PZ - Staff Report 6-17
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HEARING
DATE:
6/17/2021
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission
FROM: Joe Dodson, Associate Planner
208-884-5533
SUBJECT: H-2021-0029
ACHD Ustick Maintenance Facility
LOCATION: The site is located at 3764 W. Ustick
Road, approximately ½ mile west of Ten
Mile Road on the north side of W. Ustick
Road, in the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ of
Section 34, Township 4N., Range 1W.
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Annexation and Zoning of 30.27 acres of land with a request for the I-L zoning district for the purpose of
constructing an ACHD maintenance facility on 23.7 acres, by Engineering Solutions, LLP.
Note: Sewer services are not currently available to the site. Therefore, the Applicant is also requesting a
City Council Waiver to delay connection to City sewer; City water is readily available. Further discussion
of this is located throughout the staff report below.
II. SUMMARY OF REPORT
A. Project Summary
Description Details Page
Acreage AZ – 30.27 acres; Project Site – 23.7 acres
Future Land Use Designation Mixed-Use Non-Residential (MU-NR)
Existing Land Use(s) County Residential (home is no longer occupied)
Proposed Land Use(s) ACHD Maintenance Facility
Lots (# and type; bldg./common) One (1) building lot
Phasing Plan (# of phases) Proposed as eight (8) phases over eight (8) years.
Physical Features (waterways,
hazards, flood plain, hillside)
Fivemile Creek abuts the north property boundary;
Ninemile Creek abuts the northeast property boundary. A
large area of the site lies within the floodplain along the
north third of the site, both Zone “AE” and Zone “X.”
See further analysis in Section V.N.
Neighborhood meeting date; # of
attendees:
March 25, 2021 – 3 attendees
History (previous approvals) N/A
STAFF REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
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B. Community Metrics
Description Details Page
Ada County Highway
District
• Staff report (yes/no) Yes
• Requires ACHD
Commission Action
(yes/no)
No
Access
(Arterial/Collectors/State
Hwy/Local) (Existing and
Proposed)
Access is proposed via construction of a new collector street along the west
property boundary (N. Naomi Avenue) that accesses W. Ustick Road (arterial)
near the mid-mile mark.
Stub
Street/Interconnectivity/Cross
Access
Applicant is proposing to terminate N. Naomi Avenue in a temporary
hammerhead type turnaround approximately 625 feet into the property. Any future
development west of the subject site would connect to this terminus and continue
west for interconnectivity. No other stub streets are proposed or required due to
the proposed and adjacent use.
Existing Road Network Ustick Road is existing arterial street with 2 to 3 lanes of travel.
Existing Arterial Sidewalks /
Buffers
Ustick Road is existing but there are no sidewalks or landscape buffers along the
north side of Ustick Road.
Proposed Road
Improvements
No road improvements are required with this application due to this segment of
Ustick being scheduled for widening in 2025, unless the proposed right-hand turn
lane is proposed with future development (see ACHD staff report in Section
VIII.D).
CIP/Five Year Work Plan for Ustick and other nearby roads:
Fire Service
• Distance to Fire
Station
1.1 miles from Fire Station #2
• Fire Response Time Project lies within 5-minute response time goal
• Resource Reliability Fire Station #2 reliability is 85% (above the goal of 80%)
• Risk Identification None to report at this time
• Accessibility Proposed project meets all required road widths, and turnaround dimensions.
Police Service
• Concerns None/no comments
Wastewater
• Distance to Sewer
Services
2,650 feet from current sewer services to the west (Black Cat Road)
• Sewer Shed North Black Cat Trunkshed
• Estimated Project
Sewer ERU’s
See application
Page 3
Description Details Page
• WRRF Declining
Balance
14.15
• Project Consistent
with WW Master
Plan/Facility Plan
Yes
• Impacts/Concerns • Sewer is a 2,650' from site and per the Master Plan needs to come from N.
Black Cat Rd.
• Provide to-and-through to parcel S0434438850 to the east.
• If sewer is not available at the time of construction of the site, provide a
utility easement to the northern end of the parcel S0434438850.
• Flow is committed.
Water
• Distance to Services 0’
• Pressure Zone 1
• Estimated Project
Water ERU’s
See application
• Water Quality
Concerns
None
• Project Consistent
with Water Master
Plan
Yes
• Impacts/Concerns • No utilities are shown with application. A utility plan will need to be reviewed
by Public Works.
