1978 06-12•
Meridian Planning and Zoseing
i
June 12, 1978
Meeting called to order by Chairman, Willard Rowley at 7:00 P.M.
Members present: Annette Hinrichs; Don Sharp; Burl Pipkin
Lee Mitchell, absent
Others present: Sheldon Gerber; Art Collins; Bud Persons; Pat Joy; Don Storey;
Larry Sales; Dave Roylance; Donald Minegar; Saunders (Meridian P1.)
Frank Youngetrom; Verl G. King; Dr. Gerald Vorlicky;
Dr. Michael Cammann; Don Gile; Kevin Parka; Leroy ptwood;
A. D. Harmon; Eric S. Scott
Art Collins presented three different options oa Policy Diagram; a Word Diagram sub-
stitution for a map, a look at the zoning analysis and a reader to be handed out to
clarify the difference between a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning. At the end of the
reader there were policy statements that the Commission will base to make some
decisions upon.
Three Options were discussed. The third Option was accepted (see evidence)
The third option is amore generalized diagram. They have redrawn the diagram
and further generalized the land use illustrations and this would be included with
the documented Comprehensive Plan.
This emphasizes the flexibility of broad, general, Comprehensive,abstract and
conceptional approach. To deliberatively de-emphasize local vocational land use
but at the same time the Policy Diagram would excerise control and give some
direction to land use decision making.
Sheldon Gerber from APA reported oa the costa of map printing. It would cost an
estimated 8500.00 for air-brushing, plus an additional cost of $450.00 for color
separation. A Moderate estimate for maps would be at least 82,000.00. This would
be a very expensive process.
The Policy Diagram is a lot easier to work with and much more easier to understand,
the cost is much cheaper.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing was opened by Willard Rowley, Chairman, at 8:00 P.M.
Agenda The first item on the agenda was Leisman Subdivision, located on West Pine and
1 Linder.
Leroy Atwood, representing Leisman Subdivision ,as a co-developer, explained that
they have applied for applicatiott of a special use permit. The block that is
being discussed is actually an island to itself. Block 1, Lot 1 is Mr. Leismans
house, the special use permit is for this property to be used for a
Medical Clinic. Access would be from 15th, from Linder and from Pine;
Isolated parking, low traffic pattern.
Don Sharp stated that he felt thatthis xould be contradictory to the Comprehensive
Plan.
Dr. Vorlicky spoke pertaining to potential clients of Mercy Medical Hospital being
impressed with this locations the growth being out of Nampa towards Meridian;
close to Schools to facilitate physical examinations, which is reported to be one
of the Citys needs. Dr. Vorlicky stated that about 90% of their dentist patients
are from Junior High and Senior High Schools. He explained that most medical
clinics are in Residential areas because they serve residents and want to be in a
quite area.
Willard Rowley read comments from Mayor Storey, Meridian Post Office, Meridian Fire
Department; Central Health District, Ada County Highway District
Mr. Atwood stated that they had spoke with Ada County Highway District concerning
compliance with condition for acceptance streets for public maintenance and this
matter has been taken care of and not a problem anymore.
Donald Minegar stated that he was in favor of location of this Medical Clinic.
Don Gile was also in favor of location because of children commuting on b~.cycles.
Mayor Storey stated that the contract has been lent for the widening of the streets
cad there will be a sidewalk on both sides of Pine.
The Motion was made by Annette Hinrichs and seconded by Burl Pipkin to accept proposal is
Block 1, Lot 1 of Leisman Subdivision for a Medical facility.
Motion passed. Two, yea, One, nay
Meridian Planning and Zoning .2. June 12, 1978
Agenda pinehurat Subdivision Proposal was next on the agenda.
2
Dave Roylance, Civil Engineer representing Pinehurat Subdivision, located about
1/4 of a mile East of the Intersection of Linder and Pine.
Before discussion xas to begin, Don Sharp asked if there would be conflict of interest
as his home xas aproximately six (6) lots from this piece of property.
The feeling of the Commission was that there would be no conflict of interest.
