HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 4.4.24(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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Planning and Zoning Minutes - April 4, 2024
City Staff and Others:
Alan Parkinson – P&Z Administrator
Katie Jo Saurey – P&Z Administrative Assistant
Kyle Baldwin – Planner 1
Natalie Powell – Compliance Officer
Spencer Rammell – Commissioner Attorney
Chairperson Smith opened the meeting at 6:30 PM.
Planning & Zoning Meeting:
1. Welcome
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners:
Present: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis,
Vanessa Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair) (late)
Absent: Randall Kempton, Jim Lawrence, Brian Thackeray
4. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for March 21, 2024 (Action)
MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes as recorded for March
21, 2024 (Action)
Action: Approve, Moved by Sally Smith Seconded by Bruce Casper.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 4, No= 0, Abstain = 3).
Yes: Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, Vanessa Johnson, Rob Woodall
No:
Abstain: Aaron Richards, McKay Francis, Todd Marx
Vince arrived at 6:35 PM, Attorney Rammell arrived at 6:37 PM, and Attorney Zollinger arrived
at 6:40 PM.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5. Public Hearing – (24-00146) 10 Forty Main – Comprehensive Plan Map change from
Intermediate Residential to Commercial – Located at approximately 1040 W Main St, the
application is to change the Comprehensive Plan Map for 10 acres from Intermediate
Residential to Commercial. - Bron Leatham (Action)
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Presentation:
Alan showed the property location on the screen. He explained that the application is
seeking to change the Comprehensive Plan to a Commercial designation, not only to
meet the current zoning, but allow for a request to rezone the property to Community
Business Center (CBC).
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:37 pm.
Favor: none
Neutral: none
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:38 pm.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion:
The group discussed the boundaries. Vince brought up that next to the highway there is
a lot of traffic and it makes sense to have commercial there, rather than residential.
Aaron mentioned allowing commercial here would maximize the tax base with no impact
to the schools. Sally agreed.
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Comprehensive Plan
amendment from Intermediate Residential to Commercial because of its proximity
to the highway and to the interchange for commercial use.
Action: Approve, Moved by Vince Haley, Seconded by Todd Marx.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
6. Public Hearing – (24-00147) 10 Forty Main – Rezone from MU to CBC – Located at
approximately 1040 W Main St, the application is to change the zoning of 10 acres from Mixed
Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC). - Bron Leatham (Action)
Presentation:
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Alan shared that the applicant is requesting the zone change from Mixed Use to
Commercial since they have a higher demand for commercial and it is a good location
for commercial. He added that the request meets the requirements of the city.
McKay asked about the advantages of switching from Mixed Use to Commercial. Alan
explained that Mixed Use requires at least 10% residential and that while it works in
many places within the city, there are some locations it doesn’t. Sally asked about the
zoning of the property to the west. Alan showed the map and shared that Mixed Use
surrounds the property. He indicated that eventually, the Mixed Use area may be used
as a step-down from commercial, leading into residential. Rob asked about nearby
developments and any issues with easements related to the new diverging diamonds
interchange. Alan responded that the developer is working with ITD and adjacent
owners on the access. Vince inquired about the setbacks being similar between Mixed
Use and Commercial zones. Alan confirmed, explaining the slight difference.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:46 pm.
Favor: none
Neutral: none
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:47 pm.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion: Sally indicated that it had already been discussed. Aaron
agreed.
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the rezone of 10 Forty Main
from Mixed Use to Community Business Center for the same reasons that the
Comprehensive Plan was changed; the proximity to Highway 20 and Main Street
and the adjoining zoning.
Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richards, Seconded by Todd Marx.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
(video index 00:18:47)
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35 North 1st East
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7. Public Hearing – (24-00125) Sorensen Project– Comprehensive Plan Map change from
Intermediate Residential & Commercial/Mixed Use to High Residential – Located at
approximately 52 N 3rd W, the application is to change the Comprehensive Plan Map for 2.16
acres from Intermediate Residential & Commercial/Mixed Use to High Residential. – Cory
Sorensen (Action)
Presentation:
The applicant, Cory Sorensen, began by sharing that one of the parcels was recently
purchased and it was zoned LDR, requiring the Comprehensive Plan to be updated to
ask for a rezone. He mentioned that with Mixed Use now requiring at least 10%
commercial or residential, and after talking to adjacent landowners, it was determined
that having the commercial aspect would add more traffic to the area. He indicated that
the high density residential would serve as a buffer between the commercial and
residential zones. Cory stated that he reached out to the neighbors and Seth Bloomfield
asked that his rental property be included in the land action. He summarized that
changing the Comprehensive Plan would allow all the parcels to be zoned the same.
Rob asked if the property had been purchased from Seth Bloomfield. Cory responded
no, explaining that Mr. Bloomfield had signed an affidavit. Alan clarified that Mr.