C. Project Area Maps
Future Land Use Map
Aerial Map
Zoning Map Planned Development Map
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III. APPLICANT INFORMATION
A. Applicant:
Becky McKay, Engineering Solutions, LLP – 1029 N. Rosario Street, Meridian, ID 83642
B. Owner:
Ada County Highway District (ACHD) – 3775 N. Adams Street, Garden City, ID 83714
C. Representative:
Same as Applicant
IV. NOTICING
Planning & Zoning
Posting Date
City Council
Posting Date
Newspaper Notification 5/28/2021
Radius notification mailed to
properties within 500 feet 5/26/2021
Site Posting 6/6/2021
Nextdoor posting 5/26/2021
V. STAFF ANALYSIS
A. Future Land Use Map Designation (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan)
Mixed Use Non-Residential (MU- NR) – The purpose of this designation is to designate areas
where new residential dwellings will not be permitted, as residential uses are not compatible with
the planned and/or existing uses in these areas. For example, MU-NR areas are used near the
City’s Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility and where there are heavy industrial or other
hazardous operations that need to be buffered from residential. Developments are encouraged to
be designed similar to the conceptual MU-NR plan depicted. Appropriate uses in MU-NR areas
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would include: employment centers, professional offices, flex buildings, warehousing, industry,
storage facilities and retail, and other appropriate non-residential uses
The subject site is an approximate twenty-four (23.7) acre parcel that abuts Ustick to the south,
two creeks along the north and a portion of the east boundary, and the City’s wastewater
treatment plant directly north of the abutting creek. South of Ustick Road are existing detached
single-family residences that currently have generally vacant parcels between them and the
treatment plant. The proposed use of a maintenance facility for ACHD falls under the Public
Utility, Major use within development code and is subject to specific use standards (UDC 11-4-3-
31).
The Mixed Use Non-Residential (MU-NR) future land use designation calls for industrial uses,
such as a maintenance facility, to act as a buffer between the City’s treatment plant and any
existing and/or future residential development. The Applicant is proposing to install solid fencing
and the required landscape buffers adjacent to Ustick and the existing county residence directly
to the west (in addition to a new public collector street). If the property to the west develops in the
future as a nonresidential use as called for on the future land use map, the buffer proposed with
this application along the west boundary should act as an adequate transition between uses.
Despite the probable noise associated with a maintenance facility such as this, adequate
landscaping and separation from existing residences by Ustick Road offer appropriate separation
and should mitigate the noise from trucks and machinery.
In addition to the proposed use itself, the hours of operation for the facility are an important
factor in determining if the proposed use fits in this location. The Applicant has stated the
planned hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 7am to 5:30pm with occasional late-night
hours during emergency situations. During the summer, the Applicant has also stated that chip-
seal operations require some weekend hours but should be within the normal daytime operating
hours. Staff nor the Applicant can foresee emergency situations so it is not feasible to mitigate
every possibility associated with the proposed use. Due to the likely minimal late-night
operations, Staff believes the proposed Development Agreement provisions and screening
methods will be sufficient in mitigating any noxious consequences of the proposed use.
Because of this, Staff finds the proposed project and use of an ACHD Maintenance Facility to be
generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Specific Comprehensive Plan policies are
discussed and analyzed below.
The City may require a development agreement (DA) in conjunction with an annexation pursuant
to Idaho Code section 67-6511A. In order to ensure the site develops as proposed with this
application and phasing plan, Staff recommends a DA as a provision of annexation with the
provisions included in Section VIII.A1. The DA is required to be signed by the property
owner(s)/developer and returned to the City within 6 months of the Council granting the
annexation for approval.
B. Comprehensive Plan Policies (https://www.meridiancity.org/compplan):
The applicable Comprehensive Plan policies are cited below with Staff analysis in italics.
“Coordinate with utility providers on acceptable landscape materials, design and site locations for
their future facilities to avoid negative impacts to the community.” (3.08.03). The location of the
proposed ACHD Maintenance Facility is located within a non-residential designated area
adjacent to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. This area is intended to be developed with non-
residential uses to act as buffers between existing/planned residential and the treatment plant.
ACHD is considered a utility provider and they have worked with Staff to find an appropriate
location for their new maintenance facility to further increase road maintenance capabilities
within the City of Meridian.
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Furthermore, Staff is recommending denser landscaping along the property frontage on Ustick to
further mitigate any negative impacts to the nearby single-family residences and meet this
applicable and significant comprehensive plan policy.