Mr. Roylance explained that this proposal is single family residence.
Don Sharp questioned the need of a street next to the Navarro property. Since this
is a large amount of property that can be divided Mr. Roylance stated that they did not
see any need of it at this time.
There was discussion on the naming of streets, alignments and access for emergency
vehicles.
Don Sharp inquired about the type of homes that would be built in this Subdivision.
Don Minegar stated that the homes will be aproximately $47,000 to $57,000, equivalent
to the homes on 11th Street.
Comment reports xere read from Central District Health, Nampa-Meridian Irrigation Dist.,
Meridian Post Office, Ada County Highway District, Meridian Fire Department.
The Motion was made by Burl Pipkin and seconded by Don Sharp to approve
Pinehurst Subdivision Proposal subject to the Engineering and Checklist of comments
Motion passed: All yea
Agenda Meridian Manor, located North of Cherry Lane and East of West 8th Street, Extending
3 to Meridian Street at a place W. of James Court Annex. located on Meridian Street.
Larry Sale, representing Meridian Manor #3, explained to the Commission that this
is the second in series of three steps that must be taken to perfect the process
of vacating Meridian Manor #2 and accepting Meridian Hanor #3. The first step has
been approved, Preliminary Plat and in a few weeks they will present the Final Plat
of Meridian Manor #3. The number of lots will be reduced.
The Motion was made by Don Sharp and seconded by Annette Hinrichs to recommend to
the City Council that they vacate Meridian Manor #2 Subdivision and approve
Meridian Manor #3.
Motion passed: All yea
4 Columbia Village, located North of East 5th at Washington
There was no representative attending, this proposal remains tabled.
nda Meridian Place Subdivision, located North of Settlers Village on East Fairview
5 Verl G, King, representing Meridian Place Subdivision stated that he was one of the
limited partners. They are asking for a Preliminary application until the sewer
comes in. There are 125 acres but are asking approval of the lower 20 acres at
this times called Phase S (singleFsmily). One of the lots has been deeded to the City
and one of the Wells has been established on the South part of this Subdivision.
There was discussion on the size and quality of the lots.
Willard Rowley read the Comments of Meridian Fire Department, Meridian Post Office,
Richard Williams, Central District Health and Ada County Highway District.
Richard Jexell stated that they would build a secondary road if it is needed.
The Motion was made by Don Sharp and seconded by Burl Pipkin to approve Phase I Meridian
Place Subdivision subject to the approval of the Fire and Police Departments,
Public Works and the QRU.
Motion passed: All yea.
Public Hearing is Adjourned.
Meridian Planning and Zonis .3. Juae 12, 197$
Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan resumed.
There is to be a meeting on Thursday June 15, 197$ at 7:30 P,M., Comprehensive
Plan Workshop.
During discussion of the Comprehensive Plan division was made into six different areas:
1. Lee Mitchell: Industry and Commercial
2. Willard Rowley: Housing
3. Don Sharp: Transportation
4. Welker and Green: Utility and Public Services
5. Burl Pipkins: Parks and Recreation
6. Annette Hinrichs: Land Use and Physical Eavironment
Meeting Adjourned.
CHAIRMAN
Attest:
cc: P&Z Commission; Mayor & Council; Hein; Ann; Bruce; Vern; Shults;
Welker; Hamilton; J-U-B; Fitzgerald; Pat Joy; AIC; APA; ACRD;
Nampa-Meridian Irrig; Ceatral Health; Ada Zoning Director;
Ada County Commissioners; Miautes; Comprehensive Plan File;
Leisman Sub; Pinehurst Sub; Meridian Manor #3; Columbia Proposal;
Meridian Place (Harmon)
To: ~ridian Planning and Zoning Commission
From: 4rt Collins
Comprehensive Planner, APA
Re: Policy Iliagram Options
June 12, 1973
( . 1 ~~
~I~` ,
Include Policy Diagram and acreage calculations with adopted Comprehensive
Plan and thus giving the Policy Diagram an official status.
