Document Star_doc_626ddb2c67

Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 0 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 1 Acknowledgements Mayor City Council Members Trevor A. Chadwick David Hershey Council President Kevin Nielsen Jennifer Salmonsen Michael Keyes City Staff Shawn L. Nickel, Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Additional Contributors Chad Bell, Former Mayor Cathy Ward, Former City Clerk Consultants: Land Consultants Inc. Mark L. Butler, Land Use Planner RKent Architecture Rebecca Kent Keller Associates Inc Justin Walker, PE Ryan Morgan, PE Steven Lewis, PE, PTOE Jeff Porter, Cad Specialist David Szplett, Transportation Engineer/Planner Richard Butler, Schools Component Dana Partridge, Social Media/Website Special Thanks Hundreds of Star area residents for community involvement Mike Olsen Photography for Photo Contributions Approved April 23, 2019/Updated December 08, 2020 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 Table of Contents Chapter 1 – Introduction 3 Chapter 2 – History of Star 8 Chapter 3 – Vision 11 Chapter 4 - Property Rights 12 Chapter 5 - Population 15 Chapter 6 - School Facilities and School Transportation 21 Chapter 7 - Economic Development 29 Chapter 8 - Land Use 42 Chapter 9 - Natural Resources 71 Chapter 10 - Hazardous Areas 78 Chapter 11 - Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities 88 Chapter 12 – Transportation 103 Chapter 13 - Parks and Recreation 137 Chapter 14 - Special Areas or Sites 152 Chapter 15 – Housing 161 Chapter 16 - Community Design 168 Chapter 17 - Agriculture 180 Chapter 18 - Implementation 183 Chapter 19 - National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors 187 Chapter 20 - Public Airport Facilities 188 Glossary 189 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 3 Chapter 1 – Introduction Star is primarily a residential community and currently its economic base is agricultural with a growing service commercial component. Residential development within the city has grown at an extreme rate in the past 20 years with the 2019 population being over 10,000 people. As growth continues to expand west within the Treasure Valley, the community is aware that the Star area is experiencing growing pains. With this in mind, the city desires to prepare for the near- and long-term future, by taking a proactive approach to planning for growth, rather than being reactive. As development occurs the community wants to protect, preserve, and enhance open spaces, the Boise River, and the steep slope areas. The community does not want Star to become a “Stack and Pack” metropolitan city but wants to strive to retain its small-town family friendly character while growing a strong commercial base and vibrant downtown. This Comprehensive Plan is to be the guiding document for our community to achieve its goals and objectives. The Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA), Idaho Code 67-6508, which was first adopted in 1975, mandated that all Idaho cities and counties develop a Comprehensive Plan. Other than requiring that certain planning components be placed in the plan the Act did not tell local governments how the plan ought to be developed, where their information and documentation ought to come from, or how the plan ought to be assembled. That would be the responsibility of each jurisdiction. Idaho Code requires that the plan consider previous and existing conditions, trends, compatibility of land uses, desirable goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for each planning component identified within the Idaho Code. The plan, with maps, “strive to retain its small-town family friendly character while growing a strong commercial base and vibrant downtown.” ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 4 charts, and reports, shall be based on the components as they may apply to land use regulations and actions unless the plan specifies reasons why a particular component is unneeded. Currently Idaho Code includes seventeen planning components to be considered, all of which are addressed within this plan. The act of comprehensive planning is an involved process, which is designed to reflect the needs and desires of the community. Local economic development groups have their forums for focusing on economic development, employment, and growth issues. Community leaders have typically held retreats for their organizations to focus on various land use issues. Mayors have State of the City addresses, but the Comprehensive Plan can provide an avenue to take various forms of information and place them in one concise comprehensive document. A plan should give the public, developers, businesses, and government agencies a strong understanding of the city’s intentions and desires regarding its future development, which will help lead to greater cooperation and minimize potential conflicts. The plan is intended to be a set of positive, rather than restrictive, statements concerning what the City of Star wishes to be and to accomplish. The goal of the plan is to introduce long-term consideration into the determination of short-term actions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 5 Although the year 2040 is used as a planning reference date, this plan is related more to growth principles and circumstances within its entire planning area rather than to a specific horizon year. Because of the incremental, gradual and often unpredictable nature of community development, no fixed date can apply to all the goals, policies, and proposals expressed in the plan and the entire planning area will extend significantly past the 2040 planning date for the plan’s ultimate build out. It is estimated that about one half of the undeveloped area identified on the plan will see development within the 2040 planning reference date. Planning is a continuous process. As conditions change and new information becomes available, objectives and priorities of the city may change and goals, objectives, and policies may be modified. This plan is intended to be the public growth policy of the City of Star and as such, must be responsive to change and forward-thinking. It should be reviewed and revised when necessary, to reflect the community’s changing population, attitudes and desires. It is important to remember that the Comprehensive Plan is just that, a plan. Unlike ordinances, which it is subservient to, it is intended to be flexible and responsive to the communities changing conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 6 The Goals, Objectives, and Implementation (Policies) Strategies of the planning components within this plan are generally defined as follows: GOAL: Goals usually are stated in broad terms to reflect community wide values. The ultimate purpose of a goal is stated in a way that is general in nature and immeasurable. They provide the community a direction in which to travel, not a location to reach. OBJECTIVE: The objectives statement defines the meaning of the goal, describes how to accomplish the goal, and suggests a method of accomplishing it. It advances a specific purpose, aim, ambition, or element of a goal. It can describe the end state of the goal, its purpose, or a course of action necessary to achieve the goal. IMPLEMENTATION (POLICIES) STRATEGIES: Policies are specific statements that guide actions, imply clear commitment, and express the manner in which future actions should be taken. They are, however, flexible rules that can adapt to different situations and circumstances. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 7 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 8 Chapter 2 – History of Star The “Village of Star” was located approximately one mile to the east of the present City of Star and halfway between the present downtown and the Star-Emmett junction, Highway 16 and Highway 44. The first schoolhouse was built on that location in the 1870's on land donated by B.F. Swalley. When the settlers finished building the schoolhouse, they could not decide on a name for the building. One of the men carved out a star and nailed it to the front door, pounding the nails all around the edge of the star. This became an important landmark for miles around and was a guide for travelers and miners. When the visitors came to the schoolhouse with the star on the door, they could travel west one mile and find board and lodging for the night. So, in time the town became known as Star. The schoolhouse was replaced by a brick schoolhouse on River Street in 1903. In 1912, a 4-year high school was started. A new school was built in 1937 from bricks salvaged from the school built in 1903. The Star elementary school was built in 1975, alongside the old school which was later demolished. Star maintained its own school district for a period but is now part of the West Ada Joint School District. West of Star on Highway 44 is the two-story brick Central School built in 1905, which is now a private home and Arabian horse stable. In 1905, Star incorporated and established city limits reaching four miles in all directions. During the early part of the 20th century the town flourished with rapid growth and with merchants very successful in business. The town had a mayor, marshal, constable, and justice of the peace. The jail was a frame building located just east of the Odd Fellows Lodge Hall. By the time the new interurban arrived, at least twenty new buildings had been erected. Rapid growth came with the confidence of the Boise Interurban Railway. Growth continued in 1909 with at least 30 new buildings erected. In ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 9 the early 1900s, Main Street periodically served as a racetrack. Horse races were a big event with most everyone and often followed by a baseball game. Impromptu races down Main Street were not limited to specific holidays but could arise from on-the-spot challenges. Other activities included a weekly debate society where issues of the day such as railroads, Sunday laws, and women's rights were discussed. Also, there was a literary society, Star School sporting events, and a skating rink. An evening outing for a party of young people included chartering a trolley excursion to Boise and back. Star Trading Days were stock sales held every third Saturday of each month. The initial growth of Star came with the construction of the Boise Interurban Railway. In 1907, W.E. Pierce completed the electric railroad which ran from Boise to Caldwell, via Eagle, Star, and Middleton, and back through Nampa and Meridian. The introduction of the Interurban also brought electricity to Star. The Idaho Daily Statesman reported in 1907 that as a result of the completion of the Boise and Interurban line through Star, "This town has taken a wonderful activity and citizens here have awakened to the fact that Star is very liable to become a very important point before long. There's been a great deal of building of late and the population of the town has easily doubled since it was definitely known that the electric line would be built through here." Completion of the Boise Interurban created radical growth with W.E. Pierce and Co. platting two new areas of land to the east of the original town site. These areas included Interurban Addition and ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 10 the Pierce Addition. Lot sales, as reported in the Idaho Daily Statesman at that time, were brisk. The Star Interurban Depot with a freight office and passenger waiting room was built at Valley and Knox streets in 1907. The building was designed by Boise architects, Tourtellotte and Hummel. Nearby was the transformer house. At the time the stage connected to Emmett. With the introduction of automobiles into the Treasure Valley, the Interurban was used less and less, eventually going out of business in 1928. The loss of this link to the valley meant a decline in activity for Star. The depot was moved to the east side of town in the 1950's. Star's growth declined with the closure of the Boise Interurban in 1928, while another setback came in 1929 when the town was dis-incorporated. Today the City of Star is going through a transition. The city is located 16-miles northwest of Boise, 6-miles west of Eagle, 7-miles east of Middleton, 9-miles north of Nampa and 16-miles south of Emmett. Star had historically been a small rural community of about 500 residents. The city was re-incorporated in 1998 with a population of 648. As the Treasure Valley has grown over the last 20-years, so has Star’s population. Star remains the trading center of a working community which earns its living for the most part from the soil and from work outside the city, but the City of Star is growing and will continue to grow. The ongoing challenge is how the city should manage the growth. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 11 Chapter 3 - Vision As development occurs the community wants to protect, preserve, and enhance open spaces, the Boise River, and the steep slope areas generally to the north. The community does not want Star to become a “Stack and Pack” metropolitan city but wants to strive to retain its small-town family friendly character while growing a strong commercial base and vibrant downtown. Star acknowledges that it will continue to grow as the Treasure Valley grows, but Star’s growth is to be a unique balance of environmentally sensitive urban and rural development. Urban development will be directed to our downtown, activity centers, and on lands with grades compatible for urban development as well as along regionally significant transportation corridors. The city will work in cooperation with landowners and local agencies to plan for and preserve rural planning areas in which large lot residential and agricultural uses continue in appropriate locations. The city will balance development with environmental stewardship, especially along the Boise River and in the steep slope areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 12 Chapter 4 - Property Rights 4.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Property Rights Component Requires an analysis of provisions which may be necessary to ensure that land use policies, restrictions, conditions, and fees do not violate private property rights, adversely impact property values or create unnecessary technical limitations on the use of property and analysis as prescribed under the declarations of purpose in chapter 80, title 67, Idaho Code. 4.2 Background and Analysis Private property rights encompass not only the right to develop, invest, achieve, and profit from property, but also the right to hold and enjoy property. As the population increases and a greater number of people live nearer to each other, the opportunities for land use conflicts become greater. Property rights must balance the individual’s desire to “do whatever I want with my land” with a respect for the property rights of neighboring owners. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 The 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution as well as Article 1§14 of the Idaho Constitution ensure that private property, whether it be land or intangible property rights, shall not be taken by the government absent just compensation. The Idaho State Legislature has also enacted statutory provisions requiring state and local governments to ensure that planning and zoning land use policies do not result in a taking of private property without just compensation. The statutory provisions include, among other things, a takings checklist generated by the Idaho Attorney General. The takings checklist must be used in reviewing the potential impact of regulatory or administrative actions on private property. Land use policies, restrictions, conditions, and fees of the City of Star are not to violate private property rights, adversely impact property values or create unnecessary technical limitations on the use of property as prescribed under the declarations of purpose in Idaho Code §80‐67 and its subsequent amendments. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 4.3 Goal All land use decisions made by the City of Star pursuant to this Comprehensive Plan shall protect fundamental private property rights. 4.4 Objectives A. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. B. Property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions. C. No person shall be deprived of private property without due process of law. 4.5 Implementation Policies: A. Land use development regulations are to be designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and to avoid any unnecessary conditions, delays, and costs. B. The protection and preservation of private property rights are to be a strong consideration in the development of land use policies and implementation standards and regulations and as required by law. C. The Comprehensive Plan and implementing ordinances are to strive for stable and consistent policies regarding development densities and requirements. D. Ensure that all applicants, pursuant to Idaho Code §67‐8003, have notice of the right to request a regulatory taking analysis. E. All entitlements are to be reviewed in compliance with this plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 3 Chapter 5 – Population 5.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Population Component Requires a population analysis of past, present, and future trends in population, including such characteristics as total population, age, sex, and income. 5.2 Background and Analysis For decades the City of Star had maintained a population of about 500 residents. When Star was incorporated in 1997 it had a population of 648. Since 1997 the population of Star has increased from 648 to 10,310 as of 2018. The community itself desires a stable population increase with a slow growth factor, but understands that this is the ideal characteristic. In areas of sometimes more rapid growth patterns, such as the Treasure Valley, the most important factor regarding growth is that the city manages the growth pattern. A managed growth pattern helps to ensure the consistency of the essential city services such as water, sewer, ambulance, police, and fire protection, expanding potential for business and job creation, establishing a balance of housing for homeownership and housing rentals, and preparing for educational needs and the development of quality sport and recreation opportunities. The normal factors which affect populations are births, death, and migration, where migration is defined as a movement of residents into or out of a ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 community. Large changes in population over a short time span (up to five years) can and will create many problems. This is why the land use plan should provide for the possibility of greater changes or fluctuations than would normally be expected. Population forecasting is not an exact science. Economic conditions influence population levels. It is recommended that the demographic data be updated on an as needed basis. Based on population forecasts, significant additional infrastructure and community facilities and services will be required to maintain quality of life standards in the community. Projections for the future population can be a challenging task. Many factors such as subdivision platting, building lots purchased, homes construction, in and out migration, and births and deaths will all determine the growth of the City of Star. The next federal census will be conducted in April 2020 which would be the appropriate time to review the population estimates. 0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00% 14.00% 16.00% 18.00% 2000-2005 2006-2009 2010-2012 2013-2018 COMBINED (2000-2018) 17.10% 11.70% 2.03% 9.41% 10.83% City of Star Average Annual Growth Rates ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 Population Analysis Actual Average Rate Per Year 2000-2018 (10.83%) COMPASS Projection Comprehensive Plan Projection 2020 12,664 9,581 11,804 2025 21,177 12,134 16,556 2030 35,412 15,103 23,220 2035 59,216 18,937 32,567 2040 99,020 24,243 45,677 Note: Prior to the December 2018 adopted Compass CIM2.0 2040 Plan the original CIM 2040 Plan estimated Star 2040 population at 35,644 *Average percent per year in COMPASS CIM 2.0 2040 Plan 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 POPULATION PROJECTIONS Average Rate Per Year 2000-2018 COMPASS Projection Comprehensive Plan Projection ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 3 Source: COMPASS CIM 2040 Plan Source: US Census, 2010 Source: US Census, 2010 City of Star & Treasure Valley COMPASS Population Forecast Note: COMPASS projects 9,581 for 2020, actual for 2018 is 10,310 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 City of Star 9,581 12,134 15,103 18,937 24,243 Region* 674,974 745,286 830,314 940,579 1,022,000 Comparison of 2010 Age Distribution Star City Ada County Canyon County USA Median Age 32.3 34.8 31.6 37.2 0 to 24 39.9% 35.7% 40.9% 33.9% 25 to 44 30.7% 28.8% 26.8% 26.6% 45 to 64 21.5% 25.1% 21.5% 26.4% 65+ 7.9% 10.4% 10.8% 13.1% Comparison of 2010 Sex Distribution Star City Ada County Canyon County USA Female 50.8% 49.9% 49.5% 50.8% Male 49.2% 50.1% 50.5% 49.2% ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 4 Source: US Census 2017 American Community Survey Source: US Census 2017 American Community Survey Household Income & Education Distribution Star City Ada County Canyon County USA Median Household Income $55,674 $60,151 $46,426 $57,652 Average Household Income $75,716 $80,990 $57,151 $81,283 Incomes above $150K 9.3% 15.8% 3.8% 15.7% Incomes below $25K 17.3% 9.6% 23.3% 14.1% Percent with Bachelor’s Degree (age 25+) 20.3% 25.3% 12.9% 19.1% ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 5 5.3 Goal: Manage population growth consistent with community goals and objectives as expressed within the Comprehensive Plan. Enhance the quality and character of the community while providing and improving amenities and services. 5.4 Objectives: A. The City of Star should coordinate with Ada and Canyon Counties in establishing and revising the Area of City Impact to better plan for future growth patterns on an area wide basis, while supporting the Star Comprehensive Plan. B. Review growth patterns within the city limits, Area of City Impact, and Comprehensive Plan boundary in order to curtail urban sprawl with low density housing and protect existing agriculture lands from unnecessary encroachment. 5.5 Implementation Policies: A. Monitor population growth and employment data to detect significant trends that will affect the Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives, and policies. B. Monitor changes in population demographics by regularly reviewing relevant indicators (building permits, census data) in order to estimate future impact to city services. C. Work with the Fire District to assure maintenance of adequate fire protection facilities and fire protection services. D. Provide a variety of housing opportunities for differing population needs ranging from large‐lot residential to multi‐family apartment uses. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 2 Chapter 6 - School Facilities and Transportation 6.1 Idaho Code Regarding the School Facilities and School Transportation Component Requires an analysis of public-school capacity and transportation considerations associated with future development. 6.2 Background and Analysis Students in Star currently attend schools in the West Ada School District. As the city continues to expand into Canyon County, some students will be attending schools within the Middleton School District. The school facilities and transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan is meant to coordinate efforts of cities and school districts when considering school capacities, facilities, and transportation needs. When new development and subdivisions are reviewed, it is important for the school districts to consider the impact on school areas and provide input to the city. The City of Star and the West Ada Joint School District have worked concurrently for the development of new school construction sites. Continued ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 3 partnerships could result in purchasing new park land adjacent to proposed school sites which would enhance additional open space. As additional facilities are planned, the following should be considered: A. Are there adequate municipal services to accommodate the land use? B. Are there any special considerations needed for construction at the proposed site? C. Will the future school site be located in an area that is currently developed or in the direction of the city’s natural growth? D. Where is the best location for the new school to accommodate the most students? Cities across this nation, especially small communities, have local activities that can take advantage of school sites. Examples are community events, Saturday bazaars and carnivals, and high school sports events. As the city continues to grow, the city should, to the best of their ability, work with the Districts to preserve this tradition. Joint locations for parks and open space are important. Strong communities are built around their education system. The placement of new schools in neighborhoods should create a sense of place within the community through attractive design of public places, however schools should be in locations where city services currently exist and where vehicle and pedestrian access provided is safe and convenient. The West Ada School district is seeing tremendous growth with an annual student increase of nearly 975 students districtwide each year (for the last 20 years.) A Middleton School District representative stated that in 2017 enrollment for the Middleton High School was 1,236 and in 2018 it is 1,276. As the city grows, the focus on school facilities should be considered a quality- of-life factor within the city. Representatives with the West Ada Joint School District state that land needed for an elementary school site is 10-acres with As the city continues to grow, the city should, to the best of their ability, work with the Districts to preserve the tradition of working together for community events. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 4 a maximum capacity of 650-students. Likewise, a middle school would need 30-acres for a maximum of 1,000-students, while the acreage increases to between 50-60 acres for high school sites with a maximum of 2,000-students. This acreage could be less based upon combining school sites or partnerships with the city for joint location of recreation facilities. 2018-2019 Area Schools Enrollment and Capacity School Grades Served Enrollment Capacity School Type Rocky Mountain High School 9-12 2395 1800 High School Meridian High School 9-12 1890 2200 High School Eagle High School 9-12 2022 1800 High School Middleton High School 9-12 1281 1550 High School Star Middle School 6-8 557 1300 Middle School Star Elementary School K-5 450 557 Elementary School Transportation related impacts include school buses being driven through neighborhoods to pick up children as well as parents picking up and dropping off children. Traffic at elementary and middle schools are typically similar, being in the morning and the afternoon. West Ada Joint School District allows for open campuses for high schools. This means that students can freely move in and out of the campus without needing ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 5 permission. Major traffic impacts for high schools are in the mornings, lunchtime, and afternoon. Additional impacts consist of high school students attending or traveling to sporting events, such as football or basketball games, track meets, and other extracurricular activities. Three major issues confront most school districts. The first is the establishment of safe school routes. This would include the location of safe walking routes (i.e. sidewalks and pathways) to and from school. Other concerns include routes along busy streets and the crossing of these streets. A second issue is the location of lighting at bus stops, and the third are railroad crossings. In the City of Star, public sidewalks are lacking in many of the older neighborhoods. In order to provide safe school routes, adequate sidewalks are needed. The city does not have many streetlights, and bus stops are typically not located at lighted areas. Better coordination is needed with the School District, Ada County Highway District, and Canyon Highway District 4. Bus transportation to and from the school sites is provided by the West Ada Joint School District and Middleton School Districts. Based upon District policy, only students who live within 1.5 miles, or have to cross dangerous intersections or rail crossings, may be bussed. Bus routes are reviewed annually, and adjustments are made. The school facilities and transportation element of the comprehensive plan is meant to coordinate efforts of cities and counties, when considering school capacities, facilities, and transportation needs. When new development and subdivisions are reviewed, it is important for the school district to consider the impact on school areas and plan for adequate facilities. Three major transportation issues confront most school districts. • FIRST is the establishment of safe school routes. • SECOND issue is the location of lighting at bus stops. • THIRD are railroad crossings. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 6 West Ada School District Maps Middleton School District Map ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 7 6.3 Goal The Star community is dependent upon the quality of education for its citizens. The learning environment for each student must be safe, functional and one that optimizes and enhances academic, social, emotional, and physical development. 6.4 Objectives The partnership between the City of Star, West Ada Joint School District No 2, and Middleton School Districts should: A. Continue with the emphasis of cooperation and communication. B. Develop a safe route program. C. Continue to build relationships. D. Continue to participate in the planning process. E. Encourage schools to be sited within city limits in order to be cost- effective for city services. F. Consider public safety issues. G. locate bus stops near streetlights. H. Invite school participation in city events. I. Urge support of local businesses for extracurricular, academic, and sports programs of the school. J. Develop and expand fiber optics services for a distance learning center at the high school. K. Develop school signage which meets community and city needs. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 8 6.5 Implementation Policies A. Encourage regular communication and meetings between city and school district officials. B. Work with the school districts to coordinate new school locations, which use existing or future city infrastructure. C. Where appropriate, the city and the school districts should share facilities. D. Continue to develop and maintain a dialogue with the school districts to arrange joint use of public facilities. E. Develop a cooperative program to expand the use of schools, land, and parks by the general public as well as students. F. Develop dual use of school sites for parks. G. Encourage the joint citing of schools and parks whenever possible. H. Work with the school districts, ACHD, CHD4, and developers to establish access options for Star Schools via pathways and/or streets. I. Establish and implement a safe school route program. J. School districts should meet city signage requirements. K. City seeks to support a partnership with the school districts to develop adult education and meet training needs for the citizens of Star. L. Locate elementary and middle schools within residential neighborhoods to facilitate walking and reduce bussing costs for the districts. It should be discouraged to locate elementary and middle schools on collector and arterial roadways as defined by the Regional Functional Classification Map. High schools may be located on arterials. M. Encourage high schools to reduce traffic impacts by providing limited/reduced student parking, developing alternative transportation, and/or establishing closed campuses. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 9 N. Encourage the school districts to continue to make schools available for civic functions when classes are not in session. O. Encourage land use development to reduce street hazards by developing access to elementary and secondary schools on local streets and/or pathways. P. Explore legally suitable opportunities for developers to assist in donating or purchasing school sites identified in the districts’ master facilities plans, according to student demand created by future land use development. Q. Consider density incentives for the location/dedication of public-school sites. R. Consider allowing the non-building portion of school sites to be counted as required open space when school sites are dedicated. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 10 Chapter 7 - Economic Development 7.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Economic Development Component Requires an analysis of the economic base of the area including employment, industries, economies, jobs, and income levels. 7.2 Background and Analysis When the City of Star was incorporated in 1997, its population was 648. Economic development has changed since then. The city has grown to an estimated population of over 10,000 residents in 2018. The once agriculture- dominated community has slowly been transformed into a community where suburban and rural land uses co-exist. Economic development plays an important role in creating and maintaining the living standards within a community. A strong economy provides economic opportunities to all citizens through job creation and business ventures. Economic opportunities create a tax base that supports schools, police, fire protection, parks, and other community facilities, services, and amenities. Economic development results from a partnership between business and government whereby a nurturing, supportive environment is created that stimulates growth and retention of existing businesses and facilitates the start-up and recruitment of new ones. In a city the size of Star, a positive impact can best be made by focusing economic development efforts on the enhancement of the business climate for entrepreneurs and small businesses. An additional positive economic impact can be made by increasing the number of home-based businesses and telecommuting opportunities. Thus far, citizens from in and around Star have expressed an aversion to urban sprawl and a desire to maintain rural, small- town charm; yet economic growth and prosperity are universally desired. Star’s growth has created an opportunity to expand the city’s economy by mobilizing human, physical, natural, and capital resources to produce marketable goods and services. As the city continues to expand, demands on A strong economy provides economic opportunities to all citizens through job creation and business ventures. