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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 11.7.24(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes - November 7, 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 – Commission Attorney Planning & Zoning Commissioners: Sally Smith (Chairperson) Vince Haley (Vice Chairperson) Todd Marx Randall Kempton Aaron Richards Jim Lawrence Bruce Casper McKay Francis Vanessa Johnson Rob Woodall Brian Thackeray Chairperson Smith opened the meeting at 6:31 PM. Planning & Zoning Meeting: 1. Welcome 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Present: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Vanessa Johnson, Brian Thackeray Absent: Jim Lawrence, McKay Francis, Rob Woodall 4. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for October 17, 2024 (Action) MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes as recorded for October 17, 2024 (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Todd Marx, Seconded by Vanessa Johnson. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 6, No = 0, Abstain = 2). Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Vanessa Johnson, Brian Thackeray No: none Abstain: Bruce Casper, Aaron Richards PLAT: (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org 5. Plat – (23-00782) Adara at Teton Lakes – Plat – Located at approximately 1175 N 12th W, the plat consists of approximately 62.39 acres and will contain 157 lots. - Elevation Management LLC and RFW Properties LLC (Action) 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. Aaron Richards recused himself from the Commission since he is the applicant. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson clarified this is not a public hearing, just a public meeting. Presentation: Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson began by showing the location of the proposed plat on the map on the screen. He confirmed the applicant has submitted all paperwork required and has met all staff requirements for the plat. Commissioner Thackeray arrived at 6:35 pm. Vice Chairperson Haley asked Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson to review the plat process. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson explained that this meeting is to make sure that the City standards are met so that if the City Council approves the application, the City accepts the dedication of right of ways and public utilities. Chairperson Smith inquired about the number of lots in the plat. The applicant, Aaron Richards, replied that it is actually 167 lots, not 157 as stated in the documentation. Chairperson Smith asked about connectivity and access to the plat. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson explained there are additional accesses, not just from 12th W. Vice Chairperson Haley asked for confirmation that the plat would have to go thru the different city departments and staff and meet their requirements prior to being presented to the P&Z Commission. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson confirmed that staff verifies they meet Planning & Zoning requirements per the Development Code, the Engineering Standards per the Public Works Department, the Fire District’s requirements, GIS makes sure the legal descriptions are correct and the County Surveyor also reviews the plat for accuracy and compliance with the county. Aaron Richards, the developer of Adara at Teton lakes, stated that he has been working with staff for a year on this project, sharing it has been a meticulous and careful planning process, focusing on not only the zoning ordinances but intended use of the land. He stated this is a unique project, being Madison County’s first age targeted, maintenance free, lock and leave community, which is (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org designed around particular lifestyle. He shared that it is a 62 acre community with 5.7 acres of open space. He indicated that the community is not age restricted, but is age targeted with single story homes with no barriers to entry and the HOA provides full maintenance of front and back yards. This ensures uniform maintenance and an attractive streetscape. He pointed out that this will be a water-wise community, with 50-75% of the landscaping in drip beds and hardscape and lawn area reduced to 20% from the typical 70%. With three different categories of home sizes, this housing product will address a demographic in our community that currently does not currently have any options to downsize to a zero-maintenance lifestyle. Commissioner Marx inquired about expected prices for the homes and Commissioner Casper inquired about the lot sizes. Aaron responded that with the amenities and options, they would not be classified as affordable housing, and that the average lot size is about 10,600 square feet, or a quarter of an acre. Commissioner Discussion: Vice Chairperson Haley asked if the project-based information in the presentation was to be considered, since in the past, that information was not allowed to be given since the commission focuses on land use only. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson identified that some of the project information, including amenities, were required by staff for the plat to move forward. Vice Chairperson Haley inquired about this application not being a public hearing and the letters submitted. Chairperson Smith answered that they were just letters of support. Chairperson Smith stated that it looks like a nice plat and the community has a need for it. She commented that town is growing and this is located just a little bit out of town. Commissioner Marx also commented on the location. Commissioner Kempton acknowledged that it is a great area near the golf course. Chairperson Smith agreed. Commissioner Marx commented on the difficulties finding single level homes. Chairperson Smith supported being able to serve every demographic with the growth Rexburg has experienced. Commissioner Marx voiced his concern with the traffic but conceded that most residents may be retired and not on a regular schedule. Vice Chairperson Haley added that 12th W has a lot of capacity left. Commissioner Kempton expressed his appreciation for the xeriscaping and low water usage plan. Vice Chairperson Haley echoed that it is a great location with room for needed growth. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Adara at Teton Lakes plat because of the need for continued development and this type of housing in the area. Action: Approve, Moved by Vince Haley, Seconded by Vanessa Johnson. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 7, No= 1, Abstain = 0). Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Vanessa Johnson, Brian Thackeray No: Bruce Casper (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Abstain: none TRAINING: 6. Commissioner Training – P&Z Video training and discussion Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson reported that two Commissioners were reaching their term limits, and another may not be able to serve anymore. He proposed a succession plan to fill the vacancy and thanked all the Commissioners for serving. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson explained that when staff attended the American Planning Association Idaho training, Planning & Zoning related videos prepared by the Association of Idaho Cities were shown. Staff is planning to show one of the videos when there is a shorter agenda and a page containing all of the video links is in the Commissioner packet if anyone wants to watch them on their own. Video: Rules and Quasi-Judicial Procedures Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson reminded the Commissioners that they act as a Judge for each application and touched on conflicts of interest and ex parte communication. He concluded that the Commission makes the judgement, and staff is the Commission’s resource and willing to answer questions and provide clarification. Chairperson Smith commented about the difficulties of looking at the whole picture when the room is full of people, people you may know, who are against an application. Attorney Rammell reminded the Commissioners to think about the thousands of people who could potentially benefit from a project, not just the few in the room against it. He shared that he is grateful for individuals who come to meetings and express themselves, as they bring up different points and give valuable feedback that is reflective of the greater community. Chairperson Smith added that citizens have great ideas. Attorney Rammell reviewed the ex parte communication parts of the video, stating that if a conversation about a project happens outside the meeting, it can be worked through and is not an automatic disqualifier. If it happens, disclose it on the record and Attorney Rammell will ask specific questions about the conversation to determine how to move forward. Vice Chairperson Haley commented on how it seems there is overwhelming responsibility when serving on the commission. Attorney Rammell agreed that it may seem that way, but this board has the benefit of a strong staff that goes through each application and makes sure it is all compliant, making it seem simple when presented to the Commission. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson touched on reasons for decisions. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Attorney Rammell commented that he appreciated a previous member of the board who reminded everyone that applicants have paid significant fees, spent time and resources, to stand in front of the commission and ask to do something on their land. He stated that we should have respect and have pride in what we’re doing, and we owe it to the applicant and the community to be prepared and know the issues presented to make fair and equitable decisions. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson asked the Commissioners to let him know if they have any recommendations for potential new Commissioners. Chairperson Smith asked the Commissioners to RSVP, and ways to RSVP to the meetings were discussed. Planning & Zoning Director Parkinson expressed that it creates a challenge when a quorum does not show up after an applicant spends years and may have to travel to attend a meeting. The group discussed accessing application documents and challenges with the system. Heads Up: ▫ November 21st: none ▫ December 5th: ▫ Public Hearing: Rezone 7. Adjourned at 7:25 PM.