If this option is chosen, the following explanation should
be included in the Comprehensive Plan:
POLICY DIAGRAM
As an illustration of the posture and emphasis of public
police of the Comprehensive Plan, the Policy Diagram is to
be used as a general guide for land use decision making--not
as a legalistic, literal, and definitive land use map. Even
as it might appear that land has been assigned particular uses
within the Urban Service Planning Area as per the Police Diagram,
such is due to the limitations of artistic technioues in
illustrating the scope and bent of the public policv of the
Comprehensive Plan. As applications and proposals of land uses
are submitted, the Policy Diagram is not intended to be used as
the sole, authorative means for decision making. Pother it is
but one of many planning tools which are available for public
officials as thev exercise their responsibilit~~ regarding the
health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
II. Do not include the Policy Diagram and acreage calculations with the
adopted Comprehensive Plan.
The intent of this option would be to deliberately de-emphasize
the status of the Policv Diagram as it vlould be attached to a
background and supportive document that would be published after
the adotpion of the Comprehensive Plan.
As part of background material, the Policy Diagram would not be
subject to anv official action by the Planning and Znning Commission
or the City Council and would be included with such other information
as:
4 historical narrative of Meridian
Platural Resource Data (Soils, Topograohv> 'slater
"esources, Climate, geology, !Jildlife)
Summary of Citizen Survey
~-
III. The Policy Diagram would be redrawn and further generalized in
regards to its land use illustrations and included with the adopted
Comprehensive Plan. !Jo acreage calculations would be accompanied
with the Policy Diagram.
The intent of this option v~ould be to emphasize the flexibility
of a broad, general, comprehensive, abstract, and conceptual
approach of the public policies of the Comprehensive Plan and
to deliberately de-emphasize locational land use desionations.
Flt the same time, the Policy Diagram would exercise some
control and give some direction to land use decision making
as it would be part and parcel of the officiall~~ adopted
Comprehensive Plan.
i
`'~,n ..
MEMORANDUM
T0: Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Arthur V. Collins, Comprehensive Planner
Ada Planning Association
RE: Relationship between Comprehensive Planning and
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
DATE: June 12, 1978
Comprehensive Plan
It is an official public document adopted by a local government as a
policy guide to decisions about the physical development of the
community. It indicates in a general way how the leaders of the
government want the community to develop in the next 20 to 30 years.
W~ Is It Needed?
Local government has a good deal of influence on the way in which a
community develops and is the only body with an opportunity to co-
ordinate the overall pattern of physical development of the community.
Local government needs an instrument which establishes long-range,
general policies for the physical development of the community in a
coordinated, unified manner, and which can be continually referred to
in deciding upon the development issues which come up every week. The
Comprehensive Plan is such an instrument.
Functions Of Comprehensive Plan
*Policy Determination -The Plan provides the chance to back off
from a preoccupation with pressing, day-to-day
issues and to clarify ideas on the kind of
community that is being created by many specific
decisions. The Plan should bring tacit, un-
written policies about how the community should
develop, into the open to assure that they are
determined through democratic processes.
Functions (continued)
*Policy Effectuation - The Plan serves as a practical working guide
for everyday decisions regarding:
1) those measures which are specifically
designed to implement the Comprehensive
Plan -
Zoning ordinances
Subdivision regulations
Official map
Capital improvement program
Budget
Development plans;
2) routine matters which require legislative
approval and should be viewed in light of
the Comprehensive Plan -
Rezoning cases
Special use permit and
Subdivision plats
Street closings
Site acquisitions
Public works projects
variance applications
*Communication - The Plan effects communication channels between
the planning and zoning commission, the chief city
executive, municipal departments, other public
agencies, private developers, civic organizations,
and the general public regarding the long-range
general policies of the development of the com-
munity.
*Conveyance of Advice - The Plan is the major instrument by which the
Planning and Zoning Commission present their
findings and recommendations to the City Council
and enables the Commission to offer their advice
in a studied, comprehensive form, rather than on
a piecemeal, ad hoc basis.
