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02-382 Adopting Comprehensive PlanRESOLUTION NO. OZ'" ~;~ 2~ BY: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO PROVIDE FOR FINDINGS AND TO ESTABLISH THE MERIDIAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN; PROVIDING FOR THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS: INTRODUCTION, WHAT IS MERIDIAN'S HISTORY, AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD, HOW WAS THE PLAN PUT TOGETHER, WHO LIVES IN MERIDIAN, AND WHAT DO THEY DO, WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF MERIDIAN, WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN MERIDIAN, HOW IS THE LAND IN MERIDIAN DEVELOPED, HOW DO WE MAKE THIS PLAN A REALITY, REFERENCES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SHALL BE THE OFFICIAL POLICY GUIDE FOR DECISIONS CONCERNING THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY; TO PROVIDE FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTION WITHIN THE PLAN BASED ON SIX KEY COMMUNITY VALUES; TO PROVIDE FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have the authority [pursuant to I.C. § 50-302] to establish resolutions not inconsistent with the laws of the state of Idaho as may be expedient, in addition to the special powers therein granted, to maintain the peace, good government and welfare of the corporation and its trade, commerce and industry; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have deemed it expedient and in the best interests of the City of Meridian to establish a comprehensive land use plan for the City of Meridian and its area of impact and its citizens, and the City of Meridian acknowledges the concerns and expressions of the community pertaining to the growth and development of the City; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive land use plan will address the legislative requirements and specifically the Idaho Local Planning Act by using maps and narratives to describe the City, and to provide vision of a desired future, and to recommend specific measures to reach that future; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive plan will provide for a planning process, and additionally for direction for land use regulations, including zoning, as well as other implementation actions; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive land use plan contains the thirteen (13) components required by state law; and RESOLUTION FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have done all things required by the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act for adoption of a comprehensive land use plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO as follows: SECTION 1. Pursuant to Idaho Code §67-6509, the Mayor and City Council hereby adopt the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein. A copy of this Resolution and the attached City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan shall be held on file in the office of the City Clerk. SECTION 2: immediately upon its adoption and approval. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this ~{,Co~{5 ,2002. APPROVED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this day of ~ ~ day of ,2002. ATTEST' · City Clerk Z:XWorkXMXMeridianXMeridian 15360M~esolutions City RESOLUTION FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN 2 CERTIFICATE OF CLERK OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN I, the undersigned, do hereby certify: 1. That I am the duly appointed and elected Clerk of the City of Meridian, a duly incorporated City operating under the laws of the State of Idaho, with its principal office at 33 East Idaho, Meridian, Idaho. 2. That as the City Clerk of this City, I am the custodian of its records and minutes and do hereby certify that on the /~ ~ day of ,~IA4'~ ,2002, the following action has been taken and authorized. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO PROVIDE FOR FINDINGS AND TO ESTABLISH THE MERIDIAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN; PROVIDING FOR THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS: INTRODUCTION, WHAT IS MERIDIAN'S HISTORY, AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD, HOW WAS THE PLAN PUT TOGETHER, WHO LIVES IN MERIDIAN, AND WHAT DO THEY DO, WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF MERIDIAN, WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN MERIDIAN, HOW IS THE LAND IN MERIDIAN DEVELOPED, HOW DO WE MAKE THIS PLAN A REALITY, REFERENCES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SHALL BE THE OFFICIAL POLICY GUIDE FOR DECISIONS CONCERNING THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY; TO PROVIDE FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTION WITHIN THE PLAN BASED ON SIX KEY COMMUNITY VALUES; TO PROVIDE FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have the authority [pursuant to I.C. § 50-302] to establish resolutions not inconsistent with the laws of the state of Idaho as may be expedient, in addition to the special powers therein granted, to maintain the peace, good government and welfare of the corporation and its trade, commerce and industry; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have deemed it expedient and in the best interests of the City of Meridian to establish a comprehensive land use plan for the City of Meridian and its area of impact and its citizens, and the City of Meridian acknowledges the concerns and expressions of the community pertaining to the growth and development of the City; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive land use plan will address the legislative requirements and specifically the Idaho Local Planning Act by using maps and narratives to describe the City, and to provide vision of a desired future, and to recommend specific measures to reach that future; and CERTIFICATE OF CLERK - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN WHEREAS, the comprehensive plan will provide for a planning process, and additionally for direction for land use regulations, including zoning, as well as other implementation actions; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive land use plan contains the thirteen (13) components required by state law; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have done all things required by the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act for adoption of a comprehensive land use plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO as follows: SECTION 1. Pursuant to Idaho Code {}67-6509, the Mayor and City Council hereby adopt the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein. A copy of this Resolution and the attached City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan shall be held on file in the office of the City Clerk. SECTION 2: EFFECTIVE DATE. immediately upon its adoption and approval. STATE OF IDAHO, ) ~ SS~ County of Ada ) On this /~3c1' day of d~~; This Resolution shall be in full force and effect ,2002, before me, , a Notary Public, appeared WILLIAM G. BERG. JR., known or identified to me to be the City Clerk of the City of Meridian, Idaho, that executed the said instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same on behalf of the City of Meridian. (SEAL) Notary Public for Idaho Residence: Ada / UJ_M, Commission Expires: ~- } 8 -O 6- Z:\Work\M\Meridian\Meridian 15360M\Resolutions City HalI\2002\CERTofCLKResolutionCOMPREHENSIVEPLAN073002.doc CERTIFICATE OF CLERK - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN 2 R LZ � � �',.,ia � �d t� � 'e6^ � � � � t#�H ¢•. �gia9t i y�' �b* j�t�#sq+4"�k A. +�b�a'� r � r � .w� «!.� ,. . � R ` � .±R�y myy�,��4 az i 'ce X' � "'�M ,�'3. 4 'l .l�.s�' ♦ ,.. e n 0 • 0 MAYOR Robert D. Corrie CITY COUNCIL R. Keith Bird Tammy de Weerd Cherie McCandless William L.M. Nary PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Keith Borup, Chairman Jerry Centers Keven Shreeve David Zaremba Leslie Mathes Sally Norton (former Commissioner) William L.M. Nary (former Commissioner) PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT Shari Stiles, Planning Director Brad Hawkins -Clark, Planner III Steve Siddoway, Planner II David McKinnon, Planner II Sonya Allen, Planner I Kristy Vigil, Administrative Assistant ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ACHD Ada County Highway District APA Ada Planning Association (now COMPASS) BID Business Improvement District BOD biochemical oxygen demand CDHD Central District Health Department COMPASS Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho COPS Citizens on Patrol CPRSP Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan DARE Drug Abuse Resistance Education DEQ Department of Environmental Quality EMS Emergency Medical Services EPA Environmental Protection Agency FHA Federal Highway Administration FP District Floodplain Overlay District gpm gallons per minute HPF Historic Preservation Fund I Interstate IDE Idaho Department of Employment IDHW Idaho Department of Health and Welfare IPUC Idaho Public Utility Commission ITD Idaho Transportation Department . JSD#2 Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian) mgd million gallons per day MPRD Meridian Parks and Recreation Department NACRD North Ada County Recreation District NMID Nampa Meridian Irrigation District NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NRPA National Recreation and Parks Association PAL Police Athletic League PAYADA Parents and Youths Against Drug Abuse PD Planned Development RTA Regional Transportation Authority RUT Rural Urban Transition (Ada Co. zone) SAIC Science Applications International Corporation SHPO State Historic Preservation Office TMDL total maximum daily load TTF Transportation Task Force TVP Treasure Valley Partnership UPRR Union Pacific Railroad USCOE U.S. Corps of Engineers USPA Urban Service Planning Area WWTP wastewater treatment plant • TABLE OF CONTENTS coon Chapter I Introduction A. Plan Purpose and Scope....................................................................... B. Nature of the Plan............................................................................... C. Private Property Rights........................................................................ I. Purpose........................................................................................... 2. Analysis........................................................................................... D. Plan Structure..................................................................................... Chapter II What is Meridian's history, and what does the future hold? A. Past.................................................................................................... B. Present............................................................................................... Page 1 .................................... C. Future............................................................................................ 3 Chapter III How was the plan put together? ................................... A. Meridian Comprehensive Planning ................................................... 4 B. Current Comprehensive Planning Process ......................................... ....................................... C. Identification of Issues, Goals, Objectives, and Action Items ............. 39 D. Data Collection............................................................................... E. Draft Plan Preparation..................................................................... F. Final Plan Adoption......................................................................... Chapter IV Who lives in Meridian, and what do they do? A. Current Conditions.......................................................................... 1. Population.................................................................................. 2. Economic Development............................................................... B. Community Concerns...................................................................... C. Future Conditions........................................................................... 1. Population.................................................................................. 2. Economic Development............................................................... D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items .................................................. Chapter V What are the physical and cultural features of Meridian? A. Current Conditions........................................................................... 1. Natural Resources........................................................................ 2. Hazardous Areas.......................................................................... 3. Special Sites and Historic Resources .............................................. 4. Community Design...................................................................... B. Community Concerns....................................................................... C. Future Conditions............................................................................. D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items .................................................. Page 1 .................................... 2 .................................... 3 .................................... 3 ................................... 3 .................................... 4 5 6 6 0" ........................................ 9 ...................................... 10 ...................................... 12 ...................................... 12 ...................................... 13 15 29 29 32 0P ....................................... 35 ....................................... 37 ....................................... 38 ....................................... 39 Section page Chapter VI What services are provided in Meridian? A. Current Conditions..................................................................................................................45 1. Schools...............................................................................................................................45 2. Transportation.....................................................................................................................52 3. Recreation...........................................................................................................................58 4. Public Services.....................................................................................................................60 5. Public Facilities....................................................................................................................62 6. Public Utilities......................................................................................................................66 B. Community Concerns..............................................................................................................68 C. Future Conditions....................................................................................................................69 1. Schools...............................................................................................................................69 2. Transportation.....................................................................................................................71 3. Recreation...........................................................................................................................73 4. Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities...................................................................................75 D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items.........................................................................................78 Chapter VII How is the land in Meridian developed? A. Current Conditions..................................................................................................................85 1. Land Use.............................................................................................................................85 2. Housing..............................................................................................................................89 B. Community Concerns..............................................................................................................91 C. Future Conditions....................................................................................................................92 1. Land Use.............................................................................................................................92 2. Housing............................................................................................................................101 D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items........................................................................................102 Chapter VIII How do we make this plan a reality? A. Implementation Tools............................................................................................................111 B. Goals and Action Items..........................................................................................................113 C. Prioritized List of Action Items/Responsible Entities..................................................................113 ChapterIX References................................................................................................................ 121 Glossary Appendix A Private Property Rights Checklist - A-1 Appendix B Community Concerns- B-1 11 FIGURES . Fi ure City of Meridian Population, Selected Years.............................................................................16 Page I-1 Meridian Vicinity Map..............................................................................................................2 V-1 Soils in the Meridian Area......................................................................................................31 V-2 Floodplains in the Meridian Area............................................................................................33 VI -1 Public Facilities and Services for the City of Meridian...............................................................47 VI -2 Functional Street Classification Map, Meridian Planning Area....................................................53 VI -3 Off -Street Multiple -Use Pathways...........................................................................................55 VI -4 On -Street Pathways / Detached Sidewalks..............................................................................56 VI -5 On -Street Bikeways...............................................................................................................57 VI -6 Master Sewer and Well/Reservoir Facilities Plan......................................................................64 VI -7 Idaho Power Company Facilities.............................................................................................67 VI -8 Auto Circulation: Future Collector Streets...............................................................................74 VII -1 Existing Land Use in the City of Meridian and Its Area of Impact..............................................87 VII -2 Future Land Uses in the City of Meridian and Its Area of Impact..............................................93 VII -3 Neighborhood Center Concept Diagram..................................................................................96 TABLES Table Page rV-1 City of Meridian Population, Selected Years.............................................................................16 IV -2 1990 and 2000 City of Meridian Age Composition....................................................................17 IV -3 1990 to 1997 Ada County Employment Change.......................................................................18 IV -4 1990 to 1997 Ada County Earnings Change (in thousands of dollars).......................................19 IV -5 1997 Meridian Planning Area Employment..............................................................................20 IV -6 1990 to 2001 City of Meridian Commercial Building Permit Activity ...........................................20 IV -7 1990 to 1998 City of Meridian Household Income Distribution..................................................21 IV -8 2000 to 2020 City of Meridian Population Forecast..................................................................22 IV -9 2000 and 2020 City of Meridian Age Composition....................................................................23 IV -10 1997 to 2020 Ada County Employment Forecast.....................................................................24 N-11 1997 to 2020 Meridian Planning Area Employment Forecast....................................................24 IV -12 1998 to 2003 City of Meridian Household Income Distribution..................................................25 V-1 National Register -Listed Architectural Resources, Meridian, Idaho............................................34 VI -1 1990 City of Meridian Educational Attainment.........................................................................46 VI -2 Joint School District No. 2 Elementary, Middle, Senior High and Alternative Schools ..................48 VI -3 1990 to 2000 Joint School District No. 2 Enrollment Trend.......................................................49 VI -4 1990 to 2000 Joint School District No. 2 Enrollment by Grade..................................................50 VI -5 Joint School District No. 2 Capacity/Enrollment Ratio...............................................................51 VI -6 Meridian City Parks (2002).....................................................................................................59 VI -7 Idaho Power Goals................................................................................................................66 VI -8 Meridian School District Enrollment Forecasts by Grade...........................................................70 VI -9 Roadway Projects Planned for Meridian and Impact Area Within the Next 20 Years...................72 VII -1 Approximate Existing Land Uses within the Impact Area..........................................................86 VII -2 1990 City of Meridian Housing Characteristics.........................................................................89 VII -3 1990 to 1999 City of Meridian Residential Building Permit Activity .................................:..........90 VII -4 Approximate Future Land Uses within the Impact Area ..........................................................100 VII -5 2000 to 2020 City of Meridian Housing Unit Forecasts ...........................................................101 VIII -1 Action Items/Responsible Entities.........................................................................................115 0 July 2002 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION INSIDE THIS CHAPTER A. Plan Purpose and Scope B. Nature of the Plan C Private Property Rights 1. Purpose 2. Analysis D. Plan Structure Page 1 Meridian, Idaho is located in Ada County, approximately 10 miles west of the state capi- tal, Boise (Figure 11). The city limits encompass approximately 16 square miles, while the Area of Impact includes about 41 square miles. Meridian and surrounding Impact Area are one of the fastest growing areas in the west. In order to maintain its small town character and charm, and because of its rapid growth, the City initiated the cur- rent comprehensive planning process. A. Plan Purpose and Scope The purpose of the City of Meridian's comprehensive plan is to integrate the concerns and expressions of the community into a document that recommends how the City should grow and develop. All legislative requirements, specifically the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act, must also be addressed in the plan. The plan uses maps and narra- tive to describe the City, provides a vision of a desired future, and recommends specific measures to reach that future. Section 67-6508 of the Idaho Code (the Local Land Use Planning Act) provides for a planning process as follows: Prepare, implement, and review and update a comprehensive plan, hereafter referred to as the plan. The plan shall include all land within the jurisdiction of the governing board. The plan shall consider previous and existing conditions, trends, desirable goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for each planning component. The plan with maps, charts, and reports shall be based on the following components unless the plan specifies reasons why a particular component is unneeded. The components specified in the Idaho Code include private property rights; population; economic development; community design; special areas or sites; natural resources; hazardous areas; school facilities; recreation; transportation; public services, facilities, and utilities; land use; housing; implementation; and any other component which may be necessary. The comprehensive plan provides direction for land use regulations, including zoning, as well as other implementation actions. Idaho Code § 67-6511 specifies the following: Each governing board shall, by ordinance adopted, amended, or repealed in accordance with the notice and hearing procedures provided under § 67-6509, Idaho Codeestablish within its jurisdiction one or more zones or zoning dis- tricts where appropriate. The zoning districts shall be in accordance with the adopted plans (emphasis added). This plan applies to all geographic area within Meridian's jurisdiction, including its sur- rounding Area of Impact . Plan goals, objectives, and action items are designed to ad- dress a 10 -year period, although population forecasts are prepared to the year 2020. Chapter I 0 LJ 10 • 0 Page 2 Chapter I July 2002 Figure 1-1. Meridian Vicinity Map B. Nature of the Plan The Meridian Comprehensive Plan is an official policy guide for decisions concerning the physical development of the community. It indicates, in a general way, how the com- munity may develop in the next five to 10 years. Citizens, developers, the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the City Council and other groups, are all involved in questions of community development and have a primary responsibility to coordinate and direct the overall pattern of development activi- ties within the community. The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council make development decisions concerning annexation, rezoning, subdivision developments, con- ditional use permits, zoning variances, and planned developments. Due to these re- sponsibilities, it is necessary for the City to implement technical guidelines and adopt policies which will provide the framework for resolving questions relating to quality of life and physical development. The City also needs to establish long-range implementation items for coordinated, unified development of public improvement projects. Throughout the comprehensive planning process, citizens affirmed that the goals, objec- tives, and action items contained in this plan are based on six key community values: • Manage growth to achieve high-quality development. • Enhance Meridian's quality of life for all residents. • New growth should finance public service expansion. • Prevent school overcrowding/enhance education services. • Expand commercial and industrial development. • Protect Meridian's self-identity. July 2002 These important community values expressed in the 1993 Comprehensive Pian and dur- ing this recent planning process have been incorporated into the Meridian Comprehen- sive Plan. C. Private Property Rights Idaho Code § 67-6508 requires an analysis of provisions which may be necessary to en- sure that land use policies, restrictions, conditions and fees do not violate private prop- erty rights, adversely impact property values or create unnecessary technical limitations on the use of property. Purpose The purpose of this component is as follows: • To ensure that the City of Meridian in its land use policies, restrictions, condi- tions and fees does not violate private property rights, adversely impact prop erty values or create unnecessary technical limitations on the use of property; and • To establish for planning and implementation purposes an orderly, consistent review process to enable the City to evaluate whether the proposed regulatory or administrative actions may result in a taking of private property without due process of law. 2. Analysis A land use regulation or action must not be unduly restrictive so as to cause a "taking" of a landowner's property without just compensation. This right is provided in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and in Article 1 § 13 of the Constitution of the State of Idaho. Such a "taking" can occur whether accompanied by an actual taking of physical property or not. In the land use context the issue is usually framed: Does the land use ordinance, regulation or is the decision so restrictive so as to deprive the owner of economically viable use of the subject property? If so, then it is the subject of an "inverse condemnation" (a taking without just compensation). The courts, when they find a "taking," require either the payment of compensation or the court invalidates the action for a violation of the due process. The Meridian Comprehensive Plan is prepared to protect private property rights and val- ues. No goals, objectives, or action items are developed to create unnecessary regula- tions that would negatively affect private property rights or values. This plan strives to balance the needs of the community in a broad spectrum of issues. The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Idaho has prepared a checklist for reviewing the potential impact of regulatory or administrative actions upon specific prop- erty. The Meridian City Attorney has reviewed this and provided Appendix A. Page 3 Chapter I • 0 0 Page 4 The challenge of building a community in today's era is to recogni.Ze that, as stakeholders in the future, nye must all invest personally in our city. " -Mayor Bob Corrie Chapter I July 2002 D. Plan Structure This plan is organized into nine chapters. The first three chapters are introductory chapters, followed by five chapters that encompass the 13 components required by state law, and a chapter listing the references used to put the plan together. As allowed by Idaho Codesome components of the plan have been merged so that similar components are grouped together, providing some ease to the reader in fol- lowing the City's key issues. Private property rights are discussed in this chapter. Chapter IV combines the population and economic development components. Com- munity design, special sites, natural resources, and hazardous areas are all de- scribed in Chapter V. Chapter VI includes schools; transportation; recreation; and public services, facilities, and utilities. Finally, Chapter VII describes the land use and housing components. Chapters IV through VII include a definition of the component, a description of the cur- rent conditions, a summary of issues and concerns, an analysis of future trends, and the associated goals, objectives, and action items. • Definition of the Component. Each component is introduced and followed by a definition of the resource area (i.e., transportation describes all roads, highways, and related facilities within the Impact Area), and the purpose and content of the chapter. These definitions are largely derived from the Idaho Code. • Current Conditions. This section describes the resources within the City and sur- rounding Impact Area as they exist today. This section was written utilizing existing plans and other information gathered throughout the data collection process. No new inventories or studies were conducted; rather, existing information was ana- lyzed and applied to each resource. • Community Concerns. Community issues and concerns regarding the resource are briefly summarized in this section. These concerns were developed from citi- zen's meetings, other public comments received throughout the planning process, and further refined by the steering committee and citizen subcommittees. The over- all list of concerns expressed throughout the process is provided in Appendix B. • Future Conditions. This section predicts the resource conditions in the Impact Area necessary to accommodate growth and maintain a high quality of life. To pre- pare this analysis, the population forecasts (described in Chapter IV) were applied to each resource. The effects of the population forecast on the resource are then de- scribed. • Goals, Objectives, and Action Items. A future vision and course of action based on the issues and concerns are presented in a series of goals, objectives, and action items. The steering committee and citizen subcommittees developed and refined these items for each resource. Furthermore, appropriate action items were included from the 1993 Comprehensive Plan and the Meridian Chamber of Commerce's Vi- sioning Process. A consolidated and prioritized list of all the goals, objectives and specific action items within each chapter is available in Table VIII -8. This table also assigns a responsible agency, city department or civic organization to each action item to ensure implementation. July 2002 CHAPTER II WHAT IS MERIDIAN'S HISTORY, AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? INSIDE THIS CHAPTER A. Part B. Present C Future Page 5 The City of Meridian is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Idaho. Its charm- ing history tells the story of a small town tied to its agricultural roots, while its future will depend on the growing high-tech industry becoming so familiar to those in the Treasure Valley. Long-time residents of Meridian can drive through town and point out whose farms used to lie under areas where new subdivisions, schools, and shopping malls have appeared. New residents are drawn to the variety of services provided in an area that still maintains its small town feel. The purpose of this section is to help the reader be- come familiar with the City of Meridians' past, present, and future. A. Past Meridian's history is intimately associated with the development of irrigation systems in the Treasure Valley. Homesteaders arrived in the area on the promise of promoters