“Establish and maintain levels of service for public facilities and services, including water, sewer,
police, transportation, schools, fire, and parks” (3.02.01G). City water services are readily
available to the subject site but sewer services are nearly a half mile to the west. This site is in a
different sewer trunkshed than the properties to the east. As previously noted, the Applicant is
proposing to develop the site in multiple phases over the next 8-9 years with a potential for the
first building to be constructed in 2024. It is not entirely clear at what point utilities will be
available or needed for the site but due to the phasing and the lack of sewer availability
currently, the Applicant has not submitted any utility plans at this time. With future development,
the Applicant will be required to submit these plans and continue coordinating with the City to
connect to public utilities, including water needed for irrigation.
With this application, Staff finds it appropriate for the Applicant to provide a more detailed utility
phasing plan than what has been presented in the application materials. Staff has discussed this
with the Applicant and has received a general utility phasing plan as follows:
FY22- Site Prep, cutting in access roads, landscaping and fence installation – no need for sewer,
just water.
FY23- Decant and washout area, with the possibility of the Admin Bldg. or may get pushed out to
FY24.
FY24 - Drainage and Broom Sheds that would need to be connected to the sewer as well since
this building will have restrooms.
FY25 – Fleet Buildings - Sewer hook-up as well for this building.
FY26 – Admin Building (originally, but possibly pushed up to FY23 or 24). If not built this year
no need for sewer tie in.
FY27 – Truck Wash, and Truck Scales – Sewer to be hooked up
FY28 – Finishing of outlier projects
Based upon the updated information, connection to City water and sewer is likely needed by
2023. Water is readily available but sewer is not, as noted previously. The Applicant is having
ongoing discussions with the City Engineer on the best path forward for the sewer needs and
timeline of this project.
“Require industrial uses to conform to disposal, spill, and storage measures as outlined by the
Environmental Protection Agency.” (4.10.01B). Because of the nature of the proposed use and its
different disposal, storage, and chemical requirements, they will be tasked with obtaining all
necessary permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Planning Staff does not
perform environmental reviews as part of their analysis but due to the added layer of floodplain
being located onsite, the City’s floodplain coordinator will be a consistent part of future
development of the site as phasing progresses and structures are proposed within the floodplain
that require environmental permits.
“Require pedestrian access in all new development to link subdivisions together and promote
neighborhood connectivity.” (2.02.01D). Despite the project not being a residential development,
a segment of multi-use pathway is shown on the master pathways plan along the north property
boundary, adjacent to the Fivemile Creek. The Applicant is proposing to construct the required
segment of pathway and construct a pedestrian bridge over the creek to connect to an existing
pathway segment further to the east. This connection and added pathway are also proposed to
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connect to detached sidewalk along the property’s west boundary that eventually connects to
Ustick Road. Staff appreciates the added pedestrian connections proposed with this project and
should further Meridian’s multi-modal transportation goals.
“Require new development to establish street connections to existing local roads and collectors as
well as to underdeveloped adjacent properties.” (6.01.02C). The Applicant is proposing to
construct a new industrial collector street along west property boundary despite it not being
required on the Master Street Map (MSM). This new street is proposed to terminate in a
temporary hammerhead type turnaround approximately 625 feet north of Ustick allowing for
future connectivity to the west if future development occurs within other areas of the MU-NR
designation to west and northwest. The existing county residence and agricultural use to the west
will have an opportunity to access this new collector street directly and gives that property an
option to utilize the collector street instead of accessing Ustick directly.
Staff finds this development to be generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
C. Existing Structures/Site Improvements:
There is an existing county residence on the property that is no longer occupied. The Applicant
has stated this home is to now be sold and removed from the site instead of being used as a
temporary office, as originally proposed. Therefore, the existing driveway access to Ustick will
be closed as well. Staff is recommending this access be closed with phase 1 of the development,
consistent with standard conditions to construct required landscape buffers with the first phase of
development. No other structures are known on-site.
D. Proposed Use Analysis:
The proposed use is an ACHD Maintenance Facility which falls under the Public Utility, Major
use within development code. This use is a permitted use in the requested I-L zoning district per
UDC Table 11-2C-2 and is also subject to Specific Use Standards (UDC 11-4-2-31). As
previously discussed within the Comprehensive Plan section above, Staff supports the proposed
use at this location—the relatively low vehicle trips, nonresidential use, and proposed pedestrian
and landscaping improvements should make the proposed use ideal for this location next to the
wastewater recovery facility. Staff analysis of the Specific Use Standards is in italics below:
UDC 11-4-3-31 – Public Utility, Major; and public infrastructure:
A. Accessory uses directly related to the maintenance and fueling of vehicles (including, but not
limited to, truck and trailer washing, fuel pumps, garages for minor repair) may be allowed.
