Planning Commission
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · June 6, 2017
Minutes
June 6, 2017 7:00 p.m. Planning Department
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners, Brent Dixon, Margaret Wimborne, Natalie Black,
Julie Foster, George Swaney, Gene Hicks, Joanne Denney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: George Morrison, Arnold Cantu, Lindsey Romankiw, Darren
Josephson
ALSO PRESENT: Planning Director, Assistant Planning Director, Kerry Beutler, Brent
McLane; Brian Stevens and interested citizens.
WORK SESSION:
1. Area of City Impact. Beutler stated that there are some outstanding issues that need worked
through including:
a. Commercial Nodes: Dixon indicated that the City nodes are in places that historically
have worked, like a knight moves on a chess board, and the County has a node very two miles.
Beutler stated that the one mile to two miles is in the zoning ordinance in the residential
shopping zone. Beutler indicated this is not major commercial, and would encompass small
commercial businesses that provide services to a neighborhood (i.e. gas station, dry cleaner,
small grocery). Beutler indicated that the commercial node that is in conflict is located on 65th
(York) near Sandy Downs. Beutler clarified that the City shows their commercial nodes by the
Comprehensive Map coloring, including Commercial (red), Employment Center (blue), and
High density residential (orange). Dixon asked if there is an existing use in the commercial
node. Beutler indicated there is a preliminary plat that was done for Southpoint for the area, and
along York they have larger lots and one is intended for elementary school site, high density
residential and some other commercial use. Dixon asked if the school District has shown interest
in the elementary school lot. Wimborne indicated that that the School District has an elementary
lot farther to the west. Beutler showed the County’s commercial nodes. Beutler indicated that
the County has a commercial node at the intersection by Sandy Downs and the City’s node is one
mile north (intersection of Township and St. Clair). Beutler asked if the Commissioners are
comfortable with moving forward with putting a small node of mixed use at the same place as
the County’s node. Swaney indicated that if the area is included in the City Area of Impact it
doesn’t need to be discussed because the City’s Comprehensive Plan will govern the Area of
Impact. Beutler stated that part of the discussion for the area of impact has been to match what
the County has for commercial nodes. Beutler indicated that there is some existing zoning that
talks about commercial use in the area that the City has designated for commercial node.
Swaney indicated that a commercial node near Sandy Downs would be supportive. Beutler
stated that it would signal to the development community that they are considering commercial
near that County node, so they are not trying to develop along York, but rather at the
intersection. Beutler indicated that part of BMPO’s long range transportation plan included belt
routes around the City. Beutler indicated that they are not now leaning toward a freeway cross
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 9
section along York, but instead turn York into something bigger than Sunnyside and the Access
Management Plan refers to a strategic arterial which is 120’ wide and has 3 lanes either
direction, plus a center turn lane and it would require limited access along the corridor. Dixon
indicated that a commercial node would not be conducive to traffic flow. Beutler stated that if
they only allow it in certain areas and manage the access, it will be ok. Beutler stated that the
surrounding area is all residential and they will need some support services. McLane indicated
that there is a commercial node 1 mile north (Bucks, etc.) of the proposed City Commercial
node. Beutler stated that the options are: leave it the way it currently is and wait for someone to
request an annexation and comprehensive plan amendment; or, designate a commercial node that
matches the County’s node. Wimborne clarified that this is the only commercial node that
conflicts with the County. Black stated that in the last meeting the County was correct with
some of their zoning and the City changed to match. Beutler asked the Commissioners for
direction. Dixon asked the Commissioners for show of hands on who would like the Staff to
bring a formal proposal to change the commercial node. 5 Commissioners voted yes, Hicks was
undecided.