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 11 vital infrastructure components increase, and the sustainability of economic progress becomes more challenging. Specific challenges include: ➢ Defining future locations for commercial, office, and light industrial or high-tech uses ➢ Balancing the location and construction of commercial and residential development ➢ Connecting I-84 to US-20/26 (Chinden Boulevard), SH-44 (State Street), and SH-16 to manage traffic movement ➢ Considering a highway alternate route for thru- traffic that limits downtown Star pass through vehicles on SH-44 from SH-16 to Kingsbury Road ➢ Identifying the boundaries of the Central Business District ➢ Siting and construction of a special events center and a recreation center ➢ Keeping pace with basic infrastructure technology (e.g. broadband internet technology) To address these challenges, Star’s city ordinances provide for the appointment of a volunteer Economic Development Committee (EDC). The EDC meets to plan for the city’s economic development, to identify projects that address the city’s economic development needs, and to assign sub-committees and individuals responsible for carrying out those projects. The Star EDC, on an ongoing basis, is identifying a number of projects designed to enhance the economic opportunities for the community. Recently, ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 12 the EDC recommended, and the city sponsored, an effort to create Star’s first ever Economic Development Plan. Star has been an active Gem Community. Created in 1988, the Idaho Gem Community Program provides training and technical assistance for rural communities interested in pursuing economic and community development. The program's primary goal is to help communities build local capacity and resources to meet the challenges confronting Idaho’s rural communities. Diversification and strengthening of Star’s economic base continues to be a high priority. The city has established a precedent to improve the overall community structure to strengthen its position in the Treasure Valley by embracing cultural diversity in the areas of education, commercial and industrial expansion. Economic development must also be viewed in a broad context to include the creation of opportunities for segments of the population who are disadvantaged or have special interests or needs so that all can benefit from prosperity. Immediate and long-term prospects for Star’s local economy are excellent. Development both inside and outside the city’s current corporate limits will provide many opportunities. Star’s competitive advantages include a location in close proximity to Boise, quality elementary and charter schools, capacity for additional demographic and economic growth, a balanced, debt-free city budget; and a proven track record of creating enhanced opportunities for its ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 13 citizens and businesses. Star’s economy will be enhanced by building on the important community assets, such as a highly skilled and educated workforce, entrepreneurial spirit, and abundant investment capital. 7.2.1 Existing Conditions Historically, farming and other agricultural activities were the basis of the Star economy. However, in 2000, farming-related agricultural activity accounted for only 15 employees, which is only 1.7 percent of the city’s entire labor force. The largest job category was identified as management and professional related occupations. While it is both culturally and economically important for Star to continue to support and grow the agriculture-based businesses in its area, a greater emphasis should be placed on the development of high-value professional and technical businesses and occupations that will supply the community’s residents with higher paying long-term employment opportunities. Major Employers (over 20 or more employees) Approximate Number of Employees West Ada School District 80 Star Merc/ Star Cafe 50 Star Sewer and Water 40 Bi-Mart 30 Sully’s 22 Star Fire District 20 Maverick 20 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 14 2017 Employment Status Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics Star Ada County EMPLOYMENT STATUS Number Percent Number Percent Population 16 years and over 5,709 339,996 In labor force 3,721 65.2% 225,745 66.3% Civilian labor force 3,721 65.2% 224,627 66.1% Employed 3,621 63.4% 214,984 63.2% Unemployed 100 1.8% 9,643 2.8% Armed Forces 0 0.0% 848 0.2% Not in labor force 1,988 34.8% 114,521 33.7% OCCUPATION Civilian employed population 16 years and over 3,621 214,984 Management, business, science, and art occupations 1,269 35.0% 92,454 43.0% Service occupations 729 20.1% 35,708 16.6% Sales and office occupations 1,032 28.5% 53,830 25.0% Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 425 11.7% 14,870 6.9% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 166 4.6% 18,122 8.4% INDUSTRY Civilian employed population 16 years and over 3,621 214,984 Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining 62 1.7% 3,120 1.5% Construction 416 11.5% 12,501 5.8% Manufacturing 189 5.2% 18,837 8.8% Wholesale trade 112 3.1% 5,921 2.8% Retail trade 344 9.5 % 25,877 12.0% Transportation, warehousing, and utilities 82 2.3% 9,282 4.3% Information 15 0.4% 4,883 2.3% Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing 503 13.9% 15,327 7.1% Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services 333 9.2% 27,026 12.6% Education, health, and social services 788 21.8% 49,974 23.2% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services 159 4.4% 19,104 8.9% Other service (except public admin.) 269 7.4% 9,283 4.3% Public administration 349 9.6% 13,849 6.4% Source: US Census ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 15 According to the 2017 American Community Survey, 45.8% or 3,591 of Star’s residents commuted daily to their place of employment. It is also reported that it took approximately 28.2 minutes for a Star resident to commute to work. 2,684 or 74.7% of those residents drove single occupancy vehicles. In addition, only 418 residents worked at home in 2017. Obviously, with the increase in Star’s population, it can be assumed that the sheer number of commuters and vehicles has increased dramatically since 2010. Simultaneously, the cost of transportation fuels has risen significantly without an appreciable improvement in vehicle fuel economy. 2015 Comparison of the Distribution of Jobs Star USA Goods-Producing / Non-Service Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 0.6% 0.9% Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 0.1% 0.5% Utilities 1.6% 0.6% Construction 11.2% 4.7% Manufacturing 0.1% 9.0% Wholesale Trade 6.7% 4.3% Service Related Retail Trade 7.4% 11.2% Transportation and Warehousing 1.3% 3.6% Information 0.0% 2.2% Finance and Insurance 2.7% 4.2% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 0.4% 1.5% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 10.7% 6.4% Management of Companies and Enterprises 0.0% 1.7% Administration & Support, Waste Management and Remediation 16.5% 6.3% Educational Services 7.9% 9.4% Health Care and Social Assistance 14.4% 14.7% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 0.1% 1.7% Accommodation and Food Services 11.7% 9.3% Other Services (excluding Public Administration) 3.3% 3.2% Public Administration 3.1% 4.6% Source: LEHD Date (Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamic) Census Bureau The annual unemployment rate in Ada County was 2.8% in 2017, 3.5% in 2016, 4.3% in 2015, 4.9% in 2014, 5.7% in 2013, and 5.8% in 2012. The total work force in the county in 2017 was 225,475, while the total number of unemployed persons in the county was 9,643. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 16 7.2.2 Star Trade Area Consumers tend to travel to Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell for their larger shopping needs. Star shops offer basic amenities such as groceries and smaller goods. The Star Trade Area extends north to Emmett, east to Eagle, south to Meridian, and west to Middleton, which is an estimated total of 34,600 acres in Ada County alone. Potential sales are lost (shrinkage) due to customers going outside of the Star Trade Area or to larger metropolitan areas, such as other nearby cities to make purchases. Some residents believe that they save money by buying less expensive products elsewhere. However, they must also drive a minimum of 4 miles to find a major, discount retailer. More upscale retailers and department stores are more distant. As gas prices fluctuate it may or may not be economical to buy essential goods outside of Star. Merchants must encourage Star residents to purchase local products. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 17 7.2.3 Business Retention, Expansion, and Recruitment The economic development strategy for the City of Star, Idaho, is based on three distinct activities—Business Retention/Expansion, Business Start-up, and Business Attraction. The successful development of a strong economy in Star will depend on the successful creation of a business environment that: ➢ Supports the businesses that are already in and around Star ➢ Encourages entrepreneurship and the start-up of new businesses in and around Star ➢ Showcase the workforce and the infrastructure that will attract businesses from outside of Star The city will strive to establish partnerships with various funding institutions and business development agencies, and area banks to develop workshops on funding opportunities and other aspects of business development. 7.2.4 Business Retention/Expansion The primary economic development activity of the City of Star should be supporting the retention and expansion of companies that currently do business in and around the City of Star. Businesses will never be encouraged to start in or relocate to Star if there is no city support for them once they are here. The EDC and its meetings should be a sounding board where existing business owners and managers can voice their concerns or ideas and participate in establishing business policies for the city which are supportive of sustaining and growing any appropriate business. Profitability and housetops are the primary determining factors in the success of any business. Efforts which help businesses to maximize revenues and minimize costs, from a global, community-wide perspective, should be undertaken. A focus of business retention is to understand local business needs and continuing market conditions. If deficiencies or needs are identified in which the city can affect positive change, the city is willing to work with partnering agencies to evaluate and affect needed changes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 18 7.2.5 Business Start-Up The City of Star is an attractive and rapidly expanding community. The city presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. The City of Star and the Star EDC should develop policies that establish and support an entrepreneurial environment that promotes the creation of start-up businesses in and around Star. Areas of specific focus that will enhance start-up opportunities include: improving access to start-up investment or debt capital; improving availability, reliability, and affordability of broadband communications infrastructure; creating or supporting business incubation facilities and/or the establishment/attraction of a start-up business consulting organization. 7.2.6 Business Attraction As the overall business climate in Star improves, a simultaneous effort will be made to attract and recruit additional businesses to Star. Priority should be given to businesses that will provide an appropriate selection of products and an appropriate level of service to the citizens of the greater Star community. Incentive policies will be established that make the location of a business in Star an attractive proposition. These incentives should be based on the number of jobs created, employee benefits package, and overall benefit to the community. The City of Star and the EDC will strive to establish and maintain a balanced portfolio of business interests in the community while permitting free market forces to determine the specific composition of the business base. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 19 7.2.7 Central Business District (CBD) The Central Business District (CBD) is the heart of the city and in many cases the condition of the CBD will set the tone of the economic vitality of the city. The CBD is very poorly defined. Absentee ownership of downtown property may be a concern. It seems that there may be issues regarding identifying or preserving historic structures. The Economic Development Committee and ad hoc committees established by the City Council should look at what can be done to help the CBD. The 2011 Star Downtown Revitalization Plan adopted by the city should be reviewed and updated for implementation of CBD development strategies within the plan. Currently, the majority of Star’s commercial community is located along State SH-44 (State Street) which serves local resident needs and includes grocery and restaurant facilities, service businesses (such as hair care, auto parts and service), and other small businesses. Other businesses serve travelers using the state highway which intersects the community. Also along the highway are the Star Fire District Station, City Hall, Star Sewer and Water District offices, light industry/manufacturing, building supply, public storage, childcare/education, professional office, medical facilities, and the library. In addition, many of these businesses are small and family operated. Housing is interspersed among the commercial developments; some of these structures are of a historical nature. As the community grows, other retail centers may be established, but it is important for the community to remain focused on the vitality of the central core and mixed-use developments with commercial on the lower floor and high density residential on upper floors for a vibrant Central Business District. 7.2.8 Post-Secondary Education The City of Star recognizes the irrefutable value of post-secondary education opportunities for our children and for our citizens in general. Institutions of higher learning also present a compelling economic development opportunity because they produce a skilled and knowledgeable workforce while simultaneously producing jobs in education, tuition revenues, and residual economy from their specific operations. The city and the EDC will continually strive to improve our citizens’ access to post-secondary education up to and ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 20 including the establishment of a post-secondary educational institution within the Star community. 7.3 Goal Enhance and develop Star’s economy which will build a stronger community. 7.4 Objectives A. Recognize the important role played by local institutions of higher education in attracting residents and creating jobs in the city. B. Support recruitment of environmentally sound and economically viable development that helps to diversify and strengthen the local economy. C. Provide a climate where businesses, particularly locally-owned ones, can flourish by enhancing the city's natural resources, arts and culture, lively urban core, and vital neighborhoods. D. Improve regulatory certainty, consistency, and efficiency. E. Provide appropriate locations for an industrial/high-technical park. F. Support workforce training that will facilitate desirable economic development that helps to diversify and strengthen the local economy. G. Work with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) to obtain technical assistance and/or funding for the expansion or establishment of economically viable development. H. Develop a mixture of commercial, service, and residential developments that encourage walking. I. Develop a walkable mixed use live, work, play Central Business District (CBD). J. Develop a WiFi wireless program throughout downtown Star. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 21 K. Support economic development that provides quality employment opportunities to local residents, good wages, benefits, and affordable goods. L. Promote the development of a hospital facility in the area. M. Provide on street parking in the CBD. N. Provide sidewalks throughout the CBD. O. Support existing community agricultural businesses. 7.5 Implementation Policies A. Concentrate appropriate commercial and office development onto relatively small amounts of land, in close proximity to housing and consumers for neighborhood commercial centers. B. Support economic development that employs local workers, provides family-supporting wages and benefits and offers affordable goods and services. C. Coordinate economic development efforts with other jurisdictions, as well as City and Treasure Valley committees and organizations as the City determines beneficial. D. Consider lands along Highways 16 and 20/26 as the location for a mix of uses consisting of commercial and an industrial/high-technical park with a minor component of high density residential. E. Promote mixed use developments with commercial on the lower floor and high density residential on upper floors within the Central Business District. F. Strengthen the appearance and commercial development with the city’s Central Business District/main street area. G. Develop a Post-Secondary education program within Star’s city limits. H. Continue to streamline the development process. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 22 I. Encourage the procurement of goods and services from local farmers, businesses, and service providers. J. Create a public market. K. Work with Idaho Transportation Department regarding the upgrading of SH-44, which divides the CBD in order to determine the locations of sidewalks, trees, planters, and outdoor seating, and minimize negative vehicle impact to the Central Business District. L. Partner with the local agricultural community to ensure a place for agricultural business in the City of Star. M. Implement, review, and update the 2011 Star Downtown Revitalization Plan for development strategies within the plan. N. Implement the recently adopted 2018 Star Economic Development Plan. O. The city should consider retaining services of an economic development advisor. P. Work with the transportation agencies to consider a highway alternate route for thru-traffic that limits downtown Star pass through vehicles on Highway 44 from Highway 16 to Kingsbury Road as referenced in the transportation component of this plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 23 Chapter 8 - Land Use 8.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Land Use Component Requires an analysis of natural land types, existing land covers and uses, and the intrinsic suitability of lands for uses such as agriculture, forestry, mineral exploration and extraction, preservation, recreation, housing, commerce, industry, and public facilities. A map shall be prepared indicating suitable projected land uses for the jurisdiction. 8.2 Background and Analysis Land use issues are intertwined with other Chapters of the plan, such as transportation, economic development and community design. Managing growth and channeling it into an orderly community development pattern is a key element of land use planning. Unplanned growth results in undesirable and incompatible land uses. The City of Star traditionally served as a community center to the rural surrounding area, serving agricultural uses and rural residents. Commercial uses were found mainly along State Highway 44, which bisected the city. In addition, residential uses were found along the highway interspersed among commercial uses. For several blocks, both north and south of the highway, residential development was found. Since incorporation in 1997, the City of Star has been transforming from a rural to a small guideline, which provide a framework for making these decisions. It is the Comprehensive Plan that guides this framework. The Comprehensive Plan represents the future of Star. The land use component is only one of the components to be considered when determining whether a particular proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. When determining what the Comprehensive Plan is to achieve, each component must be considered before a decision can be made. The components are to function in concert with no component standing in isolation. It has long been held in Idaho that a Comprehensive Plan is a “guide”. It has also been litigated in Idaho that the Land Use Map is only one component to be considered and that the “ENTIRE” plan is to be considered when rendering ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 24 a decision, not just the Land Use Map. The Land Use Map is not required to “mirror” zoning designations. A Zoning Compatibility Matrix is therefore incorporated into the plan to help elected officials determine the best zoning for a particular piece of property as it relates to the overall plan. It is the sole discretion of the City Council to determine the best zoning using the Comprehensive Plan as a guide. Existing zoning classifications may be able to adequately implement some components of the Comprehensive Plan. New zoning classifications may need to be considered in areas where the city's existing zoning is inadequate. The ordinances establish the conditions under which land may be used and future land use development patterns for the City of Star. Existing uses of land and buildings are permitted to continue, even if they are not in conformance with the plan implementation policies and the associated land use ordinances, as long as they were legally approved or have legal non-conforming rights. Land use designations serve as a planning tool that assist the city in sustaining reasonable growth and development patterns and to identify land use patterns which remain consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City of Star. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 25 As development applications occur, the review of this chapter as well as other chapters of the Comprehensive Plan will create a balance of land use decisions. Incompatible land use will be reduced by reviewing goals, objectives, and implementation policies of the Comprehensive Plan. A community with a balance of land uses has a long-term economic stability. Residents need to have employment opportunities as well as a diverse choice of housing and retail services to maintain the city as a vital community. The City of Star aims to ensure that an adequate inventory of land is available so that the city is able to recruit new businesses and provide space for locally expanding companies. New residential development has grown to the east, west, south and north of the original town-site. The predominant land uses are residential. Most of this residential land involves single family housing, although some multi- family properties do exist. The actual percentage of land zoned as commercial and industrial land is small when compared to residential land uses. Commercial properties in Star tend to follow the two main city arterials, State Street and Star Road. There are no industrial land uses within the Star city limits, but gravel pits and existing agricultural lands exist in the surrounding areas. During City Council meetings, development decisions are made concerning annexation, rezoning, subdivision development, conditional use permits, planned unit developments, variances, and other matters. Due to this responsibility, it is necessary for the city to update ordinances, policies, and regulations in accordance with this plan. 8.2.1 Current Land Use Patterns Existing Residential Land Uses Rural-Urban Intersection Issues – Citizens of the Treasure Valley and beyond have been moving to the City of Star and the surrounding area. Land is being purchased and entitlements have been received for residential development. There are concerns of the farming and the former farming community that they are losing the quaint small rural city. It is recognized that the City of Star is going through a transition, where the rural community is intersecting with the urban community. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 26 Residential land use patterns in the city limits include existing parcels of 1 to 5 acres and urban density single family subdivisions. Housing types include attached and detached single family dwelling units, patio homes, and multi- family dwelling units. Existing Rural Residential District (RT) The city includes a zoning designation of Rural Transitional (RT). Rezones to this designation should be terminated and instead rezones to a new designation of Rural Residential (RR) should be considered. The purpose of the Rural Transitional district has been to provide for the transition of agricultural land (no longer used for extensive agricultural purposes) into low density residential uses that provide a rural lifestyle. The maximum gross density allowed is one residential dwelling unit per two acres. The concept of having large lots as a “transition to future subdivision to urban lots” has proven ineffective and problematic. That can be the plan for agriculturally zoned properties. This RT zone and resulting development only create serious future conflict. What happens is the city ends up having large RT lots blocking urban infrastructure and then serious conflict arises when some of the large lot owners want to maintain their rural lifestyle and others want to subdivide as this zoning designation calls for. It is considered better to have a “Rural Residential (RR)” zoning designation for lots of 2 to 5 acres and plan them where they are to remain as part of the city and not be subdivided. Existing Civic Land Uses The Star City Hall, Star Library managed by Ada Community Libraries, an independent taxing district, the Star Sewer & Water District, and the Star Fire District Station #1 are located in the Central Business District on SH-44. The Star Senior Center is located at 102 Main Street. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 27 Existing Open Spaces The most important amenities are the Boise River, which is located one mile south of Highway 44, and the hillside areas to the north of the city center. The river is available for fishing, hiking, and viewing of wildlife. Currently, a continuous greenbelt does not exist, but the city is in the process of requiring portions of a future river greenbelt with development proposals. Blake Haven Park is located on Star Road across from Star Elementary School. Some of the new subdivisions have developed open space for their residents, but they are not public facilities. Existing Commercial Commercial land uses are generally located along Highway 44 and Star Road. A range of professional offices, retail, restaurant, and other services are located along these corridors. Commercial zoning approvals are occurring at the intersection of Highway 44 and Highway 16. There are a number of home occupations in Star, but the actual numbers have not been identified. Existing Industrial Land Uses Industrial uses are very minimal in Star with the closest use to light industrial being mini storage. Existing Agriculture The city acknowledges Idaho’s Right to Farm Act and the need to protect the role of agriculture in Star with the understanding that the area within its Comprehensive Plan is transitioning to urban development. Development is not allowed to disrupt or destroy irrigation canals, ditches, laterals, drains, and associated irrigation works and rights-of-way. Existing conditions are such that current agricultural uses will be protected within Idaho’s Right to Farm Act and that the ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 28 trend is for agricultural uses to transition to urban development within the city’s Comprehensive Plan boundary. Compatibility of land uses are to be assured through development proposals. The goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for the agricultural uses within the city, are to protect such uses but to allow development to replace agricultural uses as the city grows. 8.2.2 Area of City Impact Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 67-6526, Area of City Impact - Negotiation Procedures: “a separate ordinance providing for application of plans and ordinances of the Area of City Impact shall be adopted. Subject to the provisions of Section 50-222, Idaho Code, an Area of City Impact must be established before a city may annex adjacent territory.” Annexations outside of the Area of City Impact may be permitted as otherwise provided for within Idaho Code. In defining an Area of City Impact, the following factors should be considered: A. Trade Areas; B. Geographic factors; C. Areas that can reasonably be expected to be annexed into the city in the future. The City of Star should work toward an agreement with Ada and Canyon Counties for land use decisions in pre-defined impact areas surrounding the city. The boundaries of the Area of City Impact are contingent upon negotiations with Ada and Canyon Counties and the surrounding cities. In some cases, as requested by a landowner, the city has annexed outside its area of City Impact which is permitted. The City of Star recognizes that growth issues affect the city and both counties. Effective growth management will require a coordinated effort involving city and county land use regulations. Some of the more specific growth-related issues include: A. Potential for growth in the areas outside of the city and within the Area of City Impact; B. Modifications to the Area of City Impact and possible annexation; ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 29 C. Expansion of city services only in areas within the city limits of Star or its Area of Impact; D. Based upon the Blaha case, the city recognizes that they can only make recommendations on land use issues in the Area of City Impact for lands not annexed into the city; E. Impacts of growth can affect the efficiency of existing and future transportation and transportation corridors. 8.2.3 Land Use Map Designations Rural Residential Suitable primarily for rural single-family residential use adjacent to agricultural uses, adjacent to other Rural Residential type uses, and adjacent to BLM land areas. Densities typically range from 1 unit per 2 acres to 1 unit per 5 acres. It is the intent of this land use designation to help to preserve Star’s rural feel. Huge manicured “Rural Residential” lots are discouraged and therefore manicured home site areas on these properties should not exceed 1/2 acre. Uses may include active agriculture, viticulture, equestrian, and residential. Uses include native open space and small-scale active farmland. The Rural Residential land use is not amenity based (sewer, water, schools) and will ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 30 usually be located away from goods and services. These areas encourage the keeping and raising of crops and/or animals and do not necessarily include manicured yards, sidewalks, bike paths, or planned park and recreation facilities. Density may be further limited due to the limited availability of infrastructure. Modified street sections and a reduction in light pollution (by reducing lighting standards) may be offered for a more rural feel. This land use designation is to be located such that it does not block extension of urban services at reasonable costs. Wells and septic systems should be permitted for lots in this land use designation if approved by the applicable Health Department. Estate Residential Suitable primarily for single family residential use. Densities in this land use area are to range from 1 unit per acre to 3 units per acre. Densities not exceeding 1 to 2 units per acre are to be encouraged in areas of the floodplain, ridgeline developable areas, hillside developable areas, and where new residential lots are proposed adjacent to existing residential lots of one acre and larger where those existing larger lots are not likely to be subdivided in the future. Clustering is encouraged to preserve open space. A density bonus may be considered if open space is preserved, and land of at least 40% of additional preserved open space is developable. Neighborhood Residential Suitable primarily for single family residential use. Densities in the majority of this land use area are to range from 3.01 units per acre to 5 units per acre. Densities not exceeding 1 to 2 units per acre are to be encouraged in areas of the floodplain, ridgeline developable areas, hillside developable areas, and where new residential lots are proposed adjacent to existing residential lots of one acre and larger where those existing larger lots are not likely to be subdivided in the future. Compact Residential Suitable primarily for residential use allowing a mix of housing types such as single family, two family, and multi-family. Densities range from 5.01 units per acre to 10 units per acre. High Density Residential ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 31 Suitable primarily for multi-family. This use should generally be located in close proximity to commercial centers and primary transportation corridors. The use is also suitable within the Central Business District in mixed use buildings with commercial or office uses on the first floor and high density residential on upper floors. Densities range from 10.01 units per acre and up. Density may be limited to ensure compatibility and transition between uses adjacent to the site. Design specifications may include increased setbacks for multi‐story buildings, landscape buffers, and transitional densities. Rezoning to this designation should not be allowed unless adequate ingress/egress to major transportation corridors are assured. Commercial Suitable primarily for the development of a wide range of commercial activities including offices, retail, and service establishments. Rezoning to this designation should not be allowed unless adequate ingress/egress to major transportation corridors are assured. Light industrial uses may be considered at the discretion of the City Council without amending this plan. Central Business District: The Central Business District is planned to be a vibrant downtown center for the community. Uses encouraged are commercial, retail, civic, private offices, and entertainment. High density housing is encouraged on the upper floors of mixed-use buildings and at the fringes of the land use designation. Developments in this district are to place an emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle access and compatibility. