Ralstin Street
a. Existing Conditions: Ralstin Street is improved with 2-travel lanes, 38-feet of pavement,
vertical curb and gutter and no sidewalk abutting the site. There is 60-feet of right-of-way for
Ralstin Street (30-feet from centerline).
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.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Policy: District Policy 7208.5 states that right-of-way widths
for new commercial streets shall typically be 50 and 70-feet wide and that the standard street
section will vary depending on the need for a center turn lane, bike lanes, volumes, percentage
of truck traffic, and/or on-street parking.
• A 36-foot street section (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) will typically accommodate two
travel lanes and on-street parking.
• A 40-foot street section (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) will typically accommodate two
travel lanes and a center turn lane.
• A 46-foot street section (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) will typically accommodate two
travel lanes and a center turn lane and bike lanes.
Sidewalk Policy: District Policy 7208.5.6 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide to
be constructed on both sides of all commercial streets. If a separated sidewalk is proposed, a
parkway strip at least 6-feet wide between the back-of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is
required to provide increased safety and protection of pedestrians. Consult the District’s planter
width policy if trees are to be placed within the parkway strip.
A permanent right-of-way easement shall be provided if public sidewalks are placed outside of
the dedicated right-of-way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-
of-way line and 2-feet behind the back edge of the sidewalk. Sidewalks shall either be located
wholly within the public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
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.
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c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct 5-foot wide attached concrete
sidewalk on Ralstin Street abutting the site.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to construct 5-foot wide
attached concrete sidewalk on Ralstin Street abutting the site meets District policy and should
be approved as proposed.
The applicant should be required to repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities along
Ralstin Street abutting the site.
2.1 Driveways-Ralstin Street
a. Existing Conditions: There are no driveways from the site onto Ralstin Street.
b. Policy:
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 Width Policy: District policy 7208.4.3 restricts commercial driveways to a maximum
width of 40-feet. Most commercial driveways will be constructed as curb-cut type facilities.
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.
Driveway Design Requirements: District policy 7208.4.3 states if an access point is to be gated,
the gate or keypad (whichever is closer) shall be located a minimum of 50-feet from the near edge
of the intersection and a turnaround shall be provided.
c. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant is proposing to construct two driveways from the site onto
Ralstin Street located as follows:
• 20-foot wide curb return type driveway located approximately 255-feet south of Pine
Avenue;
• 26-foot wide curb return type driveway located approximately 423-feet south of Pine
Avenue.
d. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant’s proposal to construct two driveways from
the site onto Ralstin Street meets District policy and should be approved as proposed.
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
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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
Locust Grove Road is classified as a minor arterial roadway. Direct lot access is prohibited to this
roadway.
D. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Construct 5-foot wide attached concrete sidewalk on Ralstin Street abutting the site.
2. Repair or replace any damaged or deficient facilities along Locust Grove Road and Ralstin Street
abutting the site.
3. Construct two driveways onto Ralstin Street as follows:
• 20-foot wide curb return type driveway located approximately 255-feet south of Pine
Avenue;
• 26-foot wide curb return type driveway located approximately 423-feet south of Pine
Avenue.
4. Direct lot access is prohibited to Locust Grove Road.
5. 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.
6. Payment of impact fees is due prior to issuance of a building permit.
7. 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.
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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.
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 se t 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.