Proposed development incorporates many of these accessory uses and the Applicant is required
to obtain all necessary City, State, and Federal permits for them. Furthermore, the submitted
concept plan shows a large maintenance building in the southern quarter of the site but
sufficiently outside of the minimum 35-foot street setback from Ustick. This separation and
landscaping should mitigate any noxious outcomes from these buildings.
B. Installation of underground fuel tanks shall require written approval from the Idaho division of
environmental quality, Idaho department of water resources, and the appropriate fire authority.
Applicant is aware of this requirement and shall comply.
C. No portion of the outside storage areas and/or outside activity areas may be visible from any
highway, interstate, gateway corridor, principal arterial, or minor arterial as herein defined.
According to the submitted concept plan, none of the proposed outdoor storage areas appear to
be visible from Ustick Road, a principal arterial street. The applicant is proposing landscaping
and a solid fence as well as future building pad sites that will screen the outside activity areas
from Ustick Road. To ensure this standard is adhered to, Staff is recommending the required
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landscape buffer along Ustick is constructed with the first phase of development. More specific
analysis of the landscaping and fencing material is in subsequent and relevant sections below.
D. All driveways into and through the facility and any open area with a driving surface shall be
surfaced with a dustless material including, but not limited to, asphalt, concrete, pavers or bricks.
According to the submitted concept plan, no asphalt or driveways are proposed until phase 2.
However, upon further discussions with ACHD and following the removal of the existing home,
Staff is of the understanding that phase 1 will occur in 2022 and will include the new road,
overall site prep, landscaping, and fencing installation. With the first phase, it appears that a
gravel pit and paved open storage are proposed along the northern boundary. In addition, other
areas of paved open storage are depicted on the concept plan. Per the submitted plans, it appears
the Applicant is compliant with this standard.
E. For any use requiring the storage of fuel or hazardous material, the use shall be located a
minimum of one thousand (1,000) feet from a hospital. No portion of the site or any hazardous or
potentially hazardous material is located within 1,000 feet of a hospital.
The concept plan and phasing plan submitted with the application depict specific parts of the
maintenance facility being constructed at different times. A revised concept plan has since been
submitted. In general, the revised concept plan depicts the following: the required multi-use
pathway segment north of the proposed fencing and along the north boundary; a gravel pit and
paved open storage along the north and northwest boundary; fuel tanks, truck scale and a
salt/sand shed within the central area of the site; central but along the east boundary more paved
open storage and the decant and washout stations are proposed; employee and fleet parking as
well as the drain truck shed are located in a majority of the center of the site; in the south and
southeast area of the site the administration building, fleet maintenance building, broom truck
shed, and covered storage is shown on the concept plan.
Please see the phasing plan in the exhibit section below (Exhibit VII.E) for when these areas are
proposed to be constructed from approximately 2021-2028. Staff notes that the location of the
decant and washout areas have been moved since the revised concept plan was submitted to a
new location outside of the floodplain and is therefore not accurately shown on the phasing plan.
E. Dimensional Standards (UDC 11-2):
The Applicant is proposing to annex the subject property into the City with the I-L zoning district
which does not have a minimum lot size. As noted above, the proposed use meets the requested
zoning and the dimensional standards noted in the specific use standards. The project requires
both landscape buffers and building setbacks, per the I-L dimensional standards. At a minimum,
there is a 25-foot landscape buffer required adjacent to Ustick and a 20-foot landscape buffer
required along the new collector street, Naomi Avenue. In addition, the I-L zoning district
requires a street setback of 35 feet. The submitted site plan shows the required 35-foot building
setback from Ustick but shows only a 25-foot setback from the future Administration Building to
the new segment of Naomi Avenue. This should be corrected with future development
applications.
In addition, the I-L zoning district has a minimum landscape buffer of 25 feet to any residential
use which is applicable along the west property boundary where Naomi Avenue is not proposed
adjacent to the parcel to the west. The submitted concept plan shows this 25-foot landscape buffer
compliant with the required dimensional standards.
The proposed building height of any future buildings are not known at this time but Staff
presumes none are proposed near the 50-foot height limit of the I-L zoning district. With future
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CZC submittals, Staff will confirm conformance with the required dimensional standards of the I-
L zone and the Public Utility, Major specific use standards (11-4-3-31). Therefore, the prosed
project meets all required dimensional standards outlined in UDC 11-2C-3 except for the required
street setback to Naomi Avenue. Staff has recommended this be corrected prior to future CZC
submittal.
