HomeMy WebLinkAboutAD24-000002_0 N 5th Ave Approval Letter (2)
May 3, 2024
Francisco Fernandez
113 Powell Ave,
Nampa, ID 83687
Francisf0713@gmail.com
Re. Administrative Determination AD24-000002 – TBD E. Kearney St.
Dear Mr. Fernandez,
I have reviewed your request for administrative approval of a land use buffer reduction for
Parcel R0211300000. Per Caldwell City Code 10-07-10(5) H., buffer width reductions may be
granted at the discretion of the city's landscape plan reviewer based upon existing
conditions, lot size, right of way requirements, topography and geography of the site.
Buffer width reductions shall not be granted based upon financial or economic reasons.
The subject parcel is proposing to construct a new shop to house office/warehouse uses
such as a small flooring contractor or micro coffee roasting company. The adjacent uses to
the northwest and southwest are residential while the easterly boundaries front two local
streets.
The proposed office/warehouse use is classified as a Class IV use in the City Code, while
residential uses are classified as Class I. Therefore, a 15 foot buffer between this property
and the adjacent properties is required. However, the applicant is proposing to replace the
required landscape buffer along the two westerly boundaries with a new 6 foot tall vinyl
fence instead to screen the property.
While the surrounding uses are primarily residential in nature, the subject property as well
as the two adjacent properties are zoned C-3, Service Commercial. Therefore, it is likely
that when the surrounding properties redevelop, they will develop with commercial uses
as well and a land use buffer will no longer be required.
For these reasons, staff has determined that the proposed alternative method of
compliance is sufficient to mitigate the proposed office/warehouse use and is hereby
approved
Additionally, the applicant is proposing to reduce the required street landscape buffer
along N. 5th Avenue by 50%, from 10 feet to 5 feet. Per Caldwell City Code 10-07-08(4)
buffer width reductions may be granted at the discretion of the City's landscape plan
reviewer based upon existing conditions, lot size, right-of-way requirements, topography
and geography of the site. Buffer width reductions shall not be granted based upon
financial or economic reasons.
The depth of the lot is on the smaller side at approximately 90 ft. Additionally, the right-of-
way appears to provide approximately 20 feet of depth that the property owner will be
required to landscape with sod as well as install with sidewalk in accordance with City
Code, which will increase the visual appeal of the street landscape buffer. For these
reasons, staff has determined that the street buffer width reduction is acceptable and is
hereby approved.
This letter only provides approval of the alternate land use buffer (6’ vinyl fence) and the
street landscape buffer reduction from 10’ to 5’ along N. 5th Ave. This letter does not
constitute approval of the site, landscape, or building plans. A more detailed landscape
plan will be required during building permit review that includes the required sod
landscaping in the right-of-way as well as required sidewalks and/or other street
improvements. Please note that all planning, building, fire, and engineering requirements
will still need to be met during permit review.
Sincerely,
Morgan Bessaw, AICP, CFM
Deputy Director
City of Caldwell Planning and Zoning
621 Cleveland Blvd.
Caldwell, ID, 83605