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 32 Mixed Use Generally suitable for a mixture of uses which may, at the sole discretion of the Council, include office, commercial, light industrial, and/or residential depending upon the specific area designated as Mixed Use. See Mixed Use Implementation Policies for specific criteria. Development within this land use designation is to proceed through the PUD and/or development agreement process. Identifying areas for mixed-use development has two objectives. The first objective is to give the city a better tool to manage the type of developments through the planned unit development and/or the Development Agreement process. The second objective is that this land use designation will allow the development community to be more innovative in design and placement of structures. Development design guidelines should also be established to guide development within mixed-use areas. Rezoning within this land use designation is to be strictly monitored by the city to assure that the Mixed Use areas are not being used simply to justify high density residential use. Light Industrial Suitable primarily for manufacturing, warehousing, mini‐storage and open storage, multi‐tenant industrial park, and similar uses. Limited office and commercial uses may be permitted as ancillary uses. All development within this land use shall be free of hazardous or objectionable elements such as excessive noise, odor, dust, smoke, or glare. Commercial/Industrial Corridor This area is located along the Hwy 44 corridor and is approximately 1,000 feet deep on both sides of the highway. Suitable primarily for the development of a wide range of commercial and light industrial activities including offices, retail, service establishments, manufacturing, warehousing, mini‐storage and open storage, multi‐tenant industrial park, and similar uses. Rezoning to this designation should not be allowed unless adequate ingress/egress to major transportation corridors are assured. All development within this land use shall be free of hazardous or objectionable elements such as excessive noise, odor, dust, smoke, or glare. Uses on the fringes shall transition to and be compatible with existing and future residential uses. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 33 Agribusiness Suitable primarily for uses associated with agricultural activities, but due to parcel sizes, does not include large farming operations. The uses may include, but are not limited to, dry flower production, aquaculture, seed and fertilizer labs, agritourism, organic crops and fertilizer, farmers markets and roadside stands, bee keeping, nurseries and tree farms, and hydroponics. Public Use/Parks/Opens Space Suitable primarily for the development of such uses as golf courses, parks, recreation facilities, greenways, schools, cemeteries, and public service facilities such as government offices. All development within this land use is encouraged to be designed to accommodate the different needs, interests, and age levels of residents in matters concerning both recreation and civil activities. Open space should be designed to capitalize on and expand the open space areas around natural features and environmentally sensitive areas. Priorities for preservation include: the most sensitive resources – floodways and floodplains (including riparian and wetland areas), slopes in excess of 25%, locally significant features, and scenic viewpoints. Fragmentation of open space areas should be minimized so that resource areas are able to be managed and viewed as an integrated network. Open space areas along the Boise River should be designed to function as part of a larger regional open ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 34 space network. Where possible, open space should be located to be contiguous to public lands and existing open space areas. Floodway Floodway areas are defined as specifically shown on the newest edition of the Federal Emergency Management Administration Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) mostly along the Boise River (generally shown as floodway on the Land Use Map). These areas are to remain open space because of the nature of the floodway which can pose significant hazards during a flood event. Floodway areas are excluded from being used for calculating residential and development densities. Any portion of the floodway developed as a substantially improved wildlife habitat and/or wetlands area is open to and usable by the public for open space, such as pathways, ball fields, parks, or similar amenities, as may be credited toward the minimum open space required for a development, if approved by the City Council. When discrepancies exist between the floodway boundary shown on the Land Use Map and the floodway boundary shown on the FIRM maps so that the floodway area is smaller than that shown on the Land Use Map, the adjacent land use designation shown shall be considered to abut the actual floodway boundary. Steep Slope ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 35 Areas with over 25% slope are to be “no development” areas except for city approved trails and where isolated areas of steep slope are located on property where site grading can easily be modified to buildable area. In those cases where grading can be accomplished to modify the isolated steep slope areas the surrounding land use designation shall apply within the area designated steep slope. Special Transition Overlay Area Development adjacent to, and potentially within, this area is to provide for an appropriate transition between existing and new home sites where new urban development is being planned adjacent to previously approved and constructed rural county developments of years past. Site layout is to provide for a transition in density and lot sizing. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 36 2% 74% 1% 1% 3% 1% 1% 14% 3% Zoning Map Designations by Land Area March 9, 2019 Rural Transitional R1 to R5 (74.4%) R6 to R10 R11+ Commercial Central Business District Limited Office Mixed Use (14%) Public Space 90% 7% 3% Zoning Commercial vs. Residential March 9, 2019 Residential Commercial Public Space ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 37 28% 51% 6% 2% 6% 5% 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Rural Transitional 0.1% Low Density Residential 28% Medium Low Density Residential 51% Medium Density Residential 6% Medium High Density Residential 1% High Density Residential 0.9% Commercial 2% Mixed Use 6% Open Space 5% 4% 20% 46% 2.6% 8% 4% 5% 7% 2% 2019 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Agriculture 4% Rural Residential 20% Neighborhood Residential 46% Compact Residential 2.6% High Density Residential 0.1% Commercial 8% Central Business District 4% Light Industrial 1% Mixed Use 5% Open Space 7% Steep Slope 2.3% ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 38 92% 3% 5% 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMERCIAL VS. RESIDENTIAL Residential Commercial Open Space 4% 71% 16% 9% 2019 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMERCIAL VS. RESIDENTIAL Agricultural Residential Commercial/Light Industrial Open Space/Steep Slope ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 39 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 40 ZONING COMPATIBILITY MATRIX FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS CITY ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATIONS1,2 Rural Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Central Business Neighborhood Business General Business Limited Office Agri- business Light Industrial Mixed Use Public/ Open Space (RR) (R-1 to R-3) (R-3 to R-5) (R-5 to R-10) (R-10 and up) (CBD) (C-1) (C-2) (L-O) (AGB) (LI) (MU) (PS) Rural Residential X X Estate Residential X Neighborhood Residential X X X X Compact Residential X X X X X High Density Residential X X X X X X Commercial X X X X Central Business District X X Mixed Use X X X X X X X X X X Public Use/ Parks & Open Space X Floodway X Light Industrial X X X X X Commercial/ Industrial Corridor X X X X Agribusiness X X X X Steep Slope >25% X Notes: 1. See land use policies for further clarification of uses and restrictions. 2. A Development Agreement is required for all annexations or rezones. 8.3 Goal Encourage the development of a diverse community that provides a mix of land uses, housing types, and a variety of employment options, social and recreational opportunities, and where possible, an assortment of amenities within walking distance of residential development. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 41 8.4 Objectives A. Preserve the family friendly feel of Star. B. Implement the Land Use Map and associated policies as the official guide for development. C. Manage urban sprawl in order to minimize costs of urban services and to protect rural areas. D. Retain and encourage rural areas where it will not result in increased costs for urban services. E. Work to create a vibrant Central Business District. F. Encourage public participation in the land use planning process. G. Encourage land uses that are in harmony with existing resources, scenic areas, natural wildlife areas, and surrounding land uses. H. Require the conservation and preservation of open spaces and public access to the Boise River and BLM lands and interconnected pathways to be open to the public in new developments. I. Discourage development within the floodplain. J. Encourage commercial development that is consistent with a family friendly feel, not overburdening the community with big box and franchise uses and discourage the development of strip commercial areas. 8.5 Implementation Policies 8.5.1 “South of the River” Sub Area Plan: A “South of the River” Sub Area Plan should be developed and adopted by the city for the area planned to be the future downtown of Star and its future supporting periphery. This area includes the CBD (Central Business District) shown on the Land Use Map and the area between the Boise River and the Chinden Bench spanning from Highway 16 to the Can-Ada Road section line. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 42 This area is critical for master planning to provide Star a sense of place in its downtown understanding that the current small central business district area has served well for many years but as development occurs, and State Highway 44 is widened an expansion of the activity center of the city will be needed. Expanding south incorporates the beautiful Boise River with a significant amount of floodway area which can serve the new Sub Area well with many acres of parkland and public access to the river understanding that existing property owner property rights are not to be infringed. The CBD area of old town has many development constraints due to the small lots created in years past and the lack of a roadway grid system needed for commercial type uses. Compact development, as outlined by the CBD implementation polices within this plan, are critical for the vibrancy of the future downtown of Star. Highway 44 and Star Road south of Highway 44 are to be planned in this area as key commercial corridors. Collector roadways and land use goals, objectives and policies need to be adopted for the area south of the river to avoid urban sprawl, limit development in the flood plain, and to provide for compatible land uses supporting and enhancing the vitality of the historic central business district area. Until the Sub Area Plan is adopted by the city, development will be permitted in accordance with the other sections of this Plan, understanding that existing property owner property rights are not to be infringed. The Sub Area Plan will take precedence over the land uses shown within this Comprehensive Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 43 8.5.2 Policies Related Mostly to the Rural and Agricultural Planning Areas A. Create a “Rural Residential” land use zoning designation for rural lots to permanently remain as a part of the city in strategic locations and terminate rezones to the Rural Transitional (RT). B. Rural Residential areas help to preserve Star’s rural feel and huge manicured “Rural Residential” lots are discouraged in order to preserve land for more rural/agricultural type use. The manicured home site areas on these properties should be minimal and subordinate to open rural ground for pastures, farming, and other rural uses. C. Modified street sections with dark sky lighting standards should be encouraged in Rural Residential land use areas. D. When an urban density residential development is planned with lots that directly abut lots within a Rural Residential area an appropriate transition is to be provided for the two abutting residential lot types. A transition must take into consideration site constraints that provide transitional lots and/or open space area avoiding urban lots directly abutting rural residential lots. E. Larger setbacks should be required for new lots planned to abut existing Rural Residential lots. F. Lots within a Rural Residential Land Use designation should be designed such that lots on each side of the street are of similar size. G. Rural Residential developments are to be located so that they do not block extension of urban services at reasonable costs and will require utility easements where necessary to assure urban service extensions. H. Add an Agricultural zoning designation within the zoning code to allow for large parcels of land to be annexed into the city as either agricultural use or as agricultural use transitioning in the future to city rural residential or urban lots. I. At the time that the Comprehensive Plan is adopted, the existing legal uses of land will not be impeded. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 44 8.5.3 Policies Related Mostly to the Urban Residential Planning Areas A. The Estate and Neighborhood Residential Land Use is to encourage urban style development densities to limit urban sprawl. B. Low densities within the Estate and Neighborhood Residential Land Use are to be designed within the floodplain, ridgeline developable areas, hillside developable areas and where new residential lots are proposed adjacent to existing residential lots of one acre and larger where those existing larger lots are not likely to be subdivided in the future. C. Site layout adjacent to and within the Special Transition Overlay Area shall provide for a transition in density and lot sizing. D. High Density residential uses should be located in close proximity to commercial centers located near highway corridors and on upper floors within the Central Business District land use area. High Density residential uses otherwise should not be dispersed throughout the community and should not be located along the Boise River. E. High Density residential may be limited to ensure compatibility and transition between uses adjacent to the site. F. High Density residential design specifications may include increased setbacks for multi‐story buildings and increased landscape buffers. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 45 8.5.4 Policies Related to The Special Transition Overlay Areas A. Development adjacent to and within the Special Transition Overlay Area is to provide for an appropriate transition between existing and new home sites where new urban development is being planned adjacent to previously approved and constructed rural county developments of years past. B. Site layout is to provide for a transition in density and lot sizing with all policies regarding compatibility herein applying. C. Modified street sections, such as with no curbs gutters or sidewalks, should be encouraged for adjacent compatibility where determined appropriate. D. When an urban density residential development is planned with lots that directly abut lots within a Special Transition Overlay Area an appropriate transition is to be provided for the two abutting residential lot types. A transition must take into consideration site constraints that provide transitional lots and/or open space area avoiding urban lots directly abutting Special Transition Overlay Area lots. E. Larger setbacks should be required for new lots planned to abut existing Special Transition Overlay Area lots. 8.5.5 Policies Related Mostly to The Central Business District Planning Areas A. The CBD zoning district should allow for a mix of commercial, office, institutional, and civic type uses with specific provisions for residential use in appropriate locations with compatible densities. B. High density residential is suitable within the CBD in mixed use buildings with commercial or office type uses on the first floor and high density residential on upper floors. C. Main Street, generally south of Tempe Lane extended, consists of several lots which are about one acre in size created by “Dixon Subdivision” almost a century ago. Many of the existing home sites on ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 46 these lots are rural in nature, including farm animals. As redevelopment of this area occurs, a transition consisting of a compatible mix of lower intensity commercial and office type uses mixed with residential should be encouraged. Within the South of the River Sub Area Plan recommended herein, this Main Street area needs to be studied to provide for special care guiding future development understanding that the rights consisting of the existing rural use of residential lots are not to be infringed. Furthermore, Main Street is to be studied for the provision of traffic calming measures and to provide for a connection for horseback riders to access an equestrian trail which should be planned along the Boise River. D. The city should develop a street improvement plan for the CBD identifying drainage and street improvements with a functional grid system and use public private partnerships to assure the system is built and that “ad hoc” development of parcels within the CBD do not block good planning. E. The city should develop a downtown grid system, in part, planning for the easterly extension of Tempe Lane and easterly extension of West First Street to help provide better downtown access and parking facilities. F. The east west public road from the Heron River Development, south of the LDS Church on Main Street, should be extended to Star Road. G. Implement, review, and update the 2011 Star Downtown Revitalization Plan for development strategies within the plan intended to stimulate development within the CBD. H. As recommended in the 2011 Star Downtown Revitalization Plan, the city should create an Urban Renewal District to stimulate development within the CBD. I. The city should encourage assemblage of the smaller properties where appropriate. J. The “floodway” lands abutting the CBD land use designation, all as shown in the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map, should continue to be ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 47 developed as park space supporting activities integral to the economic and “Live, Work, Play” ambiance planned for the CBD. K. Main city service facilities should be located in the CBD and should all be south of State Highway 44 clustered into a “City Services Campus”. That includes the City Hall, Library, Post Office, Emergency Services, Department of Motor Vehicles, and other related facilities. L. Big Box commercial, generally a single-story single use building over 50,000 square feet, should not be permitted within the CBD and any single-story single use building which is large in scale, such as approaching the 50,000 square foot size, should be located to front on Highway 44 or Star Road. 8.5.6 Policies Related Mostly to The Commercial Planning Areas A. Assist in the provision of coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective public facilities and utility services, carefully managing both residential and non-residential development and design, and proactively reinforcing downtown Star’s role as the urban core while protecting existing property rights. B. Encourage commercial facilities to locate on transportation corridors. C. Locate neighborhood services within walking distance to residential development. D. Discourage the development of strip commercial areas. E. Maintain and develop convenient access and opportunities for shopping and employment activities. F. Commercial areas of five acres or less should be encouraged in residential land use designations with appropriate zoning to allow for commercial services for residential neighborhoods and to limit trip Such commercial areas should be submitted for approvals with a Conditional Use Permit or Development Agreement to assure that conditions are placed on the use to provide for compatibility with existing or planned residential uses. These areas should be oriented with the front on a collector or arterial street. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 48 G. Allow for some light industrial uses within the Commercial areas at the sole discretion of the City Council. 8.5.7 Policies Related Mostly to The Mixed Use Planning Areas A. Council, at their sole discretion, shall determine what mix of uses are appropriate for any mixed use area considering existing property owners rights. B. Development within the Mixed Use Designation is to proceed through the CUP, PUD, and/or Development Agreement process, and a concept plan must be included with any such proposed use. C. In general, mixed use areas along state highways should be predominantly commercial with a very minor component of residential unless the residential is placed on upper floors as part of a mixed use building. D. Mixed use areas along state and U.S. Highways where direct access to the state highway is prohibited, like along State Highway 16 between State Highway 44 and US Highway 20/26, should be predominately residential with a minor component of neighborhood commercial, or light industrial if sufficient roadway access, by means of backage or other roads, to the State Highway is provided. E. Mixed use areas located between commercial and residential land use designations are to provide a compatible transition between the higher intensity use of commercial and the lower intensity use of Estate and Neighborhood Residential. Uses for these mixed use areas could include multi-family housing and or office related uses if determined by the Council through the public hearing process, to be appropriate. 8.5.8 Policies Mostly Related to Open Space and Special Areas A. Projects that hold a residential designation, where the developers would like to provide or dedicate amenities similar to those allowed in the Public Use/Parks/Open Space designation, may transfer unused density from these areas to other areas within the development, as may be approved by the City Council through the Planned Unit Development or Development Agreement processes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 49 B. Where possible, open space should be located to be contiguous to public lands and existing open space areas. C. Open space should be designed to capitalize on and expand the open space areas around natural features and environmentally sensitive areas. Priorities for preservation include: The most sensitive resources – floodways and floodplains (including riparian and wetland areas), slopes in excess of 25%, locally significant features, and scenic viewpoints. Fragmentation of open space areas should be minimized so that resource areas are able to be managed and viewed as an integrated network. D. Open space areas along the Boise River should be designed to function as part of a larger regional open space network. E. Require the conservation and preservation of open spaces and public access to the Boise River and BLM lands and interconnected pathways, open to the public, through new developments. F. The city should work with property owners adjacent to the Boise River to maintain and enhance the river corridor as an amenity for residents and visitors and to obtain public pathway easements and to have pathways constructed. Uses which complement this public access include trails and interpretive signage. G. Common areas in subdivisions should be centrally located for the residents use and should include micro-path connections where feasible. H. Discourage development within the floodplain. I. Floodway areas are to remain “open space” because of the nature of the floodway which can pose significant hazards during a flood event. J. Floodway areas are excluded from being used for calculating residential and development densities. K. Any portion of the floodway developed as a substantially improved wildlife habitat and/or wetlands area that is open to and usable by the public for open space, such as pathways, ball fields, parks, or similar ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 50 amenities, as may be credited toward the minimum open space required for a development, if approved by the City Council. L. Encourage land uses that are in harmony with existing resources, scenic areas, natural wildlife areas, and surrounding land uses. M. Areas over 25% slope are to be “no development” areas except for city approved trails and except where isolated areas of steep slope are located on property where site grading can easily modify the steep slope area for buildable area. In those cases where grading can be accomplished to modify the isolated steep slope areas the surrounding land use designation will apply within the area designated “steep slope.” N. Clustering of housing is to be encouraged where needed to preserve hillsides, natural features, and to avoid mass grading of land in areas determined to be preserved. 8.5.9 Additional Land Use Component Policies A. Upon review of specific development applications, the Council may approve uses considering that the boundaries of the various land use designations shown on the Land Use Map are contemplated to be flexible based upon existing property lines and other site considerations. B. Update the Area of City Impact boundaries. C. Encourage the city and county(s) to meet on a regular basis to discuss common land use issues within the Areas of City Impact. D. Developments planned in the area where the Star Comprehensive Plan overlays the Comprehensive Plan of adjacent cities should be planned in a coordinated manner to limit conflicts between city jurisdictions. E. Encourage public participation in the land use planning process. F. With regard to land-use planning, property owners and residents within Star’s Comprehensive Planning area who live outside the city limits and are not entitled to vote in city elections are encouraged to provide public input for consideration by the City Council. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 51 G. Develop processes for public participation and materials that describe the development and public hearing processes. H. Develop a harmonious blend of opportunities for living, working, recreation, education, shopping, and cultural activities. I. Encourage flexibility in site design and innovative land uses. J. In the Neighborhood Residential Land Use Designation property of sufficient size may be developed with a mix of housing types such as single family, two family, and multi-family with appropriate transitioning as referenced otherwise herein and with the gross density not being exceeded. K. Buffer and transition development is to occur between conflicting types of land use. L. Encourage landscaping to enhance the appearance of subdivisions, structures, and parking areas. M. Amend the code to require tree lined streets where appropriate. N. Require more open space and trees in subdivisions. O. Work with Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Canyon Highway District #4 (CHD4), and Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) for better coordination of roadway and access needs. P. Promote “trip capture,” in new development. Q. The Star Fire District is encouraged to respond to development applications by advising the city’s Planning Department of the impact that the proposed development will have, if approved, on the standard response time. R. Develop an infill development ordinance. S. Developments will be required to provide groundwater studies where needed to address possible impacts to existing wells or the aquifer. T. Support well-planned, pedestrian-friendly developments. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 52 U. Dark sky provision should be adopted within the code to assure down style lighting in all developments and Star should consider joining the International Dark Sky Association. V. The City should utilize the 2018 Treasure Valley Tree Selection Guide when requiring trees within developments. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 53 Chapter 9 - Natural Resources 9.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Natural Resources Component Requires an analysis of the uses of rivers and other waters, forests, ranges, soils, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, thermal waters, beaches, watersheds, and shorelines. 9.2 Background and Analysis The natural resources of the Star area include the climate, natural environment of the arid foothills, the Boise River and other waterways, geology and soils of the area, natural vegetation, and the diverse wildlife. A review of development proposals should consider the purpose for which land is best suited, as defined by a combination of its natural characteristics, location, and the goals of the city. Within this context, environmental conservation and protection serves many purposes. Conservation can protect the natural and urban environment as well as add to the overall quality of life for the community. One of the most important ongoing planning challenges, however, is to adequately conserve and balance the natural resources of the City of Star with population growth and the protection of the area, which makes the city an attractive place to live. Natural resources are an integral component when a community is approached with new development. The goals and policies stated in this component are intended to establish a balance between development and the conservation of such natural resources. Natural resources exhibit both opportunities and limitations to human use. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 54 9.2.1 Climate, Precipitation, and Temperatures The City of Star is located approximately 2,467 feet above sea level and enjoys a mild climate. Star has an annual average precipitation of 11.76 inches. Most of the precipitation occurs between the months of November to May. The average annual snowfall is 19.7 inches, with killing frosts as early as December and as late as February. There are approximately 212 frost free days in Star from March to December. This allows for a relatively long growing season. Winters in Star, though cold, are generally not severe. Summer days are hot, while nights are relatively cool. The average maximum temperature is 62.9 degrees, and the average minimum temperature is 39.5 degrees. Northwesterly winds prevail with intermittent southeasterly winds in winter and spring. The climate is favorable for many agricultural pursuits in the area. The current crops in the area vary widely from wheat, oats, corn, beans, mint, hay, pasture, alfalfa, and clover seed, to sugar beets, potatoes, and many specialty seed crops. 9.2.2 Hydrology Waterways, including the Boise River, Little Gulch Creek, Big Gulch Creek, and numerous irrigation canals and ditches are the most pronounced features of the area. These waterways provide homes to over 200 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 7 species of amphibians, and 20 species of fish. The water also provides recreational opportunities for residents, including swimming, fishing, hunting, floating, and bird and wildlife viewing. Groundwater in the area is generally quite shallow except in the foothills area. The Star Sewer & Water District drinking water is obtained from groundwater wells located north of the city. Residents outside the Star Sewer & Water District rely upon shallow groundwater wells for domestic supply. Many of the domestic wells are artesian (flowing) wells with flow rates that fluctuate with the season and high-water table. 9.2.3 Geology and Soils The primary geology of the Star area consists of material from the Idaho Batholith. The City of Star is situated within the defined Broadway Terrace, thus making Star a prime location for sand and gravel extraction. The soils of ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 55 the region consist of several major soils with numerous subsidiaries of each soil type as defined by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. While many minerals are lacking, there are deposits of sand and gravel. 9.2.4 Wildlife Various types of wildlife have been sighted in Star and the area of city impact includes deer, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, beavers, minks, and many other mammals. The wide variety of songbirds, game birds, eagles, great blue herons, and other waterfowl are notable features of the skyline. Although generally less adored than the furry or feathery creatures, the area is also home to many species of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Each individual species has specific habitat needs including the basic requirements of food, cover, shelter, and space. Loss of critical habitats or landscape diversity can lead to relocation to other less desirable habitats or extinction. Key habitats are the product of slope, soil type, physical features, and available water. Often these key habitat areas are also desirable sites for human development and occupation. It is important that the development of the area be conducted in a manner that protects the wildlife while meeting the needs of the human population. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 56 9.2.5 Vegetation Vegetation in the area consists of cultivated fields, riparian forests, urban forests, and the native shrub-grass-forb complex. Improperly planned developments can result in converting the very diverse plant communities in the area to more simple communities at the expense of the wildlife, soil, water and air quality, and recreational and aesthetic value. Healthy native vegetation communities reduce the potential for wildlife conflict with people and agricultural pursuits. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 57 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 58 9.3 Goal Recognize and protect the natural beauty and resources of the city and maintain a harmonious balance between human populations and nature by ensuring that resources are properly respected and protected. 