and speculators, and often failed because of the lack of accessible water. The earliest Eu- roamerican land claims were filed in the Meridian area in 1877. Later, much of the land was claimed by speculators. As speculators' claims were canceled beginning in 1884, settlers from the midwestern U.S. filed land claims in the Five Mile and Ten Mile Creek areas (Hill and Davidson 1986). Part of the tract homesteaded by John Wilburn in 1884 forms the present town of Meridian (City of Meridian 1993). In 1884, work was begun on the Farmers' Ditch (Settlers' Ditch) to irrigate local farms. However, construction proceeded very slowly as local farmers attended to other matters. Water was finally turned into the ditch in 1890 and the area began to prosper. The in- crease in dairy cattle in the Meridian area resulted in the establishment of the first creamery in 1897. A cheese factory was built in 1913 (Hill and Davidson 1986). Fruit orchards spawned a number of support industries as well, including four evaporators in Meridian for drying prunes and, later, potatoes. The Methodist Church established its presence in Meridian (called Hunter until 1893) in the 1880's and was the only religious congregation in the area for a number of years (Hill and Davidson 1986). Other Protestant churches were organized in the early 1900's and the Latter-day Saints began meeting in the area in the late 1920's. Small schools were established beginning in the 1880's. Education expanded to include high school in the early 1900's. Meridian School, designed by Boise architects Tourtellotte and Hummel, was built in 1904, and Meridian Rural High School in 1912. Meridian was organized as a village in 1903. Local rail connections within the valley were provided by Boise Valley Railway Company's "Interurban" which first served Merid- ian in 1908 (Hill and Davidson 1986). Food production in the area boomed during World War I, but fell precipitously after the war as farming resumed in Europe. The establishment of a new creamery in 1929 pro- vided some local stability during the national Great Depression of the 1930's (Hall and Davidson 1986). In 1970, the creamery closed and dairying declined in the area. At the same time, new crops, such as mint, were introduced and agricultural production contin- ued until the recent past when farms began to be sold for residential development. Chapter II r , U IJ • Page 6 July 2002 B. Present The City of Meridian is experiencing growing pains as land traditionally used for agricul- ture is being turned over to new subdivisions, schools, and businesses at a blistering rate. Over the last decade, the value of new commercial activity exceeded 260 million dollars. Visitors to Ada County can quickly note the changes by viewing large commer- cial enterprises along the interstate. The population has increased in size by almost 700 percent in just 20 years. As one of "The frrt sizeable the fastest growing school districts in the state, the Meridian Joint School District has seen extreme growth in the number of students enrolled and increased demands on building in Mendian was classrooms and additional facilities. situated on the Boise Despite that rapid growth, Meridian is still an ideal place to live, offering all the modern Meridian, the prime conveniences in an area that still maintains its small town character. Frequent commu- nity events, active church groups, and school programs encourage a strong sense of north-routb line from community. wbich all lands in Idaho Although there are numerous subdivisions and commercial centers, the City lacks true are sura e ed, it was y gateways and a unifying theme. Old Town, in Meridian's center, is the historical core of the community. It is the community's best known district since specific neighborhoods known as the Meridian are not organized within the City. Lodge. Although the Citizens of Meridian benefit from a wealth of public services. The City's police force of - lodge burned in 1923, the fers a number of special programs, and the fire department depends, in large part, on the contributions of its many volunteers. Sanitary Services Company, Inc., the company city, incorporated in that contracts with the City for waste management, has continually added collection pro- 1909, established itself grams and new equipment as the area's population has grown, while the City's water and sewer systems are constantly being updated to serve the area's growing demand. as the center of southern Meridian is also home to two of the area's most modern health care facilities, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, which became a full-service hospital in 2001, and St. Alphonsus Idaho's dairy industry. It Ambulatory Care Center. claimed to have 'more Because of the area's rapid growth, pressure has focused on the area's roadway net - cows per acre "than any work. The City participates in regional and state transportation planning efforts. One method considered to alleviate the pressure is the City's current participation in alterna- otherplace in the U.S., tive transit systems development, including a path system and park and ride lots. but Boise'ssuburban The City of Meridian provides various recreational, athletic, and youth programs. The growth has made inroads City also administers City parks and facilities. Again, due to the area's increased popula- tion, the City is updating their Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan on the farmland. " (CPRSP) to address their existing services and facilities as well as their deficiencies. -Conley, Idaho for the C. Future Curious Meridian's future holds great promise. By initiating this comprehensive plan update, the City has taken an important step in managing its future challenges. There is no end in sight for the influx of people to the area, but by setting forth the guidelines stated in this plan, Meridian will continue to be an attractive, historical town that is able to offer its citizens all the modern facilities and conveniences available in today's fast -paced world. As described later in this plan, it is difficult to estimate Meridian's future population be- cause its annual rate of increase has been so high in the last decade. One thing is sure, more people are on the way. Meridian must ensure that it can support its growing population economically. Projec- Chapter II July 2002 Page 7 tions estimate that the county's job market will increase by approximately 70 percent in • the next 20 years. Most of these jobs will be in the office market. Meridian's income is expected to shift in the next five years, with the percentage of higher incomes increas- ing. Increased growth also means an increasing demand on natural resources. Meridian resi- dents want their area to grow without harming its water supply, air quality, and other natural resources. Neighborhoods and special areas will be developed so that they fit in with Meridian's character. The City will develop a theme that incorporates the area's signage, commercial, and residential areas in order to give the town a unique character. Meridian's school system will continue to provide its students with modern, spacious and safe facilities. Meridian's transportation system will be strained as people continue to move into the area. The City will work with the appropriate agencies to incorporate sev- eral strategies to ensure that the infrastructure minimizes congestion problems. Merid- ian will also seek ways to incorporate alternate modes of transportation. Public parks and other recreation facilities will be increased to adequately meet the needs of the City's residents. The fire department, with support from a contracted emergency sup- port firm, is undertaking a comprehensive review of current services. Finally, the City's police force will be expanded to more adequately serve the City. Other public facilities will expand in response to and in anticipation of growth. Land uses in Meridian will be thoughtfully planned so that neighboring uses are compati- ble. Commercial areas will be located to minimize traffic congestion. A variety of attrac- tive land uses will be located to serve residents as well as regional shoppers. A wide range of housing types will be developed in order to appeal to families of various income levels. By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this plan by Meridian's citizens, Meridian will achieve the vision statement affirmed by the City Council in 1998. The City's vision state- ment is: "Meridian is a vibrant community at the center of the Treasure Valley dedicated to em- bracing its heritage and providing a high quality of life where its citizens live, work and play. " IAERIDI 9 i Chapter II • • Page B Chapter II July 2002 July 2002 Page 9 CHAPTER III HOW WAS THE PLAN PUT TOGETHER? NSIDE THIS CHAPTER'. A. Brief History of Meridian Comprehensive Planning B. Current Comprebensive Planning Process C Identification of Issuer Goals, Objectives, and Action Items D. Data Collection F. Draft Plan Preparation F. Final Plan Adoption 10 12 12 13 A. Brief History of Meridian Comprehensive Planning Meridian's first comprehensive plan was adopted in 1978. The plan was developed to meet the requirements of the 1975 Land Use Planning Act of the State of Idaho, Title 67, Chapter 65. Meridian has also been an active participant in Ada County planning efforts. The City of Meridian was a member of the Ada Council of Governments. They are currently mem- bers of the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) (formerly known as Ada Planning Association [APA]). In order to address growth and development issues, the Meridian City Council authorized a 118 -day moratorium on new residential development applications on June 1, 1993. This began an effort by citizens of Meridian to update the 1978 Comprehensive Plan. During the summer of 1993, citizens representing neighborhood groups, developers, real estate professionals, and public agencies participated in the update process. The Meridian Comprehensive Plan was adopted on December 21, 1993, and "is primarily a policy document identifying policies to guide future development within the City of Me- ridian and the Area of Impact.... The comprehensive plan has been updated with a broad base of community -wide citizen input, and is both sensitive to the changing needs of the community and recognizes a commitment to preserve the values identified by the City residents." From 1997 through 1998, the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, COMPASS, various Me- ridian City departments, and concerned citizens met to discuss a vision for the commu- nity. This group identified a vision statement and several topic areas that directly re- lated to the Meridian Vision, and made recommendations of additional goals and action items. The topic areas included: transportation, historic and cultural preservation, eco- nomic and commercial growth, recreation, health, education, housing, beautification, and City services. In August 1998, the Meridian City Council adopted the Meridian Vision Statement. The statement was later affirmed as the vision statement for the current comprehensive plan process. B. Current Comprehensive Planning Process On November 3, 1998, the City of Meridian issued a Request for Qualifications to pre- pare the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. Science Applications International Corpo- ration (SAIC) submitted a response to that request on November 20, 1998, and was in- vited to give an oral presentation on March 18, 1999. By June 1999, SAIC began work as the technical consultants, in conjunction with City staff, City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and citizens, to prepare the comprehensive plan. Chapter III 0 • Page 10 `Meridian is a vibrant community at the center of the Treasure Valley dedicated to embracing its heritage and providing a high quality of life where its citizens live, work, and play. " -Meridian City Council August 1998 Adopted Vision Statement Chapter III July 2002 The process of developing Meridian's comprehensive plan involved a five -phase ap- proach. The phases included: 1) designing a project schedule and community involve- ment plan; 2) identifying issues, goals, objectives, and action items; 3) collecting data; 4) preparing a draft plan; and 5) distributing a final product. It is the intent of the fol- lowing sections to discuss briefly each of these phases and describe how this plan was prepared. C. Identification of Issues, Goals, Objectives, and Action Items With the work plan and public involvement plan in place, the next phase was to identify issues and establish goals, objectives, and action items. This phase required the initia- tion of the aforementioned citizen groups. To lead the planning effort, a steering com- mittee was formed. Its functions were to: • serve as the primary point of contact for the public, • lead the citizen committee effort, • support the public involvement process, • review preliminary and draft plan documents, and • support the public hearing process. ensive Plan Committee Tammy de Weerd Peggy Gardner Brad Hawkins -Clark Tim Heinze Steve Siddoway Byron Smith Shari Stiles July 2002 Three technical subcommittees were formed to assist in the preparation of the various components. These subcommittees included the following members': Land Use Subcommittee: Gwen Alger Mike Gray Ralph Patey Rich Allison Judy Hambley Bette Pearcey Kathy Barnes Richard Howell Dave Pearcey Bob Barnes June Howell Ardyce Quenzer Dave Bivens David Huntting Chuck Rauch Mark Bowen Dennis Huntting Sharon Scott Michael Caven Frank Johnson Joe Simunich Virginia Christensen Jim Johnson Terry P. Smith Dayne Clark Darrion Jordan Shari Stiles Kent Corbett Fred Kesler Gene Strate Arden Davis Louise R. Little Jan Sylvester Elma Draper Carol Lotspeich Frank Thomason Wes Draper Malcolm MacCoy Bob Thruston Art Finnell Barbara McCoy Charles Trainor Peggy Gardner Robert J. Morgan Andrea Walther Julie Grapatin Lois J. Morgan Brad Watson Scott Grapatin Mark Nelson George Zickefoose Jim Carberry Joe da Rosa Art Finnell Peggy Gardner Larry Gardner Wayne Harriers Brad Hawkins -Clark Public Services Subcommittee: Lori Jones Lynda Kutrich Paul Loree Peggy Loree Roger Nielsen Dale Ownby Sonya Rasmussen Thomas Barbeiro Tim Heinze Louis Serino Maureen Boyle Judy Kane Steve Siddoway Kent Brown Phil Krichbaum Scott Stanfield Tracy Curran Trace Leighton Brad Watson Arden Davis David Moe Norma Jeanne Wellman Tammy de Weerd Franz Riegert Edee White Hal Ford Carol Semmens Note: 1. Citizens may have particip Chuck Gersdorf Jeffrey Semmens Page 11 0 i lomics Subcommittee: Ernie Roberson Bonnie Robinson Byron Smith Terry P. Smith Jerri Snowball Jan Svlvester in more than one committee. Chapter III 4) Page 12 July 2002 • The committees met on four occasions to perform a series of tasks including: issue identification; data collection support; goal, objective, and action item development; re- view and editing of preliminary draft; and support of open houses and public hearings. The steering committee also met throughout the planning process. Technical consult- ants prepared the actual documentation, while the steering committee and three citizens committees represented the public. The steering committee supported the technical consultants with suggestions to facilitate the planning process and also reviewed the preliminary and draft plan documents. Their participation proved key to presenting a draft to the public and to refining the final docu- Citizen Subcommittees ment. and Plan Components Each subcommittee was given the responsibility of several plan components. The re- sponsibility of each subcommittee was to provide expertise and perspective in each of Land Use these areas. This was achieved in a variety of ways, including supporting the data col - Transportation lection effort by providing information, plans, studies, and/or maps. They participated in Special Sites issue identification exercises and set goals and objectives accordingly. They developed Community Design implementation items and, upon preparation of drafts, reviewed them for consistency Land Use and accuracy. Several approaches were used to identify issues. These included small group mapping Public Services exercises designed to familiarize all committee members with the City while eliciting their Recreation concerns; a short writing exercise to encourage a focused articulation of ideas; and a Public Facilities simple brainstorming exercise to identify issues and concerns. (Appendix B presents a Environment composite list of issues). The subcommittees then devised goals, objectives, and action - Hazardous items to address each concern. At subsequent meetings, the steering committee further - Natural Resources refined and edited these statements. D. Data Collection Socioeconomics Schools During the course of the issue identification and goal -setting process, existing informa- Housing tion regarding Meridian and its Area of Impact was gathered wherever possible. To ac- complish this, the team of technical consultants gathered information from key agencies, individuals, and resources including existing plans, studies, and other documents. Per- sonal interviews were also conducted. Some materials were provided directly from af- fected agencies and their publications, and other information came from the members of the steering committee and subcommittees. To initiate the data collection process, the City identified key agencies and contacted them with a letter describing the comprehen- sive plan update. When agencies were then contacted by the technical consultants, they were already aware of the process, and, in some cases, had already prepared their statements. A complete list of references and persons and agencies contacted is pro- vided in Chapter IX. E. Draft Plan Preparation A preliminary draft was prepared based on the work of the citizens' committees and the data collected. The preliminary draft was made available to the citizens' committee. On March 16, 2000, the committees convened and reviewed their sections in a large public meeting. The recommended edits and changes were incorporated into the document. The Steering Committee convened twice after that meeting to consider further refine- ments. This became the draft plan presented to the public at an open house on June 22, 2000. Written comments were received from the public following the open house throughout the next year. On December 6, 2001, after holding six public hearings, the Planning & Zoning Commission took final action on the Plan. Chapter III July 2002 F. Final Plan Adoption On January 29, 2002, the Mayor and the City Council were presented with the Draft Comprehensive Plan as recommended by the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commis- sion. Several public hearings and workshops were held by the Council through the spring of 2002. Subsequent hearings were held with the Board of Ada County Commis- sioners. At the June 4, 2002 City Council hearing, the Comprehensive Plan was ap- proved. The signed and dated resolution, signed on August 6, 2002, appears after the cover page of this document. Page 13 Chapter III • 0 0 • Page 14 Chapter III July 2002 Joint School District No. 2 and St. Luke's Hospital Generously Offered Their Facilities for Public Meetings and Hearings July 2002 CHAPTER IV WHO LIVES IN THEY DO? MERIDIAN, AND WHAT DO Page 15 NSIDE THIS CHAPTER : This chapter discusses characteristics of Meridian's population and employment. The chapter includes the population and economic development components of the compre- hensive plan. A. Current Conditions s 1. Population 15 The purpose of the population discussion is to look at past trends and current and future 2. Economic 17 levels of population and its characteristics such as age, race, and gender. Population Development inventories and forecasts are used to measure the demand for future facilities such as parks and roads and for services such as police and fire protection. Forecasts also can B. Community 21 be used by businesses to anticipate market demand and to locate service and commer- Concerns cial facilities. C Future Conditions 21 The purpose of the economic development portion of the chapter is to analyze the local 1. Population 21 economy for strengths and weaknesses and to set a direction for how Meridian will ex- pand its economic base. Employment trends and forecasts also may be used to deter - 2. Economic 24 mine the need for additional land in particular zoning categories and the demand for Development future levels of public services. D. Goalr, Objectives, 25 This chapter begins with a discussion of past trends and current conditions in population and Action Items and economic development. The second section is a discussion of issues related to population and economic development identified by the socioeconomic committee. Long-range population and employment forecasts and short-term income forecasts are included in the fourth section. Goals, objectives, and action items form the conclusion of Chapter N. A. Current Conditions 1. Population a. Past Trends The best way to describe Meridian's population trends is to say that, over the past dec- ade, Meridian's population increased 264% and it has been one of the top fifteen fastest growing cities in the West (Table IV -1), In 1980, Meridian contained slightly more than 5,000 persons. Its population nearly doubled to about 9,600 residents by 1990. The 1990's have seen unprecedented growth, with Meridian's population reaching 34,919 by the 2000 Census. Population is expected to reach more than 74,825 persons by 2020. Meridian's population nearly tripled from 1990 to 2000 and was one of the fastest grow- ing areas in the state. Meridian's average annual growth rate has been nearly 30 percent and can be compared to other geographical area growth rates. From 1990 to 2000, Ada County's population increased by 46 percent (a four percent annual rate) and the State of Idaho by 22 per- cent (an average annual rate of less than three percent). The national rate of popula- tion gain has been less than one percent annually. i Chapter IV Page 16 11M7TE-RING LP V I t• v•OP 3b.042 ` Chapter IV July 2002 Table IV -1. City of Meridian Population, Selected Years Year Population Numerical Gain Percentage Gain 1980 5,059 - - 1990 9,596 4,537 90% 2000 34,919 25,323 264% Sources: Intermountain Demographics U.S. Department of Commerce b. Age Composition Area population counts are often divided into five year age groups to analyze the de- mand for municipal services in greater detail. In 2000, the youngest age group, those under five years old, contained the largest number of persons with about 4,000 persons or 10 percent of Meridian's total population (Table IV -2). The next largest age groups were the 5 to 9, 30 to 34, and 35 to 39 age groups, with each also containing about 10 percent of the City's population. That information is consistent with 1990 when the two youngest age groups also contained the most people. The 25 to 34 year old age groups had the next largest concentration of people in 1990. The data also showed that the 30 to 40 year old age groups had the next largest concentration of people ten years later. The remaining age distribution remained nearly consistent in both years. The largest population gain occurred in the under 5 year old age group. Population in that age group increased by more than 3,000 persons, and almost tripled over the ten year time span. Numerical gains of more than 2,500 persons were recorded in the 5 to 9, 30 to 34, and 35 to 39 year old age brackets. The older age groups had the lowest population changes. Median age in Meridian increased slightly, from 29.8 years old in 1990 to 30.1 by 2000. Meridian's 2000 median age was less than the median age of 32.1 for Ada County and the state's median of 33.2 years old. C. Race and Sex The City's population was primarily White, with 98 percent of its population in this race in both 1990 and 1999. Meridian residents of Hispanic Origin accounted for about 2.5 percent of the population in 1990 and 3.7 percent in 2000. The population was almost evenly divided by sex in both years, with females representing about 51 percent of the City's population, and males accounting for the balance of 49 percent. July 2002 Table IV -2. 1990 and 2000 City of Meridian Age Composition Age Group 1990 Population 2000 Population Numerical Increase Under 935 3,973 3,038 5 to 9 950 3,532 2,582 10 to 14 818 2,810 1,992 15 to 19 603 2,151 1,548 20 to 24 597 1,717 1,120 25 to 29 933 3,223 2,290 30 to 34 1,036 3,706 2,670 35 to 39 825 3,370 2,545 40 to 44 600 2,665 2,065 45 to 49 422 1,984 1,562 50 to 54 352 1,657 1,305 55 to 59 279 1,059 780 60 to 64 260 821 561 65 to 69 280 680 400 70 to 74 260 573 313 75 to 79 220 468 248 80 to 84 128 292 164 85 and Older 98 238 140 TOTAL 9,596 34,919 25,323 Sources: Meridian Planning & Zoning Department U.S. Depart hent of Commerce 2. Economic Development a. Regional Context It is useful to examine recent trends in Ada County's economy to better understand the Meridian economy (Table IV -3). The number of persons employed in Ada County in- creased by almost 60,000 to reach nearly 200,000 from 1990 to 1997, a gain of 43 per- cent. The largest numerical gains in employment were seen in the services and retail trade sectors. Services, government, and manufacturing contained the most employ- ees in 1997. Farming and mining contained the fewest employees in 1997. Those two sectors also were the only ones with decreases in employment. The area's unemploy- ment rate in August 1999 was 3.4 percent, one of the lowest rates in the state. Au- gust's statewide unemployment rate was 4.9 percent while the national rate was 4.2 percent. Page 17 Chapter IV 0 0 • Page 18 July 2002 Table 1V-3. 1990 to 1997 Ada County Employment Change Industry 1990 Employment 1997 Employment Numerical Change Percentage Change Farming 1,742 1,611 (131) (8%) Agricultural Services 1,635 2,699 1,064 65% Mining 314 276 (38) (12%) Construction 9,496 15,498 6,002 63% Manufacturing 16,882 24,640 7,758 46% Transportation / Utilities 6,765 9,063 2,298 34% Wholesale Trade 7,728 10,428 3,150 43% Retail Trade 23,990 35,212 11,222 47% Finance / Banking 13,269 14,848 1,579 12% Services 36,565 58,901 22,336 61% Government 20,887 25,068 4,181 20% TOTAL 138,823 198,244 59,421 43% Sources: Intermountain Demographics U.S. Department of Commerce In response to citizen input, the City has created an Economic Development partnership with the Chamber of Commerce which bas be ped existing business expand and attract new industry into the area. " -Mayor's Ad Hoc Committee, Meridian Vision Chapter IV Total earnings paid to employees in Ada County increased from more than $3 billion in 1990 to about $6 billion in 1997 (Table IV -4). The gain in wages paid from 1990 to 1997 (92 percent) was more than double the gain in total employment (43 percent) in that same timeframe. The greatest gains in wages paid occurred in the manufacturing and service sectors. Those two sectors also had the highest amount of wages paid in 1997. Again, the farming sector experienced a decline in economic activity. b. Meridian's Economy Employment data from state and federal sources is not available for areas smaller than counties. However, employment data prepared by COMPASS indicate that employment in the Meridian planning area increased from 5,611 in 1990 to 7,414 in 1997, a gain of nearly one third. Since 1997, Meridian's economic base has undergone a change from an emphasis on farming and dairy activities to a diversified base including retail, ser- vices, and manufacturing. In 1997, about one-half of all employment in the planning area was in office type activi- ties, with another 20 percent in retail trade (Table IV -5). The largest employer in Me- ridian was the school district, with about 2,400 employees. Other major employers include Blue Cross of Idaho, WalMart, Jabil Circuits, Albertson's, and St. Luke's Meridian Regional Medical Center. July 2002 Table N-4. 1990 to 1997 Ada County Earnings Change (in thousands of dollars) Industry 1990 Earnings 1997 Earnings Numerical Change Percentage Change Farming $23,798 $18,818 ($4,980) (21%) Agricultural Services $21,954 $39,198 $17,244 79% Mining $4,731 $15,129 $10,398 220% Construction $344,915 $617,005 $272,090 79% Manufacturing $628,195 $1,380,721 $752,526 120% Transportation / Utilities $203,411 $429,988 $226,577 111% Wholesale Trade $218,870 $391,099 $172,229 79% Retail Trade $335,938 $591,917 $255,979 76% Finance / Banking $213,090 $416,844 $203,754 96% Services $664,429 $1,369,137 $704,708 106% Government $499,228 $780,560 $281,332 56% TOTAL $3,158,559 $6,050,416 $2,891,857 92% Sources: Intermountain Demographics U.S. Department of Commerce Page 19 Chapter IV • 40 Page 20 July 2002 • I L Table N-5. 1997 Meridian Planning Area Employment • Chapter IV Industrial4'o�34 Government _ 04 . 22g6 �� The amount of commercial building permit activity in an area also is an indication of economic vitality. In 1990, the City of Meridian issued eight commercial building per- mits (Table IV -6). Commercial activity peaked in 2000 when 54 new commercial per- mits were issued, valued at over 74 million dollars, were issued. (The value of com- mercial building activity is for the structure and does not include land costs.) The value of all new commercial activity from 1990 to 2001 exceeded 304 million dollars. An ad- ditional 649 commercial structures were remodeled in the same time frame, with im- provements valued at over 64 million dollars. Table N-6. 1990 to 2001 City of Meridian Commercial Building Permit Activity " � y }i"�y :+ ✓.�{ kA.,w �. T r j& Y ,� 1 1 �rr, m�ay /$47, $47, 081 .'$.a wF e}�.Y ni X M. ...� ..Y.wf.A,J ,$.i'tiue ..L r:^,..n wb„rt.,�p�•��gy�.Jl��.��}A�Y 2000 54 '' ?,473,044 501 !741 111Q A #90?Hfian July 2002 C. Meridian's Income In 1990, nearly one-half of all Meridian households had incomes below $25,000 (Table IV -7). The largest concentration of households (26 percent) was found in the $15,000 to $25,000 income range. By 1998, the largest concentration of households (22 per- cent) was in the $50,000 to $75,000 range. The percentage of households earning less than $15,000 decreased from 22 percent of all households in 1990 to about 13 percent of all households in 1998. Those households with incomes greater than $75,000 in- creased from 2 percent of all households in 1990 to 15 percent by 1998. Table IV -7. 1990 to 1998 City of Meridian Household Income Distribution Income Range 1990 Households 1898 HousahwNdr lumerlcI6h+rte Under $15,000 $15,000 t0 $25,000ii652 $25,004 to $35,o9Q s3s,qqf2to$50,000 CrM358. „ $75,AOI7cts1oD,ti#IS4' ?, $loo,(1fHj to $150,tlOt) 3. 49f over $1S6,000 TOTAL.82i sauces= Tn�n porno aphics; Meridian's median household income increased from $25,880 in 1990 to $40,653 in 1998, a gain of more than one-half. Per capita household income increased from $11,020 to $17,699, a gain of 60 percent in that same time span. Both median house- hold and per capita income gains exceeded cost of living gains in the nation and in Ada County. It is interesting to note that the Ada County cost of living index gain (32 per- cent) was greater than the national consumer price index increase of 25 percent from 1990 to 1998. B. Community Concerns The socioeconomic committee identified a broad range of issues and community con- cerns related to population and economic development. Those issues focused on the relationship between people and the community, as well as the economic role of Merid- ian in the Treasure Valley. Specific issues included encouraging clean industry and com- mercial development. A listing of the issues may be found in Appendix B. C. Future Conditions Population a. Meridian City Population Forecast Meridian's population forecast was forecast to increase by about 10,000 people to reach a total of 44,340 in the short range forecast or by 2005. Its population was projected to Page 21 Chapter IV • E • • Page 22 Chapter IV July 2002 increase by about 10,000 persons in each subsequent five year time frame and reach a total of nearly 75,000 by 2020 (Table IV -8). That forecast represents a slightly lower numerical and corresponding percentage rate of growth than seen from 1990 to 2000. Table N-8. 2000 to 2020 City of Meridian Population Forecast The population forecasts were based in part on the Ada County population forecasts in the Idaho Power Company's 2002 Idaho Economic Forecast for the State of Idaho (2001-2025), published in January 2002. Meridian's population forecast was based on a type of step-down forecasting methodology. It was assumed that Meridian's future population change would be the same as its 1990 to 2000 share of Ada County's population change. From 1990 to 2000, Meridian's population gain was 26 percent of the Ada County total. It was assumed that city to county ratio would re- main in effect for each five year interval in the twenty year forecast period. The step-down methodology was used in part to keep Meridian's forecast in a regional perspective. The new forecasts also closely paralleled forecasts prepared for the City by Intermountain Demographics, when calibrated for the actual population change occurring from 1990 to 2000. 2020 Population by Age Meridian's population in 2020 will remain relatively young. More than 50 percent of its population will be under 35 years of age. Nearly one-fourth of all its residents will be under 15 years of age in 2020, with each five year age range containing about 6,000 persons (Table N-9). Another concentration of future population will occur in the 45 to 49 and 50 to 54 year old age groups. Persons 75 and older will account for less than five percent of Meridian's 2020 population. The largest population gain was forecast to be in the 20 to 24 year old group, which will increase by more than 4,000 people. Those persons in the five year age groups from 45 to 59 will experience the next largest population change. Population in the oldest age groups will increase the least. July 2002 Page 23 Table N-9. 