b. Comprehensive Plan Boundary. Beutler indicated that the City’s Comprehensive Plan
extends outside of the Area of Impact, and it has been discussed that the City would bring their
Comprehensive Plan in to meet with the Area of Impact. Dixon stated that a related issue is
whether the county should have anything designated for urban level development that is not
within the Area of Impact of a City. Dixon stated he is curious what public comment would be
on the issue given the State Law. Beutler stated that a lot of the “public” live in the areas that are
residential and want to be in the County, so you would get mixed reviews from public. Beutler
indicated that as he’s spoke with the County, the County has indicated that any time they do
development that is more than 10-acre density they will require public water and sewer. Dixon
indicated that the County insists that if they change the designation, it would be considered a
“taking”. Dixon suggested telling the County that the City is willing to pull in the border of their
Comprehensive Plan, if they are willing to reduce the large area identified as urban density, and
anything that is within 3 miles of an incorporated City that is identified as urban density needs to
be included in the city Comprehensive Plan and included in the Area of Impact. Swaney stated
that the County will reject that. Wimborne asked if this is an issue that must be resolved. Beutler
stated that you are only making recommendations regarding the agreement. Dixon suggested
proposing the City’s position to the City Council/County Commissioner and asking the County if
they want to join, or if the County wants to have their own position. Wimborne indicated that if
there are areas that do not make sense to the staff to have in the Comprehensive Plan, it would
make sense to pull those areas back.
Beutler stated that the next meeting for Area of Impact is June (21) to finalize the
recommendations and go to the public in July or August, and try to get in front of elected
officials early Fall, 2017.
CALL TO ORDER: Dixon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and reviewed the public
hearing procedure.
CHANGES TO AGENDA: None. Dixon indicated that the City has an ordinance about weeds
being a public nuisance, and there are weeds that are waist high in the front of the building.
Minutes: Wimborne moved to approve the minutes for May 2, 2017, Hicks seconded the
motion and it passed. Foster abstained from voting as she was not in attendance.
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 9
Public Hearings:
1. CUP 17-00: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. Falls Valley Elementary. Beutler presented
the staff report, a part of the record. Wimborne asked if the loop is for only one car or if there is
room for a car to pull out and around the other cars. Beutler indicated that there is room for a
line of parked cars and lane to drive past for efficiency. Wimborne asked if most of the traffic
will come from the north on Hitt, or are there people coming South and turning left. Beutler
stated that they went out and watched and cars came from both South and North on Hitt.
Wimborne asked if there would be room for two cars to turn in and one car to pull out. Beutler
stated that the intent is to have a single car pulling in and single car pulling out from the School.
Hicks stated that Hitt Road is already busy and asked how far Hitt Rd. backs up. Hicks asked if
there is any way to make a center strip and a deceleration strip to accommodate cars as they are
waiting to turn. Foster clarified that the current drop -off system has cars entering and exiting
onto Hitt Rd. Beutler agreed and showed pictures of the existing access onto Hitt Rd. Hicks
stated that the City is growing and more traffic will result. Beutler indicated that the school will
not grow and you will not have more parents and students coming/going. Hicks asked if it is
feasible to have a turn out lane for both sides. Beutler indicated he’d have to talk to the City
Engineer. Dixon indicated that there is a center turn lane that does help with backup. Black
asked Beutler to show the route from the school to the pick- up/drop- off. Beutler stated that the
children will likely come to the access door on the east side of the school. Black asked if there is
a walking path. Beutler stated that there is a sidewalk and there will be a pedestrian path that is
striped. Beutler indicated that the buses will go out onto Verlow. Dixon asked if there is a right
and left turn for the outlet. Beutler indicated that it will be right only. Dixon asked how much
queuing space to exit will be between the outlet and the end of the drop-off. Beutler indicated
that they can que into the entire separate isle as it is wide enough for two cars. Dixon suggested
shifting the entrance farther north to accommodate more queuing exit space. Beutler stated that
they must space it to conform to the Access Management Plan.
Dixon opened the public hearing.
Applicant: Kurt Rowland, 1331 Fremont, Idaho Falls, Idaho. (Representing School District
#93). Rowland indicated that the turn lane going out will be right hand turn only. Rowland
stated that the large cul-de-sac for drop-off will have cones down the center lane so there will be
two lanes to have a drop off lane and a departure lane. Dixon asked Rowland to explain the bus
circulation and how the students will get to the busses and to the pick-up lane. Rowland
indicated buses come in off Verlow and will wrap around the parking lot and back out on to
Verlow. Dixon asked if there is plenty of room for a bus to make a U-turn. Rowland indicated
there is plenty of room, and the fire department has approved the drawing. Hicks asked if there
will be anything in the west section of asphalt. Rowland indicated it will be fire lane access.