9.4 Objectives A. Preserve and protect open space, unique natural areas, wetlands, water and woodland resources, scenic views, and areas of natural beauty. B. Promote Natural Resource areas by creating, preserving, and enhancing parks, hiking trails, active and passive recreation facilities, and by creating useable open space for the betterment of the community. C. Provide a system of interconnecting greenways and ecological corridors that connect natural areas to open space. D. Protect water quality and quantity in the streams and groundwater and consider the potential regional impacts on water supply and wastewater management for all proposed developments. E. Preserve the natural beauty and habitat of the Boise River and land adjoining the river. 9.5 Implementation Policies A. Implement appropriate goals and development requirements, including setbacks, densities, development standards, and open space requirements to minimize impact on natural resources. B. Provide buffers to natural resources with transitional land uses. C. Protect and preserve the natural beauty and habitat of the Boise River and land adjoining the river. D. Prohibit new development in floodway areas and limit development in the flood fringe of the flood plain. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 59 E. Provide wildlife habitats and corridors where evidence indicates they are justified. F. All developments should comply with all applicable water quality, air quality, species protection, and land use regulations and requirements. G. Conduct a natural resource audit. H. Encourage the preservation of open space, wildlife habitats, and fish habitats. I. Locate development away from sensitive wildlife habitat areas. J. Adopt ordinances, site plan reviews, subdivision regulations, and/or overlays to address land issues in or near wildlife, water resources, scenic views, steep slopes, and unique habitats. K. Develop mitigating measures to offset or minimize the impact of development. L. Encourage the development of a buffer which ensures the unique habitat, existing wildlife, and scenic value of the Boise River ecosystem is preserved. M. Critical and sensitive areas regarding natural resources in the City of Star should be identified. Currently, there is not any documentation regarding the types and locations of critical and sensitive areas. In order to acquire this information, the city may choose to have those in the development community provide this information as part of their land use applications or the city may choose to fund these requests from the general fund ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 60 Chapter 10 - Hazardous Areas 10.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Hazardous Areas Component Requires an analysis of known hazards, as may result from susceptibility to surface ruptures, from faulting, ground shaking, ground failure, landslides or mudslides, avalanche hazards resulting from development in the known or probable path of snow slides and avalanches, and floodplain hazards. 10.2 Background and Analysis Hazardous areas are those areas with the potential to threaten human health, safety and property. It is important to identify these areas to prevent development in potentially hazardous areas. Hazardous areas can relate to the natural environment such as seismic hazards, slopes, erosion hazards, and floodplains. In addition, landfills, waste disposal areas, railroad crossings and tracks, grain elevators, brownfield sites, transportation of hazardous materials, and airport clear zones can be hazardous. Cities have police and fire departments to protect the health, safety, and welfare and cities have the responsibility to protect their citizens to the best of their ability. The city develops policies to assure that hazardous areas are managed correctly. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 61 10.2.1 Soil Erosion Exposed surface soil materials are prone to erosion by wind and water. Ground-disturbing activities such as construction, quarrying and tillage increase soil erosion. Soil erosion also occurs from runoff, irrigation, wind, slope instability, and climate. The amount of vegetative cover also affects erosion. Soils in the City of Star are susceptible to both wind and water erosion. Surface irrigation is the largest contributor to erosion. 10.2.2 Soils and Slopes Slopes in Star vary depending on soil types. Based on the Soil Survey data and definitions of soil types in the Star area, most of the Star planning area is at a 0 to 10 percent grade with slopes between 10 and 25 percent and slopes over 25 percent both identified on the Natural Features Map. 10.2.3 Brownfield Sites Brownfield sites are defined as abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination (USEPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency.) The City of Star currently has no brownfield sites on the Idaho DEQ list of brownfields. 10.2.4 Landfills Commercial and industrial wastes can be transported directly to the landfill located at 10300 N. Seamans Gulch Rd, Boise. The new landfill has an expected life of 100 years. 10.2.5 Hazardous Material Transportation Hazardous materials incidents present the most likely technological hazard in each county. Hazardous materials, including agricultural chemicals, are commonly produced, stored, and used in Ada and Canyon County. Hazardous chemicals are found in hundreds of facilities in the counties; many facilities have at least one “extremely hazardous substance.” Hazardous materials are also routinely transported over the counties' 200 state and 1,500 local roadways, hundreds of railway and pipeline miles, and through the Boise Air ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 62 Terminal. Over a dozen facilities in the county have radioactive materials licenses. In response to the growth and popularity of the collection program, Ada County built a permanent household hazardous material collection facility at Ada County's landfill. The Facility provides to individuals and qualifying businesses an opportunity for proper hazardous material management. Collection of household hazardous material at a centralized location reduces pollution threats. It also provides an opportunity to inform the public about their environment, hazardous materials, and alternatives to using hazardous products. 10.2.6 Agricultural Uses The current crops in the area vary widely from wheat, oats, corn, beans, mint, hay, pasture, alfalfa, and clover seed, to sugar beets, potatoes, and many specialty seed crops. Current agricultural practices contribute to potential water contamination. Nitrate infiltration threatens underground aquifers. Agricultural use is on the decline. Single family residential areas are becoming a primary land use in Star. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 63 10.2.7 Snow Loads Snow can affect buildings, particularly roofs, in many ways. It can cause the collapse of roofs due to heavy snow accumulation; ice and ice dams can result in water leakage under shingles and over flashings; snow can slide from sloped roofs and skylights, endangering pedestrians, drifting around buildings, hindering access by people and vehicles, and wetting inside buildings from infiltration of wind-blown snow. Snow loads on roofs depend on climatic variables such as the amount and type of snowfall, wind, air temperature, amount of sunshine, and on roof variables such as shape, thermal properties, exposure, and surrounding environment. Ground loads are the basis for the estimation of roof loads. The amount of normal snowfall that annually falls in Star does not identify this as a hazard. 10.2.8 Floodplain The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have classified the Boise River and its tributaries as a One-Hundred (100) Year Floodplain with a defined floodway. For the city and Area of Impact, the Boise River floodplain follows two channels of the Boise River at Linder Road and converges to one channel approximately one mile west of Linder Road. The type of flooding associated with this area is generally gradual and comes with sufficient warning to remove people and animals, however, destruction can be significant. The last time the Boise River experienced the 100-year flood was 1943. Historically the Boise River reaches flood stage every year on the stream gage located at the Glenwood Bridge. This results in some minor inconvenience and damage each time it happens. Continued encroachment and development in the river floodway aggravates this situation. Future floods above 10,000 cfs will result in substantial additional expense to the community. Sewage movement and processing may be curtailed or completely stopped for sections of Boise and Garden City. In addition to the Boise River floodplain, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has identified a special flood hazard area that is inundated by a one hundred (100) year flood along Little Gulch Creek, Big Gulch Creek, and a portion of Foothills Ditch. The flooding in this area is associated with flash floods that arrive with little or no warning. The steep slopes and large volumes ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 64 of water associated with these floodways make these floods extremely dangerous. The Boise River floodplain and Gulch Creek flood hazard areas pose important functional wildlife habitats, natural scenic resources, recreational uses, and other beneficial uses recognized under Idaho water laws. These areas require comprehensive and specific planning to ensure that topographical, hydrological, ecological, and environmental concerns have been thoroughly addressed and incorporated into any development and use plans. The latest FEMA map is dated 2003; FEMA is developing modifications to the Star area FEMA map and a completion date has not been established. 10.2.9 Landslides The Snake River Plain in southern Idaho is an arid to semiarid plain that separates the Rocky Mountains of central Idaho from the basin and range area of the southern part of the state. Flat lying Quaternary basalt, some only 2,000 years old, and thick loess deposits underlie the major part of the desert in the eastern plain, where landslides are almost unknown. A few landslides have formed along the canyons of the Snake River and its tributaries where down cutting has activated sliding in the tophaceous sedimentary rocks of Tertiary and Quaternary age and slumping in the interbedded basalt. Slides of this type have occurred along the bluffs of Salmon Falls Creek west of Buhl, Idaho (Malde and others, 1968), in the last four decades. Some landslides exist and more can be expected in the tophaceous facies of the rhyolitic Tertiary volcanic rocks that form the southern border of the Snake River Plain (Landslide Overview of the US, 1982.) The City of Star has a low risk of landslides. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 65 10.2.10 Earthquakes/Seismic Activity The Federal Emergency Management Agency has ranked Idaho as the 5th highest in the nation for earthquake risk after California, Alaska, Nevada, and Utah. Idaho has experienced 2 of the largest earthquakes in the lower 48 states in the last 60 years. In 1959 Hebgen Lake experienced a quake that measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and in 1983 the Borah Peak quake measured 7.3. Since 1988 all buildings in Idaho have been required to conform to the Uniform Building Code (UBC). The UBC designates different earthquake hazard zones (zones 0-4), and within each zone different building design and construction features are required to ensure earthquake resistance. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 66 10.2.11 Storms - Thunderstorms, Electrical Storms, and Tornadoes Thunderstorms, large quantities of rain, hail, lightning, high winds, and tornadoes are all events that occur in Ada and Canyon County. In addition to their direct effects, these storms may also cause secondary problems such as loss of utilities, automobile accidents due to low visibility, and flash floods. The large amount of water associated with thunderstorms may result in flash flooding along tributaries of the Boise River. Each year an average of two to five incidents of thunderstorm related damage is recorded in Ada and Canyon County. Power outages and other damage from lightning strikes occur annually. The inconvenience caused by power outages is usually confined to residents of the affected neighborhood. Along the Snake River Plain, from Idaho Falls to Weiser, an average of one or more tornadoes or funnel shaped clouds are reported each year. Winter storms will have one or more of the following weather elements: blizzard conditions, heavy snow, accumulations of freezing rain, drizzle, and/or heavy sleet. A blizzard is a storm lasting about three hours or longer with winds of thirty-five miles per hour and considerable falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile. The havoc caused by blizzards is generally on a smaller scale since roads are not universally closed, and winds involved usually subside more quickly than snow melts. Blizzards occur at an average of once every ten years in Ada County. Freezing is an expected winter weather event. Freezing is most hazardous when it is associated with a severe snowstorm, blizzard, or power outage. Prolonged freezes occur about once every 12 years. 10.2.12 Wildfires Ada and Canyon County are subject to range fires every year that destroy forage and ground cover. Most fires are confined to an area of less than 500 acres. Approximately half of these fires are caused by dry lightning storms, with the other half being human actions or undetermined causes. In 1992, five lightning fires combined to blacken 257,000 acres of rangeland in and around Ada County. Vulnerability is steadily increasing as more dwellings are constructed in the foothills adjacent to range lands. On August 26, 1996 a human caused wildfire was ignited in the Boise foothills. The temperature was ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 67 104 degrees and the winds reached 30 mph. On September 2nd, the fire was contained after burning 15,300 acres of land. 10.2.13 Irrigation Canals Irrigation canals are located throughout the city and land use planning area. There have been concerns regarding children playing near ditches and swimming in ditches. These canals can have a potential impact to the community. There are various ways to mitigate this concern, which include tiling, fencing, and using it as an amenity for a proposed development. 10.2.14 Other Potential Risks In addition to the hazards discussed above, other potential hazards include: crop loss/damage, utility failure, explosions, civil disorder, and transportation accidents. These risks are not considered major threats to the Ada County area. The probability of these events occurring and affecting a large percentage of the population is less than the previously mentioned events. The city participates in the Ada County Emergency Response Plan that provides training for response to both natural and man-made disasters. This plan can be found on file at the Ada County offices. The city participates in the Ada County Emergency Response Plan that provides training for response to both natural and man-made disasters. 10.3 Goal Protect the public health, safety, welfare and persons from injuries by minimizing the levels of property damage, economic and social disruption, and interruption of vital services resulting from geologic, seismic and food hazards. 10.4 Objectives A. Ensure that new structures and development sites are designed to minimize likelihood of damage resulting from geologic and seismic hazards. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 68 B. Ensure that flood prevention and floodplain standards minimize financial loss and maximize protection of property in the event of flooding. C. Control sources of pollutants from entering water resources. D. Explore cost effective ways of developing a recycle program to reduce impacts on the landfill. E. Identify transportation routes for the transportation of hazardous materials. 10.5 Implementation Policies A. Maintain and update public information regarding the nature and location of the flood hazards in the city and impact area. B. Caution structural development within the floodways that would impede or alter the natural flow of floodwaters. Floodways shall not be altered in any way that would flood surrounding properties, either upstream or C. Tributary floodways shall be used for open space and shall not be altered in any way that would increase flood damage of surrounding properties. D. Setback and/or safety requirements shall be established along the periphery of floodways to protect structures from damage by lateral erosion. E. The city should study and consider for adoption a River and Stream System Management Ordinance to regulate and control floodway and floodway fringe development, wetland development, wildlife habitat encroachment, and provisions for greenbelt amenities. F. Developers of any development within the 100-year floodplain are to be required to provide notification to prospective buyers that the property is within a floodplain or alluvial fan by deed restriction or other similar method. G. To the greatest degree possible the 100-year floodplain should be used for farmland, open space, and wildlife habitat. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 69 H. Schools, hospitals, or other immediate care facilities should not be permitted to build within the floodplain. I. The manufacture or storage of toxic, flammable, explosive, or radioactive materials should not be allowed in the floodplain. Bulk storage of other materials will be allowed only when in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local standards. J. Protect the river and creek banks from erosion by enacting programs to plant and maintain streamside vegetation. K. Industrial uses should not be permitted in any portion of the floodplain. L. Encourage the prevention of threats of contamination to groundwater through land use planning and development guidelines. M. Require, when necessary, proper studies to show that an area to be developed is not hazardous as defined in Idaho Code Section 67- 6508(g). N. Development should identify how they will mitigate the hazards of irrigation canals. O. Contact Ada City-County Emergency Management regarding hazards and risks. P. Determine if any noise regulations are needed in the City of Star. Q. Continue the fire inspection program as a means of identifying and remedying the potential fire hazards before fires occur. R. Educate and inform the public on fire safety and hazardous materials to further protect the community and the environment from unnecessary hazards. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 70 Chapter 11 - Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities 11.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities Component Requires an analysis showing general plans for sewage, drainage, power plant sites, utility transmission corridors, water supply, fire stations and fire-fighting equipment, health and welfare facilities, libraries, solid waste disposal sites, schools, public safety facilities, and related services. The plan may also show locations of civic centers and public buildings. 11.2 Background and Analysis The City of Star has been established with a Mayor-Council form of government. The administrative branch is the Mayor, while the City Council serves as the legislative branch. Both the Mayor and City Council serve as the judicial branch in city matters. Based on population growth projections, it is evident that public services in Star will be expanded to maintain the community’s growth. New residents are influencing greater service expectations. People relocating to Star are requesting increased service levels, whether it is the size of library collections, greater police protection, or more recreational facilities. As the city continues to grow, the development of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan will take on greater importance. 11.2.1 Public Safety/Police Demographic and economic conditions will have tremendous influence on the demand for police services. A growing population, additional recreational attractions and promotion, increased traffic volumes, expanded city limits, and new businesses all increase the importance of maintaining and supporting law enforcement services. The police department is located at City Hall and the Ada County Sheriff’s Department pays a proportionate share of the cost of the relevant facilities. The city does not have detention facilities, so any arrests are booked into the county jail. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 71 11.2.2 Public Safety/Fire Protection The Star Fire District has one fire station currently located adjacent to City Hall, at 10831 W. State Street. The District plans to move to a new location located west of Star Road, 11665 W. State Street. Also, within the planning area Star Fire District has a second station located at the northwest corner of Highway 44 and Kingsbury Road. The city has earned an ISO Rating Class 4 (one is best.) The immediate surrounding area has an ISO rating of 8, 9 and 10. ISO is the insurance rating for the city. Rescue, vehicle extraction, and emergency medical services are provided within the district and the department is a participating organization in the Idaho State Homeland Security program. The Star Fire Department supports the North Star Land Use Map expansion. A portion of that land north of Oasis extended and west of Can-Ada Road is in the Middleton Fire District. Star and Middleton are coordinating efforts with regard to fire protection between the two Districts. Any development will be required to obtain approval for the fire district having jurisdiction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 72 Star Fire District in yellow. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 73 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 74 11.2.3 Emergency Medical Service Four Star Fire District firefighters, who are on shift every day 365 days a year, are certified EMTs and they respond on all emergency calls. When there is a need for advanced life support, the Ada County Ambulance District responds with them. The Ambulance District has a station just east of Moyle Street at State Highway 44. They provide ambulance services everywhere in Ada County except Kuna. Kuna has its own fire-based ambulance service. 11.2.4 Public Works Water and Sewer – Star Sewer & Water District The Star Sewer & Water District is established as a public entity separate from the City of Star. The District’s water and sewer service area generally corresponds to the area within the Star city limits. Extensions of the service area are accomplished by actions of the District Board of Directors, and for the most part match annexations to the city. However, the extensions do not have to match annexations to the city neither in location nor in time. The District provides domestic water from four city wells. Current capacity for water production is approximately 5.6 million gallons per day; city water from the existing wells is approximately 4,000 cubic feet per minute. The city wastewater treatment plant, located on 1151 Tempe Court, has a capacity to manage and discharge effluent of approximately 2.2 million gallons per day; ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 75 average daily treated discharge is around 400,000 gallons per day to the Lawrence-Kennedy Canal and eventually into the Boise River. Many outlying areas, including a large portion of the Comprehensive Plan planning area, are not provided with municipal water and sewer services. The District currently has approximately 59 miles of pipeline and includes four lift stations. Star Sewer & Water District has the first of its kind in Idaho–a Membrane Bioreactor Wastewater treatment facility. The facility uses state of the art technology to ensure that the District’s wastewater meets or exceeds the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, even as the community continues to grow. The District recently was approved for a grant to expand the water and sewer system and meet the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements within the next two years. The sewer plant is planned to be doubled in size and the District is considering options for additional facilities. The Star Sewer & Water District supports the Comprehensive Plan Planning area and prefers higher densities for efficient sewer service and to assure that urban fringe development pays for itself. A regional lift station is planned for Kingsbury and State Highway 44, and a smaller lift station is being considered at Can-Ada Road near Foothill Road. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 76 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 77 11.2.5 Library The Star Library, part of the Ada Community Library District (ACLD), is located in Ada County within the city limits and serves the citizens of the City of Star, the area of city impact in Ada County, and Eagle. According to the ACLD Standards, Star’s library qualifies as a service level of point C. It is currently located in a 6,100 square foot multi-use building at 10706 W. State Street, which is dedicated space for the library. Star should consider options to expand the library service area to include annexed properties within Canyon County that are not currently served by the library district. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 78 11.2.6 Streetlights The City of Star has decorative street lighting along both State Street and Star Road. Decorative lighting is required for both these roads within city limits. The city lights have been there since October of 2002. In 2002, eight decorative streetlights were put up. Since then, the city has expanded the streetlight collection to sixteen. At this point all city owned streetlights are along State Street in Star, however, new subdivisions that are on either State Street or Star Road are required to put up and maintain the same decorative streetlights as the city grows. 11.2.7 Gas Natural gas is provided by Intermountain Gas Company for the City of Star. Intermountain Gas Company operates gas fuel distribution lines throughout the city and portions of the county. 11.2.8 Power Electrical power is available to all city residents through Idaho Power Company. Hydroelectric facilities along the Snake River owned by Idaho Power generate electricity at a much lower cost than the national average–4.7 cents per kilowatt hour compared to over 8 cents nationally. Idaho Power provides electricity throughout the city and Area of Impact. The provision of electrical service by Idaho Power is subject to regulation by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPC) and electric facilities cannot be utilized to separate urban growth areas from rural areas. Star is served by two substations which provide for a high level of power security. Idaho Power will continue to offer services to all developed portions of the city and county as needed. Despite regional growth trends, consumption of electrical power is actually declining due to enhanced technological efficiency in transmission and distribution. Maps and plans are on the Idaho Power web site and include Idaho Power Existing and Future Transmission Lines and Idaho Power Existing and Proposed Facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 79 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 80 11.2.9 Solid Waste and Landfill Domestic waste is transported by Republic Services under an annual contract with the city. Commercial and industrial waste can be transported directly to the landfill located at 10300 N. Seamans Gulch Rd, Boise. Recycling opportunities are available to all county residents with curbside pickup through the contracted waste removal service. Wood recycling is offered directly through the county landfill. Republic Services provides recycling to Star residents, but it is not mandatory. As described in the Hazardous Areas Chapter of this plan, hazardous household materials should be recycled rather than dumped in the local landfill. In response to the growth and popularity of the Ada County collection program, Ada County built a permanent household hazardous material collection facility at Ada County's landfill. The facility provides individuals and qualifying businesses an opportunity for proper hazardous material management. It also provides an opportunity to inform the public about their environment, hazardous materials, and alternatives to using hazardous products. 11.2.10 Telephone, Telecommunications, and Cell Towers Telecommunications services are provided by CenturyLink. Lines generally coincide with major electrical transmission lines. Internet and other telecommunications are provided in the area by private business. Star should encourage the expansion of fiber and consider providing incentives via franchise fees. 11.2.11 Health Facilities Star Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus Medical Group Star Clinic Urgent Care are the city’s family care centers. Both provide urgent care. Most major injuries are treated by a major hospital in one of the larger, nearby cities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 81 11.3 Goal Coordinate with local agencies and providers to develop plans for energy services and public utility facilities for the long-term energy and utility needs of the City of Star. 11.4 Objectives A. Assure that new developments will pay for new and upgraded infrastructure and public service needs to minimize impacts of growth on existing users. B. Work cooperatively with the Star Sewer & Water District to ensure that the District is equipped to meet the water demands and to provide wastewater collection services, necessary system expansions and upgrades to keep pace with and not impede new and orderly development within the city planning area as development occurs. C. Promote energy conservation and methods to help recharge the upper aquifer. D. Work with police and emergency services in order to maintain exceptional levels of service for the community. 11.5 Implementation Policies A. Assure Star’s capability to sustain orderly and appropriate growth by maintaining awareness of Star Sewer & Water District’s plans for expansion and schedules for extension and reviewing how they fit with the known plans of the development community in Star. B. Work with the Star Sewer & Water District to maintain, expand and replace sewer and water lines. Develop an infrastructure capacity plan and upgrade and improve water supply and wastewater facilities to support future growth. C. Promote groundwater conservation through the use of treated wastewater effluent for irrigation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 82 D. Promote the utilization and reuse of surface water sources for non- potable uses such as irrigation and water amenities to decrease reliance on groundwater and to preserve the resource. E. Where appropriate, new development should provide pressurized irrigation water for landscape and water amenities. F. Assure that adequate levels of police protection, emergency services, and fire protection are maintained for the community as the city grows and encourage improved response time for emergency services. G. Partner with regional medical and emergency medical organizations to construct a larger medical facility in Star. H. Protect the Community through a comprehensive fire and life safety program. I. Support Fire District maintenance of standards necessary to keep an ISRB Class 4 rating or better, including response distance standards, apparatus, staffing levels, training, water delivery systems, and communication/dispatch systems. J. Promote and require installation of traffic signal control devices. K. Ensure built-in fire protection standards for all structures and create methods of reducing fire hazards as a means of saving lives and property. L. Ensure that fire facilities and protective services are provided to the city as growth and development occurs. M. Provide fire station locations that comply with the 1.5-mile response distance standard and/or 4-minute response standard, as provided in the Star Fire District Master Siting Plan. Building fire sprinklers and other measures may be considered as an option, subject to approval by the Fire District. N. Encourage land donation for Fire Station sites as part of conditions of approval if a proposed development creates a need for additional fire protection, as determined by the NFPA Standards, ISRB, and any other nationally recognized standard. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 83 O. Utilize existing fire stations and acquire new stations at locations consistent with the Fire District Master Siting Plan. P. Review the city development fees schedule annually. Q. Continue to develop and modify the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. R. Promote the development of energy services and public utility facilities to meet public needs. S. Encourage the enhancement of the capacity and reliability of renewable energy sources. T. Encourage the multiple use of utility corridors by utility providers. U. Support conditional use permits to enable utilities to purchase sites well in advance of immediate need. V. Support siting of utility corridors within identified or designated transportation corridors. W. Work with service providers to designate locations of future utility corridors and update reference maps as necessary to reflect future National Interest electric Corridor designations. X. Proposed roads, water supply systems, sewage disposal systems, storm drainage systems, irrigation systems, and other improvements must be approved by the affected agencies before final development approval. Y. Support the expansion of city facilities and city staff based on projected growth. The city will develop a disabilities community audit to the city facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 84 Z. The city should undertake an evaluation of its programs, conducted in consultation with citizen groups and involving persons with disabilities, to enable them to exist and work with community groups to eliminate barriers to those with disabilities. AA. All city facilities shall be accessible, and all programs and activities shall be available to all qualified persons with physical disabilities. BB. Adopt and implement guidelines and standards for energy conservation practices within city facilities. CC. Distribute available information and materials that promote energy conservation. DD. Incorporate energy conservation requirements as criteria for planned communities and planned unit developments. EE. Incorporate energy conservation approaches in planning processes. FF. Encourage citizens to use the household hazardous material collection facility at Ada County's landfill for hazardous waste materials. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 85 Chapter 12 – Transportation 12.