2000 and 2020 City of Meridian Age Composition ,+yv q, vvy rwv ra7JgIgYW1 LVfV r'I�q�gW11 -;j}Ynl�j1SA1.1�IQ611�. Under 5 3,973 5,686 11713 5 to 9 1 3,532 5,734 2,198 165 to 69 680 70 to A 573 � 1825 1 ' 4"14 2 . The age distribution in Table IV -9 was prepared using the cohort -survival population forecasting methodology. In that technique, each five year age group was factored by a mortality or survival rate and placed in the next older five year age group over a five year time span. For instance the number of persons in the 25 to 29 age group in 2000 was multiplied by a mortality factor and placed into the 30 to 34 age group in 2005. That procedure was repeated for each five year age group for each five year time inter- val from 2000 to 2020. Mortality rates were based on actual mortalities by age in Ada County. The number of births in a five year time frame, those persons under five years of age, was based on Ada County birth rates. In each five year time frame, the cohort survival methodology produced a lower popu- lation than the control total shown on Table IV -8. That difference was attributed to the migration of persons into the City of Meridian. The age on in -migrants was based on actual migration patterns into the City from 1990 to 2000. Chapter IV i • • 30 to 34 3,706 5s21'` 5,505 35 to 39 3,370 1,5iQ An M AG 9 CCC n 341i. 165 to 69 680 70 to A 573 � 1825 1 ' 4"14 2 . The age distribution in Table IV -9 was prepared using the cohort -survival population forecasting methodology. In that technique, each five year age group was factored by a mortality or survival rate and placed in the next older five year age group over a five year time span. For instance the number of persons in the 25 to 29 age group in 2000 was multiplied by a mortality factor and placed into the 30 to 34 age group in 2005. That procedure was repeated for each five year age group for each five year time inter- val from 2000 to 2020. Mortality rates were based on actual mortalities by age in Ada County. The number of births in a five year time frame, those persons under five years of age, was based on Ada County birth rates. In each five year time frame, the cohort survival methodology produced a lower popu- lation than the control total shown on Table IV -8. That difference was attributed to the migration of persons into the City of Meridian. The age on in -migrants was based on actual migration patterns into the City from 1990 to 2000. Chapter IV i • • L J Page 24 Chapter IV July 2002 2. Economic Development a. Ada County Employment Forecast Ada County's employment was forecast to increase by about 70 percent from 180,000 employees in 1997 to more than 307,000 by 2020 (Table IV -10). The office sector will continue to have the most employees in 1997 and 2020. Employment in that sector was forecast to increase by more than 51,000 in the 1997 to 2020 timespan. The in- dustrial and retail sectors will contain the next largest concentration of employment. The industrial sector was forecast to gain slightly more employees (31,000) than the retail sector (28,000 employees). COMPASS prepared the employment forecasts for the Meridian planning area. Ada County forecasts were prepared by the Idaho Power Company. COMPASS divided fu- ture employment into retail and non -retail sectors and allocated employment in those sectors to traffic analysis zones within planning area, generally based on existing em- ployment, known expansions, zoning and land use plans. Zonal data were added to produce totals for each planning area and combined with the current employment in- ventory to establish the forecasts. Table IV -30. 1997 to 2020 Ada County Employment Forecast b. Meridian Employment Forecast Employment in the Meridian planning area was forecast to increase from 7,414 in 1997 to 17,709 by 2020, a gain of more than 10,000 employees (Table IV -11). The greatest gains in employment were forecast for the office and retail sectors. Those sectors also will contain the greatest number of employees. Meridian's employment forecast (a 140 percent gain) was double Ada County's rate of employment increase of 70 percent. Table N-11. 1997 to 2020 Meridian Planning Area Employment Forecast July 2002 Page 25 C. Meridian Income Forecast The City of Meridian's income distribution was forecast to shift over the next five years (Table IV-12). The percentage of households with incomes below $25,000 was fore- cast to decrease from 27 percent to 20 percent of all households. The percentage of households with incomes greater than $100,000 will increase from five percent to nearly 15 percent of all households. The $35,000 to $50,000 and $50,000 to $75,000 income ranges will contain the most households, with each containing about 3,500 households. EQUIFAX, a national proprietary data firm, prepared the income forecasts for Meridian. Their methodology was to assemble current household income information based on data from federal income tax returns. Their short term forecasts were based on local income changes occurring from 1990 to 1998, income changes forecast for the entire country, and estimated rates of inflation. Table IV-12. 1998 to 2003 City of Meridian Household Income Distribution inconne Ran'Ve 1�981fauPeholvt 24tt3 Moii+ oiM„ 'l `I une�spbo ,53 ... ,r $7pqo to t35,o00 0500 to swoo 431% $$0,000 to $75,000 2,594, • $75,000i100010oo 1,J79r... ,r to $1501000 rt�ir« Sq�iix�g: �iitnrrisiatmrarn Qemogrdphli,� s CQUIPAX Chapter IV Page 26 July 2002 • D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items Once the socioeconomic committee identified issues, it began to define broad goals responding to those issues. The committee generated more specific objectives to achieve the goals. Finally, the committee considered very specific action items to im- plement the objectives. • Chapter IV July 2002 Page 27 Chapter IV 0 L • • • Page 28 Chapter IV July 2002 Goal II: Diversify economic base of City — make Meridian more than a "bedroom" community. (continued) Objective D: Actions: Promote development of Old Town and encourage 1. Offer incentives to businesses/developers to invest in Old Town. infill development. 2Investigate tax increment financing. 3. Form public/private partnership to support a demonstration pro- ject. 4. Form and support a committee/work group to investigate oppor- tunities for Old Town investment and economic development. S. Provide ample parking in Old Town. • Research potential sites for parking garages. • Continue to acquire land and develop parking facilities avail- able to the public and downtown employers. 6. Provide plazas and public areas for civic activities: • Utilization plan for Generations Plaza area. • Support COMPASS efforts to convert Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridor. 7. Improve ingress and egress (both pedestrian and vehicle) into Old Town. 8. Develop incentives to retain the existing institutional, commer- cial, and government anchors to remain in Old Town. 9. Promote development of an Old Town Plan, including a discus- sion of Infill housing in that area. 10. Form a Business Improvement District in the Old Town area. 11. Pursue Community Development Block Grants or other sources for public improvements in Old Town. 12. Develop incentives to attract new institutional, commercial, and government facilities to consider locating in downtown Meridian. 13. Develop programs to encourage and support development of the arts, cultural and educational facilities in Old Town. 14. Develop incentives to develop higher density housing throughout the Old Town neighborhood and in dispersed developments. July 2002 CHAPTER V WHAT ARE THE PHYSIC ki, AND �ULTURAL FEATURES OF MERIDIAN? INSIDE THIS CHAPTER: A. Current Conditions 29 1. Natural 29 Resouner 2. Harardous 32 Anus 3. Special Sites and 32 Historic Resounes 4. Community 35 Design B. Community 37 Concerns C Future Conditions 38 D. Goals, Objective., 39 and Action Items Page 29 This chapter includes a discussion of natural resources, hazardous areas, special sites and historic resources, and community design. The City of Meridian's natural resources include the area's climate, air quality, geology, hydrology, soils, and vegetation. These natural resources form the basis of the community and can affect its growth and devel- opment. Hazardous areas are those that could pose a threat or danger to the commu- nity if not properly administered. Special sites include community landmarks, primarily landscape and natural features that are important to the community. Historic resources representing Meridian's heritage are also identified. Community design includes a dis- cussion of corridors, gateways and entrances, and the Old Town District. This chapter begins with a discussion of current conditions describing the community's environmental and cultural characteristics. Section B presents issues identified by citizen committees regarding natural resources and hazardous areas, special sites and historic resources, and community design. Section C discusses future conditions within each of these subject areas. Goals, objectives, and action items form the conclusion of Chapter V. A. Current Conditions 1. Natural Resources Meridian has seen much of its natural resources change over the years from agricultural open spaces to a growing city. The following characterizes aspects of the City's environ- mental conditions. Climate. The City of Meridian and surrounding county is favored by a mild, and cli- mate. While summer hot periods rarely last longer than a few days, temperatures of 100 degrees or higher occur nearly every year. July is the hottest month, with the aver- age high temperature of 900 F. January is the coldest month with an average low tem- perature of 220 F. During the summer and winter months, winds come mainly from the northwest with surface winds coming from the west. The normal precipitation pattern in the Meridian area shows a winter high of 1.2 inches of precipitation per month and a very pronounced summer low of about 0.1 inches. Typically there are 12 inches of an- nual precipitation, and the frost -free period is 143 days. Meridian's elevation is approxi- mately 2,200 feet above sea level. Air Quality. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) regularly monitors air pollutant levels in Ada County. During the 1970s and early 1980s the County experi- enced frequent violations of the national standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and Par- ticulate Matter (PM10). As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) desig- nated the area as nonattainment for these two pollutants. Ada County, however, has not experienced any violations of the national standards for CO since 1986. Therefore, in 1993 EPA removed the CO nonattainment designation and placed Ada County in the list of "Not Classified Areas." In 2000, IDEQ submitted a Maintenance Plan for CO that can help the progress of the area into attainment. Chapter V 0 is • Page 30 July 2002 Significant progress has been made in the reduction of PMIo emissions since the area regulated wood burning in winter. Ada County has not experienced a formal violation of national standards for PMIo over the past 10 years. In 1999, EPA removed Ada County's designation of nonattainment for PMIo. IDEQ is preparing a PMIo Maintenance Plan for Ada County that will help achieve the status of attainment for this pollutant. Geology. The Meridian area lies within the Snake River and Boise River Plains. Geol- ogy consists of a series of volcanic lava flows inter -bedded with soil layers. Most out- crops within a few miles of Meridian expose black basalt lava flows on the Snake River Plain. Significant geologic areas include the Snake River and its tributary, the Boise River, plus the Idaho Batholith. Generally, geology -related issues in the region involve the basalts of the Snake River Plain or the windblown silt and sand that covers the basalt. The windblown material on the plain in the Meridian area supports some of the best farmland in southwest Idaho, but its properties can create problems for construction. Large structures placed directly on this material rather than on engineered foundations may settle because of compac- tion or the spreading of the unconsolidated material. Hydrology. The hydrology of the area is affected by agricultural and development practices in the local area. Surface water within the Area of Impact includes the Boise The soil types in the River; seven perennial creeks; intermittent creeks; plus an extensive network of canals, Meridian area are laterals and drains. Groundwater in the Meridian area appears to be of good quality and depicted on Figure V -I. close to the surface. Groundwater is the primary source of potable water for the City. Thirteen deep wells are located throughout the area which provide drinking water to the residents. Because of the community's agricultural base and location in a relatively low rainfall area, groundwater resources are extremely important. All surface and subsur- face drainage returns to the Boise River. Use of septic tanks in areas of poor soils and/ or a high water table pose a threat in terms of groundwater pollution unless actual sew- age facilities are provided. Soils. An understanding of soil properties makes it possible to predict suitability or limi- tations for present and future uses. In some cases, limited soil absorption for a domes- tic septic tank, combined with a high seasonable water table, limits the capacity of the soil to absorb and filter the additional liquid being discharged by the drainfield. The probable result is usually contamination of groundwater supplies. Soils that are shallow or water -saturated do not have adequate volume to absorb and filter sewage effluent. The Meridian area has moderate -to -slight limitations. The following are the three basic soil types found in the Meridian area. • Power-Seric Haplaquepts-Janness. Found on floodplains, low terraces and in drainageways, these soils are very deep and somewhat poorly drained. Depth to water table ranges from 18 to 36 inches in the summer. Water runoff is very slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight. Flooding is a hazard in years of unusu- ally high precipitation. • Purdam-Abo-Power. Found on alluvial terraces and fans, these soils are moder- ately deep to a hardpan layer. The depth to hardpan ranges from 20 to 40 inches and can be a limiting factor in construction of buildings requiring subsur- face excavation such as basements. The water runoff is slow over these soils and the hazard of erosion slight. • Colthorp-Elijah-Purdam. Found on alluvial terraces and basalt plains, these soils are shallow to a hardpan layer. The depth to hardpan ranges from 20 to 40 inches and can be a limiting factor in subsurface excavation. Water runoff is slow and the hazard of erosion is slight. Chapter V 0 Figure V-1. Soils in the Meridian Area 0 Miles 1 .sou IDAHO O 0 0 I ��/Ii.i1L1� 1 "ON / Power -Aeric Haplaquepts Purdam-Abo-Powr 10 F County Line Area of Impact - - - •- -_ .• - 198 0 Figure V-1. Soils in the Meridian Area 0 Miles 1 .sou IDAHO O 0 0 Page 32 July 2002 Vegetation. Throughout the Meridian area are natural tree and shrub corridors along the creeks and drains. These vegetation resources are critical to wildlife and aesthetic values. Protection and preservation of natural vegetation along all creeks and drains within the Meridian area would assure that residents continue to be able to view wildlife and natural scenery while preserving a valuable natural resource. 2. Hazardous Areas Very few hazardous areas exist within the City of Meridian and its Area of Impact. With- out a large industrial complex, airports, petroleum tank farms and other uses which gen- erate safety and pollution concerns, the City of Meridian is relatively free of hazardous areas which plague larger metropolitan areas. Since certain areas of Meridian are affected by the 100 -year floodplain, the City has de- veloped a floodplain (FP) overlay district (Figure V-2). The purpose of the FP District is to guide development in the flood -prone areas of any watercourse that is consistent with the requirements for the conveyance of flood flows and to minimize the expense and inconveniences to the individual property owners and the general public through flood- ing. Uses permitted in this district are generally associated with open space, recrea- tional, and agricultural land uses and do not hinder the movement of the Floodwaters. Railroad crossings also represent hazardous areas. Two gated railroad crossings exist within the City of Meridian. The other seven railroad crossings within the Area of Impact are not gated but have stop signs or flashing lights to alert motorists that crossings ex- ist. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) ranks the safety of these railroad crossings. These crossings do not appear on a priority list for the ITD. Most bulk fuel storage within the City is limited to diesel, gasoline and motor oil. Gas stations use underground storage tanks for storage; other businesses, which typically store hazardous or flammable material, use above ground storage tanks. All under- ground storage tanks, and, to a certain extent, above ground storage tanks, are regu- lated by DEQ. 3. Special Sites and Historic Resources Currently, there are four Meridian properties (Table V-1) listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to these, more than 140 historic architectural resources have been recorded within the City, and more than 30 outside the City, but within the Area of Impact. The recorded buildings probably represent just a sample of the actual number of historic buildings within the entire study area. These additional properties have not yet been evaluated for listing in the National Register. Chapter V 0 Figure V-2. Floodplains in the Meridian Area � •Bois Fce� IDAHO 0 1100 22M 2300 \_ J --------------------------------------------- -----k a b a 1 0 1 A 1 1 McMillan Rd 1 McMillan Rd i F 1 1 j Ustick Rd a 11 Ustick Rd 1 1 1 1 1 1 Z Fi 1 i 1 1 �C aeb 1 1 1 F 1 1 CherryL Fairview Ave 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 j Union Pacific Rail ad 1 1 Union P cific Railroad 1 1 1 Franklin Rd 1 1 TP2p`e A i 1 C�eeF 1 1 / 1 84 84 1 , a 1 Overland Rd j 1 'a 1 1 1 1 V 1 1 1 m 1 - � 1 1 1 1 Victory Rd 1 1 1 Victory Rd 1 1 L------------ --- -------Amity AmityRd Amity Rd j e 1 LEGEND 500 Flood boundary y --Hi Railroad Interstate year 100 year Flood boundary ----- Area of impact Source: FEMA 0 Figure V-2. Floodplains in the Meridian Area � •Bois Fce� IDAHO 0 1100 22M 2300 \_ J 0 Page 34 Chapter V July 2002 Table V-1. National Register -Listed Architectural Resources, Meridian, Idaho Listing Number Property Name Location 19821117 / 82000210 E.F. Hunt House 49 E. State St. 19821117/82000223 Meridian Exchange Bank 109 E. 2"d Ave. 19821019/82000227 Halbert F. and Grace Neal House 101 W. Pine St. 19961220/96001506 Tolleth House 134 E. State St. Source: State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Historic commercial buildings recorded within the City reflect its important agricultural heritage. They include grain elevators, a feed mill, a wagon shop, a cheese factory, and a number of shops. Historic public buildings include a public library, Meridian Rural High School, and a municipal pumping station, all constructed prior to 1923. The history of town settlement is also reflected in the many private historic residences that have been recorded. Outside the City core, but within the Area of Impact, architectural resources include his- toric farmsteads, residences, hay derricks, irrigation facilities, and schools. Some of these, such as the White Cross School/Hamming Farmstead, are no longer present due to road widening and residential development. A study of historical irrigation in Ada County (Davis 1990) recorded a number of agricultural features within Meridian's Area of Impact. These include the Ridenbaugh Canal Check Dam and associated structures, the Ten Mile Check/Weir structures, the Sundell Lateral lava Rock Check, and various Lemp Canal features. No Native American sites have been recorded within Meridian's Area of Impact. July 2002 4. Community Design Community design is the relationship between the existing constructed environment and the natural setting. Community design involves landscaping, site and building design; however, it also includes the City's physical layout, the natural setting, and the built en- vironment. Ordinances. The City of Meridian's zoning ordinance has several design related provi- sions. In addition, the City adopted new landscape and sign ordinances in 2000 and 2001. Both ordinances give special attention to measures such as screening, buffering, lighting, paving materials, and all types of signage. In March 1999, the City formed a committee to draft a landscape ordinance to regulate landscaping on all new commercial and industrial developments, and residential subdivi- sion open space. It does not regulate landscaping on individual single family lots. The ordinance includes: • Installation standards • Irrigation • Sight triangles • Street buffers • Parking lot landscaping • Buffers between different land uses • Tree preservation • Stormwater integration • Pathway landscaping • Residential subdivision open space • Landscape maintenance The first draft was completed in August 1999. It was sent to more than 50 stakeholders including City officials, developers, business representatives, other government agencies, engineering firms, landscape architects, nurseries, planning consultants, public educa- tors, and homeowners associations. The committee then met in November 1999 to decide how to incorporate the comments received into the landscape ordinance. Those comments were written into the final document. Public hearings of the final draft ordinance were held before the Planning & Zoning Commission in September, and City Council adopted the ordinance in November 2000. In August 1999, the City of Meridian formed a committee to prepare a draft sign ordi- nance intended to regulate all types of signage and sign code enforcement within the City limits. The committee was comprised of 12 people and included representatives from the professional sign industry, commercial development, residential development, property management, the small business community, and City staff. Topics covered by the draft ordinance include: • Sign standards (size, height, location, etc.) according to zone • Exempt signs • Prohibited signs • Sign code administration • Sign maintenance requirements • Enforcement Page 35 `Meridian maintains a clean, high quality visual appearance through natural amenities, architectural considerations, and citi.Zen involvement. " -Beautification Philosophy Statement, Mayor's Ad Hoc Committee, Meridian Vision Chapter V 0 0 0 • • Page 36 Chapter V July 2002 The first draft was completed in December 1999 and public hearings were held with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Council adopted the final sign ordinance in February 2001. Physical Elements. Physical elements of a community are addressed as community design features. Corridors, gateways, entrances, districts, and natural areas are all ele- ments of a community. Corridors are routes that allow continuous visual opportunities throughout the City. The principal and minor arterials serve as the main corridors within the City and surrounding Area of Impact. Interstate (I) 84 serves as the primary east - west route through the southern portion of the City. Two interchanges provide access on and off the interstate: Eagle Road and Meridian Road. Eagle Road serves as a north -south route through the eastern part of the area, providing access to the City of Eagle to the north. To the south, Meridian Road provides access to the City of Kuna. East First Street serves as a major corridor through Meridian's Old Town. The north - south route provides access from Meridian Road directly off 1-84 and Fairview Avenue, to the north, to many of Old Town's amenities and businesses. Fairview Avenue / Cherry Lane serves as a commercial corridor through the central part of Meridian. All entryway corridors are a community's "front door" and intended to introduce visitors, residents and the traveling public to the City. These entrances, with any associated com- mercial signage and buildings, provide the first impression of the community. All entry- way corridors will have at least 35 feet of high quality, professional landscaping adjacent to the roadway. Three of the entryway corridors in the City of Meridian's planning area are classified as State Highways by the Idaho Transportation Department. Because of the high volume of traffic, increased noise, and to enhance the visual aesthetics along these state highways and the arterial -classified entryways, residential developments ad- jacent to these roadways will provide landscaped berms within the landscape buffer area. (Refer to the Future Land Use Map for all designated entryway corridors within Meridian's Area of Impact.) The community's economic vitality, its willingness to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, and its degree of concern for the natural environment are evident in the appearance of a city. Therefore, the entire community and, most specifically, its governing bodies, have the right and the responsibility to guide future development. Depending on the configura- tion of existing streets, land uses and site configuration, more extensive landscaping and more concern for site character may be required in Meridian. The design review process will also afford the opportunity to address the special features of each property and facility on a case-by-case basis. Districts. Districts are areas that share common concentrations of activity. A primary district within the City of Meridian is its downtown or Old Town area. Meridian's Old Town District seeks to accommodate and encourage further expansion of the historical core of the community; to delineate a centralized activity center; and to encourage its renewal, revitalization and growth as the public, quasi -public, cultural, financial, and rec- reational center of the community. Meridian has several developed subdivisions which serve as community centers for those residents. These areas have potential for further enhancement as defined neighbor- hoods. Otherwise, Meridian has not identified specific neighborhoods. With the exception of Old Town, commercial districts are stretched across highway or roadway corridors. Notable exceptions include the business district at the interstate and several neighborhood shopping centers. July 2002 B. Community Concerns Citizen groups met to discuss their issues and concerns regarding natural resources and community character. The following is a brief discussion of these concerns. Appendix B provides a summary of the issues and concerns developed during the planning process. Floodplams identification and protection of water quality and resources was a central theme. Smart growth techniques for land development are desired within the commu- nity; therefore, proposed developments should consider natural resources such as flood - plains and shallow water table. While large-scale flooding has not been extensive in the Meridian area, construction and impervious surfaces can change the hydrologic regime of the area. Canal tiling and piping of ditches were discussed as examples of how de- sign practices have affected the local hydrology. Meridian has a shallow water table. Basement flooding occurs on a regular basis. Underground excavation, particularly for residential basements, should be reviewed prior to construction. Protecting water quality through education of the benefits of wetlands and riparian areas was also noted. Meridian has good air quality and residents would like to see it remain. However, it is recognized that with growth, more cars and light industry could bring air quality issues. Noise from boom boxes and trucks along highways were considered annoying to local residents. New development should consider nearby roadways when planning residen- tial areas. Issues related to development include infilling or increasing density within the city limits and preserving habitats and natural areas. Many thought that particular areas within the City were under used and that perhaps, these should be the first areas considered for redevelopment rather than development of farmlands. While residents were sensi- tive to preserving open space within urban areas, many felt that the City underutilizes areas already disturbed by development. By identifying these areas and natural re- source areas such as wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife areas, a balance of open space and new development could be achieved. While park issues are discussed in Chapter VI, residents wanted to coordinate the pur- chase of school land with new park land. Schools near parks allow easy access and pro- vide a good environment for children, as well as achieves better utilization of limited re- sources. Planting more trees and designing a community garden plat were also discussed. These actions relate directly to community design and create a high quality of life. As part of the overall planning process, the land use committee discussed community design and special sites and identified a number of issues and concerns. The concerns focused on enhancing the community through design standards, zoning, and the imple- mentation of this plan. Standards of specific concern related to gateways and commu- nity signage. Citizens suggested establishing a unified sign and gateway theme for the community. Also, concern was expressed regarding the protection of existing special sites. The group expressed confidence that the existing historic commission was ad- dressing heritage issues. These concerns form the foundation on which the goals, ob- jectives, and action items were developed. Page 37 Chapter V • • Page 38 July 2002 is C. Future Conditions The future growth projected for the Meridian area emphasizes the need for attention to Meridian's character, specifically its natural and historic resources. Meridian residents value their natural resources and are interested in preserving and protecting them while recognizing a need for development. Water pollution, noise pollu- tion, air quality, floodplain concerns for development, connectivity, density, neighbor- hood services, natural habitat and open space preservation are among the issues that drove the development of goals and objectives in this plan. As growth continues, increased pressures are placed on natural resources. Productive agricultural soils, vegetation, and waterways are all valuable resources that the residents of Meridian enjoy and want to preserve. While development is expected within the City and Area of Impact, a maze of monotonous development is not desired, either. City leaders and citizens focus on trying to balance open spaces and Meridian's agricultural heritage with development and growth. Providing and protecting unique sites and re- sources will assure continuance of the quality of life that the residents have come to know and expect. Currently, air quality is good in the region; however, as the area grows and transporta- tion increases, the need for increased monitoring and mitigation will increase. Currently, hazardous areas are scarce within Meridian. As development increases, safety and hazardous areas will increase from more service stations, increased traffic, and stor- age of hazardous chemicals associated with certain businesses. While federal regula- tions provide protection to a degree, as development increases, so will the potential for spills, accidents, and fires. Upgrading community design standards for landscaping, site design, and signs can be accomplished through the adoption of updated ordinance criteria to ensure that develop- ment occurs in a compatible, attractive manner. Development in Meridian which ex- presses concerns and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the physical environment should be encouraged. Increased traffic volumes along the principal roads highlight the need to address issues such as landscaping, buffering, signs, connectivity and parking. The City of Meridian has many opportunities to develop welcoming landmarks and entryway signage. Chapter V July 2002 Page 39 D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items Goal I: Preserve, protect, enhance, and utilize our natural resources in Meridian and surrounding areas. Objective A: Actions: 1. Preserve and con- 1. Identify waterways, wetlands, and other natural resources for serve our waterways, preservation. wetlands, wildlife 2. Identify feasible interconnected greenbelt areas along water - habitat, and other ways, railroad, etc. natural resources. 3. Develop an agreement with Nampa Meridian Irrigation District 2. Preserve open space (NMID) and other irrigation districts, to allow use of easements for recreation, con- for recreation, bike/pedestrian pathways by the City of Meridian. servation, aesthetics, 4. Develop and maintain greenbelts along waterways. etc. 5. Identify wildlife habitat areas for conservation. 3. Encourage infill de- 6. Develop and implement programs to encourage tree preserva- velopment in vacant/ tion and planting within the Area of Impact. underdeveloped ar- 7. Develop policies to limit canal tiling and piping of ditches where eas within the City public safety issues are not of concern. over fringe area de- 8. Develop policies and incentives to encourage infill and contigu- velopment to halt the ous development. outward progression 9. Identify underdeveloped areas for potential development. of urban develop- 10. Coordinate open space conservation with land trust. ment. 11. Improve and protect creeks (Five Mile, Eight Mile, Nine Mile, Ten 4. Protect and enhance Mile, South Slough, and Jackson and Evans drainages) through - air quality and mini- out commercial, industrial and residential areas. mize health hazards 12. Control the spread of noxious weeds in the Meridian area by associated with air administering an efficient, quick -response weed removal ordi- pollution. nance with progressive notices and penalties, in conjunction with Ada County Weed Control. 13. Develop protective ordinances for existing healthy stands of trees along canals. 14. Adopt a Dust Abatement Ordinance in conformance with the prototype developed by COMPASS for governments in the valley. 15. In cooperation with ACHD, continue to investigate the opportu- nities for providing Park & Ride lots, shuttle buses, and other forms of alternative transportation. 16. Participate with Ada County in publicizing voluntary burning bans when necessary. 17. Coordinate with ACHD to improve traffic Flow and minimize vehi- cle time spent idling and accelerating. 