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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 6.4.26(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes – June 4, 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 Rick Robinson Chairperson Smith opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. Planning & Zoning Meeting: 1. Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance 2. ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Present: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes, Rick Robinson Absent: Jim Lawrence, McKay Francis, Vern Muir 3. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for April 16, 2026 (Action) MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes for April 16, 2026 (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Bruce Casper, Seconded by Dan Hanna. 8:33 Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 8, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes, Rick Robinson No: Abstain: Sally Smith (Chairperson), Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Rick Robinson 8:40 4. Plat – (26-00384) Sky Meadows - Plat Amendment - Located at 243 Ella Ln, the application is to amend the Sky Meadows Plat to add area to seven (7) lots within the existing plat. – Sky Meadows Development 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. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Presentation: Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained the location of the subject property within the city, noting its proximity to the water tower. He stated that the request was a plat amendment, as the homeowners association currently owned a portion of land that it intended to transfer to adjacent homeowners. He described that the amendment would extend the existing property lines of those lots to include the additional area, which would then be deeded to the individual property owners. He clarified that this adjustment would not create any additional demand on city services, including water or sewer. After reviewing the proposal, staff determined that it met all applicable requirements and recommended approval to the City Council. 10:25 Commissioner Richards stated that they had visited the area on foot and noted that the land in question was difficult to access, raising concerns about whether the adjacent property owners were prepared to assume maintenance responsibilities. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson responded that all affected homeowners will sign the plat, indicating their awareness of and agreement to take on the additional land and its maintenance. 11:00 Commissioner Robinson inquired about existing utility easements along the property and whether they would remain in place after the division. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson confirmed that all necessary easements would continue to be recorded with each deed and would remain unaffected by the amendment. He also noted that existing easements, including those running along the north side and others associated with nearby properties, would not be impacted, and that public utilities were primarily located along Stone Drive. No further significant concerns were raised, and the discussion moved toward calling for a motion. 12:00 MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Plat Amendment for Sky Meadows - Located on Stone Drive, to add area to seven (7) lots within the existing plat because it meets all the requirements under the ordinance and staff has recommended it. Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richards, Seconded by Brian Thackeray. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: The group discussed the correct address for the plat amendment and updated the motion to reflect Stone Drive as the recommended location. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 8, No =0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes, Rick Robinson No: Abstain: 5. Public Hearing – (26-00477) Goss - Comp Plan change from C to HR – Located at approximately 509-539 S 5th W, the application is to change the comprehensive plan designation from Commercial to High Residential. – Jonathan Goss (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: Chairperson Sally Smith introduced the first public hearing regarding a proposed comprehensive plan amendment for properties located at approximately 509 to 539 South 5th West. The request was to change the comprehensive plan designation from commercial to high residential. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson presented the location of the properties, noting their proximity to nearby landmarks such as Call’s Sinclair gas station and Les Schwab. It was explained that the current zoning of the parcels was High Density Residential (HDR-1), and the applicant intended to pursue a higher density designation; however, the comprehensive plan still classified the properties as commercial. He noted that these two parcels were the only ones on the block that had not previously been updated to a high residential designation. He stated that the proposed change would bring the comprehensive plan into alignment with both the existing zoning and the surrounding properties, which had largely transitioned to residential uses. He indicated that the amendment would also support a future request for higher-density zoning and was consistent with development patterns in the area. In response to 15:10 Commissioner Thackeray’s question, Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained that the commercial designation likely remained from earlier planning efforts when additional commercial growth had been anticipated in the area. He noted that development trends had since shifted, with more residential infill occurring. He further explained that the area’s proximity to the university made it an appropriate location for higher-density residential development, supporting walkability and housing demand. Based on their review, staff recommended approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to the City Council. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org The applicant, Jonathan and Barbara Goss of 509 South 5th West, spoke in support of the comprehensive plan amendment. He stated that he and his wife owned the properties. He explained that they had reviewed city planning documents and believed the proposed change aligned with the community’s evolving needs and demographic trends. Mr. Goss noted that the surrounding area was predominantly residential, with only limited commercial presence, and expressed that it was likely to remain so. He stated that the amendment would allow the property to better align with surrounding uses and enable a subsequent zoning request. He added that higher-density residential development in this location would support nearby businesses, provide additional housing opportunities near the university, and increase potential tax revenue for the city. He acknowledged the longstanding history of the home on the property but indicated that it no longer met the needs of the area and that they supported the transition. He also stated that nearby business owners were supportive of increased residential density due to the potential for additional customers. He concluded by expressing that the proposal represented the best use of the property. Chairperson Sally Smith asked a clarifying question regarding the existing development on the property, and the applicant confirmed that the parcels were contiguous and included both a single- family home and existing apartments. No further questions were raised. Chairperson Sally Smith opened the public hearing at 6:51 PM and invited testimony from those in favor, neutral, or opposed to the proposed comprehensive plan amendment. Several individuals spoke in favor of the proposal, including Gaylen Jensen, Jeff Fluckiger, Elaine Fluckiger, Tammy Hibbard, Chaz and Kendra Morgan, also Beverly Taylor who is a business associate of the property, Peggy and Gary Rogers, and Jacob Goss. These speakers expressed general support for the amendment, with some noting their association with the property or surrounding area. Todd Smith, a real estate agent working with the applicants stated that, after reviewing the surrounding area, it was apparent that the subject properties were inconsistent with adjacent high- density residential uses, and that the proposed change was a logical step aligned with existing development patterns and future planning. One neighboring property owner, Steve and Ingrid Clegg, participated online and expressed concerns regarding potential impacts of future high-density development, including building height, proximity, and lighting. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson responded by explaining that city code required increased setbacks proportional to building height and required that lighting be contained on-site, preventing impacts to adjacent properties. He also clarified that no specific development plans had been submitted at this stage, as the current request was limited to a comprehensive plan amendment and future zoning considerations. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org No individuals spoke in opposition to the request, and no neutral comments were provided. Staff also noted that written correspondence received from a neighboring property owner indicated support for the proposal. Chairperson Sally Smith then closed the public hearing at 6:58 PM and brought the item back to the Commission for discussion. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Bruce Casper asked for clarification on the exact location of the property, referencing nearby landmarks, and the applicant confirmed the general location. The Commission then moved into discussion. Commissioner Aaron Richards expressed appreciation for the number of individuals who spoke in support of the proposal, noting that such support was uncommon. The commissioner stated that, from a development perspective, the request was straightforward and made sense given the existing infrastructure, surrounding high-density residential uses, and the continued growth of the nearby university population. Commissioner Randall Kempton (Vice Chair) commented that the comprehensive plan is intended to be a living document and that adjusting the designation to match the surrounding high-density residential area was reasonable and appropriate. Following discussion, a motion was made. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve for the comprehensive plan amendment changing the designation located at approximately 509-539 S 5th W, from commercial to high-density residential, the reason being it’s consistency with neighboring land uses, alignment with city planning goals, and adequate infrastructure. 31:00 Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Brian Thackeray. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain= 0). (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, Brian Thackeray, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes, Rick Robinson No: None Abstain: None 6. Public Hearing – (26-00476) Goss – Rezone from HDR1 to HDR2 – Located at approximately 509-539 S 5th W, the application is to rezone approximately 1.25 acres from High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2). – Jonathan Goss (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: Chairperson Sally Smith introduced the second public hearing regarding a rezone proposed for properties located at approximately 509 to 539 South 5th West. The request was to rezone approximately 1.25 acres from High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2). Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson introduced the request to rezone the same 1.25- acre property from High Density Residential 1 (HDR-1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR-2). He explained that HDR-1 allows up to 30 units per acre, while HDR-2 allows up to 42 units per acre, resulting in a potential increase of approximately 12 units per acre. He clarified that building height and setback requirements would remain the same, and that parking availability would typically be the limiting factor in achieving the higher density. He stated that the request would allow the applicant to maximize the use of the property and that existing infrastructure supported the increase in density. Staff recommended approval of the zone change. Commissioners asked clarifying questions regarding surrounding zoning. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained that adjacent properties included a mix of high-density and medium-density residential zoning, with HDR-2 zoning located nearby. Staff also noted that planning principles generally support placing higher-density residential near commercial areas and transitioning to lower densities further away, and that the property’s proximity to the university made it an appropriate location for increased density. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Commission discussion included clarification that the difference between HDR-1 and HDR-2 represented a moderate increase in allowable units. They also emphasized that the site’s location near the university supported the goal of concentrating higher-density housing in walkable areas and reducing traffic impacts. The applicant John Goss reiterated support for the request, explaining that the property had been on the market for several years and that the current zoning limited development potential and marketability. He stated that the requested zoning would make the property more attractive for development, align with city and university goals for walkability, and provide benefits to the city through increased tax revenue. He also noted that the proposal represented an efficient use of land in an area already transitioning to higher-density residential uses. No additional questions were raised following the applicant’s comments. Chairperson Sally Smith opened the public hearing at 7:10 for the proposed zone change from High Density Residential 1 (HDR-1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR-2) and invited public comment. Several individuals spoke in favor of the proposal, including Jeff and Elaine Fluckiger, Gaylen Jensen, John and Tammy Hibbard, Todd Smith, and Gary and Peggy Rogers. Speakers generally expressed support for the rezoning, noting that it would provide additional flexibility for future development and was consistent with the surrounding area and city planning goals. Chaz and Kendra Morgan, tenants of the property acknowledged that while the change could eventually displace them, they supported the owners’ ability to move forward and retire. A neighboring property owner, Steve and Ingrid Clegg, participated online and asked questions regarding how the proposed zoning might affect their adjacent medium-density property and whether similar zoning could be requested in the future. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained that their property was already designated as high residential in the comprehensive plan, and that they could build to a HDR1 standard without a comprehensive plan amendment, but would need the comprehensive plan change and rezone to go to HDR2 and build to the HDR2 standard. Additional clarification was provided regarding density calculations and how unit limits are determined on a per-acre basis. No neutral or opposing comments were received. The Chair closed the public hearing at 7:15 PM and moved the item to Commission discussion. Commissioner Discussion: (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org During Commission discussion, members expressed general support for the proposed rezoning. One commissioner stated that the presence of medium-density residential to the south did not present a concern, given that the property was otherwise surrounded by high-density residential zoning and nearby commercial uses, making the request appropriate for the area. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson clarified that the high-density residential designation allows for HDR-1 and HDR-2 zones and may also allow mixed-use under certain conditions. Another commissioner noted that current market conditions and construction costs often necessitate higher-density development to make projects feasible, and that the relatively small increase in allowable units—approximately 12 to 15 additional units—was reasonable. The commissioner indicated support for the request based on those considerations. A motion was made to recommend approval to the City Council of the zone change from HDR-1 to HDR-2 for the properties located at 509 to 539 South 5th West. Following discussion, a motion was made. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the zone change from HDR-1 to HDR-2 for the properties located at 509 to 539 South 5th West. Action: Approve Moved by Dan Hanna, Seconded by Bruce Casper. The motion was seconded and, following no further discussion, passed unanimously. VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain= 0). Yes: Randall Kempton (Vice Chair), Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, Brian Thackeray, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes, Rick Robinson No: None Abstain: None Chairperson Sally Smith noted that both the comprehensive plan amendment and the zone change would move forward to the City Council at the June 17 meeting. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson also informed the Commission of an upcoming meeting on June 18 that could include an annexation request, additional comprehensive plan (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org amendments, rezones, and plats. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson announced that a new employee had been hired to fill a vacant position and provided an update on pending Planning and Zoning Commission appointments. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned 7:20 PM Heads Up: June 18th, 2026 • Annexation • Comprehensive Plan Change • Rezone 7. Adjourned at 7:20 PM