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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFD - 25-00978 – Skybridges - Development Code Amendment(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Reason for Decision 25-00978 – Skybridges – Development Code Amendment 1. September 24, 2025, An application was created for an ordinance amendment adding a skybridge section to Ordinance No. 1200 - Development Code. 2. August 29, 2025, The application was discussed at Strategic Team Meeting. 3. September 16, 2025, The application was discussed at Strategic Team Meeting. 4. September 22, 2025, The application was discussed at Strategic Team Meeting. 5. September 29, 2025, Staff reviews were assigned. 6. October 13, 2025, Staff reviews were approved. 7. October 27, 2025, Staff report was completed. 8. October 15, 2025, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published October 17, 2025, and October 24, 2025. 9. November 6, 2025, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission. 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. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org 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. 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 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org 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. 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 10. November 18, 2025, the application was presented to the City Council and considered third read. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning recommendation to amend the Rexburg City Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 (25-00978) to provide for Skybridges in Chapter 3.9. Designated as Ordinance No 1340 if motion passes. Request to suspend the rules and consider Ordinance No 1340 as third read – Alan Parkinson Action Item Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained that city staff have received a request about the possibility of constructing sky bridges between buildings over public streets. They had discussed this previously in relation to the city’s downtown projects and the potential to include sky bridges. However, when they reviewed our code, they found that they did not have any provisions that would allow such structures. P&Z Administrator Parkinson said they examined the options available to the city and studied other cities that have sky bridges. There were quite a few examples, and city staff reviewed their codes, their requirements, and even contacted several of them. They spoke with officials in Boise, where sky bridges already existed. One of the main concerns from the city Public Works Department is how to control the use of a structure that extended into public space. Boise handled this through a “right to use” agreement. The agreement stated that if the user violated the terms, the city had the right to revoke the agreement and stop the use. City Staff obtained a copy of that agreement, and City Attorney Rammell reviewed it and planned to modify it to meet the city’s needs. P&Z Administrator Parkinson added that there is a need for sky bridges in the city, especially for one particular project in which two portions of an apartment complex were being constructed on opposite sides of a street. The offices, workout rooms, and similar amenities were located in one building, while the other building stood across the street. Without a sky bridge, a large number of students would need to cross the intersection during winter and in other adverse conditions. The developer suggested a sky bridge to protect students from the weather and improve accessibility. We also recognized that sky bridges could be useful in other parts of the city. Council Member E. Erickson asked whether the code would apply only to sky bridges crossing city streets. P&Z Administrator Parkinson responded that yes — it applied only when the structure crossed a public street. Private connections between adjacent buildings were not affected. Some buildings, such as those at BYU–Idaho, were already connected without any issues, as long as they met building and engineering requirements. The key concern in this case was encroachment into the public right-of-way, which required regulation. P&Z Administrator Parkinson said he requested that each sky bridge be reviewed as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), meaning each proposal would come before the City Council to determine whether it met the necessary criteria for the right time and place. Council Member Johnson asked about the height requirements for a sky bridge. P&Z Administrator Parkinson explained that the sky bridge needed to maintain a clearance of 16 feet 5 or 6 inches so that city equipment could pass safely. For one proposed sky bridge, city staff also analyzed whether it would block the visibility of a future stoplight. They created a model and confirmed that at 16 feet 6 inches, a traffic light signal would still be visible. Additional requirements included prohibiting signage or advertising on the sky bridge, limiting the width to between 8 and 14 feet, ensuring the use of safety glass, and requiring drainage systems to contain rainwater and snowmelt. The goal was to prevent snow from falling onto the street or pedestrians. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Council Member Johnson mentioned reading about sky bridges in Oregon that connected to homes. City Attorney Rammell said that while certain dimensional requirements existed, every application would still undergo a conditional use review. The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process allowed the City Council to evaluate factors such as compatibility with surrounding uses. Therefore, this proposal did not grant unrestricted approval for sky bridges. Council Member Johnson asked for the reason to suspend the rules and expedite the process. P&Z Administrator Parkinson mentioned the developer has a timeline and wanted to move the project forward. He said he would not have recommended suspending the rules if there was any resistance, because in that situation additional time would be needed. However, since no opposition appeared, he did not see any need to delay the process further. City Attorney Rammell added the suspending of the rules is appropriate because they have gone through the code thoroughly and have spoken with city officials in Utah and Boise. They held multiple meetings and involved city staff. P&Z Administrator Parkinson consulted with BYU–Idaho regarding snow-related concerns. Council President Walker moved to approve to suspend the rule of Ordinance No 1340 to amend the Rexburg City Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 (25-00978) to provide for Skybridges in Chapter 3.9.; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President Walker The motion carried. Council Member Reeser moved to approve Ordinance No 1340 to amend the Rexburg City Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 (25-00978) to provide for Skybridges in Chapter 3.9. and consider third read; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President Walker The motion carried.