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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 3.19.26(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes - March 19, 2026 P&Z Commissioners: City Staff: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair) 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 Vice Chairperson Kempton 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: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes Absent: Jim Lawrence, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir 4. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for March 5, 2026 (Action) MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes for March 5, 2026 (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Dan Hanna. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 6, No = 0, Abstain = 1). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: Sally Smith (Chairperson) 5. Plat – (25-01033) Yellowstone Heights Condominium Development – Plat Amendment – Located at 243 Ella Ln, the application is to amend the Yellowstone Heights Condominium First Amended Plat to add six (6) condominium units to the existing plat. – New Peaks Construction (Action) Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this meeting relative to this particular subject. Presentation: Administrator Parkinson introduced the application and showed the location on the screen, sharing that the project was presented and approved a few years ago under the Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) zone, which had allowed two 12 unit buildings on the south side of the property and a 12 unit and a 6 unit building on the north side. After platting and beginning construction on the southern buildings, the applicant requested a zone change, to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) which was approved. This change allowed the applicant to build two 12 unit buildings on the north side of Ella Lane. He stated that the application has met staff’s requirements. Commissioner Discussion: Administrator Parkinson clarified that the units would be privately owned as condominium units and that the amendment affected only the north side and that the 6 unit building would be expanded to a 12 unit structure to match the adjacent 12 unit building. This increased the total by six units, from 42 units to 48 units. Commissioner Geddes asked about parking. Administrator Parkinson noted that the plat showed parking in front of the buildings along Yellowstone Highway, with additional parking spaces planned on another side of the property to meet the required count. The parking spaces fell within the allowable 350 foot distance from the units. Access for the northern buildings would connect to Ella Lane and then to Yellowstone Highway. He confirmed that all units in the project would ultimately be condominiums, with four buildings containing 48 condominium units when complete. The south side was already built and functioning, and units there were either sold or rented. Commissioners inquired about traffic concerns near the Highway 33 intersection. Administrator Parkinson reported that a traffic study had been completed and that the project met all requirements. The state had issued necessary permits, and the impacts were not significant enough to create any issues. Sidewalks along Yellowstone Highway were already in place, leaving only the buildings, parking areas, and landscaping to be constructed. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the plat amendment for Yellowstone Heights Condominium Development as it has met staff requirements and continues to fit within the Comprehensive Plan. Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Sally Smith. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 7, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: none Chairperson Smith inquired about previous discussions regarding constructing a crossroad to 2nd East. Administrator Parkinson explained that the crossing was still shown on the long-range plans, but no development had occurred in the area to drive its construction. Administrator Parkinson briefed the Commissioners on a few upcoming construction projects, noting he expected Home Depot, Winco, and Olive Garden to begin construction this year. Administrator Parkinson informed the group that the upcoming work meeting on Wednesday, April 1st would include discussion of residential zone changes, parking amendments, and updates to the comprehensive plan. A rezone application was scheduled to be heard by the group on Thursday, April 2nd. The group discussed water and sewer system capacities. Administrator Parkinson explained that the city had a 10 to 15 year plan in place and improvements to the system have already begun. Additional phased upgrades are scheduled to accommodate continued growth. Commissioner Hanna asked for an explanation of developer impact fees. Administrator Parkinson stated that developers were required to pay impact fees for sewer, water, roads, parks, fire, and police services, depending on whether a project was residential or commercial. These fees addressed the additional strain that new development placed on city infrastructure. He noted that some impact fees reached several hundred thousand dollars, and the collected funds were set aside for future system improvements so that taxpayers did not carry the full financial burden. Commissioner Hanna asked about the city’s water system, and Administrator Parkinson explained that the city’s drinking water was untreated but naturally pure and regularly tested. He noted that such water quality was rare for a city of Rexburg’s size and that treatment options could be difficult to implement. He added that Public Works continues to monitor water needs but that securing new deep well groundwater rights had become challenging. Commissioner Geddes asked about future wastewater needs. Administrator Parkinson explained that the city had sufficient space to expand its existing treatment plant multiple times without building a second facility. He noted that the city had already upgraded from lagoon systems to a modern treatment plant and continued to improve equipment and technology. He confirmed that the current system had adequate capacity to support ongoing growth. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Administrator Parkinson reported that four commission members were nearing the end of their second terms. He asked Commissioners to recommend individuals residing within the city limits who might be interested in serving. Administrator Parkinson expressed his appreciation for the commissioners, acknowledging that the role was not always easy or enjoyable but noting that the commission had done a good job and their efforts were valued. Heads Up: April 1st – Work Meeting April 2nd - Rezone 6. Adjourned at 6:53 PM.