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403 Blaine Street • Caldwell, ID 83605 • Phone 208-649-1266 • Fax 208-455-3014
Date 05/13/2026
Caldwell City – Planning and Zoning
Re: Case Number: DEV26-000002 Solstice DA Modification
Dear, Planning & Zoning
The Caldwell City Fire Department District has reviewed and can approve the
application subject to compliance with all the following code requirements and
conditions of approval. Any deviation from this plan is subject to Fire Department
approval. Please note that unless stated otherwise, this memo represents the
requirements of the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by the Idaho
State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Caldwell Fire Department Details
Station 12 724 E Ustick Rd. Caldwell
National Standards for Travel Time (90% of time) for first
arriving unit:
4 minutes
Nearest Fire Station: Station 12
Closest fire station (in miles) to site: 1.7 Miles
Approximate response time to site: 5 minutes
Will this development have other significant impacts on
the ability to provide services?
No
Will this development necessitate additional fire resources
and/or equipment beyond current levels?
If yes, please explain under “Adverse Impact Comments,
Recommendations, and Fiscal Impact”.
• Ongoing population increases will directly affect service
levels until CFD can enhance and expand its operational
capabilities.
No
403 Blaine Street • Caldwell, ID 83605 • Phone 208-649-1266 • Fax 208-455-3014
Distance
from Station
Service
Expectation Staffing & Apparatus
Typical Response Time
Goal
0–1 mile Immediate—high-
priority
First-due company
(engine) ≤4min travel, ≤5min total
1–2 miles Very rapid—high-
priority
First-due company,
backup ≤4min travel, ≤5min total
2–3 miles Rapid—standard
coverage First-due w/ backup ≤6min travel, ≤9min total
(full alarm)
3–4 miles Slower—moderate Closest available,
limited 6–8min travel
4–5 miles Extended Closest company,
delayed >8min travel, variable
Properties located 3–4 miles from a fire station are at the limit of effective
coverage and may experience service delays.
Developments beyond 5 miles are generally not recognized by ISO as having fire
protection, and response to these areas will be significantly delayed.
Conditions:
Secondary Emergency Access:
The Caldwell Fire Department is willing to move forward with allowing the exiting
fencing configuration to serve as a temporary means of secondary emergency
access for the currently platted subdivision. This determination is based on the
understanding that future development to the south is anticipated to provide a
permanent secondary access solution necessary to satisfy the intent and
requirements of the 2018 IFC Sections 503.4 and D103.5.
This approval is a temporary solution approved by the Fire Chief and does not
constitute a permanent approval of the existing access configuration.
A permanent secondary fire apparatus access road meeting applicable code
requirements shall be installed within twenty-four (24) months of this approval.
Should the permanent access not be completed within that timeframe, the
temporary secondary access arrangement shall be brought into compliance with
applicable fire code standards at that time.
403 Blaine Street • Caldwell, ID 83605 • Phone 208-649-1266 • Fax 208-455-3014
At a minimum, the temporary emergency access gate/fencing arrangement
shall comply with the following:
• Gate(s)/access panels shall be readily openable and operable by one
person;
• Operational means shall be provided on both the exterior and interior sides
of the fencing (handles or similar approved hardware);
• The operation and removal system shall be maintained in a condition that
allows for rapid emergency response access at all times and shall remain
free from dirt, debris, vegetation, snow accumulation, or other obstructions;
• Access shall remain unobstructed at all times;
• Permanent signage shall be installed identifying the location as an
Emergency Access Road and shall include clear operational instructions for
opening/removal procedures;
• Signage shall consist of contrasting lettering with a minimum 2-inch letter
height;
• The Fire Department requests installation of a chain across the subdivision-
side frontage access area with approved “Fire Department Access”
signage to discourage unauthorized use while maintaining emergency
accessibility.
Additionally, if feasible, replacement of the current removable fence panels with
vinyl swing gates or a similar approved gate system would more closely meet the
intent of the code requirements associated with gated or restricted emergency
access installations.
This approval does not waive future compliance requirements associated with
permanent secondary access for continued development within the area.
General Requirement:
Fire Department required fire hydrants, access, and street identification shall be installed
prior to construction or storage of combustible materials on site. Provisions may be made
for temporary access and identification measures. Any new development will need FD
approval prior to construction.
Specific building construction requirements of the International Building Code,
International Fire Code and City of Caldwell Code will apply. However, these provisions
are best addressed by a licensed Architect at time of building permit application.
403 Blaine Street • Caldwell, ID 83605 • Phone 208-649-1266 • Fax 208-455-3014
Regards,
Joseph Bongiorno
Fire Prevention Office
Caldwell Rural Fire Protection District
jbongiorno@cityofcaldwell.org