The Plan also can become the basis of forming
a planner-city relationship, in which the
planner is a continuing advisor and aide of
the City Council who is rewarded for his
services, rather than his product. (The
pay-off for the planner is not adoption of
the Plan, but what the City Council does with
the Plan over the years to improve the
physical environment of the community.)
*Education - The Plan has educational value for the legislators
and for anyone who reads and uses it. It arouses
interest in community affairs, offers people factual
information on present conditions in the community and
probable future trends, awakens them to the possibili-
ties of the future, tells them something about the
operations of their local government, and imparts some
of the ideas of city-planning. It does provide the
context by which the citizens can decide whether or
not they agree with the City Council's policies; it
promotes citizen participation in local government.
*Chief Executive of the City - As the central coordinator of all the
activities of local government, the Plan
provides a framework to assist him in
coordinating those activities which
involve physical development.
*Oper•ating Governmental Agencies/Depts. - The Plan gives them a
context into which each one can fit its own plans
and programs, and so encourages all to work toward
the same vision of a desirable future form of the
city. The Plan also provides essential information
and data, which are needed in planning specific
projects. Although long-range forecasts are
helpful, the Comprehensive Plan should not be
distorted into a statistical outline. (It is a
guide for evaluating capital improvement and
redevelopment program requests and their priorities.)
*The Public - The Plan serves several functions for the general public:
I) It represents a formal, published report to the
people on the development policies adopted by the
City Council.
2) It promotes public understanding of the community
government, the legislators and city planning.
3) It stimulates citizen participation in local
government.
4) It gives the voters a means of evaluating the
city councilmen, since the Plan is a clear,
definite record of their development policies.
5) It provides a device for keeping check on the
City Council and deters councilmen from taking
arbitrary or capricious actions.
6) It makes it easier for councilmen to resist
pressures and take actions, which are in line
with the Plan.
7) It may also provide subject matter for the
platforms of local political parties.
8) It can serve as a guide to development decisions
to be made in the private sector of the economy,
and as such, it is probably the best available
forecast of the community's future.
9) It can be a sounding board for new ideas.
*Judicial -The Plan can be a guide for the courts, when they are
required to rule on implementary actions which were
intended to carry out the Plan. Legislative actions,
which conform to a plan are more likely to be upheld than
those which vary from a plan or are not based on a plan at all.
(The Comprehensive Plan places the city in a stronger legal
position, when its land use control regulations reflect
recommendations of an officially-adopted area-wide plan.)
*Federal Aid -The Plan has increasingly become a prerequisite for
Federal Financial Aid.
*Civic Promotion - Sometimes the Plan is used for civic promotion by
city officials and civic boosters. While promo-
tion is a legitimate activity, this function should
be strictly incidental.
*Sounding Board - The Plan can serve as a sounding board for new
ideas and matters of public interest relating to
the future physical development of the community.
zoning
It is probably the single, most commonly-used legal device available
for implementing the land-use plan of a community. A zoning ordinance
is more likely to be on a sound legal basis, when it is based on a
carefully-conceived plan.
A zoning ordinance that is adopted and not based on a plan will have
the following adverse effects:
*There will be a tendency for development to be frozen in an
existing pattern.
*Wholly unexpected results may be produced, frequently of a very
undesirable nature.
*As 'the zoning ordinance requires amendment, it will be done on a
piecemeal approach of individual property-owners and not on a
comprehensive or overall, community-development approach.
.Comprehensive Plan
Indicates broad categories
for general areas of the city.
Zoning
Delineates the exact boundaries
of districts and specifies the
detailed regulations, which shall
apply within them.
Hasa long-range perspective
Establishes a general framework
for the establishment of zoning
orinances.
It is long-range and general
and it has no legal effect on
property.
It includes an abstract, schem-
atic diagram, which shows the
relationships between major
parts of the community and major
functional elements of physical
development. As such, the dia-
gram brings all the separate
proposals together in one drawing
of the entire community so that
their spatial relationships can
be seen.