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Transportation Component Requires an analysis, prepared in coordination with the local jurisdiction(s) having authority over the public highways and streets, showing the general locations and widths of a system of major traffic thoroughfares and other traffic ways, and of streets and the recommended treatment thereof. This component may also make recommendations on building line setbacks, control of access, street naming and numbering, and a proposed system of public or other transit lines and related facilities including rights-of-way, terminals, future corridors, viaducts, and grade separations. The component may also include port, harbor, and other related transportation facilities. 12.2 Background and Analysis The initial growth of Star came with the construction of the Boise Interurban Railway. In 1907, W.E. Pierce completed the electric railroad which ran from Boise to Caldwell, via Eagle, Star, and Middleton, and back through Nampa and Meridian. The introduction of the Interurban also brought electricity to Star. The Idaho Daily Statesman reported in 1907 that as a result of the completion of the Boise and Interurban line through Star, "This town has taken a wonderful activity and citizens here have awakened to the fact that Star is very liable to become a very important point before long. There's been a great deal of building of late and the population of the town has easily doubled since it was definitely known that the electric line would be built through here." "citizens here have awakened to the fact that Star is very liable to become a very important point before long. There's been a great deal of building of late and the population of the town has easily doubled since it was definitely known that the electric [Interurban Railroad] line would be built through here." -1907 Idaho Daily Statesman ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 86 Completion of the Boise Interurban created radical growth with W.E. Pierce and Co. platting two new areas of land to the east of the original town site. These areas included Interurban Addition and the Pierce Addition. Lot sales, as reported in the Idaho Daily Statesman at that time, were brisk. The Star Interurban Depot with a freight office and passenger waiting room was built at Valley (State Street/Highway 44) and Knox streets in 1907. The building was designed by Boise architects Tourtellotte and Hummel. Nearby was the transformer house. At the time the stage connected to Emmett. With the introduction of automobiles into the Treasure Valley, the Interurban was used less and less, eventually going out of business in 1928. The loss of this link to the valley meant a decline in activity for Star. The depot was moved to the east side of town in the 1950's. This transportation component includes data and recommendations from the Traffic Analysis prepared by Steven Lewis, a Licensed Transportation Engineer with Keller and Associates. This component of the plan shows the general locations and widths of a system of major traffic thoroughfares and other traffic ways, and of streets and the recommended treatment thereof. Numerous meetings have been held with the local transportation agencies, including Compass, ITD, ACHD, and CHD4. The agencies have been provided the Traffic Analysis and may have opinions different from the City of Star. Star’s goal is to estimate more potential impact than Compass for instance because it is better in Star’s opinion to be more proactive in roadway planning. Furthermore, the analysis is based upon a “2040” view and not a full build out of the planning area. That full build out will likely be closer to 50 years into the future and transportation projections within the Treasure Valley have historically utilized a 20-year projection, as Star had done. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 87 12.2.1 Existing Conditions The timing, location, and expansion of the transportation system are important factors affecting urban development. A concern of the City of Star is that the existing transportation system must be expanded with development to improve the livability of the residential areas in the face of new population growth and transportation requirements. Increases in population and related commercial and industrial expansion bring about demands for better transportation planning and implementation. Improvements required for the transportation network places a heavy burden on agency budgets as they attempt to meet these demands. Star’s major transportation challenge will be to work with the transportation agencies to plan for future growth in a way that will minimize traffic congestion and impacts. Increasing traffic congestion, for example, may deter potential employers from locating in Star. Meanwhile, much of the transportation infrastructure developed over the past many years will require maintenance and rehabilitation. Ensuring adequate funding for maintenance of roads will be a critical issue. Mobility, or the ease and methods which people and goods are able to carry out daily functions on safe and reliable transportation routes, are paramount to the City of Star. The existing transportation system serves a large area heavily dependent on automobiles and trucks for transportation means. 12.2.2 Existing Transportation System The Ada County and Canyon County area Functional Street Classification Maps are shown below. These maps are best viewed at their respective web sites. They include: ➢ Ada County Long Range Highway & Street Map 2040 Functional Street Classification System ➢ Canyon County Idaho Functional Classification Map ➢ Compass 2040 Functional Classification Map for Ada County & Canyon County ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 88 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 89 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 90 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 91 The City of Star Roadway Management Plan (ECAMP) Below shows the Star Planning Area street system as planned with the above referenced maps. The arterial system basically follows the section line roads, with collectors within the arterial systems. East-west connectivity in Star is generally limited to Beacon Light Road, Purple Sage Road, Floating Feather Road, State Highway 44, and Chinden Boulevard (US Highway 20/26). The north-south connections to the rest of the Treasure Valley are restricted due to the presence of the Boise River, with crossings at Star Road, State Highway 16, and a planned crossing at the Kingsbury Road alignment. Public transportation in Star includes fixed-line and paratransit bus service provided by Valley Regional Transit (VRT) and vanpool service provided by ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 92 ACHD’s Commuteride. Fixed-line bus service is limited only to Route 44: Hwy. 44 Express, which provides one trip between Caldwell and Boise in the weekday a.m. peak hour and a single return trip from Boise during the p.m. peak hour. Route 44 stops at the Star park and ride lot on Star Road. There is no midday service along this route, nor is there regular service in the city beyond this commuter route along State Highway 44. The existing walking and biking network is limited to sidewalks in the residential area and pathways on the major streets. The Ada County Highway District (ACHD), in partnership with the City of Star, has recently completed a major Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the City of Star. The map below shows the plan. The key elements of the plan are: sidewalks for all new developments, bike lanes in the major corridors, and a pathway bordering the foothills area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 93 12.2.3 Existing Traffic Volumes Existing traffic volumes for arterial and collector roadways, shown in Table 12.1, are generally highest along the three highways (SH-16, SH-44 and, US- 20/26) and Star Road. These four corridors provide the greatest level of connectivity through Star and to destinations beyond the city. Volumes are highest along Star Road and SH-16, which currently provide the only crossings of the Boise River and connect directly into Star from Meridian and Nampa. Source: Ada County Highway District ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 94 US-20/26 and SH-44 both provide connections from downtown Boise through Star and into Canyon County. SH-16 on the eastern edge of Star links the east-west routes through Star and to the Gem County destinations north of Star also has higher traffic volumes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 95 12.2.4 Future Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service Analysis Future traffic volumes were developed from a combination of the city’s land use plan and the volumes projected by the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) travel demand model. A specific traffic analysis was developed for the Star Comprehensive Plan by Keller and Associates. Notably, the data shows that traffic volumes are forecast to increase significantly along three state highways and Star Road. There is limited connectivity within the Star area because of the Boise River and the foothills areas. Both local and regional traffic growth will impact the few roads that connect between the north-south arterials and collectors, especially those that connect to SH-16 and SH-44. Providing additional connections within the city for people that are starting and/or ending their trips within Star could help alleviate some of the projected demand on these major roadway corridors. Roadway improvements are planned based upon projected traffic volumes and how that traffic relates to levels of service. Levels of service are rated as A through F and the chart below defines each level of service and how it relates to the function, or dysfunction, of our roadways. The Transportation Analysis provided by Keller and Associates is intended to be a broad overview for Comprehensive Planning purposes and is not intended to be specific in nature for any particular development. The analysis includes map exhibits showing current roadway levels of service based upon the scope of the study. ➢ Existing Traffic Volumes and Level of Service (Based on existing traffic volumes as of 2019) ➢ 2040 Traffic Volumes and Level of Service (Based on COMPASS projections prior to the plan – approximately 12,500 households in Star in 2040) ➢ 2040 Traffic Volumes and Level of Service – Revised Demographics (Based on the new plan projections of 17,200 households in Star rounded up to 18,000 houeholds in 2040) ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 96 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 97 12.2.5 Planned Future Roadway Connections The City of Star’s vision for the future is to improve the roadway system. Community input and the Traffic Analysis has identified the need for capacity enhancements for the major corridors. The basic regional roadway network is in place and only a limited number of new roadways have been identified as being needed. The Functional Street Classification Maps show only three new arterials: the extension of Goodson Road between I-84 and SH-16, the extensions of Floating Feather Road between Can-Ada Road and Pollard Lane, and a new segment of Beacon Light Road for an improved connection to New Hope Road. The maps, as well as Star’s adopted Economic Corridor Access Plan, also proposes several new collectors, mostly in the developing areas near the SH- 16, SH-44, and US-20/26 corridors. 12.2.6 Special Transportation Issues Star Alternate Route This plan includes a proposed alternate route for State Highway 44, a main east-west highway passing through the center of downtown Star. As a regional highway, the current traffic volume is approximately 16,000 ADT. The COMPASS 2040 model forecasts approximately 27,000 ADT by 2040. ITD’s recent SH-44 Corridor Plan calls for access control, increased travel speeds and widening the three- lane street to a 4/5 lane cross section. Proposed Star Alternate Route ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 98 These changes are needed to accommodate the forecasted traffic volumes. The ITD Corridor Plan also recognizes that State Street cannot be improved beyond LOS E because further improvements “would have severe impacts to the businesses in the intersection area and would not fit the context of a main street in a small rural town.” The comprehensive planning process and public input confirmed that the ITD Corridor Plan would not fit the Star’s context for a desirable downtown. Alternative routes were examined, similar to the ITD construction to alternate downtown Eagle and the ITD concept to alternate downtown Middleton. The proposed alternate route involves utilization of existing state highways plus one new roadway (Kingsbury Road) already identified in the COMPASS Regional Transportation Plan with a bridge crossing planned for the Boise River. The desired routing is shown on the “Proposed Star Alternate Route” map herein. SH-44 will remain in its current alignment east of SH-16. No planning changes are needed. The planned SH-44 / SH-16 interchange design should be adequate for the planned alternate route. SH-44 Alternate will overlap the SH-16 corridor between State Street and US-20/26. This segment of SH-16 is already constructed as a limited access roadway. The planned US-20/26 / SH-16 interchange will need reevaluation. SH-44 Alternate will overlap the US-20/26 corridor west from SH-16 to the planned new regional roadway of Kingsbury Road (approximately six miles). ITD has existing plans to widen this segment of US-20/26. The existing large lots along the Kingsbury Road planned alignment provide an opportunity for partial access control and maintaining the existing higher travel speeds. The ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 99 additional alternate traffic may increase the need to widen this segment of US-20/26. The planned US-20/26 / Kingsbury Road intersection will need reevaluation. Kingsbury Road is an existing corridor planned for a future major roadway and a new river crossing on the COMPASS 2040 Regional Plan. The combination of a new roadway and large existing lots provides an opportunity for full access control and matching the existing higher travel speeds of SH-16. The planned SH-44 / Kingsbury Road intersection will need reevaluation. SH-44 will maintain its existing alignment west of the Kingsbury Road intersection. No planning changes are needed. State Street will remain in its current alignment between SH-16 and Kingsbury Road. It will still be open to through traffic but the narrower three-lane roadway and maintaining the 25 MPH speed limit will divert a significant amount of through traffic to the higher speed alternate route. The decreased traffic volume will better fit the context of main street in a small rural town. The new alternate route uses all existing or previously approved roadways. Other than possibly some minor intersection or interchange redesigns, no additional right-of- way or roadways are needed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 100 SH-16 / Deep Canyon Drive Intersection Highway 16 is a major corridor, connecting the Gem County areas to Ada County. Current daily traffic counts often exceed 13,000 vehicles and the roadway is nearing capacity. There is a northbound left turn lane on SH-16 to improve safety and reduce travel delay. The intersection is one-half mile from the future Pollard Road intersection with SH-16. Although the Deep Canyon Drive daily volumes are currently (2019) below 1,000 vehicles per day, the future traffic volumes on both roads will increase. It will be necessary for the City of Star, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), and the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to monitor the traffic conditions and take corrective action if needed. Can-Ada Road Between New Hope Road and Purple Sage Road This roadway is a section line road currently functionally classified as a collector roadway. The roadway will become a future arterial as the area develops and traffic volumes increase. A 1,000-ft segment of Can-Ada Road has a seven percent slope with areas approaching an unacceptable slope of about 12 percent. ACHD policies (7205.5.10) allow slopes as high as ten percent and CHD4 policy allows six percent with Board approval needed for steeper slopes. Future improvements will require more right of way than normal, or realignment of the right-of-way, to accommodate the anticipated side slopes. The City of Star, CHD4, and ACHD should coordinate the roadway design to ensure that adequate right of way is preserved when any adjacent developments Can-Ada Road Deep Canyon Drive ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 101 Downtown Parking and Circulation The recent SH-44 Corridor Study recommended increasing the number of travel lanes on SH-44 and removing on-street parking. ITD policies limit the number of driveways for site access. A long-term plan is needed to maintain circulation and improve parking opportunities for new and continuing development. One solution is to develop a common parking lot system for the 1st Street Corridor. 1st Street connects the six block of the downtown area. The current east and western terminus are Center Street and Knox Street. The corridor could be extended farther to the east and west. Although much of the corridor is occupied by small lots, potential changes could provide off-street parking space. A sample of this strategy (Bend, Oregon) is shown on the attached figure. The character and storefronts of the main street are retained. Properties only one block away were converted to off-street parking. Traffic circulation is provided on a dedicated alley. The study area of Star has many small lots and is unlikely to redevelop on its own. The city will need to initiate a redevelopment program. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 102 There are several proven options for redevelopment, parking, and circulation improvements: Create an urban renewal district and use any property tax revenues to purchase property and construct parking lots. Develop a parking impact fee for new developments. This allows the city to use the funds for assembling parcels and creating joint use parking lots. Create policies that encourage property owners to pool their funds to provide shared parking facilities. This option has the added benefit of increasing parking utilization. 12.3 Transportation System Vision & Goals Vision Chapter lays out the overall vision for how the City of Star desires to grow. This following vision statement applying to transportation in Star: The City of Star’s vision for its transportation system is a system of well-connected and user friendly roadways and pathways that balance regional transportation needs with livability, sustainability, and the needs of local and non- motorized users. This vision includes the following key tenets that are addressed in this chapter: Enhancing roadway connectivity within the city. East-west connectivity is generally limited to two state highways and three regional arterials: Beacon Light Road, Purple Sage Road, Floating Feather Road, SH-44, and Chinden Boulevard (US-20/26). The few remaining east- west connections between parallel arterial or collector roadways are limited. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 103 Complete north-south connections are restricted by the presence of the Boise River to crossings at Star Road, SH-16 and the future Kingsbury Road. There are additional north-south connections north of SH-44 that connect two or more east-west arterials. However, there are also several sections where north-south connections are limited to the bordering arterials only. Outside of downtown Star, many of the local roads are designed only to provide access to residential subdivisions, forcing traffic onto the arterial network to travel through the city. These issues are addressed in this chapter through the conceptual future roadway network, as well as strategies aimed to enhance connectivity as new roads are built. Providing walking and bicycling networks that serve the majority of people and provide transportation options within the city is important. Specific strategies are aimed at ensuring appropriate bicycling and walking facilities are included in roadway projects, considering the context of the surrounding land uses and expected traffic on the roadway. Off‐street pathways are also identified as a priority for the city. Increasing public transportation options to ensure mobility for all people in the city. This issue is addressed through transit-specific goals and strategies aimed at providing more public transportation options. Realizing this vision will require partnerships with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Canyon Highway District 4 (CHD4) the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the Valley Regional Transit (VRT), and the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS). Compass is responsible for regional transportation planning and administers several transportation funding programs. The City of Star will also need to work with Star businesses, residents, and developers. The realization of this vision will come through the achievement of the following goals and objectives. Implementation policies have been developed to provide direct steps to achieve these goals and objectives and are also presented in this chapter. Finally, this chapter also describes the conceptual layout of the future roadway network within the City of Star. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 104 12.3.1 Roadway System Goals A. Develop a transportation system to serve the planned land uses within the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The transportation system should provide regional connectivity to the neighboring cities and regions. B. Maintain the functionality and connectivity of the street system for the current local users, emergency response providers and for future generations. C. Using coordinated land use and transportation relationships, develop alternative travel routes to evaluate the needs of developing areas while minimizing the potential for congestion. This coordination is best implemented through the development review process. D. Design a street system that considers both the needs of the users and the impacts on the adjacent land uses, the physical environment, noise, and air quality. Additional design considerations include safe routes to school, pedestrian and bicycle needs, recreation, and overall utility. E. Develop access management standards that support community-wide connectivity, support economic development, consider the needs for bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit consistent with the city’s vision. F. Protect the community’s identity and transportation values by adopting specific roadway designs and cross sections. 12.3.2 Transit System Goals A. Participate in the planning and development of a regional public transit system, including the funding support for the Valley Regional Transit System’s Long Range Plan. The goal of the system is to provide basic mobility for some, an alternate transportation for others and an option for everyone. B. Develop efficient and effective transit routes based upon the community-defined land use patterns. C. Identify and protect future needed bus transit stops. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 105 D. Identify and protect a western Valley Ride Transit hub near the Highway 16/44 intersection, possibly within the ITD right-of-way, at the northwest corner. E. Provide for bicycle and pedestrian connections to the transit system. 12.3.3 Pathway System Goals A. Encourage the development of a local and regional pathway system. The design of the pathway system should be coordinated with all other elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the pathway system is to provide basic mobility for some and a viable transportation option of all others. Subdivisions should be required to include interconnecting pathways open to the public. B. Work on a regional basis to integrate the pathway system with the ongoing planning efforts for the SH-44, SH-16, and US-20/26 Corridors. C. Support the concept and goals of transportation demand management strategies such as ride-sharing, telecommuting, and park-and-ride systems to reduce overall transportation travel demand. 12.4 Transportation System Objectives A. Encourage completion of the existing street system and creation of new links, within reasonable constraints and as identified within the land‐use subarea plans, as the transportation system develops. B. Provide adequate setbacks to preserve right-of-way for future grade- separated intersections, where appropriate, along the state highway system. C. Maintain a land use planning and approval process that is supportive of the operational characteristics identified in the most recent Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan. The Regional Plan is protective of the environment along residential streets. This is accomplished by balancing the regional need for connectivity with the local needs of accessibility. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 106 D. Ensure that corridor planning, roadway route selection, and other transportation system development considers the impact on the development potential of adjacent and under developed lands. E. Promote land use policies that limit access as necessary to maintain safe and efficient operation of the existing street system while allowing reasonable access to individual development parcels. F. Maintain safe and comfortable neighborhoods by minimizing speeding and cut‐through traffic through the development review process. G. Coordinate with the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Canyon Highway District 4 (CHD4), Valley Regional Transit (VRT), and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to ensure that transportation system improvements are consistent with the land use plans and decisions of the City of Star. H. Monitor development in the North Foothills Area to ensure that the transportation system is constructed in compliance with the Star Comprehensive Plan and the following principles: a. Integrate roadway design measures to ensure that the transportation system is compatible with the surrounding terrain and land uses. b. Integrate a pathway system for appropriate pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian access to neighborhoods, activity centers, public facilities, and the existing pathway system. c. Provide the opportunity for transportation system design alternatives in the foothills as a means to minimize environmental impacts and foster the unique characteristics of the foothills. d. Encourage the development and expansion of transportation forms, such as walking, biking, and carpooling, to minimize travel demand, reduce congestion, maintain accessibility, and promote health and fitness. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 107 e. Create opportunities for walking and biking between neighborhoods through micro-paths and local road connections. Provide pedestrian and bicycle routes to all schools. Develop and maintain a safe‐routes‐to-school program. 12.5 Transportation System Implementation Policies A. Work with partner agencies ACHD, CHD4, COMPASS, ITD, VRT) to ensure that transportation and regional transit improvements are constructed or funded in coordination with land developments. This may be accomplished with direct funding from the city, impact fees, extraordinary impact fees, local option sales tax, and other funding arrangements. B. Require that transportation safety systems be integrated into all school sites and recreation areas, including such items as signalization, sidewalks, pathways, and alternate traffic patterns for secondary access. C. Encourage street lighting design and layout that provides for roadway and neighborhood safety while preserving a rural environment free of any unnecessary trespass lighting. D. ACHD and CHD4 should establish standards for sidewalk location and design and coordinate any differences with ACHD and CHD4 design standards. The city will continue to work with ACHD, CHD4, and ITD to resolve issues concerning sidewalks within the City of Star. E. The city should budget for, and work with ACHD and CHD4 to identify, opportunities to accelerate projects that enhance connectivity within the city. Funds may also be used for regional projects and transit if a strategic opportunity arises, though this would be a lower priority than projects that enhance local connectivity. F. Work with the transportation agencies to develop appropriate roadway plans. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 108 12.5.1 Roadway Implementation Strategies A. Work in conjunction with ACHD, CHD4, ITD, and COMPASS to classify roadways on the Functional Street Classification Maps as recommended within this Comprehensive Plan. B. Continue to participate in regional transportation planning (through COMPASS and VRT) to develop and update long range transportation plans, including public transportation plans, and provide a foundation for major project selection by ACHD, CHD4, and ITD in the City of Star. C. Periodically review the street classification and typology systems with ACHD, CHD4, and COMPASS and work to amend them as needed. Any street reclassifications should be contingent upon an analysis of existing street configuration, existing land uses, lot patterns, location of structures, impact on neighborhoods, and area‐wide transportation needs. D. Plan for all modes of travel to reduce reliance on motor vehicle travel, provide mobility options, and support air quality improvement measures. E. Encourage roadway design standards and roadway classifications that are consistent with ITD, ACHD, CHD4, COMPASS, and other agencies that may be responsible for roadway planning and design. F. Review the city’s transportation priorities, including roadway widening, intersection improvements roundabouts, signals), and other improvements in concert with the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), State of Idaho Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), ACHD’s Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP) and CHD4’s plans within the city limits and planning area to ensure alignment of priorities and that context sensitive design principles are included in proposed projects. G. Evaluate the impact to the city of all roadway improvements and roadway extensions prior to construction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 109 H. Work with ACHD, CHD4, ITD, COMPASS, and the development community to construct the planned roadway network for the Star planning area, using the Project Priorities Table 12.2 and Proposed Solutions Map herein as guidance for prioritization. The broad goals of these connections are: 1) to provide continuous north‐south and east‐ west connections between adjacent arterials or section‐line collectors approximately every ½‐mile approximately halfway between the major roads that are typically spaced about one‐mile apart) and 2) to provide continuity at other locations by making short connections between existing and planned streets. I. Work regionally to integrate the pathway system with the ongoing planning and design efforts for the SH-44, SH-16, and US-20/26 corridors. J. All streets should be designed to include a detached sidewalk, unless within the Downtown Star design review overlay district, or physical or other constraints preclude the ability to do so. Street trees should be ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 110 provided, except in cases where a buffer strip of sufficient width cannot be provided to meet ACHD’s Tree Planting Policy. Root barriers and other measures to prevent negative impacts to the surrounding hardscape are recommended to be used. New and replacement trees should be recorded in the city’s street tree inventory. The city should work with adjacent land owners to ensure these features are maintained. K. Street design should be consistent with the context of the development and the respective land use area designated within the Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan. L. Design and/or align roads to preserve significant existing trees wherever practical. M. Work with ITD, ACHD, and CHD4 to develop access spacing standards in the major roadway corridors. Access decisions may be based on the future function and typology of the roadway. Temporary accesses may be granted with restrictions phased in as development occurs and new shared connections become available or medians are constructed. N. To the extent possible, new accesses to arterial and collector streets should be limited to public streets serving multiple parcels. Frontage and backage roads should be considered where appropriate in new developments. When direct parcel access is necessary, cross access agreements and shared driveways should be considered to the extent possible to limit the number of access points. O. Work with ITD, ACHD, CHD4, and adjacent jurisdictions to develop access management plans for arterials and highways of regional transportation importance that consider the impacts to the development potential of the surrounding land uses. P. Local and collector streets through residential neighborhoods are recommended to provide connectivity while being designed to preserve the character of the surrounding neighborhoods through appropriate design techniques, including street width, traffic calming, and traffic control. The goal of the local street system is to provide for local circulation within Star and not for regional traffic. In order to provide this connectivity, new developments should be required to stub access to adjacent undeveloped or underdeveloped parcels consistent with ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 111 ACHD and CHD4 road spacing standards. All new developments should be reviewed for appropriate opportunities to connect to local roads and collectors in adjacent developments. Q. Work with ACHD, CHD4, local developers, and neighborhoods in the operation of a local traffic calming policy that balances the needs of the roadway, the drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and the traveling public and considers effects on adjacent streets. R. Encourage arterial and collector center turn lanes only at driveways and/or street intersections where determined to be necessary by ACHD, CHD4 or ITD. Encourage landscaping within any portion of a center turn lane that is not used for such a driveway or intersection. S. Work with ACHD and CHD4 to identify specific features to be included as part of the Master Street Map designations for arterials and collectors within the City of Star. Such features may include requiring adequate buffer space to allow for the planting of street trees and requiring bike lanes and/or separated pathways along Rural roads to ensure that both the confident bicyclist and the everyday bicyclist are both provided for confident road bicyclists may prefer an on‐street bicycle lane, while recreational users may prefer a separated path away from high- speed rural roads). T. All proposed roadway projects, including widening and maintenance of existing roadways and the construction of new roadways (including as part of development applications), are recommended to be reviewed to determine the appropriate bicycling facility that could be included. This review should consist of, but not limited to: a. Whether any type of bicycle facility is identified in an existing city, ACHD, CHD4 plan on the subject. b. Reviewing the recommended bicycle facility included in the ACHD Master Street Map typology of the subject street, or CHD4 plans where applicable. c. Reviewing the bicycle facility selection process to identify the specific type of bike facility that is appropriate for most people ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 112 given the speed and volume of motor vehicle traffic expected on the roadway. d. If a physically separated bike facility is an option, then maintenance and other needs will also need to be considered. If these needs cannot be adequately addressed, then a standard or buffered bike lane may be included instead. e. Work with ACHD and CHD4 staff for the inclusion of these facilities within proposed projects. U. To reduce the use of the Deep Canyon Drive and SH-16 intersection, the stub street, North Echo Summit Way, should be connected to Beacon Light Road allowing for a roadway connection from Hillsdale Estates to the signalized intersection of Beacon Light Road and SH-16. V. The City of Star, ACHD, and CHD4 should coordinate the Can-Ada roadway design between New Hope Road and Purple Sage road to ensure that adequate right of way is preserved when any adjacent developments are proposed. W. The City of Star and CHD4 should coordinate the Kingsbury roadway design just south of Foothill Road to just south of Purple Sage Road to ensure that adequate right of way is preserved when any adjacent developments are proposed. The roadway in this stretch of land would be better suited shifted east of the section line to connect through the “draw” to the east, versus directly up the hill. X. Roundabouts should be considered where feasible. 