18. Coordinate with DEQ on their inter -agency committee to im- prove regional efforts to improve overall air quality levels in the Treasure Valley. 19. Encourage efficient use of open space at the Area of Impact boundaries to effectively transition from rural uses to urban uses. Chapter V • • 0 • n U Ll Page 40 Chapter V July 2002 Goal II: Ensure that downtown is the vital center of the community. Objective A: Actions: Support redevelopment of Old Town. 1. Develop programs to attract customer oriented businesses and encourage pedestrian uses downtown. 2. Maintain a distinct identity for the downtown through expansion of the East First Street streetscape and rehabilitation of historic buildings using the Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historic properties. 3. Support compatible uses which will attract a high daytime and nighttime population to the downtown area. 4. Develop and support downtown cultural activities and events. 5. Promote and strengthen high density residential development in and around downtown. 6. Identify all gateways into Old Town (i.e., East First Street, Franklin, Fairview) and provide signage to attract visitors/ citizens to Old Town. 7. Establish thematic or uniform signage. 8. Create and adopt specific downtown design guidelines and stan- dards that will ensure that downtown Meridian remains the his- toric center for mixed-use tourism, business, retail, residential, and governmental activities in Meridian. 9. Create and maintain a distinct identity for the downtown through consistent landscaping, street lighting, street furnish- ings, and rehabilitation of historic buildings. 10. Develop incentives for the preservation and restoration of his- toric and architecturally significant buildings. 11. Adopt policies that will promote the downtown district as a prime location for a mixed residential/commercial living opportu- nity. 12. Develop special plans for the redevelopment and revitalization of Old Town that will enhance the area and prevent future deterio- ration. 13. Develop public parking areas in Old Town. July 2002 Page 41 Goal III: Enhance Meridian's historical, cultural, agricultural and community char- acter. Objective A: Actions: Preserve and restore Old Town to enhance the 1. Reestablish the City of Meridian Historic Preservation Commis - historical quality. sion. 2. Seek funding sources for Old Town preservation projects. 3. Coordinate with existing Cultural Resource Adhoc Committee. 4. Draft a Downtown Master Plan in conjunction with the Treasure Valley Futures Project. S. Provide incentives for property owners to improve their proper- ties. 6. Provide public parking (with landscaping) in downtown. 7. Coordinate with the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission to recommend restoration of historical buildings. B. Develop design/building standards for Old Town. 9. Investigate tax incentive programs for historic properties. 10. Utilize the SHPO's Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to prepare an identification and survey of Old Town's historic buildings. 11. Actively support owners of historic buildings in Old Town in their efforts to restore and/or preserve their properties. Pursue grant funding sources to leverage private resources for restoration and preservation projects. 12. Coordinate with the Historic Preservation Commission to review and comment on all development applications in Old Town and provide a certificate of acceptability. Objective B: Actions: Provide landscaping, pe- destrian friendly areas, 1. Draft appropriate community design ordinances. and signage in downtown 2. Coordinate with appropriate agencies on interstate and gateway and gateways. beautification (landscaping, signage). 3. Jointly plan entryway corridors to Meridian with Nampa and Boise. 4. Support ACRD corridor development standards for the entryways to the City. 5. Use the comprehensive plan, subdivision regulations, and zoning to discourage strip development, and encourage clustered, land- scaped business or residential development on entryway corridors. 6. Require, as a condition of development approval, landscaped setbacks for new development on all entryway corridors. 7. Promote the design of attractive roadway entryway areas throughout Meridian that will clearly identify the community. Determine the width of required landscaping by the functional classification of the roadway. 8. Require all developments adjacent to designated entryway corri- dors to provide a minimum of 35 feet of high quality, profes- sional landscaping on the site adjacent to the roadway. Require residential developments adjacent to state highways and arte- rial -classified entryway corridors to provide a minimum five -foot - high berm. Chapter V • 0 i • • Goal III: Enhance Meridian's historical, cultural, agricultural and community char- acter. (continued) Objective C: Preserve and enhance historic and cultural re- Actions: 1. Appoint members to and consistently maintain the minimum sources. required membership on the Meridian Historic Preservation Com- mission (five members) to fulfill the requirements of City Ordi- nance No. 471 and the requirements of the Certified Local Gov- ernment Program. 2. Identify buildings and natural features that contribute to the historic fabric of Meridian. 3. Protect all significant historic structures and features from demolition when possible. 4. Undertake programs that will increase the community's aware- ness of its heritage and the economic as well as aesthetic value of preservation. 5. Conduct activities directed toward stimulating private and public investment in the restoration and preservation of historic build- ings, outdoor spaces, and natural historic features. 6. Support the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission to foster preservation and conservation in Old Town Meridian. 7. Direct all City agencies and personnel to seek comments and approval from the Historic Preservation Commission prior to any changes to City -owned or controlled property (including build- ings, outdoor spaces, and natural features). 8. Place informational plaque on historic structures and special sites. 9. Seek funding services for grants to promote preservation. 10. Utilize the SHPO as a resource, access the Idaho HPF to update the 1928 survey of historical sites within the City limits, and con- duct a survey of historic buildings and sites in the Meridian Area of Impact. 11. When appropriate, nominate eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places. 12. Provide funding to the Historic Preservation Commission through the City's annual budget to foster preservation and conservation in Old Town and throughout the Area of Impact. 13. Establish and maintain a system to survey and identify cultural and historical resources within Meridian City limits and maintain a local inventory of all identified sites. Chapter V July 2002 Jury 2002 Page 43 Goal III: Enhance Meridian's historical, cultural, agricultural and community char- acter. (continued) Objective D: Actions: Encourage area beautifi- cation. 1. Develop incentives for open space areas within all development. 2. Require the addition of landscaping within existing parking lots whenever the parking lot is reconstructed. 3. Require all new parking lots to provide landscaping in internal islands. 4. Identify neighborhood areas for future planning purposes to as- sure that development will strengthen community feeling. 5. Require all commercial and industrial businesses to install and maintain landscaping. 6. Adopt a new landscape ordinance to regulate landscaping in the community. 7. Adopt a new sign ordinance to regulate signs in the community. Chapter V • r� U 0 psr s e?C�ei .e`7��• s July 2002 Page 45 CHAPTER VI WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN MERIDIAN? INSIDE THIS CHAPTER: A. Current Conditions 45 1. Schools 45 2. Transportation 52 3. Recreation 58 4. Public Services 60 S. Public Facilities 62 6. Public Utilities 68 B. Community 69 Cones s C Future Conditions 70 1. Schools 70 2. Transportation 72 3. Recreation 74 4. Public Services, 75 Facilities, and Utilities D. Goals, Objectives, 78 and Action Items A. Current Conditions This chapter discusses the characteristics of the public facilities, utilities, and services provided in the Meridian area. The chapter includes the schools, transportation, recrea- tion, and public services, facilities, and utilities components of the plan. The purpose of the schools component is to establish how schools are currently meeting the needs of the area's children and how their future needs will be met or improved upon. The trans- portation component discusses the City's current transportation infrastructure in order to provide the City and cooperating agencies with tools to enhance the current transporta- tion network and develop a transportation system that accommodates the needs of fu- ture growth throughout the City and Area of Impact. The purpose of the recreation component is to ensure that the demands and needs for future parks and recreation services are met. Finally, the public services, facilities, and utilities component identifies the community's future demands on public services and how to continue sufficiently ser- vicing those demands. This chapter begins with a discussion of the current conditions of Meridian area schools, transportation services, recreational resources, public services, public facilities, and pub- • lic utilities. Section B presents the issues regarding each of these topics identified by the citizens' committees. Section C discusses the future conditions of these services. Goals, objectives, and action items are presented at the conclusion of Chapter VI. 1. Schools a. Educational Attainment More than one-third of Meridian residents over the age of 25 had at least a high school education in 1990 (Table VI -1). One-fourth of its residents had some college, while 20 percent had either an associate's or bachelor's degree. Three percent had obtained graduate or professional degrees. Chapter VI • • Page 46 Chapter VI July 2002 Table VI -1. 1990 City of Meridian Educational Attainment Educational Attainment Percentage population 25 years old and older Less than high school 17% High school graduate 34% Some college 26% Associate's Degree 8% Bachelor's degree 12% Graduate or professional degree 3% Sources: Intermountain Demographics U.S. Department of Commerce b. School Facilities School facilities in the City of Meridian are part of Joint School District No. 2. Enrollment data about the school district are for the entire district, an area larger than the City and its impact area. Information about school facilities is only for schools located in the City and its Area of Impact. The mission statement of Joint School District No. 2 is "Preparing Today's Children for Tomorrow's Challenges." Within the City and Area of Impact, the school district has six elementary schools con- taining kindergarten through grade five, two middle schools with grades six through eight, and a high school with grades nine through 12 (Table VI -2). A new high school to be called Mountain View is scheduled to open in fall 2003. Schools located within the Area of Impact are shown in bold in Figure V1-1. The school district has two alternative schools in the Meridian Area of Impact: Cross- roads Middle School at 650 North Nola and Meridian Academy at 2311 East Lanark. The Meridian Charter High School, located at 3800 North Locust Grove Road, also is part of the district. The school district's headquarters office is located at 911 North Meridian Road. C. Student Enrollment Trends Joint School District No. 2 has the fastest growing student enrollment and has the sec- ond largest enrollment in the State of Idaho. Student enrollment in the district has in- creased by nearly 9,466 students for a gain of nearly 70 percent from the 1989-1990 school year to the 2000-2001 session (Table VI3). Enrollment gains were greatest in the 1995-1996, 1997-1998, and 1998-1999 school years when enrollment gains were greater than 1,100 students. The numerical change in student enrollment is more sig- nificant than the percentage change because the number of new students impacts the demand for additional facilities such as classrooms and human resources such as teach- ers and administrative support. Elementary school enrollment for schools in the City and its Area of Impact was 6,429 students in the 2000-2001 school year. There were 1,319 students enrolled at Meridian Middle School, and 2,107 enrolled at Meridian High School that same year. B k W. 0 0 � � —' •—.— —'7 _. |! �,�.� �, . | Al < »pw 2. m } Lo / .Li \ A-1 �\ Cm |\ƒ \ . _. ,. �0®w ! A.1 z ; | ¢ , | ®: 3 _ ., Ll Al M OP -11 / / & ( ; �� g� -_. .. . \ .E ` C ® B k W. 0 0 � Page 48 • Table VI -2. Joint School District No. 2 Elementary, Middle, Senior High and Alternative Schools • • July 2002 Grade Level School Location Capacity Used Elementary Cecil D. Andrus 6100 Park Meadow Drive 106.75% Chaparral 1155 North Deer Creek Lane 112.63% Chief Joseph 1100 East Chateau 109.97% Eagle 475 North Eagle Road 96.26% Eagle Hills 650 Ranch Drive 100.00% Eliza Hart Spalding 4701 East Braddock Drive 87.76% Frontier 11851 Musket Drive 103.02% Joplin 12081 West DeMeyer Street 99.02% Lake Hazel 11711 Lake Hazel Road 98.99% Linder 1825 Chateau Drive 126.01% Mary McPherson 1050 East Amity Road 127.97% McMillan 10901 McMillan Road 95.56% Meridian 48 West State Street 98.02% Peregrine 1860 Waltman Street 92.05% Pioneer 13255 West McMillan Road 76.65% Ridgewood 7075 South Five Mile Road 87.76% River Valley 2900 E. River Valley Street 105.98% Seven Oaks 1441 Sevenoakes Way 102.19% Silver Sage 7700 Snohomish Street 72.35% Star 700 North Star Road 93.68% Summerwind 3675 North Jullion Way 95.59% Ustick 4535 Ustick Road 101.97% Middle Eagle 1000 West Floating Feather 117.10% Lake Hazel 11625 LaGrange Street 93.10% Lewis & Clark 4141 E. Pine 95.10% Lowell Scott 13600 West McMillan Road 99.55% Meridian 1507 West 8th Street 104.48% Senior High Centennial 12400 West McMillan Road 109.79% Eagle 574 North Park Lane 115.44% Meridian 1900 West Pine 107.13% Charter High School 3800 N. Locust Grove Road 86.00% Alternative Crossroads Middle School 650 North Nola 90.00% Meridian Academy 2311 E. Lanark 105.33% Bold text indicates school facilities within City of Meridian's Area of Impact boundary. Source: Joint School District No. 2 Chapter VI July 2002 Table VI -3. 1990 to 2000 Joint School District No. 2 Enrollment Trend School Year Student Enrollment Numerical Change Percentage Change 1989- 1990 14,241 - - 1990 - 1991 14,805 564 4.0% 1991- 1992 15,399 594 4.0% 1992- 1993 16,196 797 5.2% 1993- 1994 16,889 693 4.3% 1994- 1995 17,666 777 4.6% 1995- 1996 18,641 975 5.5% 1996- 1997 19,624 983 5.3% 1997- 1998 20,788 1,164 5.9% 1998- 1999 21,918 1,130 5.4% 1999-2000 22,707 789 3.6 2000-2001 23,771 1,064 4.7 TOTAL CHANGE - 9,530 52.5% Source: Joint School District No. 2, May 2001 d. Enrollment by Grade Student enrollment by grade for the entire district ranged from about 1,500 students in the 11th and 12th grades to a high of about 2,000 in the third and fifth grades in the 2000-2001 school year (Table VI -4). Total enrollment gains were 4,499 students in the elementary school grades, 2,319 students in the middle schools, and 2,872 in the sen- ior high schools. e. Student Capacity Most of the elementary schools in Joint School District No. 2 were overcrowded (Table VI -5). When the student capacity of all elementary schools in the district was com- pared to enrollment in those facilities, enrollment exceeded capacity in three-fourths of these schools. Several of the schools are about one-third over capacity. The average capacity used in the elementary schools in Meridian's area of impact is 107.4%. All middle schools in the district are at or near capacity, and averaged about 1.6 per- cent over capacity. Enrollment at the Meridian Middle School exceeded capacity by 56 students. Enrollment also was greater than capacity in the district's three high schools. Between 2,078 and 2,089 students are being educated in facilities designed for 1,800 students. Meridian High School's enrollment is about 130 students more than its capacity. Joint School District No. 2 is working to ease overcrowding by adding additional class- rooms in the district. Ponderosa Elementary and Mountain View High School, located in the City's Area of Impact, are currently under construction and will be open for the Fall 2002 and Fall 2003 school terms, respectively. Page 49 Chapter VI • • • P • Page 50 Chapter VI July 2002 Table V3E4. 1990 to 2000 Joint School District No. 2 Enrollment by Grade Grade 1990-1991 Enrollment 2000-2001 Enrollment Numerical Change Percentage Change Kindergarten 1,084 1,870 786 72.5% 1st 1,244 1,873 629 50.6% 2nd 1,201 1,912 711 59.2% 3rd 1,251 1,987 736 58.8% 4th 1,146 1,951 805 70.2% 5th 1,199 2,031 832 69.4% 6th 1,085 1,843 758 69.9% 7th 1,061 1,919 858 80.9% 8th 1,124 1,827 703 62.5% 9th 1,025 1,894 869 84.8% 10th 989 1,707 718 72.6% 11th 874 1,545 671 76.8% 12th 818 1,432 614 75.1% TOTAL 14,101 23,791 9,690 69.5% Sources: Joint School District No. 2 July 2002 Table V". Joint School District No. 2 Capacity/ Enrollment Ratio Grade Level School Student Capacity Student Enrollment Ratio Elementary Cecil D. Andrus 652 696 106.75% Chaparral 768 865 112.63% Chief Joseph 632 695 109.97% Eagle 428 412 96.26% Eagle Hills 388 388 100.00% Eliza Hart Spalding 768 674 87.76% Frontier 596 614 103.02% Joplin 408 404 99.02% Lake Hazel 496 491 98.09% Linder 496 925 126.01% Mary McPherson 429 549 1127.97% McMillan 496 474 95.56% Meridian 504 494 98.02% Peregrine 604 556 92.050/6 Pioneer 715 604 76.65% Ridgewood 414 283 66.12% River Valley 652 691 105.98% Seven Oaks 640 654 102.19% Silver Sage 340 246 72.35% Star 380 356 93.68% Summerwind 544 520 95.59% Ustick 456 465 101.97% Middle Eagle 1,000 1,171 117.10% Lake Hazel 1,000 931 93.10% Lewis & Clark 1,000 951 95.30% Lowell Scott 1,100 1,095 99.55% Meridian 1,250 1,306 104.48% Senior High Centennial 1,900 2,086 109.79% Eagle 1,800 2,078 115.44% Eagle Academy 150 166 110.67% Meridian 1,950 2,089 107.13% Meridian Academy 150 158 105.33% Bold text indicates school facilities within Meridian Area of Impact boundary. Sources: Joint School District No. 2 Page 51 Chapter VI F-1 LJ • Page 52 July 2002 • 2. Transportation The southern portion of Meridian is delineated from the northern part of town by 1-84. State Highway 69, which connects Meridian with Kuna to the south, bisects the Impact Area into east and west halves south of 1-84. As it crosses 1-84, it turns into Meridian Road. State Highway 55, also known as Eagle Road, connects Meridian with the town of Eagle to the north. a. Roadway Network Meridian's roadway system is described in terms of a universal classification of streets. Figure VI -2 depicts the area's street functional classification map as adopted in the Des- tination 2020 plan. As designated by ITD, in coordination with the Ada County High - "The Meridian Ad Hoc way District, COMPASS and the City, roads and highways fall into five main classifica- tions including principal arterials, minor arterials, section line roads, collectors, and local Transportation Task streets. Group adopted, early in Principal arterials serve as statewide and interstate transport, involve longer trip its deliberations, aguiding lengths, carry high volumes of traffic, have a minimal number of access points and dis- courage parking. Roadway widths vary from five to seven lanes with sidewalks on each principle: minimi_Ze side. They usually have 80- to 120 -foot rights-of-way and may separate incompatible traffic through the land uses. Minor arterials provide long-distance access, mainly within the state, and are frequently four lanes. These include medium traffic volume streets to and from downtown ama which other arterials and the freeway. They collect traffic from less significant roadways and distribute traffic and minimize access. These arterials may also be section line roads. does not have a downtown As depicted on Figure VI -2 and designated in the Destination 2020, Regional Transpor- • location as its o rigin or tation Plan for Ada County, Principal and Minor Arterials within the Meridian Planning Area include: destination. " • Cherry Lane/Fairview Avenue • Eagle Road/Highway 55 -Task Group . Franklin Road Recommendations, • Kuna Meridian Road/Highway 69 Mayor's Ad Hoc 0 Linder Road, between Overland Road and Chinden Blvd. Locust Grove Road, between Overland Road and Chinden Blvd. Committee, Meridian • Overland Road Vision • Ten Mile Road • Ustick Road Collectors serve as key transportation routes and link local roads with other collectors or arterials. Typically, they provide direct service to residential areas, are two to three lanes, have right-of-way width between 60 and 66 feet, and may have parking. As de- picted on Figure VI -2 and as designated in the Destination 2020, Regional Transporta- tion Plan for Ada Countyand by the Ada County Highway District, collectors within the Meridian Planning Area include: • Calderwood Drive • Millennium Way, south of Overland Road • Victory Road, McDermott Road to Eagle Road • Stoddard Road, Overland Road to Victory Road • Hickory Way, Apricot to State Avenue • East Corporate Drive • East Central Drive • SE 5th Way, south of Overland Road Chapter VI 11 Page 54 `Park and ride lots are the designated parking areas where carpool vanpool, or bus riders can park wbile participating in ride sharing. " Chapter VI -ACRD July 2002 • Monaco Way, Chateau to Cherry • W. Talamore Blvd., Black Cat to Crooked Creek • Turnberry Way, Interlachen to Muirfield • W. Gander Drive, Linder Road to W. Waltman Dr. • E. Woodbury Drive, Meridian Road to Capecod Way • Muirfield Drive, Tumberry to Ten Mile • Pine Avenue, east of Ten Mile Road • Jericho Way, Fairview Avenue to Chateau Drive • Chateau Drive, Jericho Way to Laughridge Avenue and Monaco Way to 12th Street • Todd Way, Cherry Lane to Turnberry Way • Interlachen Way, Cherry Lane to Turnberry Way • Willowbrook, 8th Street to Meridian Road • Venable Lane, south of Ustick Road • Ustick Road, Black Cat Road to McDermott Road • Stratford Street • 8th Street • Amity Road • Unnamed collector, between Pine Avenue and Commercial Court, east of Eagle Road Local streets serve to provide direct access to abutting residential areas and should be for local traffic movement. Generally, they are two lanes with parking and have a right- of-way width of approximately 50 feet. Through traffic is discouraged. b. Path System In 1996, COMPASS adopted the pathway recommendations laid out in the Ridge -to - Rivers Pathway Plan (1996). The goals of the plan include developing a bikeway and pathway system that encourages non -motorized transportation and enhances recrea- tional opportunities. The City also coordinated with the Nampa -Meridian Irrigation Dis- trict on pathway planning efforts. Two types of existing and proposed pathways are identified in the Ridge to Rivers Path- way Plan for the Meridian area. These include on -street bikeways and multiple -use paths. On -street bikeways consist of bikeways on the roadway network which may be any combination of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and bicycle routes designated to create a safer environment for all users. Multiple -use paths consist of facilities separated from the road right-of-way for the purpose of both recreation and non -motorized transportation. (Please refer to the City's Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan for detailed maps and design standards for pathways.) Figures VI -3, VI -4, and VI -5 depict Off - Street Multiple -Use Pathways, On -Street Pathways with Detached Sidewalks, and On - Street Bikeways, respectively. (Note that new Collector bikeways are subject to ACHD approval). C. Transit Park and Ride Lots. Park and Ride Lots are a service provided by ACHD. Existing Park and Ride Lots are located at Gem Street between East First Street and Meridian Road, Overland Road and SH69, Overland Road and Eagle Road, and at St. Luke's Re- gional Medical Center. Figure VI -1 depicts only existing lots as designated. The City an- ticipates that additional Park & Ride lots may be necessary in the future and will coordi- nate with ACHD Commuteride on the siting of these future lots as development de- mands. The lots offer a place for commuters to park and collectively ride to work in a July 2002 .s OFF-STREET MULTIPLE -USE PATHWAYS KEY QtCErfa I, run"Y ` • Off-street pathways are located along three primary areas: \\ 1. Natural drains/creeks and canals - 2. A loop -trail connecting future wmmunity parks 3. The UPRR railroad wrridor • All off-street pathways will be built to a minimum width of ten fast. • Refer to the Parke 6 Recreation Master Plan for details on right-of-way reyuiraments and deeign standards. Page 55 FIGURE VI -3 Chapter VI 10 Ll 0 0 ON -STREET PATHWAYS/DETACHED SIDEWALKS Us Hwy 26 & 26 July 2002 FIGURE VI -4 1 J I A. . I 1 1 t Franklin �sfsa�s>•` - I �at►aa�e�s�a'aa.-� ' ads---.1aaw--.._lot ----a� 1 � 1 1 � 1 KEY CONGERS a a • Detaehad'sidswalks will be required along all arterial street$. • Detached sidewalks along all arterial streets will be bulk to a minimum width of five feet, although seven to ten feet is preferred. • The on -street pathway system is intended to connect to and be Integrated with the off-street pathway system. Chapter Vf July 2002 ON -STREET BIKEWAYS _ Page 57 FIGURE VI -5 0 Us Hwy 26 6 28 --T-----I--McMillian • 1 1 ----------� F +--_—i 3 �. I g f i' j I —r—�--1--r--�—,_�_"awl I .-—;.-------_- NOR --I--- J- - �•_._�I---� IT.----- -- Franklin � —�--_� —T-- �_�_—rr�-1-----=-- 1 Me i■--�—.d o -con+ —0 f� IM Mali, Victory J. 4M 61 MeMb 409 MISM, Is 40611010161 t ^may KFYCONCErrs ■ ■ _ • On -street bikeways should be incorporated on all future Collector streets. • In built -out areas of the City, bikeways are to be located on Arterial streets. The bikeway, grid will shift to Collector streets in the undeveloped sections of Meridian's Area of Impact. • This map and the bikeway, designs will be implemented in concert with the latest edition of Ada County Highway Oistrict°s "Bicycle Accommodation Policy on ACHD Streets.' • Chapter VI 40 • 0 • Page 58 Chapter VI July 2002 prearranged carpool or vanpool. The lots are marked with green and white directional signs. Commuteride Carpool and Vanpool Service is a cooperative effort between ACHD, ITD, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). Air Travel. The City of Meridian does not have an airport within the City limits or Area of Impact; however, the Boise International Airport provides passenger and freight ser- vice to the citizens and local businesses. The airport is located about ten miles east of Meridian off 1-84. Rail. The UPRR rail line provides freight service on the line which runs east – west and bisects the City between Cherry Lane and Franklin Road. Recent discussions among Treasure Valley leaders indicate a possible interest in reusing the rails for light rail pas- senger service. Shuttle Bus Service. This service is being offered by Treasure Valley Transit. The Meridian to Boise service operates from Gem Street Park and Ride Lot and make a sec- ond stop at St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center. The route will provide connections to Boise Urban Stages Service in downtown Boise and at the Boise Towne Square Mall. 3. Recreation The City of Meridian is in the process of completing the Comprehensive Parks and Rec- reation System Plan (CPRSP). Information from this draft plan was used in this section. The plan is expected to be finalized in the summer of 2002. The plan provides a guideline for recreation development for the next six years. Infor- mation presented in this plan includes the following: • An evaluation and inventory of existing public and private park and recreation facilities and program. • A forecast of demand and needs for future parks and recreation services. • Estimates of the cost of improving and maintaining existing and future recrea- tion facilities. • Recommendations for development and service standards for existing and future facilities and recreation programs. • A description of acquisition and facilities development requirements. • An implementation and action program for a six-year time frame. • A cost, funding and implementation program for park improvements and pro- gram services, including a six-year capital improvement plan. • A set of policies and standards to guide the development and administration of Parks and Recreation Services. The baseline information provided below is a summary of this plan. a. Facilities Existing recreation resources in Meridian include seven fully or partially developed City parks totaling 65 acres and one 22 -acre park owned and operated by Western Ada Rec- reation District. In addition, the City is in the process of developing three new parks — Thousand Springs/Los Alamitos Park, Bear Creek Park, and a 58 -acre regional park. The existing and proposed parks typically provide sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Table VI -6 shows a listing of the existing and proposed parks with their associated amenities. The City of Meridian also maintains two pathways, Fothergil path- way and Five Mile Creek pathway. More information on pathways is provided in section 2b of this chapter. July 2002 Table Vf6. Meridian City Parks (2002) Page 59 Name Facilities Size Storey Park Softball, baseball, playground, picnic 20 acres (15 acres developed, 5 acres shelters, restroom, horseshoe pits, undeveloped) open play area, rose garden and park- ing; swimming pool (owned and oper- ated by Western Ada Recreation Dis- trict) 8th Street Park Turf play area, playground, shelter 4.5 acres Tully Park Softball, soccer, basketball, picnic shel- 18 acres ters, playground, restrooms, open play areas, and parking Fuller Park Baseball, softball, playgrounds, picnic 22 acres shelters, restrooms, open play areas, walking path, and parking Chateau Park Proposed restrooms, pathway, play- 6.7 acres ground, picnic shelter, basketball tri - court, open play area, and parking Generation Plaza Monument feature, fountain, small 0.5 acre open air stage with grass seating City Hall Park Monument feature 0.25 acre Kiwanis Park Proposed neighborhood park 9 acres (Undeveloped) Bear Creek Proposed open grass area, restroom, 18 acres basketball tri -court, soccer field, base- ball, and softball fields Five Mile Creek Pathway Pathway between Meridian Road and 1 mile Linder Road Fothergil Pathway Pathway along Fothergil subdivision 5 x 900 feet Meridian Settlers Park Proposed 5-plex little league fields, 20 acres (developed) and 36 acres walking path, 5 soccer fields, rest- (undeveloped) rooms, skate park, roller blade rink, picnic shelters, splash water feature, open air market, 2 tennis courts, 2 bas- ketball courts Autumn Faire Park Proposed neighborhood park 6.9 acres (Undeveloped) Note: 1. Owned and operated by Western Ada Recreation District Source: City of Meridian, Parks & Recreation Department; Landerman-Moore Associates Residents of Meridian also have access to a pool during the summer. The pool, lo- cated in Storey Park, is operated by the Western Ada Recreation District. b. Recreation Programs and Services The City of Meridian, Parks and Recreation Department is the primary recreation ser- vice provider for the jurisdictional area. Programs, activities and services provided by the City are organized by seasons of the year, i.e., winter, spring, summer, and fall. These activities include kids, teens, and adult classes and leagues. Other organizations Chapter VI • C� • Page 60 Chapter VI July 2002 also provide recreation services to the people of Meridian and surrounding area. Some organizations serve a particular age group such as boys and girls clubs, 4-H, Scouts, with others serve all segments of the population (police departments, biking and hiking clubs, league sports clubs, etc.). As noted in the CPRSP, the majority of the private or- ganizations depend on public facilities such as parks, schools, or other publicly owned assets in order to facilitate their recreation activities. C. Level of Service To estimate park acreage needs and levels of service standards for Parks, the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) developed guidelines on the basis of acres of park land per 1,000 residents within a specified service area. Guidance from NRPA sug- gests that cities develop their own standards through a set of formulas based on various factors such as population, location, existing recreation in the surrounding area, use, etc. Meridian is developing a parks and recreation plan and has determined that an av- erage of 4 to 5 acres of park space is realistic for this area. As identified, the City currently has about 65 acres of developed park space within the Area of Impact available for public use. This equates to less than 2 acres of park land per 1,000 population, a serious shortage of land available for recreation use. By includ- ing the undeveloped park space, the available park space doubles. However, a serious shortage still exists for parkland. With an increasing population, this park space will be- come even more important. 