Is generally meant to provide for a
short-time perspective.
Details nieces of legislation, which
are intended to carry out the
general proposals of the Comprehensive
Plan.
It is short-range and precise and
it does have a legal effect on
property.
It includes a map, which shows precise
boundaries of sites within zoning
districts and provides for regulations
concerning:
1) The height and bulk of build-
ings and other structures
2) The area of a lot which
be occupied and the size of
required open spaces,
3) The density of population,
4) The use of buildings and land for
commerce, industry, residences or
other purposes.
Potentials of Zoning
*It can promote compatibility, while leaving the land in private
ownership, on the tax rolls, and economically productive.
*It plays a part in stabilizing and preserving property values.
*It is a means of insuring that the land uses of a community are
properly situated in relation to one another, providing adequate
space for each type of development.
*It allows the control of development density in each area of a
city, so that property can be adequately serviced by such
governmental facilities as the street, school, recreation, and
utilities systems.
*It directs new growth into appropriate areas and protects existing
property by requiring that development afford adequate light, air
and privacy for persons living and working within the municipality.
*It is a legal device for implementing the Comprehensive Plan.
*It is designed particularly to control private development, as
distinguished from public improvements.
Limitations of Zonin
*It is not retroactive and cannot be relied upon as a device for
correcting existing conditions. (If zoning is developed which
prohibits a use which is already in existence, the use is
generally permitted to remain as a nonconforming use, until such
time as the use changes voluntarily to a conforming use.)
*It's jurisdiction is limited. Each jurisdiction is likely to
have a different base zoning ordinance with districts that have
different applicability.
*Zoning is not permanent and it is not bound by prior zoning actions.
Zoning, which achieves compatibility, is subject to continual pressure
for change from both urban expansion and those who might profit from
such change.
*Planning and Zoning actions in granting variances or exceptions with
in the zoning districts can permit development that may be incompatible.
*Zoning assumes that land in the community can be lumped into a few
broad categories (zoning districts) and that parcels within each category
are identical for public policy purposes.
*Zoning assumes that all the different uses by right, set forth
in each of the categories (zoning districts) are indistinguishable.
*Zoning ordinances address aesthetic, social, economic, public
facility, environmental and design problems only with rigid setback
and bulk regulations.
*Zoning fails. to recognize that changes in technology (like pollution
control advances), in conditions (like the energy crisis), and in
public attitudes (such as the concerns to manage and control growth)
have affected and will continue to affect land use decisions.
*Zoning is responsible for the spatial segregation of our routine daily
functions: home life, shopping, socializing, recreation, working and
learning.
*Zoning has made us utterly dependent on the automobile. The auto
culture insulates and isolates people and discourages a sense of
community from developing. (As per opinions, some feel that the
auto culture designs which have resulted are:
1) endless strips of common-denominator, franchise outlets
with flashing, blinking and flapping neon lights,
2) freeways or major arterials, which cut up neighborhoods,
3) expansive parking lots,
4) two-dimensional cookie-cutter housing tracts that are
lined up in straight rows.)
Policy Options re: Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan
Since by Idaho State Law, all zoning districts shall be in accordance
with the adopted Comprehensive Plan, the policy of the City of
Meridian is as follows:
Option I: Existing zoning districts, which are not in
compliance with the policies of the Comprehensive
Plan, shall not be expanded beyond their defined
boundaries.
Option II: Existing zoning districts, which are not in
compliance with the policies of the Comprehensive
Plan, shall be reviewed and considered for repeal ~% k»,ni.n,9A.~.nt
by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council
with notice and hearing procedures, as outlined in
Idaho Code 67-6509.
Option III: On a case by case basis, existing zoning districts,
which are not in compliance with the policies of the
Comprehensive Plan, shall be either:
N%a~"
1) expanded beyond defined boundaries, or
2) reviewed and considered for repeal, or amendment.
In batkrinstances,~the Planning and Zoning Commission and the
City Council shall comply with notice and hearing procedures,
as outlined in Idaho Code 67-6509.