HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_Planning & Zoning Meeting_12122012PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2012 6:30 P.M.
IONA COMMUNITY CENTER.
PRESENT: Chairman Dan Garren, Members - Roy Hobbs, Robyn Keyes, Bette Lovinus, Mike
Taylor, and Clerk Julie Hammond.
ABSENT: None.
VISITORS: Paul Johnson, Mayor Brad Andersen.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Member Lovinus.
Minutes Approved: Member Lovinus motioned to approve the minutes. Member Hobbs
seconded the motion. All were in favor, motion carried.
Recognize Citizens From the Floor: Chairman Garren recognized Paul Johnson of Rockwell
Development. Mr. Johnson addressed Planning & Zoning last month to ask for changes in the
City Code. He asked that the City change the 1/3 acre requirement and allow swales instead of
curb and gutter. After discussion the P&Z Members tabled the topic for further research. Mr.
Johnson came to this month's P&Z to readdress the subject. He stated that the City has a country
like atmosphere with the 1/3 acre lots but a city feel with curb and gutter. Chairman Garren
asked Mr. Johnson if he was looking for a variance to ordinance or an ordinance change. Mr.
Johnson replied with an ordinance change. Chairman Garren asked if Mr. Johnson found his
information in the General Developer Requirements for New Subdivisions. He stated that it was
his understanding that any new lot in Iona required 1/3 acre lots and curb and gutter. Member
Keyes stated this was passed as an ordinance but was never codified. Clerk Hammond was
asked to locate the ordinance. Member Hobbs asked if the obstacle was monetary. Mr. Johnson
stated that everyone is looking at their budgets and it costs $5,000 - $10,000 extra for curb and
gutter and larger lot sizes. Member Keyes stated he was willing to go to 1/3 acre and swales last
month. Mr. Johnson stated he favored either way (smaller lots with curb and gutter or larger lots
with swales). Chairman Garren asked for Members thoughts. Member Lovinus asked if curb
and gutter required a street drain. Mr. Johnson stated there are street drains which dump into
storm ponds which end up the responsibility of the City. Chairman Garren asked if the street
drain/storm pond system would be submitted under a plan for our engineers to approve. No
response was given. Member Hobbs stated curb and gutter looked more citified and prefers
keeping 1/3 acre lots. Member Taylor stated plows are instructed in Jefferson County to keep
two feet away from curbs so he would stick with 1/3 acre and abandon curb and gutter. Member
Keyes stated last month she was in favor of smaller lots for more diversity and curb and gutter
for high density areas but after thinking about it she is in favor of 1/3 acre lots and swales.
Chairman Garren stated he was not ready to approach a request to change ordinance and a
variance to existing conditions would need a proof of hardship. He would entertain a variance to
existing conditions if Rockwell was willing to provide proof of hardship. Mr. Johnson stated he
was not interested in that and would not pursue the development. Clerk Hammond was asked to
clarify if an ordinance was passed but not codified was still binding. Chairman Garren stated he
appreciated large lots. Planning & Zoning thanked Mr. Johnson for coming and stated they
would get back to him.
Chairman Garren then recognized Mayor Andersen. Mayor Andersen stated we need to provide
a variety of housing for people and maybe think about options per subdivision. Chairman Garren
stated options might be better suited under zones. The Mayor stated R2 or RT for curb and
gutter for higher density areas. He stated Chapters 10 and 11 would need to be addressed by
ordinance. Member Lovinus was concerned about the liability of draining into a holding pit.
Mayor Andersen stated there were many storm ponds around the City of Idaho Falls and Ammon
and liability should be covered by insurance. Mayor Andersen then stated his reason for coming
to Planning & Zoning was to thank everyone for their time and service they provide to the
community and handed out a token of his appreciation from the City and reminded everyone of
the Christmas Party on December 18th after Council.
Reports:
Formatting Changes: Chairman Garren reported that he met with Attorney Storer and Council
Member Geray to rectify differences in formatting changes. Attorney Storer will incorporate the
notes in about a week and Council will proceed with the Public Hearing in January.
Impact Area Updates: Member Keyes will take two letters to the Sewer District, Idaho Falls
Water and Bonneville County Planning & Zoning, one that follows the Sewer District
Boundaries and one that follows the highway and have them sign the one they prefer.
Meeting Adjourned 7:40 p.m.