4. Public Services a. Health Care St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center opened in April 1996, serving as Meridian's major health care facility. The medical center offers a number of outpatient services that in- clude outpatient surgery, urgent care, diagnostic imaging (including MRI and cat scan- ning), screening mammography, ultrasound, EEG studies, peripheral vascular imaging, electrocardiography, laboratory testing, diagnostic cardiac testing, an outpatient phar- macy, occupational health services, and rehabilitation services that include physical, oc- cupational, and speech therapy. The center has over 140 physicians specializing in asthma and allergy, cardiology, colon and rectal surgery, dermatology, endocrinology, family practice, gastroenterology, gynecology, internal medicine, neurology, neurosur- gery, obstetrics, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, pediatric neurology, opthalmology, otolaryngology, pulmonary disease, physical medicine, urology, podiatry, and audiology. The center is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Annual number of visits to the center has grown steadily; nearly 250,000 patients have received diagnostic services since the center opened (personal communication, Toal). St. Luke's added a full-service, 62 bed hospital in November 2001, offering the following additional services: a 24-hour emergency department, maternity services, cancer care, pediatrics, critical care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, medical/surgical beds, a Breast Cancer Detection Center, rehabilitation, occupational health services and a full-service pharmacy. Diagnostic services include a cardiac catheterization lab, nuclear medicine, endoxcopy, stress testing, and a Sleep Center. St. Alohonsus Reaional Medical Center is planning to open a new 88,000 -square -foot ambulatory care and surgery clinic on eight acres in west Meridian by 2004. This center will provide a much needed outpatient medical facility in this expanding part of the city. Services to be provided include outpatient surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy, July 2002 Page 61 lab and x-ray and pharmaceutical services. Community wellness programs such as child- birth classes, nutrition seminars and geriatric programs will also be available. b. Safety The Meridian Police Department has 56 full-time and two part-time personnel. Of the 58 employees, 45 are sworn police officers. The other employees include administrative, records, and animal control personnel. The department's equipment includes 25 police vehicles, two motorcycles, two bicycles, and a radar/traffic trailer. The police depart- ment has two narcotics dogs (personal communication, Chopko). The Meridian Police Department is currently located in the old post office in Old Town. x However, a new, 30,000 square foot, fully -equipped facility located on East Watertower Lane will serve as the new headquarters, beginning in 2002. The City currently has no holding facilities and uses the Ada County Jail. The department administers several special programs: • Citizens on Patrol. Citizens on Patrol (COPS), a volunteer organization, is made up of citizens from the community who receive special training and, once gradu- ated, patrol the streets of Meridian. These citizens use radios and drive in their own vehicles. In effect for two years, this program has been considered very successful; in 1998, COPS assisted in 36 arrests. • Explorer Program. The department also works with community youth through their Explorer program. This program involves high school students who are interested in law enforcement. The students ride with officers and help out at fairs, parades, and other special events. • Police Athletic League. The Police Athletic League (PAL) administers soccer and hockey leagues for children ages 3 to 14. In 1998, the program was extremely successful, with over 7,000 youth participating in the programs. • Business Crime Prevention Unit. The department operates a program that in- cludes training for local businesses on how to handle crimes such as shoplifting, bad check writing, and fraud. The officers also investigate crimes concerning local businesses. • Bike Patrol. The department patrols the City on bicycle and provides educational instruction on bicycle safety. • Neighborhood Watch. The department also participates in Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the community. Meridian Fire Department is located at a new facility, located at 540 E. Franklin Road, which was occupied in 2001 A substation on North Ten Mile Road was also constructed in 2001. The Fire Department is comprised of 18 full-time suppression personnel, 19 part-time suppression, a Fire Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, and one full-time administrative secretary. The department has four engines, two water tankers, two specialized grass vehicles and one fire support vehicle. The department provides services to the citizens of the City of Meridian and patrons of the Meridian Rural Fire District. The department provides fire suppression and basic life support services to 50,000 citizens residing in a 64 -square mile service area. The department responded to 2,069 emergencies in 2000. The department provides the following services: Chapter VI • i � 1 U Page 62 • • July 2002 • Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. • Fire Prevention Bureau. Provides plan review on new construction, fire code enforcement, fire cause determination and public fire safety education. • Hazardous Materials Response. Response to Hazardous Material Incidents is provided by the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team that works with the Meridian Fire Department to provide this service. • Technical Rescue. Confined Space Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Trench Rescue, Swift Water Rescue is provided by the Ada County Special Operations Team that works with the Meridian Fire Department to provide this service. • Dispatch Services. Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) services are provided by the Ada County Communications Center. EMD provides pre -arrival instruction to citizens in first aid measures and a call screening process to prevent the fire department from responding to non -emergency but urgent incidents. C. Solid Waste Management The City of Meridian contracts with Sanitary Service Company to provide residential and commercial solid waste collection and management. Solid waste is disposed of at Hid- den Hollow Landfill, located in Ada County. At the end of 1998, Sanitary Service Com- pany held a total of 10,700 residential accounts and 401 commercial accounts, but they expect that these numbers will have increased approximately 20 percent for the year 1999 (personal communication, Sedlacek). Other waste management services include used oil collection and recycling, fall leaf collection, Christmas tree collection, an annual household hazardous waste collection day, and curbside residential recycling. d. Library Services Library services for the City of Meridian are provided through an independently oper- ated, free library district. The main branch is located at 1326 W. Cherry Lane and a sec- ond, satellite branch, is located in Old Town at 18 E. Idaho Avenue. The library plans to locate a new branch library in the North Meridian area and south of 1-84 within leased tenant spaces as the population grows and services demand these new branches. 5. Public Facilities a. Water Administration. The City of Meridian owns and operates a domestic water system, sewage collection system, and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) serving the resi- dents of Meridian. The Water Department's responsibilities include operation and main- tenance of public wells, the distribution system, and reservoirs; meter reading; the an- nual line Flushing program; and responding to customer inquiries regarding pressure. The Wastewater Department operates and maintains the collection system, lift stations, and the wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater Department personnel also staff the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -mandated pre-treatment program, and they land -apply treated biosolids to neighboring agricultural fields. The Public Works Depart- ment is responsible for reviewing water— and sewer -related issues for new develop- ments, short and long range planning of utilities, administration, rate analysis, providing oversight of the Water and Wastewater Departments, and special projects as assigned by the Mayor and City Council. The City of Meridian does not have jurisdiction over July 2002 Page 63 roads and highways, pressurized irrigation systems, irrigation canals, or drainages and . creeks. Idaho DEQ also reviews and approves all proposed central water lines (personal communication, Reno). Distribution. The Meridian water system consists of a large network of deep wells, booster pump stations, reservoirs and many miles of six-inch to 16 -inch pipe line. Thir- teen wells, ranging in capacity from 800 to 2,000 gallons per minute (gpm), are located throughout the City. Well No. 14, south of Overland Road, is equipped with booster pumps to maintain pressure in that higher area of the City. A 500,000 -gallon elevated storage reservoir is located near Meridian Speedway. A new two -million gallon, ground - level reservoir and 2,000-gpm well (Well #20) is located near the northwest corner of Meridian and Ustick Roads. The cumulative capacity of the wells is approximately 25 million gallons per day (mgd) (17,000), although they are never all operating at the same time. The distribution system consists of two zones: 1) normal operation zone and 2) high pressure zone. The high pressure zone, due to its higher elevation is separated from the lower portion of the system by gate and check valves. The high pressure zone ex- ists generally east of Meridian Road to the eastern boundary of the service area. Wells 14, 16, 17, and the newly completed 19, serve the high pressure zone. Pressure in the remainder of the distribution system located west of the high pressure zone is main- tained by the two reservoirs. Wells and reservoirs are linked via a telemetric system to a central computer at the Wa- ter Department. This system controls reservoir levels, well on-off cycles, and pressure. Several wells are equipped with standby generators in the event of power failure. Exist- ing and future city well locations are depicted on Figure VII -1, Future Land Use Map. A Water System Master Plan Update, including a new computer model, is scheduled for completion in 2002. Based on 1999 water use records, overall average daily demand on the water system is nearly 6 mgd. In the non -irrigating season, daily consumption averages slightly under 3 mgd, but during the hot, dry months of July and August, peak demands can reach nearly 14 mgd. While all subdivisions constructed after 1993 are required to install pres- surized irrigation systems using non -potable water, significant irrigation demands exist from residential neighborhoods that were constructed prior to that time. A Water Sys- tem Master Plan Update, including a new computer model, was completed in 2002. b. Sewer Collection. The wastewater collection system consists of over 50 miles of eight -inch to 30 -inch pipe and seven lift (pump) stations of various sizes. Sewage flows by gravity to the wastewater treatment plant located west of Ten Mile Road, approximately 1/4 mile north of Ustick Road. In 1999, JUB Engineers completed a Sewer Master Plan Update. The Master Plan included development of a computer model that the Public Works De- partment now uses to conduct sewer modeling for new development applications. Figure VI -6 is a layout of the City of Meridian's sanitary sewer system, showing the existing wastewater treatment plant and existing and future sewer trunk main lines. Treatment. The present WWTP began operation in 1979 with a rated capacity of 2.8 mgd. The WWTP consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment followed by disinfection. Treated effluent is discharged to Five Mile Creek the majority of the year, but, occasionally, the effluent is pumped to the Boise River when creek flows in Five Mile Creek are extremely low. Chapter VI FIGURE w-6. COLLECTION SYSTEM MASTER PLAN W/ TRUNK SERVICE AREA AND WEUJRESERVOIR SITES NCWM BLACK • _.. .. CATIRUNC SINCE AIM _ mm 7WJNK am ftVA4 uv a.am WINVOCE AIt11 y A _.. • Q 0 .w� p�p1111 �7II��I�� r&A _ AIlA - G ----------- BLACK Y.ACK CAT __. ._. 7NINC ANN - iIIN� ! • A ANG i HoomI/ BacnommaAamp LEGEND awNrlel bw EASM1rY N111RE� .. � NeNm tlA Pr1E ie gVfl19:N �. WA IFf 31AlKN _ R� �� R� TRIRRSAIYfL/�IGiJIRMM • ERiSINR p0EE3rrCRELL .... .... i Q MUREOGEBrC Nfll i . E116rMRR@RPyI '. Q NIIIIR IIEBrAVOP 8EY61PIAkIMOMFA i July 2002 Page 65 Many improvements and expansions have occurred at the plant over the last five years. • The new unit processes and operations include new influent pumps, a primary clarifier, doubling the size of the aeration basins, new blowers, retrofit of original primary and secondary clarifiers, retrofit of dissolved air flotation thickener, replacement and upsize of digester boiler, addition of tertiary sand filter, replacement of chlorine disinfection with ultraviolet light disinfection, conversion of chlorine contact basin to post -aeration basin, addition of second standby generator and numerous electrical and instrumenta- tion improvements. Projects recently completed include an additional sludge digester, a fourth secondary clarifier and a biosolids dewatering facility. The City of Meridian received a new discharge permit from the EPA in September of 1999. The discharge permit, valid for five years, places limits on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, toxicity, and bacteria. Numerous sampling and monitoring requirements for the effluent, Five Mile Creek, and the Boise River are also mandated. All proposed septic systems are reviewed and approved by Central District Health. Ap- proval is based on characteristics such as distance to groundwater and soil suitability. Distance to groundwater in the Area of Impact ranges from four to 20 feet and is influ- enced by seasonal irrigation patterns, with depths lower in summer than in winter. Pro- posed sewer lines are also subject to approval from the Idaho DEQ (personal communi- cation, Reno). C. Stormwater EPA promulgated the final Phase II of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Sys- tem (NPDES) Storm Water Regulations in October 1999. These regulations affect, among others, small municipal separate storm sewer systems located in urbanized ar41 - eas. Ada County as a whole is listed as an urbanized area in Appendix 6 of the final rule. Although the ACHD is responsible for all public street storm water run off, the City of Meridian will also be required to submit an application for an NPDES permit, possibly in conjunction with ACHD and others. The storm water management program must include the following six components: 1) public education and outreach on storm water issues, 2) public involvement and partici- pation, 3) illicit discharge detection and elimination, 4) construction site storm water runoff control, 5) post -construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment, and 6) pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal opera- tions. One of the greatest impacts on the local community is that the new rule will require the agency/agencies responsible for the permit (City and/or ACHD, others) to develop, im- plement and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in storm water from any construc- tion site of more than one (1) acre. 6. Public Utilities 1 a. Electrical Power Idaho Power Company provides electrical services throughout the City of Meridian Im- pact. Idaho Power is a public service company regulated by the Idaho Public Utility Commission (IPUC). Power is supplied from hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River system and, at certain times of the year, from coal burning facilities in Wyoming. As of November, 1999, Idaho Power serviced 16,289 homes and 1,382 commercial locations 10 Chapter VI • • 40 Page 66 Chapter VI July 2002 within the City of Meridian Impact Area (personal communication, Slusser). Idaho Power facilities currently located in the Impact Area include two transmission lines and three sub- stations, one located at the intersection of Locust Grove and McMillan Roads; the second located at Black Cat Road and Franklin Road; and the third located near the intersection of Franklin Road and Second Street. Figure VI -7 depicts the general location of electric utility facilities of a voltage of 55,000 volts or greater. Public streets and road rights-of-way serve as corridors for electric facilities. Transmission lines usually are located on easements that Idaho Power Company acquires from private property owners (personal communication, Dodson). Idaho Power has taken a proactive stance in the planning process and is interested in strengthening communication with Meridian so that both the City's and Idaho Power's goals can be mutually recognized and implemented. Idaho Power identified several goals for the Public Services, Facilities, Utilities and Economic Development sections of this plan. These goals are listed in Table VI -7. b. Natural Gas Natural gas is provided by Intermountain Gas. A price comparison provided by Intermoun- tain Gas showed that Boise area residential and commercial customers pay average rates as compared to other western cities, while industrial rates for natural gas in the Boise area are some of the lowest in the west (personal communication, Defenback). Table VI -7. Idaho Power Goals' 1. Coordinate with Idaho Power to ensure their goals are included in City planning efforts. 2. Allow the appropriate placement of electric utility facilities on public rights-of-way. 3. Encourage the joint use of utility corridors, provided that such joint use is consistent with limitations as may be prescribed by applicable law and prudent utility practice for existing and proposed utility facilities. 4. Accommodate additions and improvements to electric utility facilities that enhance the ca- pacity and reliability of regional resources, particularly when multi -jurisdictional benefits within the region can be achieved. 5. Provide timely and effective notice to utilities of the construction, maintenance, or repair of streets, roads, highways, or other facilities, and coordinate such work with the serving utili- ties to ensure that utility needs are appropriately considered. 6. Provide Idaho Power with periodic updates of population, employment, and development projections. The City of Meridian and Idaho Power will seek to jointly evaluate actual pat- terns and rates of growth, and compare such patterns and rates to electrical demand fore- casts. Note: 1. Goal Statements provided directly by Idaho Power C. Telephone U.S. West provides basic telephone service to the City of Meridian and its Impact Area. Several telecommunications companies offer wireless and cellular phone service. n MimiP.- r��=� 8 aeeYazr r� ■ ■Y 1 ®® r oil Mom 10 0 M ISM At,- ....,... s - G.'. �iFuture 138 kV y ylo • i veli tla° tY4�e� dart sawY -° :¢ °n-` .-.. Rim— i4vanwqw, ?illi 4 naF,Mose ., g .1' j a• �� A6 M Yi - ■■ds�_1r;■,1�)�r�'I'� Page 68 Chapter VI July 2002 d. Cable Television Residents of Meridian can choose between two cable television providers: AT&T Ca- ble, which provides underground cable service, and WBS Cable, which provides wire- less cable. e. Irrigation Irrigation water is supplied by a series of irrigation canals and laterals diverted from the Boise River. Three main canals service the Area of Impact: New York Canal, Ridenbaugh Canal, and Settlers' Canal. Maintenance and operation of the New York Canal and its laterals is performed by the Boise Project Board of Control, under con- tract with the Bureau of Reclamation (personal communication, Upshaw). Both the Board of Control and the Bureau of Reclamation review rights-of-way, easements, road crossings, relocation of facilities, utility crossings, and other related matters for the New York Canal. Water rights associated with the New York Canal are adminis- tered by the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District. The NMID is also responsible for maintenance and operation of the Ridenbaugh Canal and its laterals and administra- tion of associated water rights (personal communication, Henson). Settlers' Canal is operated and maintained by Settlers' Irrigation District, while its laterals are main- tained by the water users. Settlers' Irrigation District is responsible for administration of water rights associated with Settlers' Canal (personal communication, Draper). B. Community Concerns A variety of public services were discussed by each of the citizen committees. The following is a brief discussion of these concerns. A complete listing can be found in Appendix B. The land use committee discussed transportation related issues. The group identified a number of specific concerns related to the construction of new roads, overpasses, and interchanges; the expansion of existing roads; enhancing alternative modes of transportation (e.g., bike paths and commuter services); and controlling heavy traffic throughout the City. The socioeconomic committee provided a diverse list of issues for schools including designating future school sites, coordinating more closely between the City and the district, and developing impact fees for new schools. The primary needs of the school district are acquiring additional school sites and de- veloping funding mechanisms to construct facilities on those sites. An additional site is needed in the section of land surrounded by Meridian Road on the east, Cherry Lane on the south, Linder Road on the west, and Ustick Road to the north. The dis- trict also would like to have a site for elementary or middle schools in every section of land north of Ustick Road. An additional high school site is needed somewhere in the area between Ustick and Chinden Roads, west of Linder Road. Discussion regarding public services focused on expanding infrastructure (street, sewer, water) to meet existing capacity needs. Increasing fire and police facilities and emergency evacuation routes were also discussed. The use of substations could alleviate overcrowding and expand coverage and response efficiency. The public services committee also discussed issues and concerns affecting recreation in the community. The primary concern raised by residents is the lack of parks and July 2002 Page 69 the lack of variety of park types. Parks are experiencing overcrowding which results in • user conflicts, instead of creating a place for relaxation or competitive sports challenges. Participation in sports leagues and recreation programs has increased as the area has grown. A variety of parks, of different sizes (small neighborhood parks to large regional sports complexes) offering different activities (from water park, tot lot, miniature golf to tennis courts and soccer fields) was discussed and reviewed. The importance of parks and park planning by the City and its residents is highlighted by the parks plan currently be- ing prepared. Another important aspect of parks is connecting the existing parks and schools with bike paths. By providing these paths, residents can walk or ride their bike thus decreasing traffic congestion. A large recreation, community or cultural center was also discussed. This center could provide programs and activities for youths, adults, families, and seniors. It might also serve as a convention facility for area visitors. C. Future Conditions 1. Schools Joint School District No. 2 has prepared a mission statement containing three visions for the present and future. "We see a school district in which all students receive a quality education emphasizing skills, knowledge, and character development that enable them to reach their potential and become con- tributing members of society. Our schools will produce responsible, productive students capable of adapting to a changing, diverse world." "We see a school district in which all employees continue to improve their skills, knowledge, and procedures to meet the needs of all learners. We will provide an environment that dignifies the individual, focuses on rigorous and relevant instruction, and encourages continuous improvement. We will work as a team to establish a safe, clean, inviting atmosphere within facilities that are con- ducive to quality education." "We see a community of well-informed citizens who support educational excellence and work in partnership with the school community to achieve educational results for all students." Forecasts prepared by the Idaho Department of Education indicated that student enroll- ment is expected to reach 25,697 by the 2002 to 2003 school year, an increase of nearly 4,000 (Table VI-8). The largest enrollment gains were forecast for the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades with each grade gaining more than 400 new students. Student enroll- ment was forecast to increase by 1,654 in the elementary schools, by 1,192 in the mid- dle schools, and by an additional 1,078 students in the high schools. Land acquisition for future school sites within Joint School District Number 2 will be based upon the fol- lowing acreage standards: Chapter VI • Page 70 Chapter VI July 2002 Elementary Schools 10-12 acres Middle Schools 40 acres High Schools 55 acres Based on these standards, the District estimates that approximately 1,200 acres of land will be needed within Meridian's Area of Impact to meet the needs of all existing and pro- jected K-12 students. As shown on the Future Land Use Map, at least one (1) elementary school is projected within each square mile of the City. Depending upon the residential density of an area and other buildout factors, the District estimates that it will need at least one (1) middle school for every two to two and a half square miles and one (1) high school for every three (3) square miles of fully developed land. Table VI -8. Meridian School District Enrollment Forecasts by Grade Grade 1998-1999 School Year 2002-2003 School Year Numerical Change Percentage Change Kindergarten 1,556 1,762 206 13% 1st 1,868 2,076 208 11% 2nd 1,748 2,016 268 15% 3rd 1,766 1,956 190 11% 4b) 1,695 2,023 328 19% 5th 1,743 2,197 454 26% 6th 1,688 2,104 416 25% 7th 1,652 2,113 461 28% 8th 1,698 2,013 315 19% 9th 1,850 2,160 310 17% 10th 1,623 1,949 326 20% 11th 1,482 1,710 228 15% 12th 1,404 1,618 214 15% TOTAL 21,773 25,697 3,924 18% Sources: Intermountain Demographics Idaho Department of Education These enrollment forecasts must be used with caution. The methodology used by the Department of Education was based on the past trends in students entering kindergarten and progressing grade to grade. The forecasts did not include students enrolling in the district for the first time (for instance, students moving into the district due to general population in -migration). The forecasts in the comprehensive plan should be used with that caveat. July 2002 2. Transportation Meridian's major transportation challenge will be to plan for and accommodate the area's rapid growth in a way that will minimize traffic congestion. The condition of an area's transportation system impacts that community's way of life and economic vitality. Poorly planned growth may lead to worsening traffic problems, and increased traffic congestion may deter potential employers from locating in Meridian. In addition to man- aging future traffic needs, much of the transportation infrastructure already developed will require maintenance and rehabilitation. Ensuring adequate funding for maintenance of City roads will be an additional critical issue in the future. In order to minimize congestion in the future, several strategies should be incorporated to ensure adequate infrastructure. • Large development proposals that are likely to generate significant traffic should be assessed for their impact on the transportation system and surrounding land uses. They should be examined for ways to encourage all forms of transporta- tion such as transit, walking, and cycling. • New development should not rely on cul-de-sacs since they provide poor fire access, walkability, and neighborhood social life. New development and streets should be designed to encourage walking and bicycling. • As the City expands, there will be a need to coordinate roadway systems and protect rights-of-way for future system improvements. The City's major roads are laid out in a grid system that should be maintained to give continuity and ease of circulation throughout the Impact Area. New development should pro- tect street and road corridors so that they can mesh with the existing street sys- tem to accommodate future transportation demands. • In addition to providing for enhanced automobile traffic, Meridian should seek ways to encourage alternative modes of transport. Improvement in and encour- aged use of public transit systems is an important first step. Public transit in- cludes bus systems and ridesharing. By fostering such means of high vehicle occupancies, congestion on roadways can be decreased. • Pathways that encourage use by bicyclists and pedestrians can decrease road congestion and add to the community's quality of life. The proposed off-street and multiple -use pathway systems are depicted in Figures VI -3 and VI -4. New and existing developments should ensure that the guidelines laid out in this plan are adopted. • By preserving the existing rail system, Meridian may be able to address long- term commuter needs by developing a commuter rail system. Given the impor- tance of the rail line in Meridian's history, support of a rail service should be strong. This and other alternative modes of transportation should be considered in an effort to improve community mobility. • Eagle Road is the major north -south arterial in Ada County. The capacity of this arterial should be protected by minimizing the number and location of private driveway access connections to this important roadway. The City should recog- nize, adopt, and help implement the Eagle Road Access Control Study, prepared by ACHD in 1997. Page 71 Chapter VI 11 0 • I\ LJ Page 72 Chapter VI July 2002 • The capacity of arterial and collector roadways can be greatly diminished by ex- cessive driveway connections to the roadways. The City should cooperate with ACHD to minimize access points on arterial and collector roadways as develop- ment applications are reviewed. Management of roadway needs in Meridian will be heavily influenced by two agencies: ACHD and COMPASS. ACHD develops five-year work programs that outline funded and preliminary development projects affecting roads under its jurisdiction. COMPASS devel- oped Destination 2020: Regional Transportation Plan for Ada County, which provided a 20 -year framework through which local transportation needs can best be met. Table VI 9 lists roadway projects planned for Meridian and its Impact Area according to these agencies. Table VI -9. Roadway Projects Planned for Meridian and Impact Area Within the Neat 20 Years Project Location Number of lanes Responsible Party Eagle Road & Fairview Ave. Construct Urban Interchange N.A. ACHD/ITD I-84 widening Meridian Road - Garrity Road Interchange 6 ITD Kuna Mora Road & State Highway 69 (Kung -Meridian Road) Extend Kuna Mora Road & State Highway 69 (Kuna- Meridian Road) to conned 2-3 ACHD Linder Road overpass Extend over 1-84 4-5 ACHD/ITD Linder Road Franklin Road to Ustick Road 3 ACHD Magic View Road - new road Locust Grove Road - Eagle Road (all n/o 1-84) 3 ACHD Meridian Road widening Franklin Road - Cherry Lane 3 ACHD Meridian Road Interchange Improvement: cloverleaf ramp for WB 1-84 to SB Meridian Rd N.A. ITD Franklin Rd. Eagle Rd. — Meridian Rd. 5 ACHD Pine Street—new Locust Grove—Cloverdale 3 ACHD Overland Road State Highway 69 (Kuna - Me- ridian Road) - Eagle Road 3 ACHD State Highway 16 (Emmett Highway) river crossing @ Ten Mile Road to conned State Highway 16 (Emmett Highway) - I-84 2-5 ACHD/ITD Ten Mile Road Interchange Ten Mile Rd. - I-84 N.A. ACHD/ITD Source: COMPASS 2000 July 2002 Page 73 As depicted on Figure VI -8, several new Collector streets have been identified in the Area of Impact to be constructed at the time of future development. These are generally located in the areas north of Ustick Road, west of Black Cat Road and south of Victory Road. Sometimes referred to as a "grid" street pattern, this pattern can offer residents multiple ways to travel between points rather than being forced to travel only on the busier arterial system. This pattern is considered more friendly to pedestrians and bicy- clists, since the routes to school, parks and services are shorter and more direct. While ACHD policies will guide the final classification, design and construction of these streets, the City of Meridian will apply the following standards when reviewing development ap- plications and Collector roadways: • Collectors shall be located at the north -south and east -west half -mile lines within the undeveloped sections of Meridian's Area of Impact. • Collectors must be continuous through the full mile section. This does not pre- clude the integration of traffic calming measures, nor does it imply the roadway has a straight alignment. The Future Land Use Map proposes three future transit stations along the UPRR rail cor- ridor (see Chapter VII, Land Use). These proposed centers are shown at Ten Mile Road, Meridian Road and Eagle Road/SH 55. As feasibility and other transportation studies be- come available which determine the potential for a valley -wide rail corridor system, the following standards will be used by the City to help guide development at these intersec- tions: • The "floating" transit locations should be considered a part of a transit overlay zone in which any proposed uses would need to demonstrate connection with and support for transit. • The City of Meridian, in coordination with VIATrans, should explore grants and other funding opportunities to provide incentives for developers to locate within these zones. • Design guidelines should be developed between the City, VIATrans, and ACHD for pedestrian, street, and station features. Among the concerns are proximity to major north/south roads. • The City should review its current regulations for issues would prohibit or dis- courage the type of mixed-use, transit oriented development desired within these transit areas. (Examples of barrier regulations are minimum parking re- quirements, single use zoning, low floor -area ratios, setbacks, etc.) • The City should work with VIATrans and other appropriate agencies to locate actual station sites as soon as possible for preservation. Funding for necessary environmental studies should be made a priority. • Station sites should include park-and-ride facilities, preferably via parking struc- tures which are integrated into the adjoining uses. 3. Recreation Many people participate in recreational activities for a variety of reasons, health, spirit of competitive sport, or their own personal challenges. These types of recreation require a variety of facilities, anywhere from picnic tables to open grassy sports fields to swing sets and slides. Providing all of this infrastructure requires a variety of parks to prevent user conflicts and to increase the equality of the recreation experience. As discussed in Chapter VI i Page 74J� - --. - 2002 _. FIGURE VI -8 4m 0 AUTO CIRCULATION: FUTURE COLLECTOR STREETS i Ll r r- �Z.10If l 7C. • {AIIWYOIT ifL gWLOA iY M6 f1011Oro0YH1 arlP wOV�IOOa. rrarrnnm wrwe nrnnn wro rrrao�orv�rw sections of Meridian's Ares of Impact. e Co0eotors must be continuous through the full mile section. This does rot prelude the Chapter VI Integration of traffic cilming measures. - July 2002 Page 75 the CPRSP, a large portion of the population participates in developed sports programs and passive leisure activities. Many of the classes and recreation programs provided by the Parks and Recreation Department satisfy demand only to the extent that physical resources are available. Lacking new facilities to accommodate program expansion, or absorption on increased public demand, the service capabilities of the department will continue to be impeded. As previously discussed, a recreation plan (CPRSP 2002) is currently being developed. This plan will outline future goals and actions for parks and recreation planning. It will also identify park needs in the community. Currently, there is a deficiency in available public park land for the existing population. In order to meet its goal of providing 3 to 4 acres of park land per 1,000 population, the City lacks about 125 acres (5 to 6 commu- nity parks) of future designated park land to serve the projected build -out population. With the projected growth, this deficiency is expected to worsen. With the CPRSP in place, park land that meets the growing population can be addressed. The plan includes construction of a 58 -acre park at Ustick and Meridian Roads by the fall of 2002. The plan also details an interconnected pathway system that will be developed throughout the city, primarily adjacent to natural creeks and waterways. Grass, trees, and a picnic table were added to Generations Plaza in the summer of 2000. The City is also explor- ing several new park sites and facility enhancements. 4. Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities As communities increase in size and density, public services must be expanded in order to meet those growing demands. Each new subdivision, restaurant, and shopping mall places increased demands on services such as fire, police, health care, water, electricity, and natural gas. If these services are not adequately expanded, the quality, of life of the community as a whole decreases with each new addition. In many cases, public ser- vices must be expanded in anticipation of future growth, rather than in response to - growth that has already occurred. a. Safety Safety concerns must continue to be addressed as Meridian steadily adds new resi- dences and businesses. Police and fire department personnel should be increased in order to ensure adequate protection for all of the City's citizens and employees. With the City's rapid growth, crime is likely to increase. In comparison to the national average, Meridian has a low crime rate for violent crimes; 232 per 100,000 population compared to 634. Meridian is also comparatively low in murder (0 compared to 7 for the national average), robbery (68 compared to 244), aggravated assault (126 compared to 424), and motor theft (232 compared to 616). However, in regard to larceny -theft, Me- ridian is higher than the national average; 3,370 compared to 3,188. Property crimes were similar. Meridian experienced about 4,307 compared to 4,445 (1997 Federal Bu- reau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports). In 1999, the Meridian Police Department received more than 47,000 calls for service, 4,000 above the previous year's figures. In the past year, detectives worked more than 1,000 cases and recovered more than $200,000 in stolen merchandise. Although Meridian has a comparatively low crime rate to the national standard, each year the number of local crime increases. In addition to crime, with population growth, the accident rate increases. This decreases officers avail- able to respond to a criminal incident. Compared to the City's population, the police de- partment is short on manpower. In 1999, there were no new hires. It became difficult to respond to traffic incidents and other investigations because of lack of personnel and resources available (personal communication, Chopko). Schools also need police re - Chapter VI 0 0 • Page 76 Chapter VI July 2002 source officers to initiate new programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and Parents and Youths Against Drug Abuse (PAYADA). By increasing man- power and resources, response times can be shortened and criminal incidents given the priority without being derailed by traffic accidents. It is expected that with increased population, more emergency response calls will be required. To alleviate these growth pressures, Meridian opened a new fire station in March 2000, a new substation on Ten Mile Road in 2001, and officials hope to start on a second substation at Locust Grove Road between McMillan and Ustick Road in 2003. The City recently hired three more fire fighters and an assistant fire chief. The fire de- partment is undertaking a comprehensive review of current services and is preparing a strategic plan to provide quality service to the residents of Meridian. b. Health Care In the last decade, health care services in Meridian have expanded from small profes- sional offices to a major health care facility in 1996, to a full-service hospital planned for opening in 2002. The hospital will open with 62 inpatient beds, but two unfinished floors will allow the hospital to gradually expand to 146 beds in order to meet projected population growth in the Treasure Valley. Currently, the center is open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., but these hours will expand to 24 hours a day when the hospital opens. Volume projections for the new hospital will vary depending upon service. In general, the hospital anticipates a significant obstetrics service with around 1,400 births in the first year of opening, and up to 2,000 births by the year 2005. Non -obstetrics inpatient admissions are projected to total around 2,800 in the first year, climbing to 4,200 by 2005. Average length of stay is projected to be three days. C. Water In order to keep up with water demand, the City has constructed, on average, one new well per year, each of which is funded by connection fees charged to new develop- ment. Water line extensions to new developments are also generally paid for and con- structed by developers; however, in 1999-2000, the City completed four significant wa- ter line projects to improve reliability and pressure to all areas of the City. A new water system computer model was completed in 2001 to help plan and prioritize future water system improvements. Although the City plans for new wells and reservoirs, the loca- tions of those facilities are largely dictated by growth patterns. The water system will be expanded to meet the demands of growth while ensuring that new development pays for those additional required facilities. The City plans to construct one or two wells annually for a five- to ten-year planning period. d. Sewer Collection. In 1999, the computer model developed in the Sewer Master Plan Update (described earlier in this section) was used to identify several segments of the existing sewage collection system that are approaching capacity. Those segments projected to reach capacity in the next two to four years were upgraded in the year 2001. Other lines will be remediated as their capacities are approached. The City Council has au- thorized the Public Works Department to begin design and construction of the White Drain Trunk and the South Slough Extension. These trunks will open up approximately four square miles in the northern and eastern parts of the Impact Area for develop- ment. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2002. No July 2002 other City -funded sewer trunks are planned at this time. In the future, development is likely to follow utility improvements such as these. Treatment. As mentioned earlier in this section, many improvements and expansions have occurred at the wastewater treatment plant over the last five years. The estimated capacity at the plant is approximately 5 mgd, which equates to roughly 50,000 people. The capital improvement plan for the W WTP lists specific improvements to expand the capacity to 8 mgd by 2005 to serve a population of approximately 80,000, although the actual construction of these additional improvements will depend on actual growth rates. Preliminary discussions indicate the TMDL may call for a 40 to 80 percent reduction in the amount of total phosphorus discharged to the Lower Boise River by all sources. Al- though Meridian's projected phosphorus loading is small in comparison to many of the other sources in the Treasure Valley, Meridian also has the most potential for growth relative to the others. In order to comply with the TMDL, Meridian may have to con- struct expensive phosphorus removal facilities at the WWTP or participate in an "effluent trading" program, whereby the City purchases credits to avoid constructing those facili- ties. Whichever option is selected, the additional associated costs will be apportioned to all ratepayers, although the actual construction of these additional improvements will depend on actual growth rates. Currently, NPDES permits are not required for stormwater within the City. However, with increasing population growth, the responsibility of obtaining and monitoring for compliance may become the role for the City of Meridian, thus requiring staff and fund- ing. e. Power Idaho Power has identified the locations of three more transmission lines that may be necessary in the future in order to service Meridian's growing needs. Figure VI -5 depicts the proposed locations of electric utility facilities of a voltage of 55,000 volts or greater. Designation of the locations of proposed electric utility facilities applies to a general util- ity corridor area rather than to a specific site (personal communication, Dodson). Page 77 Chapter VI 0 0 E Page 78 D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items Goal I: Improve long range City and school district planning. Objective A: Actions: Jointly plan and site school and subdivision 1. Coordinate population and household projections keeping school developments to ensure sites in mind. mutual benefits and 2. Support the location of school sites within every square mile in neighborhood identity undeveloped areas. 3. Support multi -use facilities between schools and the community. 4. Develop programs that are more pro -active with providing more secure, safe, and fun places. Objective B: Actions: Ensure compatibility of schools with neighbor- 1. Actively involve Joint School District No. 2 in subdivision site se - hoods and adjacent land lection with developer before plat processing (pre -platting uses (both commercial schedule meetings). and residential) 2. Require elementary schools to be sited in locations that are safe for the children, easily accessible by the public and provide a visual and "user-friendly" benefit to the neighborhood. Elemen- tary schools should not be "hidden" within subdivisions or other- wise made inaccessible to the public. The City encourages all schools to have public street frontage. Chapter VI July 2002 July 2002 Page 79 Goal II: Facilitate the movement of people and products to and from the Meridian Impact Area. Objective A: Actions: Enhance existing trans- portation systems to ac- 1. Establish truck routes. commodate growth. 2. Develop continuous pedestrian walkways within the downtown area. 3. Consider "Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Rec- ommended Approach" from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking in all land -use decisions. 4. Consider the adopted COMPASS regional Ridge to Rivers Plan in all land -use decisions. 5. Require pedestrian access connectors in all new development to link subdivisions together to promote neighborhood connectivity as part of a community pathway system. 6. Require street connections between subdivisions at regular inter- vals to enhance connectivity and better traffic flow. 7. Review and revise current street naming policies to provide a clear street naming system in the City. 8. Develop alternative modes of transportation through pedestrian improvements, bicycle lanes, off-street pathways, and transit - oriented development as appropriate. 9. Prepare a written bicycle and pedestrian plan for the City. 10. Identify a City liaison to: - Encourage and promote the development of an overpass at the Intersection of Locust Grove Road and 1-84 by ACHD. - Encourage and promote the development of an interchange at the Intersection of Ten Mile Road and 1-84 by the Idaho Depart- ment of Transportation. 11. Identify at least one neighborhood per year to work with to sub- mit an application to the ACHD Neighborhood Enhancement Pro- gram for traffic -calming measures and/or sidewalk improve- ments. 12. Develop methods, such as cross -access agreements, frontage roads, to reduce the number of existing access points onto arte- rial streets. 13. Review new development for appropriate opportunities to con- nect to local roads and collectors in adjacent developments. 14. Develop a standardized procedure that supports the proposed Meridian landscape ordinance policy of improving and maintain- ing landscaping along public rights-of-way and landscaping of dedicated but unimproved rights-of-way strips. 15. Consider the Eagle Road Corridor Study in all land -use decisions. 16. Require continuous, grid -like collectors around the north -south and east -west half -mile lines within the undeveloped sections of Meridian's Area of Impact at the time of new development. Such collectors should be the primary designated bike lane routes in lieu of Arterial streets, whenever possible. Chapter VI • • Ll • • Page 80 Goal II: Facilitate the movement of people and products to and from the Meridian Im- pact Area. (continued) Objective B: Actions: Provide new and alterna- tive transportation sys- 1. Expedite future north/south crossings and interchange over 1-84 tems to accommodate (Locust Grove and Linder Overpasses, Ten Mile interchange). growth. 2. Conduct a pathways study to provide a bike and pathways system between neighborhoods, local collectors, and community destina- tions. 3. Acquire existing rail corridor for future transit system between Boise- Nampa. 4. Conduct a feasibility study for an east/west monorail system and bus transportation. 5. Identify 2-4 specific parcels for park & ride lots and/or transit sta- tions. 6. Coordinate with COMPASS, UPRR, ACRD, and private property owners to ensure land uses that are compatible and will integrate with a rail corridor transit system. 7. The City, in coordination with VIATrans, should explore grants and other funding opportunities to provide incentives for develop- ers to locate within designated transit overlay districts. 8. Design guidelines should be developed between the City, VIATrans, and ACHD for pedestrian, street, and transit station features. 9. The City should review its current regulations for issues that would prohibit or discourage the type of mixed-use, transit - oriented development desired within transit overlay districts. Chapter VI July 2002 July 2002 Page 81 Goal III: Provide a broad range of parks, programs, and recreational facilities that meet a variety of needs and uses and that are located geographically throughout Meridian and available to everyone. Objective A: Actions: 1. Develop all existing park and recreation 1. Identify recreation needs of the citizens of Meridian. land to provide a di- 2. Assess the existing park and recreation facilities based on cur- versity of uses and rent regulatory, safety, and quality standards. activities. 3. Update and maintain existing parks and facilities to meet all 2. Provide for park ac- regulatory, safety, and quality standards. quisition to meet the 4. Adopt CPRSP. demands of growth. 5. Develop action items from CPRSP. 3. Provide a variety of 6. Review CPRSP annually to evaluate and set goals. park types 7. Support funding of CPRSP projects and programs. (neighborhood parks, B. Identify future park sites from information in CPRSP. community parks, 9. Support future recreation facility development at the 7 -acre Us - regional parks) inter- tick and Black Cat Road location. spersed throughout 10. Review possible sites within City for developing indoor multiple the community. use facility. 11. Develop trails and path plan. 12. Develop City pathway to connect Meridian with Boise. 13. Develop indoor/outdoor multiple use facilities (i.e., recreation center, fairgrounds, etc.) for a variety of recreational, educa- tional, cultural, and sports purposes and uses. 14. Support joint use agreements with the Meridian Joint School District, Western Ada Recreation District, ACHD, and other pri- vate and non-profit entities. 15. Consider population/housing density when acquiring future land for parks and recreation. Chapter VI C� J U • • Page 82 Goal IV: Expand, improve, and maintain the City's infrastructure to meet existing and growing demands in a timely, orderly, and logical manner. Objective A: Actions: Develop logical master plans for all public facili- 1. Develop medical service provisions in the zoning ordinance. ties and services and 2. Update comprehensive plan map of existing facilities. public safety to guide the 3. Create a master plan for each City service, growth of the City and 4. Annually review each master plan and update as needed. follow them. 5. Identify and prioritize areas for future City expansion. 6. Develop City utilities in priority areas to encourage development to meet the needs of the City of Meridian. 7. Coordinate with other public utilities and essential service pro- viders (at annual Master Plan reviews, corridor studies, etc.) to include ACHD, Idaho Power, ITD, etc. 8. Hold an annual meeting with essential service providers and lo- cal decision -makers to coordinate planning efforts and direction of growth. Service providers include: Fire Department, Police, ITD, ACHD, Irrigation Districts, COMPASS, Ada County, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Alphonsus Hospital, Joint School District No. 2, Meridian Library District, Idaho Power, U.S. West, Intermoun- tain Gas, Chevron Gas, Solid Waste, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), IDHW, DEQ, CDHD, City of Meridian Public Works, Bu- reau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 9. Explore options to annex County parcels that are surrounded by City limits to allow for more efficient provision of City services. 10. Protect citizen investments in existing public facilities (water, sewer, streets, fire, police) by encouraging controlled growth through development application reviews and development agreements. 11. Continue to support the Meridian senior citizens' organization as an important social program in the community. 12. Support acquisition and development of new park land to meet the growing open space needs of the community. 13. Coordinate with police and fire departments, new annexation, and the impacts on services. 14. Develop program for donating land for parks, police, fire station and substation, and well sites. 15. Determine jurisdictional responsibilities created by the Phase II Storm Water Rule and begin NPDES permit application process. 16. Develop, implement, and enforce storm water management pro- gram. 17. Plan land uses surrounding WWTP to reduce human exposure to odors. 18. Investigate potential use of pathways along irrigation canals. Chapter VI July 2002 July 2002 Goal V: Encourage the development of a continuum of services to meet the health care needs of the citizens of Meridian. Objective A: Actions: Insure that high-quality emergency care, primary, 1. Identify medical services that need to be encouraged to locate outpatient, home, and or expand in the City of Meridian. long-term care and other types of health care are 2. Develop provisions for medical services in the Zoning and Devel- provided in the commu- opment Ordinance. nity. Page 83 Chapter VI • • • r LJ 171 Page 84 July 2002 Chapter VI July 2002 Page 85 • CHAPTER VII HOW IS THE LAND IN MERIDIAN DEVELOPED? INSIDE THIS CHAPTER: A. Current Conditions 85 1. Land Use 85 Z Housing 89 B. Community! 91 Concems C Future Conditions 92 1. Land Use 92 2. Housing 100 D. Goals, Objectives, 102 and Action Items This chapter discusses characteristics of the land in the City of Meridian and surround- ing Area of Impact. This chapter includes the land use and housing components of the comprehensive plan. Land use is a physical expression of the community. Identification of a City's existing land use development patterns provides a basis for future land use decisions. Because the City of Meridian is currently experiencing such rapid growth and expansion, it is important for citizens of the area to determine how they want development to occur in order to preserve the City's character and also to support a thriving economy. This chapter presents a discussion of land use patterns. Existing and future land use maps also depict land use locations. The housing portion examines past trends in housing and an inventory of current hous- ing conditions, thus providing specific information on residential use. The housing analysis also contains a forecast of the demand for housing units from 2000 to 2020. This chapter begins with a discussion of current land use and housing data. Section B presents issues identified by the land use and socioeconomic committees. Future land . use and housing conditions are presented in Section C. Goals, objectives, and action items form the conclusion of this chapter. A. Current Conditions 1. Land Use In recent years, land use within Meridian's Area of Impact has changed from primarily agricultural to a more diverse mix of residential and commercial uses. That trend is likely to continue, as land traditionally used for agriculture continues to be developed to support the needs of a growing community. Additional uses in the City include indus- trial, parks/public facilities, and vacant. Table VII -1 lists the approximate acreages of land use categories in the Impact Area. Chapter VII • • Page 86 Chapter VII July 2002 Table VII -1. Approximate Existing Land Uses within the Impact Area Land Use Category Acreage Percent Residential 7,320 27.8 Very Low Density Residential 3,213 12.2 Low Density Residential 460 1.7 Medium Density Residential 3,416 13 High Density Residential 231 0.9 Commercial 1,067 4.1 Industrial 629 2.4 Agricultural Transition 15,999 60.9 Public, Quasi Public, Open Space 1,004 3.8 Old Town 264 1 Total 26,284 100 Source: City of Meridian 2000 Figure VII -1 depicts current land uses in the Impact Area. Residential. Primarily single-family, detached, but also including duplex units, all types of apartments, single-family attached units, and mobile homes. Commercial and retail. Areas along transportation corridors that include small com- mercial centers and individual businesses. Uses include retail, wholesale, service, office, and limited manufacturing. Old Town is a mixed-use district. Industrial. Warehousing, general manufacturing, railroad, and industrial business parks. Agricultural Transition. Land including small farms, very low density residential uses, and vacant areas. Public, Quasi Public, and Open Space. Government facilities, public and private schools, health care facilities, churches, utilities, park and recreational areas, and ceme- tery. The pattern of land uses in Meridian is typical of many suburban western U.S. cities. Situated along a rail line, historic Old Town is comprised of one- and two-story commer- cial structures. Single-family homes with fenced yards and detached garages surround the commercial area in a grid pattern of blocks. Along well -traveled roads and high- ways, shops, restaurants, and supply stores have developed. Industrial uses are pre- dominantly located along the railway. Farmlands form the outside edge of the commu- nity. As Meridian's population grew and as more vehicles traversed area roads, these land uses swelled and the pattern intensified. 0 Figure VII -1 EXISTING LAND USE Q Lnp�el qr 4nbp0�Nx IMY Vn N/n 0.n/ry Alnq-11� 1ltllnn OenfXy Rt4hPm� lW YnufYM�spy YIIY LvxbNR/9HMiY punn COIM1NM�N� Mnlnn Dxf Ta�M'nulA lAu ., PJeI. i.Kd Ppi-vven JN two A • July 2002 •The existing land use map reflects the dominance of single-family homes developed at medium density (3-5 dwelling units per acre). Although the Old Town commercial area is still evident, large acreages of commercial and light industrial uses extend along the interstate and all major roadways. Agricultural lands include low-density residential de- velopment and are zoned to permit minimum five -acre lots. Most major intersections are identified in the current plans for mixed-use development which, to date, has re- sulted largely in commercial development. • L An Area of Impact has been established in accordance with § 67-6526 of the Idaho Code (refer to Figure VII -1). Although these areas are not incorporated, planning responsibili- ties for these lands rest with the City of Meridian. The current Meridian Comprehensive Plan and Area of Impact Agreement provides for minimum five -acre lots outside city lim- its but inside the Impact Area. Zoning authority is maintained by Ada County. Within impact areas, the county has applied a Rural Urban Transition (RUT) zone which permits five -acre -lot, single-family residential development, as well as agricultural -related uses and a range of conditional uses. County development applications within the Area of Impact are reviewed by the City of Meridian for compliance with the comprehensive plan and applicable City policies. 2. Housing a. 1990 Housing Characteristics In 1990, Meridian contained slightly more than 3,700 housing units (Table VII -2). More than 3,600 (96 percent) of those units were occupied. The housing stock was primarily occupied by owners, with the ownership rate above 70 percent. The overall vacancy rate was 3.5 percent. Housing Characteristic Quantity Occupied Units (Households) 3,612 Owner Occupied Units 2,575 Renter Occupied Units 1,037 Vacant Units 134 Total Housing Units 3,746 Sources: Intermountain Demographics U.S. Department of Commerce In 1990, more than 2,500 housing units (60 percent of all units) were traditional single- family detached housing units. About 15 percent of the housing stock was manufac- tured housing. Apartments accounted for the remaining portion (18 percent) of the housing inventory. About 83 percent of the apartments were smaller complexes con- taining two to four units. The housing stock appeared to be in good condition, with all units containing complete kitchen and plumbing facilities, according to census informa- tion. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has determined that any householder paying more than 30 percent of its income for housing is paying an exces- sive amount for housing. In 1990, about 15 percent of all owner households paid more than 30 percent of its monthly income for housing. More than 32 percent of all renters (double the owner rate) paid an excessive amount in rent that same year. Page 89 Chapter VII Page 90 b. 1990 to 1999 Building Permit Activity July 2002 Since 1990, the City of Meridian has issued residential building permits for more than 8,500 housing units (Table VII -3). Permits for single-family units accounted for more than 90 percent of all permits issued. Permits were issued for 310 apartments, less than four percent of the permitting activity. Single-family permitting activity peaked in 1993, 1994, and 1998 when more than 1,000 permits were issued annually. Apartment activ- ity was highest in 1995, when permits for 170 units were taken out. Table VII -3. 1990 to 1999 City of Meridian Residential Building Permit Activity Year Single -Family MulttFamily Mobile Home 1990 214 0 49 1991 371 0 47 1992 628 6 25 1993 1,008 58 12 1994 1,127 44 14 1995 878 170 18 1996 1,109 16 13 1997 868 0 8 1998 1,002 16 16 1999 780 0 7 TOTAL 7,985 310 209 Sources: Intermountain Demographics City of Meridian c. 1998 Owner Occupied Housing Value The 1998 housing value data set prepared by EQUIFAX indicated that the $75,000 to $100,000 value range contained the largest number of housing units in Meridian and accounted for nearly 40 percent of the City's owner occupied housing stock. The $100,000 to $150,000 value range had the next largest number of units and represented an additional 30 percent of owner units. Meridian's median housing value in 1998 was $91,030. Ada County's median housing value was slightly greater at $104,985. d. 2000 Housing Unit Inventory It is anticipated that the City of Meridian's housing unit inventory will reach 14,600 units by mid 2000. Meridian contained 3,750 units in 1990: more than 10,000 units were added in the 1990 to 2000 decade. The 2000 estimate is based on the number of resi- dential utility connections in November, 1999, an adjustment to allow for multiple con- nections at apartment units, and units to be constructed in the short term based on resi- dential building permits. Chapter VII i • July 2002 • e. Current Apartment Unit Inventory In 1990, Meridian had 55 apartment units in buildings with 10 or more units. By 2000, the City had 520 apartment units. The number of apartment units increased by nine- fold during the decade, while the City's population increased by about four times. The City has a total of 12 apartment complexes containing 16 or more units. Apartment units were nearly evenly split between market rentals (49 percent) and assisted rental units (51 percent). Meridian has two apartment complexes with more than 100 units. The first contains 120 units and is located on James Court. The second contains 108 units and is located on Badley Street, on the south side of E. Fairview Ave. The next largest complex has 80 units and is at Hope Arms Lane. The remaining 12 apartment complexes have between 16 and 50 units. Meridian's apartment to population ratio was 0.0057 in 1990 and increased to 0.126 by 2000. The City's 1990 ratio at 0.0057 was below the Ada County ratio (0.026), and the State of Idaho ratio at 0.0173. Meridian's apartment to population ratio was similar to the national ratio in 1990. B. Community Concerns Issues regarding land use and housing were identified by the land use committee and the socioeconomic committee. Both committees expressed concern over the current lack of diversity in residential uses in the City. Discussions ensued regarding the uni- formity of single-family detached homes and the possibility for introducing both lower 40 density ranchettes and higher density apartments. The land use committee also discussed issues regarding other types of uses, such as commercial and industrial, and placed particular emphasis on development of Old Town. Citizens shared their concern for providing adequate public services and facilities to new development, recognizing the potential for Meridian's continued growth. The importance of regional cooperation was also emphasized. Appendix B presents a complete list of issues and community concerns by type of land use, including a list of general items relevant to all uses located at the end. The community has also raised concerns at other community planning efforts related to land use. The process undertaken to develop the CPRSP highlighted the need for more quality parks, recreation programs, pathways, and other amenities. The Treasure Valley Futures Program Community Outreach emphasized the community's interest in more pedestrian linkages and enhanced design standards. In addition to the goals, objectives, and action items prepared by the socioeconomic committee, the Mayor's ad hoc committee formulated a series of vision statements for the City. Their housing philosophy statement is, "Opportunities for housing should be available for all income groups with a mix of housing including modular, ranchettes, townhouses, apartment housing, low-income housing, and mansions. A vibrant commu- nity needs a good cross-section of housing and therefore must guard against an abun- dance of subdivisions in like density and price range. High-density housing must be strategically located to public transportation, community services, and not negatively affect property values." Ll Page 91 Chapter VII Page 92 Chapter VII July 2002 C. Future Conditions • 1. Land Use While the 1993 comprehensive plan was an important first step in planning for the fu- ture of the City, the plan still allows for a wide range of developments to occur in many areas of the City. It is the purpose of this plan to more specifically define and map fu- ture land uses so that development occurs in the direction and manner most desired by Meridian's citizens. Many Meridian citizens are proud of the commercial developments that have been at- tracted to their community over the past decade. Similarly, the increased population has afforded new public services and facilities that would have otherwise not been possible. However, accelerated growth imposed upon the existing land use pattern has led the community to seek development guidance that will result in the following: • Maintain small town agricultural heritage. • Provide ample recreation and open space opportunities. • Allow neighborhood centers to meet everyday retail needs and provide commu- nity services. • Retain Old Town as commercial core and true community center. • Ensure Meridian's continued role as the hub of the Treasure Valley. • Supply adequate public services, facilities, and utilities to all Meridian residents. Based on the existing land use map, and applying these basic themes, a future land use map was developed. • Figure VII -2 depicts desired future land use categories and their location within the Im- pact Area. The areas depicted on the map are conceptual and, therefore, will require further analyses prior to the creation of a zoning map. Furthermore, this map does not preclude the development of other specific zones such as those which might encompass outstanding cultural or recreational resource areas. Development standards should apply in all land use categories. These standards include provisions for signs, screening, landscaping, parking, and access. The following land use categories are depicted on the Future Land Use Map (Figure VII - 2). Urban Service Planning Area (USPA). The City of Meridian desires all development within its Area of Impact to be served with urban services from the City of Meridian. Such services include sanitary