F. Building Elevations (UDC 11-3A-19 | Architectural Standards Manual):
The Applicant has not submitted any conceptual elevations of the future buildings. According to
the submitted concept plan, there will be an Administration building, Maintenance building, and a
long “L” shaped covered storage building that will require future Administrative Design Review
(DES) approval as future development occurs that will also require Certificate of Zoning
Compliance (CZC). Because future buildings are not proposed until later phases of the project
and because they will require CZC and DES approval, Staff does not find it necessary to obtain
conceptual elevations at this time. However, due to existing and established residential homes to
the south and Ustick being a heavily trafficked arterial roadway, Staff is recommending a DA
provision that any future building façade that is visible along Ustick Road is held to the
Commercial design standards in lieu of the Industrial design standards.
G. Access (UDC 11-3A-3, 11-3H-4):
Access is proposed via construction of a new collector street that aligns with Naomi Avenue to
the south. The Applicant is proposing to construct the collector street as a 3-lane, 52-foot wide
street section within 74 feet of right-of-way with 5-foot detached sidewalk on the east side of the
street; when the property to the west redevelops they will be expected to complete the street with
sidewalk on their side of Naomi. The submitted plans show this new road to terminate in a
temporary hammerhead type turnaround approximately 625 feet into the site for future road
connectivity to the west. ACHD has offered their approval of the proposed Naomi Avenue
extension and termination on the north side of Ustick Road. There is an existing home on the
property that is expected to be sold and moved to a new property which allows the existing access
to Ustick to be closed sooner than originally proposed.
Off of Naomi Avenue, the Applicant is proposing two driveway accesses for access into the
maintenance facility located approximately 360 and 625 feet north of Ustick Avenue. The
concept plan also shows each access to be gated approximately 150 feet from the edge of right-of-
way of Naomi. ACHD has given their approval of the proposed driveway and gate locations for
the maintenance facility because they meet district policies.
Lastly, the concept plan also shows a westbound deceleration/right-hand turn lane from Ustick
onto Naomi Avenue. The Applicant has stated a desire to include this right-hand turn lane for
trucks and other vehicles to access Naomi without impeding traffic along Ustick. Staff is
supportive of this. ACHD has noted within their staff report this dedicated right-hand turn lane is
not required by ACHD because Ustick Road is programmed to be widened to 5 lanes of travel
within 10 years.
The Naomi Avenue extension would allow for future public road connectivity for the parcels to
the west and allow for more efficient traffic management along the Ustick corridor than
individual nonresidential access points to Ustick common within industrial areas. Staff
appreciates the initial investment being placed on the road infrastructure and extension. All of
the proposed access points (including the existing driveway closure) meet UDC requirements and
ACHD has noted compliance with district policy. Therefore, Staff supports the proposed access
and transportation element of the proposed project.
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H. Parking (UDC 11-3C):
Off-street parking is required to be provided in accord with the standards listed in UDC Table 11-
3C-6B for nonresidential uses based on the ratio for industrial zoned properties of one (1) space
for every 2,000 square feet of gross building floor area. Staff will confirm compliance with these
standards at the time of CZC submittal for each building. The proposed use of a maintenance
facility will rarely have any customers so the vast majority of parking needs would be for
employees. Initial review of the concept plan does not give Staff any concern over the amount of
parking due to the proposed use and ample area for additional paved parking.
I. Sidewalks (UDC 11-3A-17):
5-foot wide detached sidewalks are proposed within the required landscape buffers to Ustick
Road and the new Naomi Avenue collector street (due to alignment, sidewalks are only proposed
on the east side of Naomi). At the terminus of Naomi, the 5-foot sidewalk is proposed to continue
north within the required 25-foot land-use buffer along the west property boundary and connect to
the required multi-use pathway segment at the north property boundary. The proposed sidewalk
meets UDC requirements.
There is currently no sidewalk to either the east or west of the subject site because neither
property is developed at this time. Further to the east, approximately ¼ mile, there is existing
sidewalk on the north side of Ustick constructed as part of the McNelis Subdivision. This area of
the City is rapidly developing so sidewalks should be constructed with the landscape buffers for
overall connectivity.
As properties further to the west and east develop in the future adequate pedestrian facilities will
be required and will connect to the overall sidewalk network. In addition, the intersection of
Naomi and Ustick is slated to be signalized in the future as more development occurs in this area.
A signal in this location would allow for safe pedestrian crossing to the established sidewalk
network on the south side of Ustick that offers connection to both Black Cat and Ten Mile Roads.
Furthermore, the sidewalk connection to the multi-use pathway segment along the north
boundary would allow pedestrian connection back to Ten Mile Road through the regional
pathway network. Overall, Staff supports the proposed detached sidewalk layout and locations
within the landscape buffers.