Dixon asked if there is a plan for fencing between the sidewalk and the parking lot where the
busses will park. Wimborne indicated that every school site is different depending on the traffic
flow. Wimborne stated that this configuration is an improvement with pulling the parent drop-off
away from the bus drop-off. Black asked if the applicant is concerned about kids running into
the busing area. Rowland stated that the School District has not brought that issue up, but
Rowland will pass the concern along. Denney stated that she works for District #93, and the
busses pull up to parking spots and are lined up and once all the kids are loaded, then they will
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 9
all pull out at the same time. Swaney stated that a lot of the letters in the package from staff
indicate that they have better ideas to address the problem. Swaney asked if there were any
meetings with public to participate in the development of the plan. Rowland indicated no
meetings were held.
Support:
Steven Sheep (Principal of Falls Valley Elementary), 759 N 3600 E, Menan, Idaho. Sheep
stated that the students coming out onto the east side of the school to load into buses is not
significant, as there is 1 bus to pick up regular education kids (70 students) and 4 special
education busses that pick-up pre-school students in wheel chairs. Sheep stated that children that
are not loading onto a bus will not go out the east side of the building. Sheep stated that children
can exit out the back side of the building through class rooms and the main exit outside of the
library. Sheep stated that students going to the pick-up lane will go out the back, students
walking can go out the main exit in the front and onto Verlow and down to the cross-walk.
Sheep stated that he created this drop-off concept and they did not meet with public to discuss
the configuration. Sheep stated that he has seen it backed up down Hitt to the light from Verlow,
and down to Eastview before he created the double pick up line in the parking lot. Dixon stated
that anything they can do to make the entrance/exit smooth so you can enter without having to
slow to a crawling speed. Hicks asked how many cars come in the morning and afternoon.
Sheep stated that morning drop-off is not a problem as it is a drizzle in beginning at 7:30 until
8:15. Sheep stated that busses show up approximately 8 a.m. Sheep stated that the pickup is a
disaster with cars on both sides of Verlow. Sheep stated every day he has to ask parents to move
so he can get the busses onto Verlow to load children. Dixon asked if there are over 100 cars.
Sheep stated that it would be close to that many cars, but he has not counted. Dixon asked how
many cars can que in the loop. Sheep is unsure and has not measured, but it is more than the
current drop-off pick up situation.
Opposition:
Bruce Hendricks, 2488 Eastview Dr., Idaho Falls, Idaho. Hendricks stated that he was
concerned about the original layout, but was happy with the current proposal and configuration.
Hendricks stated that he is concerned with the barrier that will be placed at the end of the loop
closest to his house, and would like a barrier that he did not have to maintain, such as a cement
or brick wall, and not bushes. Hendricks stated that the trash from the school ends up in his
corner of the world, and the bushes would trap the trash and make it more difficult to clean.
Dixon indicated that the bushes will be away from the property and might catch the trash before
it gets to Hendricks’ fence.
Bill Whipple, 2431 Eastview, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Whipple was concerned with Hitt Rd. and
the growth of the City. Whipple indicated that when the light on 1st and Hitt, cars back up north
of Eastview Dr. Whipple is concerned about cars backing up onto Hitt and clogging the Verlow
entrance and the Eastview entrance, then people cannot get out of the drop-off lane. Dixon
clarified with Whipple that the southbound traffic on Hitt backs up to Eastview. Whipple is
concerned that EITC becoming a community college will also add to the traffic that is backed up
on Hitt. Whipple stated that CAL Ranch stores will also add to traffic, as well as the gas station
at Walmart. Whipple indicated that he would like the entrance bigger than 24’ wide and add a
deceleration lane to get off Hitt into the pickup area. Whipple indicated a concern for the parking
requirements at the school. Dixon stated that the guidelines is based on the number of class
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 9
rooms and not the number of staff. Beutler stated that the minimum requirement is 1 parking
spot per class room, plus 5 additional spaces. Beutler stated that there is no concern with the
parking requirements. Whipple indicated that Eastview has a lot of cars in the evening picking
children up. Whipple stated that there is a walkway that is owned by the District that comes
from Eastview to the school that has not been maintained and there is a cement wall that is going
to fall over. Whipple stated that the District has done no maintenance on the walk way. Whipple
is concerned who will water the bushes used as barriers behind Hendricks’ house. Whipple stated
that in front of the school on Verlow there is a line of trees and there would be room to move
buses or cars on Verlow, which would free up some room so there are plenty of parking spaces.