sewer, water, fire, police, parks, transportation and librar- ies. Secondarily, the City will consider the availability and capacity of the school system, transportation facilities and stormwater facilities in any review of development within the Area of Impact. However, it is recognized that some development may precede the abil- ity of the City, on its own, to extend services for such development. Upon formal re- quests to the City for development that is on property not immediately serviceable with urban services, the City may consider said applications. If private utilities are con- structed, it will be the City's policy that said private services be constructed to City of Meridian standards and will revert to the City upon future annexation. While the City's strong preference is that all development be attached to or serviced by City -owned ser- vices, consideration may be given to other options as proposed. All requests for annexa- tion into the city limits will still require city -owned services. • W4"�, W., I - July 2002 Page 95 Residential. The purpose of this designation is to provide a variety of housing types. • Uses will include a range of densities varying from large estate lots to multi -family homes. Residential designations are as follows: Low Density: to allow for the development of single-family homes on large lots where urban services are provided. Uses may include single-family homes at densities of three dwelling units or less per acre. A planned devel- opment permit may be required for large subdivisions. Density bonuses may also be considered with the provision of public amenities such as open space, pathways, or land dedicated for public services. • Medium Density: to allow smaller lots for residential purposes within city limits. Uses may include single-family homes at densities of three to eight dwelling units per acre. A planned development permit may be required for large subdivisions. Density bonuses may also be considered with the provi- sion of public amenities such as open space, pathways, or land dedicated for public services. • High Density: to allow for the development of multi -family homes in areas where urban services are provided. Residential densities may exceed eight dwelling units per acre. This residential development might include du- plexes, apartment buildings, townhouses, and other multiunit structures. Other uses within a development may be considered under a planned devel- opment permit process. A desirable project would consider the placement of parking areas, fences, berms, and other landscaping features to serve as buffers between neighboring uses. Neighborhood Center/Mixed Use . This designation will provide a blend of high- • density residential, small-scale commercial, entertainment, office and open space uses that are geared to serve all residents within a one to two square mile area. The develop- ments are encouraged to be designed according to the conceptual neighborhood center plan depicted in Figure VII -3. The purpose of these centers is to create a centralized, pedestrian -oriented, identifiable and day-to-day service oriented focal point for neighborhood districts. The centers should offer an internal circulation system that con- nects with adjacent neighborhoods or regional pathway(s). They will also serve as public transit locations for future park and ride lots, bus stops, shuttle bus stops or other alter- native modes of transportation. All development proposed in these areas will require approval as planned developments under the Conditional Use Permit application process. In these locations, the developer has the option to develop either a neighborhood center in conformance with the City's neighborhood center design ordinance, or develop a conventional mixed use project. The following incentives will apply if a neighborhood center, designed in accordance with the neighborhood center design ordinance, is developed: 1. Planned Development applications for said neighborhood centers will be heard by the Planning & Zoning Commission only, and heard by the City Council only on appeal; 2. An ordinance will be adopted establishing a time limit that neighborhood center applications will be heard by the Planning & Zoning Commission as soon as possible following legal notice requirements, or as short a time as reasonable, which would either be the next meeting or within 30 days; 3. An ordinance will be adopted that expedites staff detailed plan reviews of 41 Chapter VII FIGURE VII -3 f Page 96 July 2002 I [Note: This figure represents one concept for a • Neighborhood Center. it is not Intended as the only NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER CONCEPT DIAGRAM possible layout. Other layouts thatconfionn to the standards will be eoneidered.J Low Density ResMerrtlal (<3 unite/acro) o N o_ o L adno ` V• mile Collector Stre Qet i' Elementary 1:1110 F school D Medium Daneity Residential (33-8 units/nits/ acre) 0 ❑ F1 a t—J s.. -..a u ��,J 1__J OQCI Cl ❑�-••� D enter l�eeai a 1�. Neighborhood Ce I (> anile aereJ J o a future transit *to oo •J . w 1 Q a Cora Commercial f EA Y Arterial vmce or nrgn uensay naeiaemaa Medium Density Residential KevCONa fe • Most blocks aro 300' madmum, similar to OM Town. • Larger blacks along arterials and for traffic calming. • Neighborhood Center Commercial area located at the % mile, not at arterial intersections. • 5choole located mid-section, with frontage along a collector street. • Interconnected circulation that is convenient for automobiles, pedestrians, and transit. • Variety of housing choices. • Housing Is arranged in a radiating pattern of lessening densities. • Transition between different housing types or densities at allays. • Residents can access neighborhood commercial services without being forced onto arterial streets. • Facilitates more efficient transportation along arterials. • Grid street pattern within the neighborhood allows traffic to disperse, ease* congestion, allows, traffic, and is safer for resident*. • Connects to and integrates with the larger street and pathway system. Chapter VII • Reduced right-ef•way, widths are encouraged. • Public open space must be provided. July 2002 Page 97 neighborhood center projects, completing the review within 30 days of re- . ceiving complete plans If developing a conventional mixed use project, four specific design elements must be incorporated into the development: a) street connectivity, b) open space, c) pathways, and d) density, not below eight (8) dwelling units per acre. All centers are intended to be developed around the half-mile point between two section line roads. The half-circle shapes shown on the Land Use Map are conceptual only and intended to identify a maximum walking distance from the neighborhood center of 1/4 mile. The residential density in these areas may not be below eight (8) dwelling units per acre. The following standards will serve as guidelines for development of the neighborhood center areas: • Most blocks are 300' maximum, similar to Old Town. • Larger blocks along arterial streets and for traffic calming. • Neighborhood Center Commercial area is located at the 1/2 mile, not at arterial inter- sections. • Schools are located mid-section, with frontage along a collector street. • Interconnected circulation that is convenient for automobiles, pedestrians, and tran- sit. • Variety of housing choices. • Housing is arranged in a radiating pattern of lessening densities. • Transition between different housing types or densities at alleys. • Residents can access neighborhood commercial services without being forced onto arterial streets. • Facilitates more efficient transportation along arterials. • Grid street pattern within the neighborhood allows traffic to disperse, eases conges- tion, slows traffic, and is safer for residents. • Connects to and integrates with the larger street and pathway system. • Reduced right-of-way widths are encouraged. • Open space must be provided. • Unless a Specific Area Plan has been adopted, Neighborhood Centers must be devel- oped under a Planned Development/CUP application. Mixed Use. There are three subcategories of the Mixed Use designation. Generally, the designation will provide for a combination of compatible land uses that are typically developed under a master or conceptual plan. The purpose of this designation is to iden- tify key areas which are either infill in nature or situated in highly visible or transitioning areas of the city where innovative and flexible design opportunities are encouraged. The intent of this designation is to offer the developer a greater degree of design and use Flexibility. The following standards will serve as general guidelines for development in these Mixed Use areas: • All development within this designation will occur only under the Conditional Use Permit process, except the Mixed Use-Regional (see below); • Where feasible, multi-family residential uses will be encouraged, especially for pro- jects with the potential to serve as employment destination centers and when the project is adjacent to State Highways 20-26, 55 or 69; • Chapter VII n U Page 98 Chapter VII July 2002 • Where mixed use developments are phased, a conceptual site plan for the entire mixed use area is encouraged with the development application or, depending on the scope of the development, prior to a formal development application being sub- mitted; • In developments where multiple commercial and/or office buildings are proposed (not residential), the buildings should be arranged to create some form of common, usable area, such as a plaza or green space; • Where the project is developed adjacent to low or medium density residential uses, a transitional use is encouraged. Mixed Use -Neighborhood. The following standards will apply to this category: • Up to 10 acres may be non-residential uses • Up to 100,000 sq. ft. of non-residential building area • Residential density of 3 to 8 units/acre • Sample uses include: grocery stores, drug stores, coffee/sandwich shops, dry cleaner/Laundromat, salons, daycare, professional offices, medical/dental clinics, retail/gift shops, schools, parks, churches, clubhouses, public uses. Mixed Use -Community. The following standards will apply to this category: • Up to 25 acres of non-residential uses permitted within the Mixed Use -Community areas as shown on the Future Land Use Map. In Mixed Use -Community areas that are not Neighborhood Centers, over 25 acres of non-residential uses shall be permit- ted (through the CUP process). • Up to 200,000 sq. ft. of non-residential building area • Residential density of 3 to 15 units/acre • Sample uses include: All MU -N categories, clothing stores, garden centers, hardware stores, restaurants, banks, drive-thru facilities, auto service station, department stores Mixed Use -Regional. The following standards will apply to this category: • No upper limit of non-residential uses • Over 200,000 sq. ft. of non-residential building area • CUP application would not be needed unless a project lies within 300 feet of an ex- isting residence or school or CUP is otherwise required per ordinance • Residential density of 3 to 40 units/acre • Sample uses include: All MU -N and MU -C categories, entertainment uses, major em- ployment centers, clean industry Mixed Use-WWTP. The following standards will apply to this category: Light, professional office uses Flex space uses, including light warehousing No new residential uses will be permitted (existing residential will be allowed to re- main and expand accessory structures) Limited, small-scale retail uses Mini -storage uses Unless otherwise permitted by City adopted incentives, all developments within this designated area will require approval through the Conditional Use Permit process. July 2002 Commercial. This designation will provide a full range of commercial and retail to serve area residents and visitors. Uses may include retail, wholesale, service and office uses, multi -family residential, as well as appropriate public uses such as government offices. Within this land use category, specific zones may be created to focus commer- cial activities unique to their locations. These zones may include neighborhood commer- cial uses focusing on specialized service for residential areas adjacent to that zone. Office. This designation will provide opportunities for low -impact business areas. These would include offices, technology and resource centers; ancillary commercial uses may be considered (particularly within research and development centers or technologi- cal parks). Old Town. This includes the historic downtown and the true community center. Uses would include offices, retail and lodging, theatres, restaurants, and service retail for sur- rounding residents and visitors. A variety of residential uses could include reuse of ex- isting buildings for residential uses, new construction of multi -family residential over ground floor retail or office uses. In order to provide and accommodate preservation of the historical character, specific design requirements may be imposed. Pedestrian amenities would be emphasized. Public investment to ensure that Old Town becomes a centralized activity center with public, cultural, and recreational structures would be en- couraged. The boundary of the Old Town district predominantly follows Meridian's his- toric plat boundaries. In several areas, both sides of a street were incorporated into the boundary to encourage similar uses and complimentary design of the facing houses and buildings. Industrial. Areas are designated to allow a range of industrial uses to support indus- trial and commercial activities and to develop with sufficient urban services. In light in- dustrial areas, uses may include warehouses, storage units, light manufacturing, and incidental retail and offices uses. Heavy industrial areas may include processing, manu- facturing, warehouses, storage units, and industrial support activities. In all cases, stan- dards for screening, landscaping, and adequate access would be developed and imple- mented. Public, Quasi Public, and Open Space. Areas are designated to preserve and pro- tect existing private, municipal, state, and federal lands for area residents and visitors. This category includes churches and public lands (excluding parks and schools) within the Area of Impact. • Parks. Areas are designated to preserve and protect existing municipal, state, and federal land for area residents and visitors. These areas include neighborhood, community, and urban parks. These areas are further described in Chapter VI. Schools. Areas are designated to provide areas throughout the Area of Impact which provide educational opportunities, community gathering places, and green space. These areas are further described in Chapter VI. The future land use map, Figure VII -2, depicts the location of each of these land use categories. The future land use map reflects concentrated urban development in a cen- tral area between 1-84 and Fairview Avenue and Linder Road and the eastern Impact Area boundary. This urban development primarily includes Old Town, commercial, of- fice, industrial, and high-density residential. To the east of Linder Road, the area is pri- marily a mix of medium and low density residential, including some incidental commer- cial and industrial uses. Along the outer edge of the Impact Area, low-density residen- tial is the predominant land use. Public, quasi public, and open space is scattered Page 99 Chapter VII • • • Page 100 Chapter VII July 2002 throughout the Impact Area. Table VII -4 lists the approximate acreages of future land use categories in the Impact Area. The dominant land use is residential, particularly low-density residential. All symbols shown on the Future Land Use Map, such as parks, schools, fire stations, wells, transit stations, pathways, etc., represent generalized locations based on the best information the City has to date. However, all such symbols are to be considered conceptual and are allowed to "float' on the map. In residential areas, other residen- tial densities will be considered without requiring a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. However, the density can only be changed one "step" (i.e., from low to medium, not low to high, etc.). Table VII -4. Approximate Future Land Uses within the Impact Area Land Use Category Acreage Percent Residential 16,999.84 64.71 Low Density Residential 6,047.55 23.12 Medium Density Residential 10,507.51 40.00 High Density Residential 444.78 1.69 Commercial 1,414.31 5.38 Office 199.02 0.76 Old Town 261.96 1.00 Mixed Use 3,798.87 14.46 MU -Neighborhood 422.18 1.60 MU -Community 884.30 3.37 MU -Regional 2,194.46 8.35 MU -Waste Water Treatment Plant 297.93 1.13 Industrial 1,142.51 4.35 Public 2,399.24 9.13 Public, Quasi Public, Open Space 689.24 2.62 Public Park 510.00 1.94 Public School 1,200.00 4.57 Total 26,215.75 100 Source: City of Meridian Planning & Zoning Dept., 2002 July 2002 A population growth forecast included in Chapter IV estimates that from 2000 to 2020 the City's population may be expected to increase by 48 percent. However, even with this projected increase, it is estimated there are adequate residential areas and commer- cial capabilities within the Impact Area. Chapter IV also includes information about age and income. The Future Land Use Map shows a diversity of residential categories that transition from the higher intensity centers to low density residential uses. This radiating density will create a diversity of housing choices to respond to the demands of the housing market. Continued planning will be necessary to ensure that adequate public, quasi -public, rec- reation, and open space areas are provided. 2. Housing Meridian's housing unit inventory is forecast to nearly double, increasing from 12,293 units in 2000 to 26,090 units by 2020 (Table VII -5). Those forecasts were prepared by determining the population change for each five-year interval and dividing that popula- tion change by an estimated persons per household rate to determine the household change in that timespan. Net household change was factored by a vacancy rate to de- termine the housing unit increase for each five year interval. Changes for each interval were added to the previous yearly total to calculate the total number of units. Table VII -5. 2000 to 2020 City of Meridian Housing Unit Forecasts Year Total Housing Units 2000 12,293 2005 15,550 2010 18,960 2015 22,450 2020 26,090 Source: Intermountain Demographics Page 101 Chapter VII 9 E • Page 102 D. Goals, Objectives, and Action Items Goal I: Ensure a variety and balance of land uses to support the Meridian Impact Area. Objective A: Actions: Plan for periodic review, mercial and retail oppor- monitoring, and updating 1. Schedule quarterly meetings with City and county planning staff of land uses within the to discuss projects and joint planning efforts. Impact Area and the Ur- 2. Annually calculate percentage of each major land use category ban Service Planning developed during previous year and compare to existing supply Area. of vacant land in each category. Objective B: Actions: Plan for a variety of com- 1. Consider development applications that apply the neighborhood mercial and retail oppor- center concept. tunities within the Impact 2. Adopt a Neighborhood Center Design Ordinance to implement Area. the Neighborhood Center comprehensive plan designation. 3. Locate small-scale neighborhood commercial areas within planned residential developments as part of the development plan. 4. Establish incentives for new commercial development within un- der-utilized existing commercial areas. 5. Locate new community commercial areas on arterials or collec- tors near residential areas in such a way as to complement with adjoining residential areas. 6. Require neighborhood commercial areas to create a site design compatible with surrounding uses (e.g., landscaping, fences, etc.). 7. Identify transitional zones to buffer commercial and residential uses, to allow uses such as offices and other low intensity uses. 8. Annually calculate percentage of each major land use category developed during previous year and compare to existing supply of vacant land in each category. Objective C: Actions: Maintain integrity of housing areas to pre- 1. Amend the zoning ordinance and map to implement this plan. serve values and ambi- 2. Develop standards for integrating medium -to -high density resi- ance of areas. dential into existing subdivision development. 3. Designate Old Town as a priority high-density area. 4. Require new residential development to meet development stan- dards regarding landscaping, signage, fences and walls, etc. 5. Enforce zoning regulations. 6. Annually calculate percentage of each major land use category developed during previous year and compare to existing supply of vacant land in each category. Chapter VII July 2002 July 2002 Page 103 Goal I: Ensure a variety and balance of land uses to support the Meridian Impact Area. (continued) Objective D: Actions: Plan for appropriate uses 1. Permit low-density (one unit per 5-10 acres) residential uses within rural areas. where City services can not be provided. 2. Require rural area residential development to submit alternative development plan to allow for the efficient extension of urban services in the future (resubdivision plan). 3. Adopt the Future Land Use Map contained in this plan. 4. Coordinate with Ada County and establish and maintain an Area of Impact Agreement, to ensure that the existing rural areas are developed in accordance with all applicable provisions of this plan. 5. Allow residential development in rural areas that are outside the City limits but inside the Area of Impact, provided that develop- ment complies with the following standards. • Within the USPA one single-family residential house may be placed on a five -acre minimum lot if dry line sewer and wa- ter lines are installed for future connection. A concept plan for roads and lots must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department showing that provisions have been made to allow for re -subdivision of the property to an urban den- sity as shown in the Comprehensive Plan Land Use map. • Within the Area of Impact but outside of the USPA, one sin- gle-family residential building may be constructed on a five - acre minimum lot without municipal sewer and water ser- vices being provided if Central District Health Department approves private sewer and water service. 6. Permit recreational uses that are compatible with agricultural pursuits in the rural areas. 7. Permit schools, churches, and other public and quasi public uses in rural areas, that are compatible with adjacent uses. 8. Require new urban density subdivisions which abut or are proxi- mal to existing low density residential land uses to provide land- scaped screening or transitional densities with larger, more com- parable lot sizes to buffer the interface between urban level den- sities and rural residential densities. 9. Require new residential development to provide permanent pe- rimeter fencing to contain construction debris on site and pre- vent windblown debris from entering adjacent agricultural and other properties. Chapter VII 0 • • Page 104 Goal I: Ensure a variety and balance of land uses to support the Meridian Impact Area. (continued) Objective E: Actions: Establish industrial areas to meet the employment 1. Adopt the Future Land Use Map contained in this plan. needs of the City of Merid- 2. The City encourages the location of a high tech, professional em- ian. ployment center in the northwest quadrant of our Area of Impact. 3. Require industrial areas to create a site design compatible with sur- rounding uses (e.g., landscape, fences, etc.) and community design criteria. 4. Identify areas for industrial development with adequate public ser- vices. 5. Annually calculate percentage of each major land use category de- veloped during previous year and compare to existing supply of vacant land in each category. 6. Separate heavy industrial and light industrial within the Zoning Or- dinance. July 2002 Goal II: Serve the Treasure Valley as a regional industrial, commercial, and retail distribution hub. Objective A: Actions: Ensure that land use regulations support con- 1. Support current development review process. tinued opportunities for 2. Continue to enforce zoning regulations. Meridian Area of Impact. 3. Coordinate with Ada County to amend City and County Area of Impact agreements to require Meridian land use ordinances be adopted by Ada County for developments within the Area of Im- pact but outside city limits. 4. Designate land areas for variety of use (high density, low den- sity, residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) by adopting the Future Land Use Map. 5. Amend the zoning ordinance and map to implement the provi- sions of this plan. Goal III: Ensure that adequate public services, including transportation, for existing and future development are provided. Objective A: Actions: Plan and expand services as part of the develop- 1. Require that development projects have planned for the provi- ment process. sion of all public services. 2. Require adequate fees from new development to fund expansion of services. 3. Review and update existing and future service needs. 4. Assess law enforcement needs. 5. Participate in area transportation planning efforts. Chapter VII July 2002 Page 105 Goal III: Ensure that adequate public services, including transportation, for existing and future development are provided. Objective B: Actions: Cooperate with other agencies and entities 1. Address the Area of Impact boundary with Ada County and the Cities around the valley. of Eagle and Boise. 2. Coordinate with transportation agencies to ensure provision of ser- vices and transit development. 3. Coordinate with irrigation districts to provide multiple use of existing irrigation easements. 4. Coordinate with the City of Nampa and Canyon County on transpor- tation issues. 5. The City will work with property owners, designers, and developers to adopt a Specific Area Plan for two proposed Neighborhood Center areas—one in north Meridian and one in south Meridian. Adopt said plan. 6. The City will work with property owners, designers, and developers to adopt a Specific Area Plan for all other proposed Neighborhood Center areas on the Future Land Use Map. Adopt said plans. Goal IV: Encourage compatible uses to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. Objective A: Actions: Address conflicts with compatible uses and Im- 1. Minimize noise, odor, air pollution, and visual pollution in industrial pact Areas. development adjacent to residential areas. 2. Encourage industrial development to locate adjacent to existing industrial uses. 3. Require industrial uses to conform to disposal, spill and storage measures as outlined by the EPA. 4. Locate industrial uses where adequate water supply and water pressure are available for Hire protection. 5. Require industrial development to conform to Federal and State air, water, and noise pollution standards, and local landscaping, traffic, noise, and environmental standards. 6. Require screening and buffering of commercial and industrial prop- erties and residential use with transitional zoning. 7. Encourage appropriate development of open space and recreation areas within large residential development projects to serve as buffer and transition areas. B. Discourage residential areas in close proximity to WWTP. Objective B: Actions: Build services to areas of opportunity and promote 1. Provide incentives (tax, urban renewal, etc.) for Old Town. future development of 2. Provide incentives to attract low -impact (commercial, industrial, commercial, industrial, etc.) business. retail/service and residen- 3. Coordinate with appropriate agencies for master planning efforts tial to best protect objec- periodically. tives and integrity of Me- ridian. Chapter VII 0 11 0 0 11 • Page 106 Goal IV: Encourage compatible uses to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. (continued) Objective C: Actions: Encourage residential infill to utilize existing 1. Protect existing residential properties from incompatible land use services. development on adjacent parcels. 2. Require screening and landscape buffers on all development re- quests that are more intense than adjacent residential proper- ties. 3. Require usable open space to be incorporated into new residen- tial subdivision plats. 4. Develop incentives for infill development, both single -use and planned developments, to improve existing neighborhoods. 5. Require all new residential neighborhoods to provide sidewalks, curb and gutters, and functional streets through joint ACRD/ Local Improvement District programs. 6. Require pedestrian access in all new development to link subdi- visions together and promote neighborhood connectivity. 7. Provide for non-exclusive residential zoning that allows for low - impact neighborhood commercial areas to develop in residential districts. Develop standards to regulate neighborhood commer- cial uses to minimize the impact on the integrity of the residen- tial district. 8. Continue property maintenance programs through code enforce- ment to remove junk vehicles, weed nuisances, and trash, etc. 9. Adopt land use designations which will allow for housing oppor- tunities for all income levels. 10. Support a variety of residential categories (low-, medium-, and high-density single-family, multi -family, townhouses, duplexes, apartments, condominiums, etc.) for the purpose of providing the City with a range of affordable housing opportunities. 11. Provide incentives (bonus density, reduced common area re- quirements) for infill development. Chapter VII July 2002 July 2002 Page 107 Goal IV: Encourage compatible uses to minimize conflicts and maximize use of land. (continued) Objective D: Actions: Encourage appropriate land uses along transpor- 1. Identify locations for low traffic generating uses on key corri- tation corridors. dors. 2. Restrict curb cuts and access points on collectors and arterial streets. 3. Coordinate appropriate traffic signals. 4. Integrate pathway/bikeway plans to ensure appropriate access along right-of-way. 5. Require appropriate landscape and buffers along transportation corridor (setback, vegetation, low walls, berms, etc.). 6. Preserve railroad corridor for future pathway and light rail uses. 7. Develop incentives for high-density development along major transportation corridors to support public transportation system. Chapter VII L] 40 • • 0 Page 108 Goal V: Offer a diversity of housing types for a greater range of choice. Objective A: Actions: Encourage quality hous- ing projects for all eco- 1. Designate specific areas with adequate public services for high nomic levels in a variety density residential. of areas. 2. Identify the current mix of housing types. 3. Identify portions of Old Town for residential development and redevelopment. 4. Provide for a wide diversity of housing types (single-family, modular, mobile homes and multi -family arrangements) and choices between ownership and rental dwelling units for all in- come groups in a variety of locations suitable for residential de- velopment. 5. Require an open housing market for all persons, regardless of race, sex, age, religion or ethnic background. 6. Develop incentives for a variety of housing types, suitable for various income groups, close to employment and shopping cen- ters. 7. Ensure that no discriminatory restrictions are imposed by local codes and ordinances. 8. Phase in residential developments in accordance with their con- nection to the municipal sewer system. 9. Coordinate public and private housing implementation efforts to improve consistency with area -wide plans and eliminate confu- sion and misunderstanding. 10. Support infill of random vacant lots in substantially developed, single-family areas at densities similar to surrounding develop- ment. Increased densities on random vacant lots should be con- sidered if: • Development of uses other than single-family structures are compatible with surrounding development. • It complies with the current comprehensive plan. 11. Apply design and performance standards to infilling development in order to reduce adverse impacts upon existing adjacent devel- opment. 12. Develop incentives for owners of remnant residential parcels or partially -developed residential parcels to consolidate these prop- erties where possible to prevent the proliferation of small parcels of vacant land within the City limits. 13. Review ordinances or other policy statements which affect hous- ing development and consolidated to avoid confusion and use of conflicting policies and requirements. 14. Locate high-density development, where possible, near open space corridors or other permanent major open space and park facilities, Old Town, and near major access thoroughfares. 15. Allow density transfers in exchange for school sites, open space dedications, or for access easements to linear open space corri- dors, which contain bicycle and pedestrian pathway systems. Chapter VII July 2002 July 2002 Page 109 Goal V: Offer a diversity of housing types for a greater range of choice. (continued) Objective B: Action: Elevate quality of design for houses and apart- 1. Establish/enact a design review ordinance. ments. Objective C: Actions: Elevate/enhance quality of residential site and 1. Require common area for all subdivisions. subdivision planning. 2. Enact new Planned Development (PD) and subdivision ordi- nances. 3. Revise existing ordinances to include height limitation, density, scale, Floor area to green space ratio, traffic generation and landscaping. 4. Re-evaluate residential density categories (i.e., R-8 to R-15 to R- 40 40 is too broad of a range) in the zoning ordinance. 5. Eliminate vague/unclear standards in development ordinances. Objective D: Action: Ensure that a balance exists between supply • Track vacancy rates in City every 6 months. and demand in rental . Coordinate with real estate companies, lenders, and housing market (track vacancy development and advocacy groups to research and track hous- rates). ing market in Meridian and publish findings. Objective E: Action: Diversify and balance the location of 1,000-1,200 1. Annually monitor the size of housing units by area within Merid- square feet/all housing ian. throughout City (e.g., avoid concentration of one type in a geographi- cal area). Objective F: Actions: Encourage pride of own- ership in housing choice 1. Continue supporting activities such as "Paint the Town" and (landscaping). "Rake Up Meridian." 