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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 11.6.25(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes - November 6, 2025 P&Z Commissioners: City Staff: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair) Vanessa Johnson Alan Parkinson – P&Z Administrator Sally Smith (Chairperson) Brian Thackeray Katie Jo Saurey – P&Z Administrative Assistant Aaron Richards Vern Muir Kyle Baldwin – Planner 1 Jim Lawrence Dan Hanna Natalie Powell – Compliance Officer Bruce Casper Tammy Geddes Spencer Rammell – Commissioner Attorney McKay Francis 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: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Tammy Geddes Absent: Jim Lawrence, Dan Hanna, McKay Francis 4. Approval of the P&Z Minutes as corrected for October 16, 2025 (Action) a. Motion for (25-00877) Moody Rd Townhomes Rezone corrected to reflect the recommendation to County Commissioners instead of City Council. Commissioner Kempton added a correction to item #4, the minutes indicate Commissioner Smith was chair and should instead reflect Vice Chairperson Kempton. MOTION: Motion to approve the amended Planning & Zoning minutes for October 16, 2025, with the following corrections: 1. Under the Moody Road Townhomes rezone item, the recommendation should be recorded as directed to the County Commissioners, not the City Council. 2. Under agenda item number 4, Sky Meadows Rezone, the public hearing action attributed to Chairperson Smith should be corrected to reflect it was performed by Vice Chairperson Kempton. (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Vern Muir. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 7, No = 0, Abstain = 1). (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Vern Muir, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: Brian Thackeray PUBLIC HEARINGS 5. Public Hearing – (25-00978) – Skybridges - Development Code Amendment – Proposed addition for Skybridges to the Development Code. – Alan Parkinson (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. Presentation: Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson shared that the proposed amendment for skybridges originated from a request to build a skybridge. He visited with the Building Official from Boise on their process and researched how other cities handled skybridges to come up with a good solution in Rexburg’s code to provide the opportunity to construct a skybridge. He stated that this skybridge section would also be referenced in the Form Based Code as well. Administrator Parkinson read the proposed ordinance amendment, commenting that skybridges provide an opportunity to provide a safe pathway between buildings. Commissioner Casper speculated areas where a skybridge could be placed. Administrator Parkinson clarified that skybridges would require an approved Conditional Use Permit since it will be built in a public easement. He explained that Boise has an air easement agreement for these uses, and Rexburg will do something very similar. Commissioner Casper asked if the bridges will be tall enough for trucks to go under. Administrator Parkinson confirmed they would be the same height as the street lights. Administrator Parkinson explained the skybridges would not be allowed to have glass floors nor use the space for vendors or retail. To avoid distractions, no banners or signs will be allowed. The group confirmed that there is an additional requirement for glass thickness beyond standard building codes, as this is a special application. Concerns were raised about the risk of glass shattering from impacts, such as birds, which is why higher standards are necessary. All other construction requirements will follow the existing Rexburg Engineering and Development Standards and building codes. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Questions were asked about whether the structure would be open to the public. It was clarified that access will be at the discretion of the building owner; the city will not require public access. Owners may choose to allow passage between buildings for convenience, similar to examples in other cities such as Salt Lake City, Boise, and Minneapolis, where sky bridges connect buildings. However, challenges in other cities were noted, including inconsistent hours and navigation difficulties. The group also discussed potential use between university housing buildings. It was stated that such decisions would be up to the university, and the design would need to ensure safe access, similar to street-level connections. It was confirmed that, aside from the glass requirement, all structural standards will follow city-adopted building codes and engineering standards. The structure must be engineered and stamped by a licensed professional to ensure it can support the required loads and meet safety requirements. Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:50 pm. Favor: Matt Pyles expressed support for the proposal but questioned why the standard was set at 20% fenestration instead of 40–50%, as seen in other cities with more glass and windows. Administrator Parkinson explained that higher percentages create challenges for heating and cooling efficiency. The 20% standard is common for second-story design and aligns with the city’s existing architectural requirements. Neutral: none Opposed: none Written Correspondence: none Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:50 pm. Rebuttal: none Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Kempton noted that the proposed change primarily opens the door for future opportunities in the downtown area, though it may not be widely used in the near term, even around the university. Commissioner Thackeray asked whether the change was introduced proactively or in response to inquiries. Administrator Parkinson explained that the amendment was requested by individuals seeking the option, and at least two additional inquiries have since been received. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Discussion clarified that the provision could apply to mixed-use developments in the downtown area, including commercial, office, and residential spaces, as well as the PED zone near the university, which is intended for higher-density housing to improve walkability and reduce parking issues. Members acknowledged that sky bridges could provide protection from harsh weather and improve connectivity, though some expressed surprise at the concept being introduced locally. Administrator Parkinson shared examples from other cities and universities, noting that BYU–Idaho already has two sky bridges that are heavily used in winter. Research into other areas revealed challenges, particularly regarding security and public access after business hours. Concerns about cost were raised, especially for projects aimed at reducing cross-traffic near the university, which would be prohibitively expensive at this time. The group agreed the proposal is a proactive measure to allow future development while requiring compliance with all applicable codes. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve of the Development Code Amendment for Skybridges because it seems to be a proactive way to prepare for future growth. Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Bruce Casper. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 7, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: none Heads Up: ▫ November 20th: ▫ 25-01072 - Lumberyard CUP ▫ 25-01168 - Skybridge CUP Commissioner Smith asked for clarification on the upcoming Lumberyard CUP application. Administrator Parkinson explained it that Building Construction Retail with a storage yard requires a Conditional Use Permit. Administrator Parkinson announced that Vanessa Johnson is resigning from the board due to other commitments and lack of available time. He asked the Commissioners to submit names of (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org potential candidates, who reside within city limits, to him or the Mayor. He noted that the terms for four current board members will expire in approximately six months. 6. Adjourned at 7:00 PM.