Whipple stated that he does not believe the car count is accurate as the count was done during a
period when Hitt was closed due to construction.
Steven Sheep, 759 N 3600 E, Menan, Idaho. Sheep stated that they did consider the front of the
school being used for buses and drop off and it would not get enough of the cars off the street
(approximately 10-15). Sheep stated that they wanted a permanent fix for the problem. Sheep
was unaware that the District owned the walking path. Hicks asked who owns the property next
to the school. Sheep indicated that the church owns the property next to the school. Hicks
indicated he was contemplating putting a road through the church property to the school property
instead of coming from Hitt. Sheep stated that there are houses all along that street.
Dixon closed the public hearing.
Black stated that the traffic on Hitt will get worse, the school enrollment will likely not grow
much more, and the school is trying to take the traffic off Hitt and put it onto the school property.
Black encouraged the District to involve the neighbors and parents more especially with the
landscaping and/or barrier. Black stated that she believes this is the best solution to the problem.
Wimborne agreed with Black that this is a good solution to a hard problem, and commended
Sheep for separating the different types of drop-off/pick-up, and minimizing conflicts between
kids and cars/buses. Wimborne indicated that the proposal gets more cars off Hitt than other
potential options.
Black reminded the Commissioners that improvement to Hitt Rd., including turn lanes, etc., is
the City and County and that is not the School Districts problem and not something that the
Commissioners can recommend with this CUP. Hicks stated that it may not be part of the
prevue, but it should be a concern of the Commission. Hicks stated that with the continued
growth in the area he would urge the City/County and School District to work together to
minimize future hazards on Hitt Rd.
Swaney stated that a CUP is the only issue before the Commission, and the Commission cannot
suggest anything else, and can only address the CUP. Swaney stated that if the Commissioners
agree that this is a reasonable and rational approach to dealing with the problems that Falls
Valley School is experiencing, then the vote should be to approve the CUP. Swaney added that
if the Commissioners think there needs to be more planning and involve the County/State/School
District and start over, then the motion should be to reject the CUP and encourage the District to
start over. Swaney stated that the Commissioners cannot re-engineer the proposal.
Dixon stated that the current drop-off is unsatisfactory and schools in the District have been
upgrading to provide separate bus drop -off and parent drop-off. Dixon stated that moving the
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 9
problem to the front of the street, would only transfer the problem to Verlow and you still must
get people on and off the local streets to the main streets. Dixon added that if they went onto
Verlow it would impact residences.
Black moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for a new drop-off at Falls Valley
Elementary as presented, Wimborne seconded the motion and it passed 5-1.
Hicks opposed the motion as he believes there needs to be more emphasis reducing the
traffic off and on to Hitt Rd.
Wimborne moved to approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards,
Black seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2. CUP 17-004: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. Sandy Downs Substation. McLane
presented the staff report, a part of the record. Dixon asked how close the substation is to the
14th Green on the golf course. Beutler stated that it is in proximity but the vegetation along the
golf course is dense and there should not be a conflict. Wimborne asked if there will be any
landscaping to the west to buffer the new development that is coming in. Beutler stated that the
development is north and has topography to create screening. Dixon asked if the City owns the
triangle to the east of the proposal. Beutler indicated that it is owned by the City. Dixon asked if
additional landscaping could be put in that area if needed. Beutler stated that if needed they can
do additional landscaping, but they would need to work with power to make sure it is
appropriate. Black asked what kind of landscaping will be put in. Beutler indicated it is
landscaping to make it look more pleasant from the street. Black asked what else is in the area.
Beutler indicated that there is the archery range, and then Sandy Downs and County agriculture
land. Dixon indicated that he is unaware of any substations that have landscaping. Beutler stated
that they will model it after well sites. Hicks asked if the connection will be overhead. Beutler
indicated it will be overhead.
Dixon opened the public hearing.
Applicant: No applicant was present.
Support:
Tim Lohse, (Golf Course Superintendent), 701 E Elva, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Lohse stated that
the substation is behind the 14th green. Loshe added that there is an American Kestrel box in the
area and it is a native area. Black asked Lohse if this is a good spot for a substation. Loshe
indicated that due to the protection behind the 14th green from trees, it should not affect the golf
course.
Foster asked if they ever require an environmental assessment when placing a substation. Beutler
stated that you could if there was concern and environmental questions.