2. Provide for additional public maintenance. Chapter VII 0 • 0 Page 110 Chapter VII July 2002 July 2002 CHAPTER VIII HOW DO WE MAKE THIS PLAN A REALITY? Page 111 INSIDE THIS CHAPTER: The City of Meridian comprehensive plan reflects a 10 -year time horizon. This planning period allows adequate time to implement new development ordinances, land use pat - terns, transportation networks, and facility plans. Capital improvement funding strate- A. Implementation III 'Fools gies, funding sources, planning techniques, and plan review are important facets to the plan's implementation and ultimate success. B. Goals and Action 113 Mems Implementation is the phase of the planning process that makes the goals, objectives, C Paontmed List of 113 and action items, as stated in the comprehensive plan, become reality. This chapter discusses implementation tools and presents all plan action items by priority. Action Items/ Responsible A. Implementation Tools Entities Citizen involvement and support is an important implementation tool and it has been strongly affirmed throughout the comprehensive plan update. The public should be aware of, and involved in, all of the City's planning decisions. All Meridian citizens are encouraged to contact City leaders at any time to review the comprehensive plan and implementation policies. Annual Plan Review. The comprehensive plan should be continually reviewed and updated. It is recommended that a yearly review of the plan be held coincident with the budget cycle, to update and/or reaffirm the plan to fit changing needs, as well as un- foreseen planning problems and opportunities. Zoning Ordinance and Map. The policies of the comprehensive plan establish a framework for the zoning and development ordinances and zoning map. Amendments to the zoning ordinance and map are necessary to truly implement this plan. The text of the ordinances establishes the conditions under which land may be used to create a stable, future land use development pattern. Existing uses of land and build- ings are permitted to continue - even if they are not in conformance with the plan poli- cies and the associated land use ordinances. The zoning map shows the location of dis- tricts in which various residential, commercial, and industrial uses may be located to form a compatible arrangement of land uses. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews all new development proposals to insure compatibility with the zoning and development ordinances and the comprehensive plan. The City Council conducts the same review, accompanied by the Commission's recom- mendations, and makes the final decision on a particular development issue. Subdivision regulations are contained within the Meridian Municipal Code. Subdivision regulations establish various standards for the subdivision of property to ensure an ade- quate lot; street access built to adequate specifications; that urban services have been installed; and public parks, schools, and pathways are given consideration. Chapter VIII 0 • • Page 112 July 2002 • Many action items were identified in the planning process related to design and develop- ment standards. These action items may be implemented by revising the zoning ordi- nance and map. Future Acquisition Map. A city may designate appropriate sites for streets, schools, parks, and other public purposes on a future acquisition map. These sites can be re- served for a public purpose for no more than a 20 -year period (see Idaho Code, § 67- 6561). The planning process indicated a need for this type of map in order to ensure adequate public facilities for a growing community, Specific Master Plans. Throughout the planning process, development of specific master plans was discussed. Some of the following may be necessary at some future date to implement various comprehensive plan action items: • Short Term and Long Term Business Development Infrastructure and Facility Plan • Old Town Master Plan • Downtown Master Plan • Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan • Pathways and Trail Plan • Master Plan for Each City Service I: The City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan and related ordinances will be Goal used by citizens and city leaders to shape the future of the City of Meridian and sur- rounding Area of Impact. I. Update the zoning ordinance and map to be in conformance with the adopted comprehen- sive plan and map. 2. Review the status of the implementation actions (Table VIII -1) to ensure steady progress on all items. 3. Require that the Planning and Zoning Commission budget include detailed review of the adopted comprehensive plan at least once a year and that the budget decisions explicitly reflect support and advance of the Plan as the primary factor of approval. 4. Require that public meetings be held annually to review the comprehensive plan and to pro- mote a better understanding of the plan and its purpose. 5. Conduct work sessions with area cities and counties as needed to better coordinate plan- ning policies regionally. 6. Create a checklist for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council to review all development. 7. Organize and fund committees or special commissions consistent with the provisions of this plan. 8. Require that zoning and all other ordinances are enforced. 9. Educate the public and advisory boards so that they understand the comprehensive plan's legal elements and intent. Chapter VIII July 2002 Page 173 Comprehensive Plan Amendments. From time to time, changing conditions will re- sult in a need for comprehensive plan amendments which should be carefully consid- ered. Review is desirable on an as -needed basis by the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion and a Comprehensive Plan Oversight Committee that encourage public comment. The Idaho Code provides for amendment to the comprehensive plan. The City Council or any group or person may petition the City Planning and Zoning Commission for a plan amendment at any time. The City Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend amendments to the map component of the comprehensive plan to the government board (City Council) not more frequently than every six months. Amendments to the text portion of the Plan may be recommended and adopted at any time. B. Goals and Action Items (see previous page) C. Prioritized List of Action Items/Responsible Entities In order to ensure implementation of the action items identified in this plan, those items have been prioritized by citizen committees and assigned to the responsibility of appro- priate government or public agencies. Table VIII -1 illustrates the categorical priority of each item, as well as the party responsible for implementation. Certain general types of action items, such as regulations and committee formations, have been merged into one action item based on their centralized authority for implementation. Prioritization of the action items for implementation should be based on the immediacy of community need regarding the expected outcome of such item. Those items that are existing City policy or are currently being implemented are identified as "ongoing." Those identified as "immediate" (0 to 1 years), should be in their developmental stages immediately after the comprehensive plan is adopted. Those action items ranked as "intermediate" (1 to 3 years) should also be considered as near-term projects, although the level of further study or organization involved will likely extend the time for imple- mentation. Action items designated as "long term" (3 to 5+ years) are not necessarily less important. This classification indicates that they simply do not have the same ur- gency and will be ongoing items. The responsible entities identified in Table VIII -1 are listed alphabetically: Ada County Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Business Improvement District (BID) Canyon County Chamber of Commerce City Council City Engineer City of Boise City City of Eagle City of Nampa COMPASS Economic Development (ED) Specialist Finance Officer Idaho Department of Employment (IDE) Job Service Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Meridian Historic Preservation Committee (MHPC) Chapter VIII 0 Page 114 Chapter VIII July 2002 Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) Meridian Joint School District (MJSD) Meridian Merchants Meridian Parks and Recreation Department (MPRD) Meridian Police Department (MPD) Nampa -Meridian Irrigation District (NMID) Planning Department Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Private Sector Public Utilities Public Works Department Regional Transit Authority (RTA) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Treasure Valley Partnership (TVP) Transportation Task Force (TTF) Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Western Ada Recreation District Note: 1. 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ACHD Capital Budget and Five Year Work Program 1998-2003. Ada County Highway District. 1997. Eagle Road Access Control Study. September. Ada County Highway District. n.d. Park & Ride Lots for Carpoolers, Vanpoolers, & Bus Riders. Ada Planning Association. 1999. Development Monitoring Report, January -June 1999. August. Ada Planning Association. 1997. 1997 Demographic Report for Ada and Canyon Coun- ties. June. Ada Planning Association. 1996. Destination 2015, Regional Transportation Plan for Northern Ada County. Ada Planning Association. 1996. Ridge to Rivers Pathway Plan. Boise Project Board of Control. 1979. Map of Irrigation Districts in the Boise Project. April. City of Meridian. Various Years. Building Department Report. City of Meridian. 1993. 1993 City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. December. City of Meridian. 1993. City of Meridian Zoning and Development Ordinance. City of Meridian Planning and Zoning. 1999. Draft Landscape Ordinance. August. City of Meridian Public Works/Building Department. 1999. Map of Sewer Master Plan with Service Areas. October. COMPASS. 2000. Destination 2020 Plan. May. Conley, Cort. 1982. Idaho for the Curious, A Guide. Cambridge, Idaho. Davis, B. 1990. A Study of Irrigation and the Development of Ada County. Prepared for the Ada County Historic Preservation Council, Boise, Chapter IX i • • Page 130 Chapter IX jury 2002 Hill, L. and G.W. Davidson. 1986. They Came to Build a Community. A History of Me- ridian, Idaho and the People Called Methodists. First United Methodist Church, Me- ridian, Idaho. Idaho Department of Commerce. 1999. County Profiles of Idaho, Economic Develop- ment Division. Idaho Department of Education. 1999. Cohort Survival Enrollment Projection for Merid- ian Joint School District 0002. March. Idaho Department of Labor. 1999. Idaho Non -Farm Employment by Industry 1997- 1998. Idaho Department of Labor. 1999. Idaho Employment Labor Market Information. Oc- tober. Idaho Power. 1998. Local Planning Briefing Book. Idaho Power. 1999. Map of Transmission Lines. November. Intermountain Gas. 1999. Gas Price Comparison. December. Magic View Subdivision Residents. 1999. Meridian Comprehensive Plan Review. Au- gust. Meridian Chamber of Commerce. 1998. Meridian Vision Statement. December. Senior Programs of Boise/Ada County, Inc. 1996. Ada County Housing Information. Soil Conservation Service. 1980. Soil Survey of Ada County Area, Idaho. U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture. Urban Land Institute. 1995. Boise, Idaho: Growth Management Strategies, An Evalua- tion of Growth Management, Urban Design, and Governance Techniques. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1999. Idaho City and County Population, 1990 to 1998. Bureau of the Census. lune. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1999. Full -Time and Part -Time Employment by Indus- try. Bureau of Economic Analysis. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1999. Personal Income by Major Source and Earnings by Industry. Bureau of Economic Analysis. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1992. 1990 Census of Population and Housing Block Statistics. Bureau of the Census. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1992. 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Sum- mary Tape File 3A. Bureau of the Census. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1991. 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Sum- mary Tape File 1A. Bureau of the Census. July 2002 Persons and Agencies Contacted Bowers, Kenny. Chief, Meridian Fire Department, Meridian, ID. 1999. Carberry, James. Meridian Joint School District #2. Caywood, John. Bureau of Reclamation. 1999. Chopko, Ray. Detective, Meridian Police Department. Meridian, ID. 1999 Davis, Arden. Delivery Service Representative, Idaho Power Company, Boise, ID. 1999. Dodson, Layne. Community Relations Specialist, Idaho Power Company, Boise, ID. 1999. Draper, Nathan. Manager, Settler's Irrigation District. 1999. Grey, Susan. Idaho Power, Boise, ID, 1999. Henson, Bill. Assistant Water Superintendent, Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District. 1999. Holgate, Myrna. Idaho Department of Education. 1999. Pirtle, Jennifer. Idaho Department of Labor. 1999. Rennor, Jim. Intermountain Gas Company. 1999. Reno, Mike. Central District Health, Boise, ID. 1999. Sedlacek, Steve. Owner and Business Manager, Sanitary Service Company, Meridian, ID. 1999. Slusser, Mark. Distribution Planning Engineer, Idaho Power Company, Boise, ID. 1999. Toal, Beth. Public Relations, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID. 1999. Upshaw, Troy. Urbanization Coordinator, Boise Project Board of Control. 1999. Watson, Brad, Assistant City Engineer, City of Meridian Public Works Department, Me- ridian, ID. 1999. Page 131 Chapter IX • is • • • G Page 732 Chapter IX July 2002 GLOSSARY TERMS 0 Affordable Housing — Housing with rents or mortgage costs that are 30% or less of the gross monthly income of a household at 80% or below the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area median income Area of Impact — Also known as the City's planning area. It is the land area surrounding the limits of each city, negotiated between each individual city and the county in which it lies. Each city has comprehensive planning authority for its area of impact, but until annexation occurs, zoning and development entitlement is handled by the county. Bonus Density — Incentives given for dedication of land to the public for parks, schools, or other public facilities. Buffer— An area within a property or site, generally adjacent to and parallel with the property line, either consisting of existing natural vegetation or created by the use of trees, shrubs, berms and/or fences and designed to limit views and sounds from the development tract to adjacent parties and vice versa. Building Codes — Legislative regulations that prescribe the materials, requirements and methods to be used in the construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and repair of buildings. The City of Meridian has adopted the Uniform Building Code (UBC), developed by the International Conference of Building Officials. Capital Improvement Program— A process of identifying and budgeting for the public facilities that a jurisdiction will need to construct in order to serve existing and anticipated development. Capital improvement programming is typically done in five- year increments with annual updates. A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) must address the type of project, the location of the project, the cost of the project, the source of funds to finance the project, the agency or department responsible for the project, and Is the time frame for completion of the project. Capital Improvement Programs are a primary tool of most growth management programs. Certificate of Appropriateness — A document awarded by the Historic Preservation Commission allowing an applicant to proceed with a proposed alteration, demolition or new construction within a locally designated historic district, following determination of the proposal's suitability according to applicable criteria. Compatible — Land uses capable of existing together without conflict or ill effects. Conditional Use - A utilization of land having characteristics such that it may be allowed in a particular zoning district only after review by the Commission and Council, and granting of approval imposing conditions deemed necessary to make the proposed use compatible with other uses in the area. Conditional Use Permit — Permit issued to allow a conditional use. Cross -Access Agreement — An agreement between adjacent property owners in which internal connections are provided between parking areas in order to improve traffic flow on the street by minimizing the number of access points needed. Cross -access agreements are typically obtained incrementally as a condition of approval for new development. The first one to develop will be required to make an irrevocable offer of cross -access to the adjacent parcel and must design the parking lot to accommodate the access. When the adjacent owner wishes to develop, they will be conditioned to reciprocate with a similar cross -access agreement and complete the access. • Glossary of Terms • Dry -line Sewer— The installation of a sewage collection system designed to be served by gravity flow into the City of Meridian municipal wastewater system, in accordance with current facilities plans, that is not initially operational because downstream sewers are not yet constructed. Fair Housing Act — Fair Housing Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, enacted to prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, sex, and/or familial status. Fire Flow— The minimum number of gallons per minute that are needed to fight a fire in a structure, for two continuous hours through fire plugs in the near proximity of the structure. Fire flow requirements are established by the national Uniform Fire Code and are a factor in the City's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. F000dway — Drainage and irrigation channels and adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge flood waters from a 100 -year flood. Development is prohibited in this area. Floodway Fringe — The area that lies between the floodway and the outside boundary of the 100 -year flood. Also known as the 100 -year floodplain. Development is permitted in this area subject to compliance with standards for finished floor elevation and/or flood proofing. Infill Development — Development on vacant parcels, or redevelopment of existing parcels to a higher and better use, that is surrounded by fully developed property within the City of Meridian. Insurance Services Office (ISO)— An advisory organization that provides fire class ratings for cities and districts in the U.S. • ISO Rating - A rating serviceability for fire supression determined by the Insurance Services Office which uses a combination of time and distances standards. Ratings range from Class 1 to Class 9, with Class 1 being the highest level. The Meridian Fire Department uses the combined standard of a 1.5 mile service radius and a four -minute average response time. Neighborhood Center— A development area that includes a mix of uses and housing types, a central public gathering place, interconnecting streets and alleys, schools within walking distance, and services (office and retail) to serve the neighborhood. The basic goal is integration of the activities of potential residents with work, shopping, recreation and transit all within walking distance. Public Facilities and Services — See Urban Services. Ranchette — A single dwelling unit occupied by a nonfarming household on a parcel of one acre or greater. Urban Service Planning Area — Priority planning area where City of Meridian sewer and water facilities and most other services and utilities are available or planned in officially adopted plans. Urban Services — Services provided by the City of Meridian or established jurisdictions within the City of Meridian, including City of Meridian water, fire protection by Meridian City -Rural Fire District, City of Meridian parks and recreation facilities, City of Meridian police protection, public sanitary sewers owned by the City of Meridian, public transit, schools, storm drainage facilities, and urban standard streets and roads. Walkable — Development that contains a comprehensive network of sidewalks and trails. The development is compact, dense, and diverse, providing varied and plentiful Glossary of Terms destinations for walking and cycling. Environment is safe and aesthetically pleasing, • with open space interspersed throughout development. • • Glossary of Terms 0 C� Appendix A • CHECKLIST FOR REVIEWING THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF REGULATORY OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS UPON SPECIFIC PROPERTY 1. Does the regulation or action result in a permanent or temporary physical occupation of private property? Regulation or action resulting in permanent or temporary occupation of all or a portion of private property will generally constitute a "taking." For example, a regulation that required landlords to allow installation of cable television boxes in their apartments was found to constitute a "taking." (See Loretto v. Teleprompter Manhattan CATV Corp., 458 U.S. 419 [1982].) 2. Does the regulation or action require a property to dedicate a portion of property or to grant an easement? Carefully review all regulations requiring the dedication of property or grant of an easement. The dedication of property must be reasonably and specifically designed to represent or compensate for adverse impacts of the proposed development. Likewise, the magnitude of the burden placed on the proposed development should be reasonably related to the adverse impacts created by the development. A court will also consider whether the action in question substantially advances a legitimate state interest. For example, the United States Supreme Court determined in Nollan v. California Coastal Comm'n. 483 U.S. 825 (1987) that compelling an owner of waterfront property to • grant public easement across his property that does not substantially advance the public's interest in beach access, constitutes a "taking." Likewise, the United States Supreme Court held that compelling a property owner to leave a public green way, as opposed to a private one, did not substantially advance protection of a floodplain, and was a "taking." (Dolan v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309 [June 24, 19994].) 3. Does the regulation deprive the owner of all economically viable uses of the property? If a regulation prohibits all economically viable or beneficial uses of the land, it will likely constitute a "taking." In this situation, the agency can avoid liability for just compensation only if it can demonstrate that the proposed uses are prohibited by the laws of nuisance or other pre-existing limitations on the use of the property (See Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Coun., 112 S. Ct. 2886 [1992].) Unlike 1 and 2 above, it is important to analyze the regulation's impact on the property as a whole, and not just the impact on a portion whether there is any profitable use of the remaining property available. (See Florida Rock Industries, Inc. v. United States, 18 F.3d 1560 [Fed. Cir. 1994]. The remaining use does not necessarily have to be the owner's planned use, a prior use or the highest and best use of the property. One factor in this assessment is the degree to which the regulatory action interferes with a property owner's reasonable investment backed expectations. Carefully review regulations requiring that all of a particular parcel of land be left substantially in its natural state. A prohibition of all economically viable users of the property is vulnerable to a takings challenge. In some situations, however, there may be pre-existing limitations on the use of property that could insulate the government from takings liability. 0 A-1 • 4. Does the regulation have a significant impact on the landowner's economic interest? Carefully review regulations that have a significant impact on the owner's economic interest. Courts will often compare the value of property before and after the impact of the challenged regulation. Although a reduction in property value alone may not be a "taking," a severe reduction in the property value often indicates a reduction or elimination of reasonably profitable uses. Another economic factor courts will consider is the degree to which the challenged regulation impacts any developmental rights of the owner. As with 3, above, these economic factors are normally applied to the property owner as a whole. S. Does the regulation deny a fundamental attribute of ownership? Regulations that deny the landowner a fundamental attribute of ownership --including the right to possess, exclude other and dispose of all or a portion of the property—are potential takings. The United States Supreme Court recently held that requiring a public easement for recreational purposes where the harm to be prevented was to the flood plain was a "taking." In finding this to be a "taking," the Court stated: The city never demonstrated why a public green way, as opposed to a private one, was required in the interest of flood control. The difference to the petitioner, of course, is the loss of her ability to exclude others ... [T]his right to exclude others is "one of the most essential sticks in the bundle of rights that are commonly characterized as property." Dolan v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309 (June 24, 1994). The United States Supreme Court has also held that barring inheritance (an essential attribute of ownership) of certain interest in land held by • individual members of an Indian tribe constituted a "taking." Hodel v. Irving, 481 U.S. 704 (1987). 6. Does the regulation serve the same purpose that would be served by directly prohibiting the use or action; and does the condition imposed substantially advance that purpose? • A regulation may go too far and may result in a takings claim where it does not substantially advance a legitimate governmental purpose. (Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, 107 S. CT. 3141 [1987]; Dolan v. City of Tigard, 114 U.S. 2309 [June 24, 1994].) In Nollan, the United States Supreme Court held that it was an unconstitutional "taking" to condition the issuance of a permit to land owners on the grant of an easement to the public to use their beach. The court found that since there was not an indication that the Nollan's house plans interfered in any way with the public's ability to walk up and down the beach, there was no "nexus" between any public interest that might be harmed by the construction of the house, and the permit condition. Lacking this connection, the required easement was just as unconstitutional as it would be if imposed outside the permit context. Likewise, regulatory actions that closely resemble, or have effects of a physical invasion or occupation or property, are more likely to be found to be takings. The greater the deprivation of use, the greater the likelihood that a "taking" will be found. A-2 APPENDIX B 0 Ll • Appendix B Community Concerns Who lives in Meridian, and what do they do? Recognize the interrelationship between people and other community aspects. • Identify future age groups for cross -generational understanding and opportunities. • Encourage economic development. • Provide clean industry in well developed industrial parks. Give well educated members of the community jobs here in Meridian, instead of the need to commute. • Encourage high-tech, research, or pharmaceutical type of economic development to improve the tax base. • Broaden the commercial base to serve the region—Meridian has a good location between Nampa and Boise (local commercial development will correspond to population gains). • Be more selective with future employers. What are the physical and cultural features of Meridian? • Eliminate Floodplains to ensure development • Identify floodplains • Protection of waterways Air quality concerns • • Noise pollution (Cars/trucks highway; "Boom boxes'l Groundwater ♦ High water table ♦ Flooded basements Preserve habitat along existing creeks and drainages and restrict tree removal Limit canal tiling and canals underground Preserve farmlands and keep rural residential areas • Increasing density within City (in -fill) • Encourage mixed-use development including commercial/residential combination Community garden plot • Snow removal - not being done! • Identify and preserve natural areas: wetlands, riparian areas, wildlife areas • Arboretum - Rose garden • Preserve water quality • More trees • Coordinate purchase of school land with new parkland • Protect all special sites currently designated in comprehensive plan (1993) Enhance design criteria and strictly enforce, especially for commercial and industrial properties. • Beautify community gateways, including the interstate. • Develop restrictions such as sign ordinances. What services are provided in Meridian? • • Coordinate purchase of new school land with new park land. B-1 • Designate school sites prior to residential development. • Designate general school sites based on proposed growth patterns. • Designate mandatory school sites. • Size of the school district. • Impact fees for new schools and school sites. • Partnership of the city, school district, and parks department for new sites. • Roadway easements (ACHD) • Bike/pedestrian paths (mixed use) • Interconnected pathways along canals: • Bike paths • Widening Franklin Road • Continuation of access road (signal at Magic View Drive) • Expand bike paths to coordinate with schools & recreation areas • Install/construct Ten Mile interchange to access 1-84 • Expand street infrastructure to meet capacity • Construct overpasses at Linder and Locust Grove Roads • Participate in regional transit efforts • Control heavy trucks downtown • Enhanced bus service • Provide ample commuter parking • Improve ingress/egress into businesses (i.e., Fred Meyer) • Bike/pedestrian paths (mixed use) • Provide open space ("Don't forget parks') • Recreation center/multi-purpose facility: • Family, teens, seniors, etc. • Dance Floor, library, study area, chat room • Move speedway and replace with park • • More neighborhood parks: • Small (4-5 acres) • Kids able to walk to parks • Playground facilities • Update park equipment • More picnic tables • Not Ada County • Expand bike paths to coordinate with schools & recreation areas • Need range of parks • Skateboard Parks • Farm park • Water park • Miniature golf • Park pathways • Bumper cars • Frisbee golf • Petting zoo • Open Space • Equestrian path • Regional park: • Softball / baseball with lighting • Soccer • Tennis courts • Volleyball • Amphitheater • Ponds, wading pools / fountain B-2 • Interconnected pathways along canals: • Bike paths • Interstate beautification • Beautify gateway • No huge high maintenance ball fields • Expand street infrastructure to meet capacity • Expand infrastructure (south of I-84; sewer & water) • Recreation center/multi-purpose facility: • • Family, teens, seniors, etc. • • Dance floor, library, study area, chat room • Additional fire protection/substation • Additional Police station • Improve sewer and water facilities • Larger sewer lines • Develop emergency evacuation routes • Recycling programs and trash pick-up • Centralized City Hall • Cultural Museum Center (Performing arts; historical farm) How is the land in Meridian developed? • Develop/implement new subdivision development standards/ordinances • Designate school sites prior to residential development • Designate general school sites based on proposed growth patterns • Lack of diversity - larger range of housing choice, e.g., assisted living for seniors • Density - too dense and all the same • Residential in -fill on Pine Street • Implement measures to encourage higher density residential in -fill • High density Residential may be the most efficient use • Preserve farmlands and keep rural residential areas • Protect existing residential areas with screening, buffering, and transition uses • Central commercial districts include downtown, Cherry Lane, and Eagle Road • Broad commercial base to serve the region • No heavy industry within the city • Clean industry in well-developed industrial parks • Encourage Old Town development that allows residents to live upstairs from work • Provide public parking downtown • Redevelopment of downtown district (including dense multi -family development & office/commercial development ) • Downtown uses should include new City Hall, cultural center, and "pedestrian -friendly" development • Renovate creamery for loft housing and mixed use commercial • Lack of mixed-use • Encourage mixed-use development, e.g., commercial/residential combination • Magic View Subdivision become mixed-use development • Mixed-use zoning on Amity & Meridian Roads • Bike and pedestrian paths in mixed use • Provide open space ("Don't forget parks'l • Move speedway and replace with park • Continue to coordinate with regional communities/agencies, such as: • Ada County and Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, and Boise • • COMPASS, USCOE, ACHD B-3 Irrigation Districts, State & Federal . • Area of Impact and referral area is appropriate • Protect land as appropriate • Identify and eliminate flood plains to ensure development • Coordinate all planning efforts with municipal financial planning efforts • Current land use in comprehensive plan (1993) should not be changed with additional designations suggested by comprehensive planning process (1999) • Update infrastructure in order that appropriate land use be recognized/realized • Expand infrastructure of sewer and water south of P84 • • B-4 The City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan was prepared as part of the Meridian Comprehensive Planning Process with the assistance of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Personnel of SAIC involved in this plan included: Sheri Freemuth, Project Manager; Michele Fikel; Christa Stumpf; Kimberly Freeman; Claudia Urrutia; and, for demographic information and forecasting, Dale Rosebrock of Intermountain Demographics (IMD). • 0