12.5.2 Transit Implementation Policies A. Expand access to commuter service by working with the jurisdictional authorities to plan for future updates in plans to include the city’s desire for expansion of the public transportation system such as, establishing additional routes, additional park‐and‐ride lots, and additional bus stops along the state highway system and/or at activity centers. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 113 B. Local circulator routes, or extension of transit service beyond the state highway system, should remain a consideration for when higher densities and additional funding is made available. C. Consider construction of a regional transit station within the ITD right of way located at Highway 16 and Highway 44. 12.5.3 Pathway Implementation Policies A. Use development standards to provide for pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle circulation in accordance with adopted local and regional pathway plans. This is needed for intra‐neighborhood connectivity, and to ensure that bike and pedestrian traffic is not diverted onto arterials and collectors. B. Encourage the provision of equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle safety and convenience with enhanced pedestrian crossings of SH-44, SH-16, and US-20/26. Grade separated pedestrian/bicycle crossings enhanced landscaping, crosswalk pavers and may be considered. C. Ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, and recreational users have safe and efficient access to the Boise River corridor. D. Plan for separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing facilities on SH-16 at the north and south channel of the Boise River. 12.5.4 Land Use and Parking Implementation Policies A. The City of Star may require a traffic study for new developments even if the ACHD, CHD4, or ITD do not. The traffic impact study may include potential impacts to existing traffic patterns, suggested roadway widths, access to existing and proposed roadways, signalization, location and need for intersections, turn lanes, bus stops, on‐street parking and pedestrian facilities. B. The city should work with ACHD, CHD4, and COMPASS to establish reasonable standards relating to traffic impacts of new development on existing residential streets. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 114 C. Encourage off street parking sites and facilities on arterial streets and discourage on street parking on arterial streets, with the exception of existing on street parking on segments of SH-44 (State Street). D. Alley abandonment should be discouraged. Alley expansion and improvement should be encouraged within Downtown Star. E. When reviewing comprehensive plan amendments, zone changes, master plans, conditional uses, and other significant entitlement requests, coordinate with ACHD, CHD4, and ITD to evaluate the impact of the project on street levels of service. Service level impacts should be minimized through project modifications, traffic management plans, street improvement plans, or other means. F. Central Business District streets should be managed in such a manner that the flavor and character of the Central Business District is preserved and enhanced while maintaining the livability of this area and preserving the functionality of the street system. The use of traffic management strategies as described above should be given priority over street widening, land additions, and removal of on street parking as a means of resolving traffic flow problems. G. Implement, in conjunction with ACHD, CHD4, and the Star Fire District, alternative street standards related to specific design features within the city. Allow use of these standards in conjunction with specific design standards described in other chapters of this plan. H. Motorized traffic may experience some inconvenience in order to preserve quality neighborhoods. I. The city should work with CHD4 to develop an impact fee program. Until the program is adopted, developers are to work with the city when properties are within Canyon County, to contribute into a fund to offset development impacts on the Canyon Highway District 4 street system. 12.6 Transportation System Prioritization Transportation system priorities were based upon three criteria: existing system deficiencies, anticipated future deficiencies, and community ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 115 identifications. The following table summarizes the key transportation system priorities for Star: Table 12-2: Transportation System Priorities Currently Funded System Improvements planning Year Location Description Responsible Agencies 2018 Beacon Light Rd at SH-16 Intersection improvement / traffic signal ITD / ACHD 2019 H-16 - Interstate 84 to US-20/26 Preliminary engineering for future roadway ITD 2019 SH-44 - I 84 to SH 55 North Sealcoat ITD 2020 Beacon Light Rd - Ballantyne Ln to SH-16 Pavement rehabilitation ACHD 2022 Floating Feather - Plummer Rd to Star Rd Improvements with curb, gutter, sidewalks ACHD 2022 SH-44 - SH-16 to Glenwood St Sealcoat ITD 2023 Pollard Ln - Floating Feather Rd to Beacon Light Rd Pedestrian / pathway improvements ACHD 2023 SH-44 - Star Rd to Linder Rd Major widening (five lanes) ITD 2023 Munger Rd - New Hope Rd to Floating Feather Rd Bridge replacements/repairs ACHD Existing and Future Deficiencies / Needed Improvements planning Year Location Description Responsible Agencies Before 2040 Star Road - SH-44 to US-20/26 Widen to four/five lanes, add bicycle lanes (Note 2) ACHD Before 2040 Star Road - SH-44 to Floating Feather Road Widen to three lanes, add bike lanes (Note 1) ACHD Before 2040 SH-44 - Palmer Ln to Star Rd Widen to four/five lanes (ITD Corridor Study) ITD Before 2040 SH-44 - Star Rd to Can-Ada Rd Widen to four/five lanes (ITD Corridor Study) ITD Before 2040 SH-16 at SH-44 Construct grade- separated interchange ITD ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 116 Before 2040 SH-16 - SH-44 to Chaparral Rd Widen to four lanes / possible frontage roads ITD Before 2040 SH-16 at Floating Feather Rd Construct Floating Feather Road Overpass ITD Before 2040 SH-44 at Hamlin Street Intersection improvement / traffic signal ITD Before 2040 SH-44 at Palmer Ln Intersection improvement / traffic signal ITD Before 2040 SH-44 at Can-Ada Rd Intersection improvement / traffic signal ITD Before 2040 US-20/26 - Star Rd to SH-16 Widen to four/five lanes ITD Before 2040 Plummer Rd at Floating Feather Rd Intersection improvement / traffic signal ACHD Before 2040 Plummer Rd - SH-44 to Floating Feather Rd Widening to three lanes, add bike lanes ACHD Before 2040 Can-Ada Rd - SH-44 to Beacon Light Rd Widening to five lanes, add bike lanes (Note 1) ACHD Before 2040 Beacon Light Rd - SH-16 to Wing Rd Widening to five lanes, add bike lanes ACHD Before 2040 Beacon Light Rd / New Hope Rd- Wing Rd to Can-Ada Rd Widening to three lanes, add bike lanes ACHD Before 2040 Floating Feather Rd - SH-16 to Star Rd Widening to three lanes, add bike lanes (Note 1) ACHD Before 2040 Pollard Lane - South of Beacon Light Rd Widening to three lanes, add bike lanes ACHD Before 2040 Kingsbury Road – from Purple Sage to US-20/26 Widening to five lanes, add bike lanes CHD4 Before 2040 Blessinger Road Connect north and south legs CHD4 Before 2040 Purple Sage Road – Lansing to CanAda Widen to 5 lanes ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 117 Before 2040 Lansing Lane – SH 44 to Purple Sage Widen to 5 lanes Before 2040 Lansing Lane at SH 44 Improve Intersection Before 2040 Kingsbury Road at SH 44 Improve Intersection Before 2040 Blessinger Road at SH 44 Improve Intersection Before 2040 Purple Sage at Lansing Lane Improve Intersection Before 2040 Purple Sage at CanAda Improve Intersection Additional Community Priorities / Needed Improvements planning Year Location Description Responsible Agencies Current SH-16 at Floating Feather Rd Add turn lanes on all approaches ITD / ACHD Current SH-16 at Floating Feather Rd Add traffic signal ITD / ACHD Current Can-Ada Rd - SH-44 to New Hope Rd Add shoulders, add turn lanes at SH-44 ACHD Current SH-44 at Plummer Rd Add traffic signal ITD / ACHD Current SH-44 - SH-16 to Can-Ada Rd plan for an alternate route ITD / ACHD / CH4 Before 2040 Boise River Corridor Provide a pathway system Star Before 2040 Foothills Area Provide a pathway system Star Before 2040 Floating Feather Rd Provide on-street bicycle lanes ACHD Before 2040 Deep Canyon Road Provide on-street bicycle lanes ACHD Note 1: The three north-south streets of Plummer, Star and Can-Ada will require widening north of SH-44. Widening Can-Ada to five lanes from Highway 44 to Floating Feather Road may eliminate the need to widen Star Road to five lanes. Note 2: ITD has not yet funded the construction of the segment of SH-16 between SH-44 and Interstate 84. That project, if funded may eliminate the need to widen Star Rd beyond five lanes ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 118 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 119 Chapter 13 – Parks and Recreation 13.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Parks and Recreation Component Requires an analysis showing a system of recreation areas, including parks, parkways, trail ways, river bank greenbelts, beaches, playgrounds, and other recreation areas and programs. 13.2 Background and Analysis The development of parks, open spaces, and recreational activities is considered as an important part of the development of a city. National studies have suggested that the youth of our cities spend more time watching TV, playing computer games, or doing other non-recreational activities in instead of taking advantage of outdoor activities. Providing recreation relaxation and enjoyment of natural features and landscapes and to promote activities either active or passive for the citizens of Star is important for a healthy community. The goals, objectives, and policies regarding parks and recreation will greatly ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 120 affect the character of Star’s planning area and will provide insight into the needs of the City of Star both present and future. Planning for parks, playgrounds, and open space should be based on conservation needs, recreation requirements, and aesthetics of community. It is desirable to incorporate required parks and playgrounds into required open spaces. Careful planning of open spaces will enhance public health, safety, and welfare. 13.2.1 Park and Pathway Classifications Parks and pathways are described in many ways and each has a different function. The descriptions below will assist the city in determining the types of parks and pathways needed. This list should be used as a guide for park and pathway planning. Mini-Park (Pocket): A mini-park is the smallest park classification and is used to address limited or isolated recreational needs. Although in the past mini-parks were often oriented toward active recreation, the new classification has a broader application that includes both active and passive uses. Examples include: picnic areas, arbors, and sitting areas. Neighborhood Park: Neighborhood parks remain the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. They should be developed for both active and passive recreation activities geared specifically for those living within the service area. Accommodating a wide variety of age groups, including children, adults, and the elderly, as well as special populations, is important. Creating a sense of place by bringing together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood is vital to successful design. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 121 School Park: By combining the resources of two public agencies, the school- park classification allows for expanding the recreation, social and educational opportunities available to the community in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Depending on the circumstances, school park sites often compliment other community open lands. The important outcome in the joint-use relationship is that both the school district and the park system benefit for shared use of facilities and land area. In some cases, school districts may now consider joint use of park facilities due to security issues. Community Park: Community parks are larger in size and serve a broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Their focus is on meeting recreational needs of several neighborhoods or large sections of the community, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. They allow for group activities and other recreational opportunities not feasible–nor perhaps desirable– at the neighborhood level. They should be developed for both passive and active activities. Natural Resource Areas: Natural resource areas are lands set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space, and visual aesthetics/buffering. Greenways: Greenways tie park components together to form a cohesive park, recreation, and open space system. They also emphasize harmony with the natural environment. They allow for uninterrupted and safe pedestrian movement between parks throughout the community. They provide people with a resource based outdoor recreational opportunity and experience and can enhance property values. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 122 Regional Park (Sports Complex): Consolidates heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities at larger and fewer sites strategically located throughout the community. Sports complexes should be developed to accommodate the specific needs of user groups and athletic associations based on demands and program offerings. They are usually strategically located as a community-wide facility. Special Use: This classification covers a broad range of parks and recreation facilities oriented toward single purpose use. Special use parks generally fall into three categories: 1) Historic/Cultural/Social Sites-unique local resources offering historical, educational, and cultural opportunities; 2) Recreation Facilities which are specialized or single purpose facilities; and 3) Outdoor Recreation Facilities, examples including tennis courts, softball complexes, and sports stadiums. Park Trails: Park trails are multi-purpose trails located within greenways, parks, and natural resource areas. Focus is on recreational value and harmony with the natural environment. They are the most desirable type of trail because they: 1) emphasize harmony with the natural environment; 2) allow for relatively uninterrupted pedestrian movement to and through the city’s park system and developed areas, including, where possible, throughout ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 123 commercial and industrial parks; 3) effectively tie the various parks and recreation areas together to form a comprehensive park and trail system; and 4) protect users from urban development and associated vehicular traffic. Trails may vary in width due to the function of the trail. These are described below: Type I: Single purpose hard-surfaced trail for pedestrians and cyclists. Type II: Multipurpose hard-surfaced trail for pedestrians and cyclists. Type III: Nature trails for pedestrians, hard or soft surface. Connector Trail: Multi-purpose trails that emphasize safe travel for pedestrians to and from parks around the community. The focus is as much on transportation as recreation. The significant difference between connector and park trails lies largely in their location. Park trails emphasize a strong relationship with the natural environment with the park like setting, while connector trails or recreational connectors emphasize safe travel for pedestrians and bicyclists to and from parks and around the community. They are separate single purpose hard surfaced trails for pedestrians or cyclists typically located in rights-of-way. On-Street Bikeways: Bikeways are paved segments of roadways that serve to safely separate bicyclists from traffic. They come in the form of bike routes and bike lanes. The distinction between the two is a matter of exclusivity. While bike routes are essentially paved shoulders or segments of the roadway that serve to separate bicyclists from traffic, bike lanes are designated portions of the roadway for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. All-Terrain Bike Trail, Cross-Country Ski Trail, and Equestrian Trails: These trails are similar to park trails in that they emphasize a strong relationship with the natural environment, although for somewhat different reasons. They are single-purpose loop trails usually located in larger parks and lateral resource areas. They are most often located within natural resource areas, greenways, community parks, and special use facilities, such as golf courses. Single-purpose loop trails are usually located in larger parks and lateral resource areas. Loop trails are best with 7-10 miles, the standard for a half day outing and with 10-20 miles, the standard for a full day’s outing. Since regional and state parks often develop and maintain these types of trails, the need for them at the local level is often limited. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 124 13.2.2 Boise River The Boise River is a priceless and beautiful asset to the City of Star. It has been recognized as the gem of the Treasure Valley. The Cities of Boise, Garden City, and Eagle have been working for years to establish greenbelts, restore riparian areas, and to simply regenerate the River from its former undesirable conditions. Currently, there are no known undesirable conditions along the Star section of the Boise River. There is only a minimal greenbelt along the Star section of the Boise River and interconnectivity between the river and other parts of the city. The city does have the opportunity to develop partnerships to assist the creation of a master plan for the Boise River, and needs to provide far more public access and a full greenbelt along the entire river if possible. 13.2.3 Exiting Facilities within the City Limits CITY OF STAR PARKS 4.01 acres Blakehaven Park 2.40 acres Westpointe Park 10.27 acres River Walk Park 8.0 acres Pavilion Park 60 acres Heron River Park (not deeded yet) 26.62 acres Hunters Creek Park 51 acres Trident Ridge Park (not deeded yet) 162.30 acres Total Park Acreage The school districts also offer recreational facilities for school and sports related activities associated with the current school facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 125 13.2.4 Regional Parks Eagle Island State Park Eagle Island State Park is a 545 acre day-use park east of the City of Star. It features a popular swimming are, beach, a grassy picnic area, a waterslide, and more than five miles of equestrian trails. The State of Idaho has developed a Master Plan for the park. The full development of the Eagle Island State Park would provide the north side of Treasure Valley two recreational anchors (Lucky Peak and Eagle Island State Parks.) Plans are to connect these two parks by a 40-mile greenbelt with only a minor portion of land blocking the connection in the Eagle area. Lucky Peak Lucky Peak Reservoir is located in the foothills of southwestern Idaho on the Boise River approximately ten miles southeast of the City of Boise. When full, the lake behind the dam is twelve miles long with 42 miles of shoreline and about 4,200 surface acres of public land. This family-oriented lake provides pleasant day-use outings with ample water fun. Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, or a relaxing picnic. Lucky Peak State Park, which includes the three units of Sandy Point, Discovery, and Spring Shores, provides for abundant day-use water play and leisure. A marina and other amenities are located at Spring Shores. Nearby Boise provides full amenities with many interesting features and cultural activities to enjoy. State Highway 21, which runs alongside Lucky Peak, is a scenic drive and includes historic towns and other sites along its route. Desert and forested federal public lands close by provide for a semi-primitive or primitive recreation experience. There are limited, overnight camping facilities along the lake. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 126 13.2.5 Regional Recreational Sites Firebird Raceway Located in the foothills northeast of Star, Firebird Raceway offers a wide diversity of events spanning from early April through October. The race facility continues to be one of the busiest in the northwest with over four dozen individual dates and activities. Boise National Forest The Boise National Forest is located north and east of the City of Boise. It is about 2,612,000 acres in size, ranging in elevation from 2,600 to 9,800 feet. The major rivers that run through it include the Boise River, the Payette River, and the South and Middle Forks of the Salmon River. Portions of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the Sawtooth Wilderness, and Sawtooth National Recreation Area are within the forest. Conifer forest covers most of the Boise National Forest. Tree species include Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, Engelmann Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, Grand Fir, Subalpine Fir, Western Larch, and Whitebark Pine. Shrubs and grasses grow in the non-forested areas. Wildflowers splash color in both forests and shrubland. The forest contains large expanses of summer range for big game species like mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. Trout are native to most streams and lakes. Oceangoing salmon and steelhead inhabit tributaries of the Salmon River. Some of the recreational activities available are campgrounds, trails, hunting and fishing, water sports, and winter recreation (such as snowmobiling, cross- country skiing, and ice fishing), and Bogus Basin Ski Area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 127 Bogus Basin Ski Area Bogus Basin is a one hour drive from Star. It is open seven days a week. It has 91 named ski runs, 3 high speed quads, 11 lifts, 2,600 acres of terrain, 360 degree mountain access, and 37 km of groomed Nordic trails. Lake Lowell Lake Lowell, near the cities of Nampa and Caldwell, is the site of the 11,000- acre Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge. Lake Lowell is a great birding spot with over 200 recorded species. Spectacular concentrations of birds can be seen on the lake during peak migration periods. Shorebirds occur in large numbers in August when low water levels expose mudflats. Waterfowl occur in large numbers in fall and winter. The lake is closed to boating October 1st through April 14th. The Snake River Islands contain about 800 acres between 101 islands from the Canyon-Ada County line in Idaho to Farewell Bend in Oregon. The islands are closed to public access from February through May to protect ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 128 nesting habitat. Activities include boating, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and family activities. The following is a list of park and recreation facilities within a 25-mile radius. This table is not being shown to reduce the commitment of the City of Star, but to identify regional uses. 13.2.6 Present and Future Needs The National Park Standards suggest a minimum system of park lands consisting of five acres per 1,000 people. The above table shows 162.3 acres of city park land within the March 2019 city limit boundary which, according the Nation Parks Standards, would support 32,460 people. The 2018 Star population was 10,310 people Regional Recreation Facilities Facility/Park Location Distance from the City of Star Open to the Public Firebird Raceway Gem County 7-miles Yes, must pay admission Eagle Island State Park Ada County 3-miles Yes, must pay state park fee Lucky Peak State Park Ada County 20-miles Yes, must pay state park fee Boise National Forest Ada County 25-miles Yes, depending on services Bogus Basin Ski Resort Boise County 20-miles Yes, cost to ski Lake Lowell Canyon County 15-miles Yes ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 129 Active and Passive Recreation facilities generally recognized standards: Active Recreation Type of Park or Facility Acres Estimated Acres Needed Neighborhood Parks 2.0 acres/1,000 population 10 acres Mini-Park (Pocket) 0.25 to 0.5 /acre To be determined Playground Site 2.75 acres/1,000 population 13.75 acres School-Park Site Variable – depends on function To be determined Community Parks 3.5 acres/1,000 population 17.5 acres Regional Parks (Sports Complex) 15 acres/1,000 population 75 acres Linear Parks (Greenbelt) 1.3 acres/1,000 population 6.5 acres Outdoor Swimming One Pool/25,000 population One pool Tennis – Outdoor Basketball – Other Court Sports 1.0 acres /1,000 population 5 acres Athletic Field 20 acres, 1/5,000-lighted accommodate 200 people /acre Partner with school district Basketball Courts 1 acre/5,000 population 1 acre Golfing 1-18 Hole Course (120 Acres) per 50,000 population One public course Football/Soccer Field 2 acres/1,000 population 10 acres Indoor Recreation Facility 1 acre/10,000 population 1 acre Natural Resource Area (Hiking, Camping or Nature Study) 10 acres/10,000 people 5 acres Park Trail: To be determined Partner with development community ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 130 Connector Trail To be determined Partner with development community On-Street Bikeways To be determined Partner with ACHD Greenways To be determined Partner with property owners along river All Terrain Bike Trail, Cross-Country Ski Trail, Equestrian Trails To be determined Partner with development community Play Areas (Elementary School Ages) 0.5 acres/1,000 population 2.5 acres Dog Parks Minimum - 3 acres Desirable - 5 acres Maximum – over 5 aces To be determined Skate Board Park Plan for- 50% of participates are skateboarders 30% of participates are in-line skaters 20% of participates are bicyclists There are no current national standards or guidelines for Skate Board Parks To be determined Special Use Variable – depends on function To be determined Play Fields(Older Children and Young Adults) 1.5 acres/ 1,000 population 7.5 acres Baseball/ Softball Fields 1/3000 population 1.5 acres Passive Recreation Type of Park or Facility Acres Estimated Acres Needed Passive Water Sports - Fishing/ Rowing/ Canoeing 1 Lake or Lagoon per 25,000 population 1 acre Picnicking 4 acres/ 1,0000 28,000 acres ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 131 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 132 13.3 Goal: The City of Star will develop and manage its park system and develop partnerships to acquire, enhance and protect a diverse system of parks, boulevards, parkways, golf courses, and recreational, cultural, historical, and open space areas for the enjoyment and enrichment of all citizens of Star. 13.4 Objectives: A. Encourage the development of the city parks and recreation areas for the enjoyment of all residents. B. Provide accessible recreational opportunities for the disabled and other segments of the community with special needs. C. Involve volunteers and other support groups in coordinating and implementing recreational programming. D. Create ample areas and facilities for our citizens’ diverse indoor and outdoor recreational interests. E. Encourage the development of parks and recreational programs which meet the different community needs. F. Encourage the preservation of existing trees and natural vegetation wherever practical. Preserve and protect open space, unique natural areas, wetlands, water and woodland resources, and scenic views. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 133 13.5 Implementation Policies: A. Develop a recreation center for the community. B. Develop and create recreational programs for all age groups. C. Develop a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will identify the number and type of parks, open space trails, pathways, and recreational needs. D. Acquire and develop a system of recreational areas including parks, pathways, trailways, greenbelts, open spaces, playgrounds and other recreational areas and programs. E. Utilize National Park Standards Guidelines to determine the number and location of recreation facilities. F. Encourage the development of a parks and recreational program which meet the needs of different interests and age levels of the citizens of Star. G. All facilities should comply with the American with Disabilities Act and/or have an accessible route. H. Develop a greenbelt along the river and connect to the Greenbelt from Eagle Island State Park to a future City of Middleton connection. I. Design parks that provide adequate green spaces and consider conservation of water in the design. J. Develop a tree ordinance. K. Coordination between the city, West Ada Joint School District No 2, and Middleton School Districts should be encouraged for best utilization of recreation facilities. L. The city should establish a community forestry plan in accordance with the recreation open spaces component of this plan. M. Strategically located neighborhood interconnecting pathways should be open to the public. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 134 Chapter 14 - Special Areas or Sites 14.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Special Areas or Sites Component Requires an analysis of areas, sites, or structures of historical, archeological, architectural, ecological, wildlife, or scenic significance. 