Dixon closed the public hearing.
Wimborne believes this area is a good choice for a substation based on the natural barriers.
Wimborne moved to recommend to the Mayor and City Council approval of the
Conditional Use Permit for a Substation at Sandy Downs along 65th South, as presented,
Denney seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 9
3. CUP 17-002. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. Billboard Sign at Sand Creek Golf
Course. McLane presented the staff report, a part of the record. Dixon asked if this is an
electronic sign. McLane indicated that it is a billboard that is lit that must have the advertisement
pasted. Dixon asked where it indicates that the sign will be for park use only. McLane stated
that it is in the staff recommendations. McLane stated that the application doesn’t specify that so
the motion would need include the staff’s recommendation. Black asked why the sign is on one
side instead of the diagonal. McLane deferred to applicant. Foster asked if the trees will
completely cover the sign. McLane stated that they will remove the trees now prior to the
expansion of the road.
Dixon opened the public hearing.
Applicant: Tim Lohse (Superintendent for Golf Course), 701 E. Elva, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Lohse stated that they did not go diagonal due to the items in front of the diagonal, including
poles and it would not fit between the two poles. Dixon asked if the height of the metal structure
next to the power lines will cause a problem. McLane indicated that there is a required distance
that is being met. Black asked if this will be similar to the sign by Pinecrest. Lohse stated that it
is the same concept to advertise the zoo, etc., but will be smaller. Lohse indicated that they have
changed the layout of the sign several times as they considered the future of what is going to
develop and become of that intersection. Lohse indicated that traffic in that area travels
generally, one way in the morning and one way at night so people will see the sign, depending on
what direction they are traveling. Dixon asked if they are planning on planting a second row of
trees to the south of the current row that will be outside of what public works needs for widening
the intersection. Lohse stated that they have thought of it, but are unsure due to the length of the
driving range, so they need to put up a netting structure instead of trees along the new widened
intersection. Black asked what the anticipated time line is for the road. Lohse stated that he
thought it would go in with Cabelas, but then it got knocked out of line, so hopefully near future.
Dixon suggested putting netting in front of the new trees. Lohse indicated that part of the driving
range might have to be turned into a retention pond. Swaney suggested putting landscaping
behind the trees and make it compatible with the rest of the driving range and golf course
environment. Lohse indicated that they do want it to look nice coming into the golf course.
No one appeared in support or opposition.
Dixon closed the public hearing.
Swaney stated that this is a good example of a good application for a sign, close to the facility
that it is supporting so it can provide information to the public.
Black stated that she loves the signage that the City has been adding. Black added that she hates
when the City cuts down trees, and indicated that it shows poor planning that they keep having to
cut out landscaping to widen roads.
Wimborne moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for a Billboard at Sand Creek
Golf Course on the corner of S 25th E and E 49th South, to include the staff
recommendation that the sign only be used to promote events associated with the Idaho
Falls Parks and Recreation Department, Foster seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously.
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 9
Swaney moved to approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for
a Conditional Use Permit for a Billboard Sign located generally south of E 49th South, West
of S 25th E., North of E 65th S., and east of S 15th E., Denney seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously.
Business:
1. PLAT 17-011: FINAL PLAT. Belmont Estates Division 2. Beutler presented the staff
report, a part of the record. Dixon asked if the final plat has fewer lots that the preliminary plat.
Beutler stated that there is one less lot. Dixon asked how long Thatcher Ave. is. Beutler stated
he is unsure of the distance with both Division 1 and 2. Dixon indicated that it appears to be a
long straight run. Beutler stated that it is all internal neighborhood traffic, and not a through
street. Dixon asked and Beutler agreed that the drainage goes to the existing drainage basin
between Lapoloma and Gatehouse. Beutler indicated that the drainage has been improved as a
park for the neighborhood. Wimborne asked if the fence and berm is for the entire perimeter.
Beutler stated that it includes the entire perimeter including the east. Wimborne asked if it
would cut off the access to 49th until the access becomes a reality. Beutler indicated that the
access would not be developed until the property owner wanted to dedicate right of way. Black
asked about the access onto Holmes. Beutler showed the proposed access points. Beutler
indicated that Thatcher will not go through to the South. Black asked if there are any bike lanes
or park lots within the division. Beutler stated that there is an existing park in Division 1 that will
serve both neighborhoods and Holmes will be developed with landscaping and wider section
with detached sidewalk.