Bloomfield had joined in on the application. McKay asked if all 5 parcels made up the
2.16 acres. Cory confirmed. The group discussed notification to the neighbors.
Sally asked Alan for Staff comments. Alan discussed why the Comprehensive Plan
needs amended and indicated that the City is able to provide services including sewer,
water and roads. Vince inquired about the current density allowed in High Residential.
Alan responded MU and HDR1 are both 30 units per acre. The density is not changing,
but by removing the commercial element, the traffic and noise will be reduced.
Sally asked if High Density would allow student housing. Alan responded that dormitory
style housing would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Vince asked about
setbacks and height limits. Alan indicated that the setbacks would be increased and that
parking would need to be buffered. Rob indicated that part of the property would be
moving from Low Residential to High Residential, not just from Commercial. Alan
confirmed a small portion of the area would be increasing the density.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:57 pm.
Favor: none
Neutral: none
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:58 pm.
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Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion:
Rob brought up that by changing the comprehensive plan, a strange island on the
corner is created. Sally indicated that those lots have different owners. Aaron
appreciated that the applicant reached out to the owners and he predicts that eventually
the other owners will want to do something with those lots, as the nice rectangle shape
would make a nice re-development property.
Vince remarked he had never seen anything developed on that property for as long as
he could remember. There are great homes in the neighborhood but in an area that is
being redeveloped. There are opportunities to increase the tax base. The development
will be an advantage to the city rather than letting it sit as dirt. Aaron touched on the
redeveloped intersection to the east being more accommodating of multifamily housing.
Vince discussed the area not being desirable for single family housing due to its
proximity to the railroad and commercial. Sally asked about access on Main Street, and
Alan discussed the possibility of a traffic impact study being required for the project.
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Comprehensive Plan
map change from Intermediate Residential and Commercial/Mixed Use to High
Residential on the proposed properties, citing all discussion of commercial and
the inability to make sense of commercial on this land, where the densities are not
changing, and potentially reducing traffic by removing the commercial aspect.
Action: Approve, Moved by McKay Francis, Seconded by Vanessa Johnson.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
8. Public Hearing – (24-00110) Sorensen Project– Rezone from LDR2 & MU to HDR1 – Located at
approximately 52 N 3rd W, the application is to change the zoning of 2.16 acres from Low
Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Mixed Use (MU) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1). – Cory
Sorensen (Action)
Presentation:
Cory indicated that there is already HDR1 zoned to the north of the property and they
are matching what is there. Alan pointed out this area is contiguous to a high density
zoning and this is a common step down from a commercial area. He reiterated that this
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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area is one that has the potential to be redeveloped. Sally clarified that the commercial
aspect was the only difference between the Mixed Use and High Density Residential
zones.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 7:06 pm.
Favor: none
Neutral: none
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 7:07 pm.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion: none
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the rezone the proposed
properties from Low Density Residential 2 and Mixed Use to High Density
Residential because it meets the requirements and would be a beautiful addition
to that area.
Action: Approve, Moved by Bruce Casper, Seconded by McKay Francis.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
PLAT:
9. Plat – (24-00053) Alpine Heights Division 1 – Plat – Located at approximately 501 E 7th S, the
plat consists of approximately 25.36 acres and will contain 65 lots. - Travis Payne (Action)
Presentation:
The applicant, Travis Payne, began the presentation by pointing out that the parcel is
located within a Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) zone and falls below the maximum
density allowed. He indicated that the city reported that there is sufficient water and
sewer for the development.
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35 North 1st East
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The group discussed the location and access to the plat. Aaron inquired about the
platted road. Alan stated that they must develop a significant portion of the road to
ensure it is viable for two way traffic, but that the developer is not responsible for curb,
gutter or sidewalks on the north side of the road. Attorney Zollinger confirmed that the
road is required to be developed a little more than half way to ensure it drains properly.
Vince inquired about the lot size. Alan informed the commission that this application
falls under the old code for lot size.
Sally stated she likes the plat and inquired about the draft of covenants. Travis Morris
with Hamlet Homes answered with their potential plans. McKay clarified that the plans
should not affect this decision. Alan confirmed it would not. Sally asked about short term
and long term rentals being excluded from the covenants. Attorney Rammell and Alan
confirmed that they cannot be prohibited and that long term rentals are allowed in every
zone.
McKay asked if the plat has met staff requirements. Alan confirmed. Vince reflected on
previous proposals for this area and commented that this plat makes sense and the
smaller lots meet the current market demand.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion: none
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Alpine Heights Division
1 Plat as the plat meets the requirements of the zoning and staff.
Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richards, Seconded by Bruce Casper.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
Heads Up for April 18th, 2024: no meeting
10. Adjourned at 7:22 PM.