J. Pathways (UDC 11-3A-8):
Consistent with the sidewalk facilities, the proposed regional pathway extension is required of the
Applicant. In addition, the Applicant is required to construct a pedestrian bridge over the
Ninemile Creek to connect to the existing pathway segment at the west boundary of the McNelis
Subdivision.
The submitted concept plan shows compliance with all of the requirements surrounding the
construction of the multi-use pathway except for the required landscaping along both sides of the
pathway. The north side of the pathway is encumbered by the irrigation easement so the
Applicant has proposed trees only along the south side of the pathway. Staff is not necessarily
against this but the Applicant should be required to apply for Alternative Compliance with the
first CZC to determine the adequate alternative to the landscaping requirement along the creek.
To ensure these pedestrian facilities are constructed, especially the multi-use pathway segment,
Staff is recommending the pathway and sidewalks are constructed with phase 1 when the
landscaping and fencing are proposed.
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K. Landscaping (UDC 11-3B):
The Applicant is required to construct landscape buffers along Ustick Road, Naomi Avenue, and
the remaining western boundary. In addition, the Applicant is required to install landscaping
along the multi-use pathway along the north property. The buffers along Ustick and Naomi are
governed by UDC 11-3B-7; the land use buffer along the remaining west property boundary is
governed by UDC 11-3B-9; and the multi-use pathway landscaping is governed by UDC 11-3B-
12. The Applicant did not submit specific landscape plans for the project but the revised color
concept plan (Exhibit VII.C) does depict proposed landscaping in the required areas.
The revised color concept plan shows lawn and trees within each required landscape area. As
noted previously, Staff is recommending denser landscaping within the landscape buffer to Ustick
Road to help mitigate any noise, light, or fumes from the maintenance facility. Furthermore, the
landscape buffers should be constructed with phase 1 for this exact reason. The landscaping
shown on the color concept plan appears to meet code requirements but further analysis will be
done with the first CZC submittal and a specific landscape plan is submitted.
L. Fencing (UDC 11-3A-6, 11-3A-7):
All fencing is required to comply with the standards listed in UDC 11-3A-7. Fencing is proposed
as shown on the landscape plan and appears to meet UDC standards as proposed. The Applicant
is proposing to construct 8-foot tall chain-link fencing with 2 feet of barbed wire above that
along the north and east property lines—this fencing is also proposed to be coated in a colored
and rubberized material. Along the west and south property boundaries, the Applicant is
proposing 8-foot tall TREX fencing (see fencing rendering below, Exhibit VII.D). The
proposed TREX fencing is being strategically proposed to offer the most screening and
buffering to the existing residences. 8-foot tall fencing is allowed within industrial zoning
districts and per the height definition of fencing provided in UDC, barbed wire fencing is not
included in the height measurement of fencing and is allowed in the I-L zone.
M. Waterways (UDC 11-3A-6):
The subject site abuts two waterways along the north and northeast property boundaries—the
Fivemile Creek runs along the north boundary and the Ninemile Creek forks off of the Fivemile
and runs along the north segment of the east boundary. The Master Pathways Plan depicts a
segment of the regional pathway system adjacent to the Fivemile Creek but also requires a
pedestrian bridge to the northeast of the site in order to connect to the existing multi-use pathway
segment further to the east. The Applicant has proposed to build the required multi-use pathway
as well as to construct the pedestrian bridge over the Ninemile Creek to the east. Staff appreciates
the added cooperation with the Parks Department on extending pedestrian facilities.
In addition to the pedestrian elements surrounding the adjacent waterways, there is floodplain
located on the north quarter of the site. Staff has reviewed the site for compliance and notes that a
floodplain permit(s) will be required and that future construction within the floodplain will be
required to adhere to MCC 10-6 for structure elevations and waterproofing. Further and more
specific analysis will be done by Staff with future development applications. In addition,
additional environmental permits may be required with the federal government depending on
where the final location of specific items are located onsite (i.e. fuel tanks, decant station, etc.).
N. Pressurized Irrigation (UDC 11-3A-15):
The Applicant is required to provide a pressurized irrigation system for the development in
accord with 11-3A-15. No irrigation plans have been submitted for industrial use at this time.
With future development applications, the Applicant will be required to provide a pressurized
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irrigation system for the required landscaping around the site. Land Development will review
these plans in more detail at a later date when specific irrigation plans are submitted.
VI. DECISION
A. Staff:
Staff recommends approval of the requested annexation and zoning with the requirement of a
Development Agreement per the Findings in Section IX of this staff report.
B. Commission:
Enter Summary of Commission Decision.