Applicant: Kurt Rowland, Eagle Rock Engineering, 1331 Fremont Ave., Idaho Falls,
Idaho. Dixon asked if someone wanted to build on the lot just east of the lot that was purchased,
would they allow them to tie into the cul-de-sac. Rowland indicated that they probably could as
the cul-de-sac touches the north boundary. Rowland stated that the existing park is large. Dixon
asked if they can calm traffic on Thatcher. Rowland stated that originally it was planned to not
go through to Township, but the owner of the property wanted the access. Black asked what size
homes will be built. Rowland stated they are 1600 sq. ft. for minimum on main floor ($250,000).
Dixon asked if the lot sizes are consistent with the lot sizes in the previous division. Rowland
indicated they are similar and range from ¼ acre to 1/3 acre lots.
Swaney indicated that this is an example of how the developer in Division 1 and 2 have followed
through with what was presented in their earlier preliminary plat with only minor modifications.
Dixon asked why the turn -around has been eliminated, as it could calm traffic on Thatcher.
Beutler stated that you would still have speed on Thatcher because it would be a loop to Holmes.
Beutler stated that there were previously 2 lengths of lots and that distance was long enough that
it required a temporary turn around for fire purposes, but now it is only 1 lot deep they do not
need the additional turn around. Dixon asked if there is an existing second access to Division 1.
Rowland indicated there was a temporary access.
Black indicated that she does not feel like Division 2 will look like Division 1. Black stated that
they seem to continually allow things they don’t want like the straight road on Thatcher, and
only 1 park for all the houses in the subdivision. Black indicated that she is discouraged, but
hopes it will be a beautiful development.
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 9
Wimborne moved to recommend to the Mayor and City Council approval of the Final plat
for Belmont Estates Subdivision, Division No. 2, with the staff recommendation that it
include a 3’ berm and 6’ opaque fence around the perimeter of the development, Hicks
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2. Plat 17-010: FINAL PLAT. Growth Center, Division 1, 2nd Amended. McLane presented
the staff report, a part of the record.
Applicant: Fred Walland, 441 Rockingham Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho. No questions for
applicant.
Swaney moved to recommend to the Mayor and City Council approval of the Final Plat for
Growth Center, Division 1, Second Amended as presented, Black seconded the motion and
it passed unanimously,
3. Downtown Plan. McLane informed the Commissioners that they are not ready for a vote or
recommendation from the Commission. McLane indicated that they are going through the plan
with the Steering Committee (Department heads, Mayor, City Council Members, and Downtown
Development) next Monday. McLane asked the Commission to look at both parts of the
document including the 1st part which is the visionary plan, and the 2nd part is the form based
code. McLane stated that the form based code is very technical. McLane asked the
Commissioners to reach out to him and ask questions that they have regarding the documents.
McLane stated that the visionary (plan) part is something that the Commissioners will be familiar
with as it is a guiding document to provide context for what they would like downtown. McLane
asked the Commissioners to give him feedback so when they are ready to present the Plan to the
Commissioners there is an understanding and a good recommendation can be given to City
Council.
Dixon asked if this Downtown Plan would address the letter to the editor regarding Planning and
Zoning and the Downtown area. McLane stated that the Downtown Plan will not specifically
address design reviews. McLane stated that the form based code helps control how a building
fits in its area, such as placement, building styles, building types, height, bulk, size, placement of
windows, landscaping, signage, etc. McLane stated that it is designed to create place making
and drive what the City wants and give more requirements. Black asked why they are only doing
this for Downtown where everything is built up already. McLane stated that Downtown is
unique and has unique needs and they want to preserve the Downtown feel. McLane stated that
it could be used in other places, but they want to start small. Black asked McLane when they
will get the entire document. McLane stated that he will send out a recently updated draft to the
Commissioners. McLane indicated that they want to bring the Downtown Plan before the
Commission at the July meeting for action, and then take it to City Council for an adoption.
McLane informed the Commissioners that the code would be a separate section in the City Code,
separate of the Zoning Ordinance.
Wimborne clarified that the next meeting is July 11, due to the 4th of July holiday.
Wimborne adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Beckie Thompson, Recorder
June 6, 2017, Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 of 9
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