C. City Council:
To be heard at future date.
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VII. EXHIBITS
A. Annexation and Zoning Legal Descriptions and Exhibit Maps
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B. Revised Concept Plan (dated: 4/14/2021)
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C. Color Concept Plan
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D. TREX Fence Example
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E. Phasing Plan – Not updated and NOT APPROVED
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VIII. CITY/AGENCY COMMENTS & CONDITIONS
A. PLANNING DIVISION
1. A Development Agreement (DA) is required as a provision of annexation of this property.
Prior to approval of the annexation ordinance, a DA shall be entered into between the City of
Meridian and the property owner(s) at the time of annexation ordinance adoption.
Currently, a fee of $303.00 shall be paid by the Applicant to the Planning Division prior to
commencement of the DA. The DA shall be signed by the property owner and returned to the
Planning Division within six (6) months of the City Council granting the annexation. The DA
shall, at minimum, incorporate the following provisions:
a. Future development of this site shall be generally consistent with the approved
concept plans included in Section VII and the provisions contained herein.
b. With the first phase of development, the existing home shall be removed and the existing
driveway access to Ustick Road shall be closed.
c. Future structures proposed along the Ustick Road frontage shall adhere to the
Commercial district design standards in lieu of the Industrial district design standards.
d. The required multi-use pathway segment, detached sidewalks along Ustick and Naomi, 5-
foot micro-path, and landscape buffers shall be constructed with the first phase of
development.
e. The Applicant shall construct all fencing as proposed on the approved concept plan to
specifically include closed vision fencing along the south and west property boundaries.
f. With the first phase of development, the Applicant shall connect to City water and sewer
services, if available. Should sewer service not be available at the time of development,
the Applicant shall connect to sewer services when available or the water service may be
discontinued by the City.
g. Provide a utility easement for the benefit of the City through the site to parcel
S0434438850 to the east along the north half of the boundary for future sewer
infrastructure. Coordinate the exact location with Public Works staff.
h. With the first Certificate of Zoning Compliance application, the landscape buffer to
Ustick Road shall be vegetated with additional landscaping to include: trees that touch at
maturity, and; incorporate landscape beds along the entire fence line for added shrubs and
vegetation to help mitigate any noxious uses within the site.
i. The Applicant shall adhere to the specific use standards for the approved Public Utility,
Major use, as outlined in UDC 11-4-3-31.
2. Prior to commencing any site development, the Applicant shall obtain Certificate of Zoning
Compliance (CZC) approval for the first phase of site development. Any future buildings and
site development will also require CZC approval.
3. Future development shall be consistent with the minimum dimensional standards listed in
UDC Table 11-2C-3 for the I-L zoning district and in UDC 11-4-3-31 for the Public Utility,
Major specific use standards.
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4. Off-street parking is required to be provided in accord with the standards listed in UDC Table
11-3C-6B for nonresidential uses within the I-L zoning district.
5. The Applicant shall comply with all ACHD conditions of approval.
6. 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.
7. Prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy on any building, the applicant shall submit a
public access easement for the multi-use pathway segment along Fivemile Creek to the
Planning Division for approval by City Council and subsequent recordation. The easement
shall be a minimum of 14’ in width (10’ pathway and 2’ shoulder on each side).
8. Upon completion of the landscape 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.
B. PUBLIC WORKS
1. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1.1 With the first phase of development, the Applicant shall connect to City water and sewer
services, if available. Should sewer service not be available at the time of development, the
Applicant shall connect to sewer services when available or the water service may be
discontinued by the City.
1.2 Provide a utility easement for the benefit of the City through the site to parcel S0434438850
to the east along the north half of the boundary for future sewer infrastructure. Coordinate the
exact location with Public Works staff.
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2. General Conditions of Approval
2.1 Applicant shall coordinate water and sewer main size and routing with the Public Works
Department, and execute standard forms of easements for any mains that are required to
provide service outside of a public right-of-way. Minimum cover over sewer mains is
three feet, if cover from top of pipe to sub-grade is less than three feet than alternate
materials shall be used in conformance of City of Meridian Public Works Departments
Standard Specifications.
2.2 Per Meridian City Code (MCC), the applicant shall be responsible to install sewer and
water mains to and through this development. Applicant may be eligible for a
reimbursement agreement for infrastructure enhancement per MCC 8-6-5.
2.3 The applicant shall provide easement(s) for all public water/sewer mains outside of public
right of way (include all water services and hydrants). The easement widths shall be 20-
feet wide for a single utility, or 30-feet wide for two. The easements shall be dedicated
via the City of Meridian’s standard forms. The easement shall be graphically depicted on
the construction plat for reference purposes. Submit an executed easement (on the form
available from Public Works), a legal description prepared by an Idaho Licensed
Professional Land Surveyor, which must include the area of the easement (marked
EXHIBIT A) and an 81/2” x 11” map with bearings and distances (marked EXHIBIT B)
for review. Both exhibits must be sealed, signed and dated by a Professional Land
Surveyor. DO NOT RECORD. All easements must be submitted, reviewed, and approved
prior to development plan approval.
2.4 The City of Meridian requires that pressurized irrigation systems be supplied by a year-
round source of water (MCC 12-13-8.3). The applicant should be required to use any
existing surface or well water for the primary source. If a surface or well source is not
available, a single-point connection to the culinary water system shall be required. If a
single-point connection is utilized, the developer will be responsible for the payment of
assessments for the common areas prior to prior to receiving development plan approval.
2.5 All irrigation ditches, canals, laterals, or drains, exclusive of natural waterways,
intersecting, crossing or laying adjacent and contiguous to the area being developed shall
be addressed per UDC 11-3A-6. In performing such work, the applicant shall comply
with Idaho Code 42-1207 and any other applicable law or regulation.
2.6 Any wells that will not continue to be used must be properly abandoned according to
Idaho Well Construction Standards Rules administered by the Idaho Department of Water
Resources. The Developer’s Engineer shall provide a statement addressing whether there
are any existing wells in the development, and if so, how they will continue to be used, or
provide record of their abandonment.
2.7 Any existing septic systems within this project shall be removed from service per City
Ordinance Section 9-1-4 and 9 4 8. Contact Central District Health for abandonment
procedures and inspections (208)375-5211.
2.8 All improvements related to public life, safety and health shall be completed prior to
occupancy of the structures.
2.9 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.
2.10 Applicant shall be responsible for application and compliance with any Section 404
Permitting that may be required by the Army Corps of Engineers.
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2.11 Developer shall coordinate mailbox locations with the Meridian Post Office.
2.12 All grading of the site shall be performed in conformance with MCC 11-12-3H.
2.13 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.
2.14 At the completion of the project, the applicant shall be responsible to submit record
drawings per the City of Meridian AutoCAD standards. These record drawings must be
received and approved prior to the issuance of a certification of occupancy for any
structures within the project.
2.15 A street light plan will need to be included in the civil construction plans. Street light plan
requirements are listed in section 6-5 of the Improvement Standards for Street Lighting. A
copy of the standards can be found at
http://www.meridiancity.org/public_works.aspx?id=272.
2.16 The City of Meridian requires that the owner post to the City a warranty surety in the
amount of 20% of the total construction cost for all completed sewer, water and reuse
infrastructure for duration of two years. This surety will be verified by a line item cost
estimate provided by the owner to the City. The surety can be posted in the form of an
irrevocable letter of credit, cash deposit or bond. Applicant must file an application for
surety, which can be found on the Community Development Department website. Please
contact Land Development Service for more information at 887-2211.
C. PARKS DEPARTMENT – PATHWAYS
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=230782&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
D. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT (ACHD)
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=230783&dbid=0&repo=MeridianC
ity
IX. FINDINGS
A. Annexation and/or Rezone (UDC 11-5B-3E)
Required Findings: Upon recommendation from the commission, the council shall make a
full investigation and shall, at the public hearing, review the application. In order to grant
an annexation and/or rezone, the council shall make the following findings:
1. The map amendment complies with the applicable provisions of the comprehensive
plan;
Staff finds the proposed zoning map amendment to annex the property into the City of
Meridian with the I-L zoning district with the proposed Public Utility, Major use and site
design is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, if all conditions of approval are met to
help mitigate any noxious uses nearby the existing residences to the south.
2. The map amendment complies with the regulations outlined for the proposed districts,
specifically the purpose statement;
Staff finds the proposed zoning map amendment and the requested development complies
with the regulations outlined in the requested I-L zoning district and is consistent with the
purpose statement of the requested zone.
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3. The map amendment shall not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
and welfare;
Staff finds the proposed zoning map amendment should not be detrimental to the public
health, safety and welfare, especially if all conditions of approval are met.
4. The map amendment shall not result in an adverse impact upon the delivery of services
by any political subdivision providing public services within the city including, but not
limited to, school districts; and
Staff finds the proposed zoning map amendment will not result in an adverse impact on the
delivery of services by any political subdivision providing public services within the City.
5. The annexation (as applicable) is in the best interest of city.
Staff finds the annexation is in the best interest of the City.