14.2 Background and Analysis Cultural and historic sites identifies unique areas or sites for identification, conservation and/or protection. The Comprehensive Plan proposes to sustain those elements of the city’s heritage and culture, which contribute to the appeal of the city by both residents and visitors. A major task in preserving historic and cultural sites lies in identifying such sites. Star has a number of buildings that may have some historic value. Three studies have been conducted to identify historic structures. A Star Historic District Feasibility Study was completed by Planmakers in 1991. The Star Historic District Reconnaissance Study was completed by Kate O’Brien Reed in August 1992. This study identifies structures in three categories; 1) Listed Properties; 2) Eligible Properties and; 3) Properties Eligible as part of a District. Historic Structures in Star Listed Properties 159 7575 Moon Valley Road Queen Anne Eligible Properties 8 11223 State Street National I House 144 2420 N. Munger Road National 163 10174 State Street Queen Anne type ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 135 Properties Eligible as Part of a District 9 11287 State Street National pyramidal 28 3251 Linder Rd. National hall and parlor 53 147 Main Street Prairie pyramidal 56 Main and 1st Street National 61 174 Knox Street National 62 84 Knox Street Craftsman massed plan 63 83 Knox Street Craftsman bungalow 87 11139 Frost Street National gable front and wing 88 767 Star Rd. Prairie four square 89 1050 Star Rd. National side gable 128 7825 Star Rd. National massed plan 129 7830 Star Rd. Craftsman elements, side gable 142 Can-Ada Rd. Hip on gable barn 147 3133 N. Wing Rd. National gable front and wing 148 2963 Pollard Lane National pyramidal 158 Rte. 1, Moon Valley Rd. National 160 State Street National Hip 165 10600 State Street National side gable 167 10717 State Street National T-plan 171 State Street Queen Anne 238 South of Star Canyon Canal Headworks S2 10415 State Street Front gable barn S3 10769 State Street Queen Anne type S7 11103 1st Street Craftsman S12 11321 1st Street National hall and parlor S18 11152 State Street Commercial S19 11124 State Street Craftsman S27 211 Union Street National T-plan Source: Kate O’Brien Reed, Star Historic District Reconnaissance Study, August 1992 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 136 The second study was conducted by the Ada County Historic Preservation Council. This study identifies properties as: 1) Eligible; 2) Contributing; and 3) Listed. There are no historic maps to identify the location of historic structures in the City of Star. Some structures are mentioned in both reports, while many are listed in only one source. Looking at the physical structure, it seems some may be historic in nature and these buildings would enhance the historic integrity of the city and help make Star unique, but these structures should be officially designated as historic. These structures once identified would maintain a sense of historic continuity and link the community to the past. Unless historically significant buildings that lend to the character of the City of Star are protected, they may be subject to insensitive restoration or demolition. Historic Preservation Council Sites in Star Site # Address City Status Parcel 002 83 North Knox Street Star Eligible R7073754310 008 North Main Street Star Contributing R7073754785 014 North River Street Star Contributing S0408336050 016 767 Star Road Star Contributing R5481120650 019 11049 Front Street Star Eligible R2941702235 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 137 025 11396 First Street Star Eligible R8108000230 025 11396 First Street Star Eligible R8108000230 029 11627 West State Street (Highway 44) Star Contributing S0418121030 033 11070 West State Street (Highway 44) Star Contributing R5579243490 035 2055 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Eligible S0418131204 036 12080 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Eligible S0407347000 037 2204 Munger Road Star ACI Contributing S0406427800 038 2205 Munger Road Star ACI Contributing S0406314810 039 2420 Munger Road Star ACI Eligible S0406131500 040 2800 N Wing Road Star ACI Eligible R8108100100 041 3133 N Wing Road Star ACI Contributing S0405212400 043 2963 Pollard Road Star ACI Contributing S0404223000 045 1050 North Star Road Star ACI Contributing S0408233650 045 1050 North Star Road Star ACI Contributing S0408233650 046 10643 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Contributing S0417212700 048 10600 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Contributing S0408347001 050 10287 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Eligible S0417120700 051 10174 West State Street (Highway 44) Star ACI Contributing S0408438760 061 10717 West State Street (Highway 44) Star Eligible S0417212550 063 7575 Moon Valley Road) Star ACI Listed R5506000100 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 138 Additional historic architectural structures have been identified in the Historic Star Walking Tour, published by the Ada County Historic Preservation Council in 2001 and updated in 2005 for the Star Mule Days (now known as Hometown Celebration). The first inhabitants of the Star area were Native Americans. The Bannock and Nez Perce tribes populated the land. Their way of life helped preserve much of the native beauty and wildlife still enjoyed today. White settlers, in search of new homes, made their way west on the Oregon Trail, which wound its way through the area. Early settlers inhabited the land surrounding the Boise River. The area is still home to many families of the early settlers. The Star area possesses four non-residential sites deemed of historical significance in historical surveys. An interurban railway depot, a roadhouse/tavern, a grange hall, and a church offer elements worthy of historical preservation. These areas could easily become interpretive learning centers, community gathering places, parks, or other valuable assets to the community, while serving as a reminder of our history. In addition, the predominantly residential and agricultural history of Star has resulted in several residential structures and outbuildings, which exemplify the Folk and Nation design of the late 19th or early 20th century. Many structures, which exhibit the working class roots of Star, such as the Gable, the Four Square, and the Craftsman styles, are candidates for historic preservation. In addition a small number of homes, which display the High Style, turn of the 20th century, architecture, warrant preservation consideration. A 1998 historical survey identified 64 residential structures that could contribute to a National Register of Historic Places in the Star area; 17 of these sites were eligible for listing on the National Register. 14.2.1 Archeological In addition to the historical sites identified above, a religious revival meeting area known as the Quaker Revival Grounds are found in the Star area. The grounds exist in a park-like area. Remnants of the grounds indicate the area has potential archeological significance. Additional documentation and investigation may be required to ascertain the level of significance provided by this area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 139 14.2.2 Cultural Sites Oregon Trail One of the later branches of the Oregon Trail that crossed the river near Boise passed through what now is Star just south of present day Highway 44. Ezra Meeker, who spent his last years marking the course of the old Oregon Trail, visited Star on May 5, 1906. Portions of this early Oregon Trail corridor became the Old Valley Road connecting Boise to Caldwell. In the spring, travelers had to take the alternate foothills road to keep from getting stuck in the mud bogs. Starting in the 1860's, the stage from Boise City followed the Old Valley Road and arrived at Gray's Station east of Star, near the old Balm Mill, on what is now Moon Valley Road. Here the stage left the Valley Road and proceeded northwest through the sage brush to the willow creek stage Station, northwest of Star. The route continued on to the Payette Valley and eventually to Umatilla, Oregon and the Columbia River. Stage routes served the area through the 1880's when the lines with their big six horse coaches were abandoned with the coming of the railroad through the valley. This brought a decline to the area as the branch rail line came from Nampa to Boise bypassing star. Nevertheless, Star grew and boomed with the arrival of the Interurban in 1907. In 1890, A. Fouch and his brother built the Star ferry south of Star at the Boise River. The crossing was located west of the present Star bridge. In 1904, the ferry was replaced by the Star bridge. In 1929, the state paved Valley Road and it was again expanded in 1964 with Highway 44 connecting to I-84 west of Middleton. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 140 Boise & Interurban Railway Rapid growth of Star came with the confidence of the Boise Interurban Railway. In 1907, W.E. Pierce completed the electric railroad which ran from Boise to Caldwell, via Eagle, Star, and Middleton, and back through Nampa and Meridian. The fare was 65 cents. The interurban also brought electricity to Star. The Idaho Daily Statesman reported in 1907 that as a result of the completion of the Boise and Interurban line through Star, "this town has taken a wonderful activity and citizens here have awakened to the fact that Star is very liable to become a very important point before long. There's been a great deal of building of late and the population of the town has easily doubled since it was definitely known that the electric line would be built through here." Completion of the Boise Interurban created radical growth with W.E. Pierce and Co. platting two new areas of land to the east of the original town site. These areas included Interurban Addition and the Pierce Addition. Lot sales, as reported in the Idaho Daily Statesman at that time, were brisk. The handsome Star Interurban Depot with a freight office and passenger waiting room was built at Valley and Knox streets in 1907. The building was designed by Boise architects, Tourtellotte and Hummel. Nearby was the transformer house. At the time, the stage connected to Emmett. With the introduction of automobiles into the Treasure Valley, the Interurban was used less and less, eventually going out of business in 1928. The loss of this link to the valley meant a decline in activity for Star. The depot was moved to the east side of town in the 1950's. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 141 14.3 Goal: Recognize, conserve, and promote historic and cultural resources and to perpetuate their value and benefit to the community. 14.4 Objectives: A. Promote heritage awareness. B. Encourage and support plans and programs to conserve historic and cultural resources. C. Make a continuous effort to identify special areas, which enhance the historical, archeological, ecological, wildlife, and scenic significance of the City of Star. D. Cooperate with agencies and individuals whose efforts preserve or restore identified special areas. E. Prevent adverse impact on special areas as a result to future use of the area, including review of proposed development projects to determine impacts, if any, on any unique or special areas. Encourage assistance in developing processes to avoid or minimize negative impacts to the sites. F. Develop plans to participate in Boise River preservation activities. 14.5 Implementation Policies: A. Encourage the development of existing, non-residential sites, identified as historic, into parks, museums, or other appropriate public uses. B. Discourage development or use of non-residential historical sites, which would destroy the unique aspects of the site. C. Encourage the maintenance and restoration of existing residential structures to provide for national historical registry including information ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 142 regarding assistance in obtaining registry for identified historical residences. D. Encourage activities and events which preserve the heritage and historical significance of the Star area. E. Encourage awareness of the unique historic features of the area through public exhibitions and celebrations. F. Encourage the conservation and efficient management of all special areas and sites. G. Encourage and support the establishment of special zoning classifications or overlays as a means to help manage and preserve the qualities, resources and assets of special areas. H. Determine which historic properties report should be used to determine the historic structures in the City of Star. I. Determine which structures should be identified as Listed Properties, Eligible Properties, and Properties Eligible as part of a Historic District or designation. J. Explore cooperative efforts to include incentives for development to preserve the historical or cultural sites in the area. K. Support participation with the Ada County Historic Preservation Council, Idaho State Historical Certified Local Government Program for preservation of historic sites, structures, and places. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 143 Chapter 15 - Housing 15.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Housing Component Requires an analysis of housing conditions and needs, plans for improvement of housing standards, and plans for the provision of safe, sanitary, and adequate housing, including the provision for low cost conventional housing, the siting of manufactured housing and mobile homes in subdivisions and parks and on individual lots which are sufficient to maintain a competitive market for each of those housing types and to address the needs of the community. 15.2 Background and Analysis A significant percentage of the City of Star housing stock is owner occupied. Furthermore, the median home value is $229,900 compared to $219,900 in Ada County, $144,000 in Canyon County, and $193,500 in the U.S. on average. Average rents in the city are $1,396 (per rentcafe.com). There is limited vacancy rate for Star. Ada County has a 2.9% total rental housing vacancy rate as of 2017, whereas the ideal rate for healthy market conditions is The limited vacancy rate in Star suggests a demand for rental‐type housing products. If demand is not met, rental prices for housing will steadily increase. The combination of high home and rental prices with low vacancies will make it difficult for employees in local businesses to live and work in the city. The issue of housing affordability will remain problematic unless addressed through a broadening of housing options within the city. Housing Tenure, Value and Vacancy Star City Ada County Canyon County USA Renter Occupied 19.2% 31.7% 32.4% 36.2% Owner Occupied 80.8% 68.3% 67.6% 63.8% Median Sales Price* $376,615 $334,442 $234,095 $193,500 Overall Percent Vacant 2.9% 4.6% 5.4% 12.2% Source: US Census 2017 American Community Survey, & *Boise Regional Realtors Feb 2019 Housing and Economic Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 144 Average Rents & Vacancy in Ada & Canyon Counties Ada County Canyon County Vacancy 2.29% 1.36% Average Rent $1,343 $948 Multi-Family $959 $828 1 bedroom $738 $668 2 bedroom $1,037 $780 3 bedroom $1,103 $1,035 Single Family $1,409 $1,068 2 bedroom $1,068 $600 3 bedroom $1,388 $1,192 4 bedroom $1,772 $1,413 5 bedroom $2,298 Source: SW Idaho NARPM Report, 4th Qtr. 2018 Home ownership encourages personal pride and a bond with the local community. The provision of housing is closely related to the local economy. The lack of diverse housing can lead to diminished opportunity in life that would be unacceptable to the community. The following table provides a view of housing building permits from 2005- 2019: BUILDING PERMIT COUNTS BY CITY CALENDAR October to September 2005-2006 390 2006-2007 124 2007-2008 29 2008-2009 24 2009-2010 52 2010-2011 37 2011-2012 124 2012-2013 228 2013-2014 204 2014-2015 198 2015-2016 208 2016-2017 309 2017-2018 265 2018-2019 296 2019-2020 507 ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 145 The City of Star’s planned Land Use Component of the Comprehensive Plan land use pattern will include diverse residential options. All housing units will be developed through the city ordinances and subdivision process. The city’s ordinances are designed, adopted, and updated to insure public safety and maintain the current livability of the City of Star. The ordinances should also allow flexibility for creative solutions. Code enforcement is an essential tool in establishing specific community standards. Adopted Ordinances will ensure ample provision of fire and police protection, as well as ease of installation and maintenance of utilities. Subdivision regulations can be used to promote a community’s land development pattern that encourages preservation of open space, discourages strip development along roadways, encourages an interconnected street network and support an efficient provision of public services. Cities may require the location of park sites and school districts may request school sites. Subdivisions may be surrounded with general shopping and/or commercial centers. Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) are a form of development that may include a mixture of housing types and non-residential uses in one unified site design. PUD’s may include provisions to encourage clustering of buildings, designation of common open space, and incorporation of a variety of building types and land uses. PUD’s can encourage development that is creative in site design and a mix of uses by incorporating flexibility into the zoning and subdivision ordinances, with regard to use, setbacks and minimum lot sizes. PUD’s can help developers build projects that would otherwise fail to meet traditional zoning standards, while giving local governments valuable design oversight. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 146 On housing, first, keep in mind that “affordable housing,” as a concept, is frequently misunderstood, shrouded in many of the same misconceptions as other social policies aimed at helping low income and vulnerable populations, when it is really just a definition that sets a generally accepted limit on how much a household should spend on housing costs, including utilities, for it to be affordable. Essentially, housing expenses shouldn't be more than 30% of what you earn, leaving 70% of your income for food, clothing, transportation and other necessities. If you spend more than 30% of your income on housing expenses, you are considered "overburdened". Why 30%? It's a standard that the government has been using since 1981: those who spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing have historically been said to be "cost burdened." Those who spend 50 percent or more are considered "severely cost burdened." However, those rules have changed and you will find several different scenarios out there: Affordable housing is not a “type” of housing. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Affordable housing (either renting or home-ownership) is defined as the amount an average household can afford, based on 30% of their total income. In the United States, the term affordable housing is used to describe housing, rental or owner-occupied, that is affordable no matter what one's income is. WORKFORCE HOUSING: Workforce housing refers to housing that is affordable to working households that do not qualify for publicly subsidized housing, yet cannot afford current market rate housing in their community. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING: Government sponsored housing which provides economic assistance through subsidies. Subsidies include direct housing subsidies, non- profit housing, public housing, rent supplements, and some forms of cooperative and private sector housing. Types of subsidized housing include Section 8 voucher programs and public housing. All subsidized housing is based on verification of low income. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 147 The data provides shows that 29% of the City of Star residents that own a home pay 30% or more of their income for housing, while over 30% of City of Star households pay more than 30% for rental housing units. One way to provide for diversity and affordability in housing is to engage in regional planning and cooperative agreements. In order to serve the local population, it is important to look at housing needs, especially those residents of low to moderate income, on a broad scale to ensure that a wide array of housing options are available throughout a municipality. Planning is a way to address the potential costs to localities of providing affordable housing and to work toward equitable distribution of the costs of providing necessary services to the residents of a community. Manufactured housing can be one source for affordable housing in a community. During a development public hearing, some testified that they would not have any concerns regarding the proposed development if the subject development would only have “stick built” housing, in other words: no manufactured housing units. Idaho Code 67-6502 states the purpose of the Local Planning Act. It states the purpose of this act “shall be to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the State of Idaho as follows: To protect property rights while making accommodations for other necessary types of development such as low-cost housing and mobile home parks.” Idaho Code 67-6509B states that a city or a county shall not adopt or enforce zoning, community development, or subdivision ordinance provisions which disallow the plans and specifications of a manufactured housing community solely because the housing within the community will be manufactured housing. Applications for development of manufactured home communities shall be treated the same as those for site-built homes. "Manufactured housing community" means any site, lot or tract of land upon which ten (10) or more manufactured homes may be sited. The manufactured housing community may feature either fee simple land sales or land leased or rented by the homeowner. The city considers manufactured homes that meet certain construction and siting criteria as allowed by the state, to be the same as a single stick built family home and allowed in all areas where single-family housing is allowed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 148 There is one established manufactured home park with 19 homes within the city. Morning Star Mobile Manor has individually owned units. In addition, there are a few single mobile homes scattered throughout the community, mostly within the city core. In recent years, new design techniques and tools have been developed to address the issue of adding density to neighborhoods composed of single family homes. These techniques strive to maintain the character of a neighborhood while using land efficiently and keeping housing affordable. Communities can enact laws that promote these new housing forms. For instance, owners of existing houses can be encouraged to add a second living space, but only permit a single front entrance to help maintain the appearance of a single family dwelling. Another strategy for increasing density is to allow accessory apartments, or "granny flats," which can be either attached or detached from the primary residential unit on a single-family plot. Not only does this technique increase housing options, but it potentially makes it more affordable for homeowners to live there, as rental income can serve as a source of supplementary income. The city is to incorporate 67-6508 guidance into land use decisions. 15.3 Goals Encourage diverse developments that provide a mix of housing types and products and, where possible, an assortment of amenities within walking distance of residential development. 15.4 Objectives A. Provide opportunity for a wide diversity of housing types that offer a choice between ownership and rental dwelling units and encourage the development of housing for all income groups. B. Housing should be affordable and appealing to all residents, regardless of their income or whether they rent or own their homes. C. Housing will be in compliance with local building codes. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 149 D. Encourage and maintain pride of homeownership E. Preserve existing housing stock F. Preserve/maintain existing rural housing/development in the increasing urban environment. G. Support diversity of housing types to enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups live in housing of their choice. H. Enhance the quality of communities by improving the character of the built environment, including visually appealing architectural elements and streetscapes that encourage pedestrian travel, facilitate community interaction and promote public safety. I. Encourage the development of housing for all income groups. 15.5 Implementation Policies A. Provide housing for seniors either in existing neighborhoods and/or senior housing projects. B. Support the development of multi-family housing as a transition between single-family housing and adjacent commercial and limited office districts. C. Support the development of high-density housing for all income groups that’s close to transportation, employment, shopping and recreation areas. D. Create an environment for housing and its growth that allows for adequate and acceptable shelter to all segments of the population without regard or prejudice to age, handicap, familial status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or income level. E. Encourage infill housing development to reduce urban sprawl. F. Encourage the development of a wider variety of housing types. G. Adopt rehabilitation building codes to regulate the renovation of existing structures. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 150 Chapter 16 - Community Design 16.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Community Design Component Requires an analysis of needs for governing landscaping, building design, tree planting, signs, and suggested patterns and standards for community design, development, and beautification. 16.2 Background and Analysis Community design is used to describe the image and character of a city’s natural and built environment. There are two distinct perspectives to the character of community design. Community design encompasses all of the physical elements that make up the city and its natural settings. On this scale community design deals with the visual qualities of the city as a whole, as well as its relationship to the surrounding Building design, such as height of structures and the type of exterior materials, public and private spaces, such as greenbelts, open spaces, trails and pathways, landscaping such as type and locations of landscaping and the control of noxious weeds, public access, location of sidewalks, and protecting historic structures and public art are some of the issues considered as visual qualities of the city. One of the greatest concerns of a city is how the pieces of the urban environment fit together. The community design element addresses the “fit” and compatibility of development with the content of its surrounding environment both visually and functionally. The community design element is meant to be a guide in the discussion of such issues as height, bulk, landscape, signage, lighting, points of access, and architectural elements. Communities should be designed so that housing, jobs, daily needs, and other activities are within easy walking distance of each other. Transit development should be planned so that as many activities as possible are located within easy walking distance of transit stops. The location and character of the community should be consistent with a larger transit network. Public spaces should be designed to encourage the attention and presence of people at all hours of the day and night. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 151 16.2.1 Building Design The overall size and shape of a new building(s) can have a huge impact on the surrounding neighborhood and on how a development is perceived by the community where it is located. The height of a new building is extremely important–too high and it can overwhelm neighbors; too low and it can create a gap in the physical "fabric" of a neighborhood. The overall scale and massing of a new building should also try to match that of the surrounding neighborhood. The overall form of a new building should incorporate as much variety as possible and avoid large expanses of flat wall or roof. Creating a building whose size and shape generally complement the size and shape of surrounding buildings will go a long way toward making a new development acceptable to its neighbors. At the same time it will reinforce the perception among residents that their housing is "just like everyone else's." 16.2.2 Private Open Space Private open space (individual outdoor areas where residents can enjoy sun and sky in relative privacy) is essential to quality of life for all of us. An affordable housing development should provide private outdoor space for all dwelling units. Patios, porches, decks, balconies, and yards should also be of adequate size with easy access from each dwelling unit. Fencing should be considered wherever possible to provide added privacy and to indicate clear boundaries. Special care should be taken when designing balconies to successfully balance the need for light and view with safety considerations. Outdoor storage is often overlooked, yet it can be critical in making private open space work for residents–even a small amount can go a long way. Well designed, adequately sized private open space will improve the quality of any affordable housing development and should ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 152 be considered a necessity rather than an amenity. 16.2.3 Public Open Space Public open space, defined as shared outdoor areas intended for use by all residents, should be as thoughtfully designed as any other "space" in a development. It is helpful to think of open spaces as outdoor rooms and to design and furnish them with the same care you would any room in your home. Such rooms should be easy to access from any dwelling unit in a development. And they should have clear boundaries so that residents and visitors understand what is public and what is private. Surveillance is also important; as many units as possible should have visual access to open spaces, especially play areas. Finally, public open areas should be designed for use at night as well as during the day. Well-designed nighttime lighting will help ensure that public spaces are attractive and safe after sundown. Sensitively designed public open space can turn a good development into a great one, providing a lasting amenity for residents and neighbors alike. A neighborhood is a geographically localized community located within a larger city. Traditionally a neighborhood is small enough that the neighbors are all able to know each other, however in practice, neighbors may not know one another very well at all. In order to manage future growth, the neighborhood structure can be used to determine the need for parks, sidewalks, school locations, and other community amenities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 153 16.2.4 Landscaping Landscaping, too often treated as a secondary consideration or eliminated altogether due to cost constraints, is, in fact, a critical component of any successful development project and should be considered an essential part of the design process. A rich variety of plantings should be provided and they should be selected so that they are appropriate for their intended use. Paved areas are necessary and should be designed as part of the landscape. Edges between paved and planted areas should be designed so the two realms work well individually and together. Paths and Outdoor seating should fit the overall landscape plan and take into account how and when residents will use them. As always the more storage (in this case for landscape maintenance equipment and materials) the better. Landscaping can make or break a project. Done well, it complements and enhances a development and its neighborhood. Done poorly–or not at all–and the quality of a development is diminished, no matter how well the buildings are designed. 16.2.5 Community Design for Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial Avoid creating a building that looks strange or out of place in its neighborhood. Consider providing as much visual and architectural complexity as possible to the building's appearance while maintaining a hierarchy of scale and a unified overall form. Consider breaking a large building into smaller units or clusters. Consider variations in height, color, setback, materials, texture, trim, and roof shape. Consider variations in the shape and placement of windows, balconies and other façade elements. Consider using landscape elements to add variety and differentiate units from each other. Maximize window number and size (within budget constraints) to enhance views and make spaces feel larger and lighter. Use standard size windows, and consider varying where and how they are used. Consider ways to screen and physically separate ground floor windows from walkways–through screens or plantings–to provide privacy. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 154 16.2.6 Commercial Development Use appropriate building scale. Buildings should not dominate the site. Locate new buildings so they are compatible with the siting and massing of existing adjacent buildings and site development. Considerations should include setbacks, building heights, parking, arrangements and building shape, and massing. Locate building entries so they are easily identifiable from site entries and provide secondary entrances that are easily accessible and convenient to parking and delivery areas that serve buildings without being dominate. In siting, orienting and developing new buildings and facilities, protect and enhance existing views and provide view corridors. Commercial Design Guidelines Issues: Richness of surfaces and texture Use of durable, low maintenance materials Significant wall articulation (insets, canopies, wing-walls, trellises, porches, balconies). Pitched roofs and shed roofs Roof overhangs Traditional window Articulated mass and scale Significant landscape and hardscape elements Landscaped and screened parking Comprehensive and appealing monument signs Clear visibility of entrances and retail signage Clustering of buildings to provide pedestrian courtyards and common areas. Step-down of building scale along pedestrian routes and building entrances. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 155 16.2.7 Central Business District The Downtown or Central Business District (CBD) is the heart of any community. As the downtown grows, so does the city. Star Downtown has the potential to strengthen its market share of the valley. Star needs to create a compacted city center that functions well commercially and possesses a strong identity through its numerous historic buildings. Access to the downtown from Highway 44 is excellent but will overburden the central business district if pass through traffic is not encouraged to go around the downtown. Additional of the downtown include easy access to buildings, adequate parking for the current population, and decorative street lights that help identify the district. An excellent opportunity exists to turn downtown Star into a viable and appealing shopping, civic, residential, and entertainment area. 16.2.8 Revitalize Historic Buildings in the Downtown Core The downtown contains a number of buildings and facades worthy of preservation and continued use. Since many of these structures have been remodeled, they could be rehabilitated to recapture the warmth and beauty they once had. In the 1950’s, many owners of downtown buildings across the nation wanted to modernize their buildings. To do this, many owners placed false facades on their buildings. In the 1980’s and 1990’s these false facades were removed and, underneath the original structure, were left, often in good condition. Many buildings like this can be restored. Making old buildings more functional and keeping their historical significance is very important to a community, even though new buildings can be designed to emulate historic structures. There are various options available to meet this task. Some include historic preservation tax credits for buildings as well as facades. One can also contact the Idaho State Library and review their historic photos to see the historic features of the structure. The State of Idaho Historical Preservation Office is an agency which could assist. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 156 16.2.9 Urban Renewal District The purpose of the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) is to promote economic development opportunities and remedy blighted areas within their defined boundaries. Idaho code allows URA’s to use tax increment financing, to engineer, create, and/or redevelop infrastructure. Star may eventually consider a URA to help remedy worn down areas within the city’s core. 16.2.10 Civic Center Public buildings, such as the city library, Senior Citizen Center, City Hall, and other public spaces bring the public downtown. In addition, having an established retail center provides opportunities to strengthen the city center. The City of Star is lacking a civic center, focal point or gathering place. It is important that the city develop a plan to establish gathering places, like a clock tower, fountain, gazebo, public plazas or other amenities that create a sense of place. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 157 16.2.11 Public Art/Mural The development of public art or murals will give the community the opportunity to create displays which depict scenes or events of natural, social, cultural or historic significance. These graphic displays could provide a means to unite the community. Cultural diversity of the city can be promoted by using murals and other forms of public art to encourage community togetherness, social interaction, and community programs. 16.2.12 Gateways Gateway corridors are arterial roadways entering the community that introduce both visitors and residents to Star. City entries include Highway 44 (State Street), Highway 20/26 (Chinden Boulevard), Highway 16, Star Road, Can-Ada, Purple Sage and Beacon Light. These entrances would be enhanced by providing the planting of trees, street lights, landscaping, uniform commercial signage, establishing building character through design and location and placing new structures close to the sidewalk in the new urbanism style. These changes would provide the first, and oftentimes the most lasting, impression of the entire community. As part of this gateway plan, the city should consider developing and placing “Welcome to Star” signs at to the city at all appropriate locations. 16.2.13 Landscape Plan/Ordinance The city has a significant number of tall evergreen and deciduous trees. Many of these trees are more than 60 years old, suggesting that early residents planned for an oasis of greenery throughout the city. To continue as well as expand this process, the city needs to develop a landscape and tree ordinance to guide the future development of landscaping amenities. The landscape ordinance will guide the placement of plant materials on each future commercial and residential development throughout the city. This distinctive natural feature should be maintained through a tree planting program. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 158 16.2.14 Public Sidewalk/Sidewalk Improvement The City of Star has some established sidewalks. The city should focus on creating more sidewalks in areas that are residential that do not already have sidewalk access. They should also concentrate efforts on making the existing sidewalks more appealing in the style of new urbanism. 16.2.15 Community Festivals A festival is described as a time or day of feasting, celebration or performances. A festival or festivals can bring unity to a community. Farmers markets, county fairs, and other festivals and events can draw people together of very diverse backgrounds. Civic organizations and businesses should sponsor annual community festivals or events to bring the growing community closer together. The city should continue to have its annual festival “Hometown Celebration” and consider other festivals and a farmers market. 16.2.16 Boise River/Greenbelt The Boise River runs from end to end of the city. The river is an important asset and should be utilized to create an aesthetically appealing environment for citizens and tourists to enjoy. The river also provides opportunities for recreational activities such as river rafting, hiking, and fishing. Hiking is an activity that almost everyone can enjoy regardless of fitness level. Star should consider creating a greenbelt along the river similar to the one in Boise. River ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 159 rafting provides an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to view the local flora and fauna. Fishing from the mouth of the Boise River upstream to Star, low summer flows and poor water quality limit fishery production. This section of river supports a fair fishery for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. From Star upstream to Lucky Peak Dam, the river changes from warm water to a cold water fishery. Mountain whitefish make up the bulk of the game fish biomass, with hatchery-reared rainbow trout, wild rainbow trout, and fingerling brown trout plants supporting the bulk of the fishing pressure. 16.2.17 Signage Signage is important to the success of most businesses. There are various types of signs, such as monument, pole, lighted, animated, temporary, special event signs among others. The location of each new sign, height, and design can be based upon previously approved signage. Animated signs may be distracting to vehicle traffic which becomes a safety issue. The city code and the City Council will determine what types of signage are appropriate for the City of Star. 16.2.18 Dark Skies The concept of dark skies is based upon light pollution, which is produced by city residents. The concern is the adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, light trespass, decreased visibility at night and energy waste. Some cities have adopted Dark Skies Ordinances to reduce the amount of light and the number of lumens that exterior lighting produces. 16.3 Goal Create complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, workplaces, schools, parks, and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 160 16.4 Objectives A. The integration of historic structures should be encouraged within new developments. B. The city should set forth criteria for building design, landscaping, signage, and other aesthetic standards. C. Public and private facilities should be accessible to those with disabilities. D. Encourage the development of an aesthetically pleasing community. E. Work with traffic engineers to determine impacts on building and street locations. F. Adopt a dark skies ordinance. G. Adopt an Architectural Overlay District for the CBD. 16.5 Implementation Policies A. Materials and methods of construction should be specific to the region, exhibiting continuity of history and culture and compatibility with the climate to encourage the development of local character and community identity. B. Develop buffer areas to separate incompatible land uses. C. Develop a landscape ordinance for the city D. Establish an urban forestry plan. E. Parking: determine placement, numbers, and impacts of parking to the development of the project area and provide direction regarding modifications to existing ordinances. F. Develop guidelines for development adjacent to larger lots. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 161 G. Create complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, workplaces, schools, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents. H. New residential, commercial and industrial development are required to meet minimum design standards as specified by city ordinances. I. Review the existing landscape ordinance, assess current impacts, and determine if any modifications need to be made in the ordinance to meet any needs. J. Determine if certain criteria need to be established to manage the maximum size of a building and its location on the lot. K. Development should satisfy community design standards. L. Update the City of Star’s Subdivision Ordinance. M. Update sign ordinance. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 162 Chapter 17 – Agriculture 17.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Agriculture Component Requires an analysis of the agricultural base of the area including agricultural lands, farming activities, farming related businesses, and the role of agriculture and agricultural uses in the community. 17.2 Background and Analysis The once agriculture dominated community has slowly been transformed into a community where suburban and rural land uses coexist. As our rural community continues to grow, we begin to take on characteristics of an urban area. Farmable land is purchased, subdivided and developed. In many cases conflict begins with the traditional rural agricultural community, whereby the new residents complain about agricultural sounds after midnight, rural smells, ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 163 aerial spraying and other seemingly public nuisances. As more homes are built, traffic and speeds increase. New residents demand that the roadways be improved to meet the need. Agricultural vehicles try to maneuver the road system, while new residents have issues with the farm equipment moving too slowly for the current traffic and speeds. They believe that farmers should use some other road system. As more homes are being developed, the remaining farming community feels pinned in and soon they decide that they are not able to continue to farm because of the encroachment. Those that remain want to see “right to farm” legislation enacted and begin to feel resentment because they are not able to use their properties as they once did where they ride horses, raise livestock and crops and conduct other agricultural activities. The city acknowledges Idaho’s Right to Farm Act, and the need to protect the role of agriculture in Star, with the understanding that the area within its Comprehensive Plan is transitioning to urban development. Existing conditions are such that current Agricultural uses will be protected with Idaho’s Right to Farm Act and that the trend is for agricultural uses to be transitioning to urban development within the city’s Comprehensive Plan boundary. Compatibility of land uses are to be assured through development proposals. The goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for the Agricultural uses within the city are to protect such uses but to allow development to replace agricultural uses as the city grows. 17.3 Goal Acknowledge and support the role of agriculture in Star, understanding that agricultural lands annexed into the city limits are mostly planned for urban uses. 17.4 Objectives Support and encourage the agricultural use of agricultural lands. Protect agricultural lands from incompatible development. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 164 17.5 Implementation Policies A. Develop and implement standards and procedures to ensure that development planned for agricultural land is compatible with other agricultural uses in the area. B. Protect agricultural operations and facilities from land use conflicts or undue interference created by existing or proposed residential, commercial or industrial development. C. Development is not to be allowed to disrupt or destroy irrigation canals, ditches, laterals, drains, and associated irrigation works and rights-of- way. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 165 Chapter 18 – Implementation 18.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Implementation Component Requires an analysis to determine actions, programs, budgets, ordinances, or other methods including scheduling of public expenditures to provide for the timely execution of the various components of the plan. 18.2 Background and Analysis Implementation is the phase of the planning process in which the goals, objectives, and policies that are presented in this Comprehensive Plan are implemented. There are several important planning tools which help implement this Comprehensive Plan such as Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, the Zoning Map, and review of new development proposals. The following Implementation Policies are in addition to the Implementation Policies within other chapters of this plan. 18.3 Goal The Star Comprehensive Plan and related ordinances are to be working documents used by citizens and city leaders to shape the future of Star. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 166 18.4 Implementation Policies: A. Update the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances to be in conformance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. B. Community involvement is very important and the public should be aware and involved in the city’s planning decisions. C. The City Council is responsible to review the status of the implementation actions and critique the relevance of the Comprehensive Plan, including proposing any amendments on an as needed basis. D. Clustering is useful when trying to protect sensitive natural resources, avoid hazardous areas or preserve natural sites. Clustering involves assessing the natural characteristics of a site and grouping the buildings or lots through the on-site transfer of density rather than distributing them evenly throughout the project as in a conventional subdivision. E. Development Agreements allow the city to enter into a contract with a developer upon rezoning. The Development Agreement may provide the city and the developer with certain assurances regarding the proposed development upon rezoning. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 167 F. A Planned Unit Development Ordinance (PUD) is one of many devices used to implement a Comprehensive Plan. A developer of a PUD may be allowed variations in development requirements, if it is in the city's interest to encourage such a development. PUD regulations are intended to encourage innovations in land development techniques so that the growing demands of the community may be met with greater flexibility and variety in type, design, and layout of sites and buildings. PUD regulations also encourage the conservation and more efficient use of open spaces and other natural environmental features which enhance the quality of life. G. Require any person applying for a Comprehensive Plan amendment to submit a justification letter for the amendment which is to include: a. A specific description of the change being requested. b. Specific information on any property(s) involved. c. A description of the condition or situation which warrants a change being made in the plan. d. A description of the public benefit(s) that would occur from such a change in the plan and an explanation of why the public would need any such benefit(s). e. An explanation of why no other solutions to the condition or situation, which warrants a change in the plan, are possible or reasonable under the current policies of the plan. f. A detailed list of all applicable comprehensive plan goals, policies, and objectives that the proposed change would help implement or policies that must also be amended as part of the proposed change. g. A proposed development plan for any land involved if a specific development is planned at the time the request for the amendment is being made. h. An analysis showing the estimated impact that the proposed change is expected to have on existing and planned infrastructure. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 168 i. If the amendment will impact more individuals than the applicant submitting the application a detailed description of the efforts made to inform other parties potentially impacted by the change of the application is to be provided. j. Any other data and information required by the city for their evaluation of the request. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 169 Chapter 19 - National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors 19.1 Idaho Code Regarding the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors Component Requires that, after notification by the public utilities commission concerning the likelihood of a federally designated national interest electric transmission corridor, prepare an analysis showing the existing location and possible routing of high voltage transmission lines, including national interest electric transmission corridors based upon the United States Department of Energy’s most recent national electric transmission congestion study pursuant to sections 368 and 1221 of the energy policy act of 2005. "High-voltage transmission lines" mean lines with a capacity of one hundred and fifteen thousand (115,000) volts or more, supported by structures of forty (40) feet or more in height. 19.2 Background and Analysis The U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 “National Electric Transmission Congestion Study” does not designate any national interest electric transmission corridors within the Star city limits. There are however existing high voltage transmission lines with a capacity of 115,000 volts or more supported by structures of forty (40) feet or more in height within the Star city limits. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 170 Chapter 20 - Public Airport Facilities 20.1 Idaho Code Regarding the Public Airport Facilities Component Requires an analysis prepared with assistance from the Idaho transportation department division of aeronautics, if requested by the planning and zoning commission, and the manager or person in charge of the local public airport identifying, but not limited to, facility locations, the scope and type of airport operations, existing and future planned airport development and infrastructure needs, and the economic impact to the community. 20.2 Background and Analysis There is no public airport within the Star corporate boundaries. The nearest commercial, freight, and corporate airport is Boise Municipal Airport which is approximately 25 miles east of the City of Star. Other freight and corporate airports are in the cities Nampa and Caldwell, which are 9 and 12 miles to the west. There is no public airport planned within the Star Comprehensive Planning area and none is desired but there is a small private airport to the west of Star. There is a private airport located between Blessinger Road and Can-Ada Road south of Purple Sage. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 171 Glossary Where conflicts exist between a definition herein and a definition within the uniform Development Code, the Uniform Development Code definition is to apply. Accommodate - The ability of the community to adapt to change; particularly the ability of the community to meet the needs of future populations. Affordable Housing - A general rule for determining housing affordability is that the sum total annual rent and other housing payments (including utilities) should not exceed 30% of gross household income. Lending institutions use a different definition to determine whether housing is affordable for a prospective homeowner; that is, the total annual payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 26-28% of the homeowner's gross annual income. Lending institutions also consider the homeowner's total indebtedness, determining that housing costs plus all other indebtedness should not exceed 33-36% of the homeowner's income. Agricultural Land - Land primarily devoted to the commercial production of horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, vegetable, or animal products, or of berries, grain, hay, straw, turf, seed, or livestock and land that has long-term commercial significance for agricultural production. Annexation - The incorporation of a land area into an existing city with a resulting change in the boundaries of that city. Bikeway - A facility designed to accommodate bicycle travel for recreation or commuting purposes. This is not always a separate facility but can be designed to be compatible with other travel modes. Buffer - An area designed to provide attractive space or distance, obstruct undesirable views or generally reduce the impact of adjacent development. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) - A proposed timetable or schedule of all future capital improvements to be carried out during a specific period and listed in order of priority, together with cost establishments and the anticipated means of financing each project. Central Business District (CBD) - The major shopping center within a city usually containing, in addition to retail uses, governmental offices, service ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 172 uses, professional, cultural, recreational and entertainment establishments and uses, residences, hotels and motels, appropriate industrial activities, and transportation facilities. This area is located within the downtown area of the city. Circulation - Systems, structures and physical improvements for the movement of people, goods, water, air, sewage, or power by such means as streets, highways, railways, waterways, towers, airways, pipes, and conduits, and the handling of people and goods by such means as terminals, stations, warehouses, and other storage buildings or transshipment points. Commercial - The distribution, sale, or rental of goods and the provision of other services. Community - Used interchangeably to speak of the total planning area (versus the city or urban fringe) or an attitude such as a sense of community...” which implies a common identification on an issue by a group of citizens. Community Parks - Community parks are large and intended to provide facilities of general community interest. These parks should provide for active and passive recreation for all ages and for family and organized recreation. They should be centrally located and readily accessible with approximately 3.5 acres per 1,000 people. Compatible Design – The visual relationship between adjacent and nearby buildings and the immediate streetscape, in term of a consistency of material, colors, building elements, building mass and other constructed elements of urban environments, such that abrupt or severe differences are avoided. Comprehensive Plan - A general policy statement of the city, including a general land use map which integrates all functions, natural systems and activities relating to the use of land, which is required by Idaho State Statue (§67-6508). Community Character - The features that define the built and natural environment within the community help to create its character. These include historic buildings, natural stream corridors, woodlands, residential neighborhoods of different types, building density and orientation (auto or pedestrian oriented), and the scale and quantity of signage. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 173 Community of Place – A dynamic, diverse, compact and efficient center that has evolved and maintained at a human scale, with an easily accessible central core of commercial and community services, residential units and recognizable natural and built landmarks and boundaries that provide a sense of place and orientation. Density – The overall average number of dwelling units located on the gross overall or gross new residential acreage (as applicable in case of mixed-use developments) contained within the development and calculated on a per-acre basis. Density is to be calculated by rounding to the nearest whole number with x.5 being rounded up. Density (Gross) – Calculated by dividing the total number of units by the total acreage. Density (Net) – Calculated by dividing the total number of units by the total acreage minus all publicly dedicated land. Design Standards – The standards that set forth specific improvement requirements. Development - Making a material change in the use or appearance of a structure or land, dividing land into two or more parcels, or creating or terminating a right of access. Development Agreement - The Local Land Use Planning Act allows cities and counties to use development agreements, which require an owner or developer to make a written commitment concerning the use or development of the subject parcel as a condition of rezoning. The agreements are binding and recorded so as to bind subsequent owners. Diversity/Difference - Diversity implies the mixture of land use and/or densities within a given area. Duplex - A building containing two single-family dwelling units separated from each other by an unpierced wall extending from basement to roof. Dwelling - A building used exclusively for residential occupancy, including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings. Dwelling, multi-family - A dwelling containing three or more dwelling units, not including hotels, motels, fraternity or sorority houses, and similar group accommodations. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 174 Dwelling, single-family - A building designed exclusively for occupancy by one family, but not including mobile homes, otherwise provided herein. Dwelling, single-family attached - A residential building containing dwelling units, each of which has primary ground floor access to the outside and which are attached to each other by party walls without openings. The term is intended primarily for such dwelling types as townhouses and duplexes. Dwelling, single-family detached - A single-family dwelling which is not attached to any other dwelling or building by any means, excluding mobile homes and manufactured housing situated on a permanent foundation. Dwelling, two-family - A building occupied by two families living independently of each other. Dwelling unit - One or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least one bathroom, designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the exclusive use of a single family for living, cooking, and sanitary purposes, located in a single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling or mixed-use building. Easement - A right to land generally established in a real estate deed or on a recorded plat to permit the use of land by the public, a corporation or particular persons for specified uses. Economic Base - The production, distribution and consumption of goods and services within a planning area. Comment: Economic base, as used in planning, is commonly thought of as the sum of all activities that result in incomes for the area’s inhabitants. The definition, however, is significantly broad to include all geographic and functional elements, which may have an impact on the planning area, although not physically part of the area. Economic Development - The addition of new economic activity. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - EPA is the federal source agency of air and water quality control regulations affecting a community. Established Areas - An area where the pattern of development has been fixed and where this pattern is anticipated to be valid over the planning period. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 175 Generally, all developed areas within the city limits, which are considered to be established at this point in the planning process. Exurban - Exurbia or the "exurbs" are a type of spatial pattern of settlement that differ from their suburban counterparts. Exurbs are located at greater distances from urban centers than suburban developments and are comprised of a different mix of land uses and population. Active farms are interspersed with different ages and types of very low-density residential development, including roadside houses, new housing subdivisions, exclusive estates, and mobile homes. In addition, exurbia contains small, rural towns as well as newer edge-of-town retail, commercial, and industrial development. Exurbs are areas that are in transition from their traditional rural setting to something more urban. They are often transformed into suburbs or edge cities within a 20-30 year period. Farm Animals - Animals commonly raised or kept in an agricultural, rather than an urban, environment, including but not limited to, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, cattle, llamas, emus, ostriches, donkeys and mules. Floodplain - Lands which are within the floodway and the floodway fringe. Floodway - The channel of a river or other water course and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot. Flood, 100 Year - A flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. This is the flood most commonly used for regulatory purposes. Freeway - A divided arterial highway designed for the unimpeded flow of large traffic volumes. Access to a freeway is strictly controlled and intersection grade separations are required. Goals - Goals usually are stated in broad terms to reflect community wide values. The ultimate purpose of a goal is stated in a way that is general in nature and immeasurable. They provide the community a direction in which to travel–not a location to reach. Greenway/Greenbelt - An open area which may be cultivated or maintained in a natural state surrounding development or used as a buffer between land uses or to mark the edge of an urban or developed area. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 176 Group Home - A small homelike facility staffed by qualified professionals and designed to fit into the neighborhood. The purpose of the facility is to provide living quarters and services for people having a particular disability. Hillside Developable Area - Where, after grading, the slope of land planned for development is 10% or greater. Home Occupation - An Occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by the resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent and incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. Housing Units - Where a person lives/dwell. Incompatible Land Uses - The location of more intensive land uses adjacent to less intensive land uses where negative impacts on property rights would result. Impact - The consequences of a course of action; the effect of a goal, guideline, plan, or decision. Impact Fees - A fee levied by local government on new development, so that the new development pays a proportionate share of the cost of the facilities needed to service that development. Implementation (policies) strategies - Specific statements that guide actions, imply clear commitment and express the manner in which future actions should be taken. They are however, flexible rules that can adapt to different situations and circumstances. Infill Development - See Odd-Lot Development. Infrastructure - Facilities and services needed to sustain industry, commercial and residential activities (e.g. water and sewer lines, streets, roads, fire stations, parks, etc.). Land Development Regulations - Generally, all ordinances and other tools (policies) used by the city/county to manage land use. Land Trust - A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the preservation of undeveloped open land for conservation value to the community. Land trusts are concerned with all kinds of open space land, or they focus on specific resources, such as farmland, prairie, mountain ridges, ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 177 watersheds, river corridors, lakes, parks, or community gardens. Land trusts can be rural, suburban, or urban, depending upon the geography they serve. Land Use - A description of how land is occupied or utilized. Land Use Map - A map showing location extent and intensity of development of land to be used for varying types of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, educational and other public and private purposes or combination of purposes. Livability - Those aspects of the community, perceived by residents, which make the community a nice place to live. Long Range - Usually refers to a time span of more than five years. Maintain - Support, keep, or continue in an existing state or condition without decline. Manufactured Home - A double wide structure with a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) label certifying that it was constructed in accordance with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Master Plan - A comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of a community or region and one that includes analysis, recommendations and proposals for the community’s population, economy, housing, transportation, community facilities and land use. Master Planned Community - Planned, balanced, self-contained communities which include a mixture of residential, commercial, retail, office, and civic development and services. Mixed Use - Properties on which various uses, such as office, commercial, institutional, and residential, are combined in a single building or on a single site in an integrated development project with significant functional interrelationships and a coherent physical design. A “single site” may include contiguous properties. Mobile Home - A single wide structure which is constructed for movement on the public highways that has sleeping, cooking, and plumbing facilities, intended for human occupancy, which was constructed between January 1, 1962 and June 15, 1976. Multi-Use Building - A building containing two or more distinct uses. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 178 Natural Hazard - A natural characteristic of the land or combination of characteristics which, when developed without proper safeguards, could endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare. Neighborhood - A local area whose residents are generally conscious of its existence as an entity. In planning literature, a “neighborhood unit” is a planned residential area organized on the principle that elementary schools, parks, playgrounds, churches, and shopping are within walking distance of each residence. Heavy traffic is to be routed around the neighborhood–not through it. Neighborhood Parks - A neighborhood park is medium sized, containing facilities primarily of interest to the immediate neighborhood. Facilities for a variety of activities should be provided. They should be approximately 2 acres per 1,000 residents. New Urbanism - An urban design movement which promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types. Objectives - Statement that defines the meaning of the goal; describes how to accomplish the goal and suggests a method of accomplishing it. It advances a specific purpose, aim, ambition or element of a goal. It can describe the end state of the goal, its purpose, or a course of action necessary to achieve the goal. Odd-Lot Development - The development of new housing or other buildings on scattered vacant sites in a built-up area. Pedestrian Walkway (Sidewalk) - A secured path for walking. Planning Reference Date - The period of time between 2019 and the year 2040 used for development projections. Planned Unit Development (PUD) - A project of a single owner or a group of owners acting jointly, involving a related group of residences, businesses, or industries, and associated uses. Planned as a single entity, the project is subject to development and regulations as one land-use unit rather than as an aggregation of individual buildings located on separate lots. The planned unit development includes usable, functional open space for the mutual benefit of the entire tract, and is designed to provide variety and diversity through the variation of normal zoning and subdivision standards so that maximum ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 179 long-range benefits can be gained, and the unique features of the development or site preserved and enhanced, while still being in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. Approval of a planned unit development does not eliminate the requirements of subdividing and recording a plat. Policy - A decision making guideline for actions to be taken in achieving goals. The policy is the official position of the city related to a given land use issue. Policies guide actions in recurring situations. Public Land - Land owned by local, state, or federal government, used for purposes which benefit public health, safety, general welfare, and other needs of society. Public Participation -The active and meaningful involvement of the public in the development of the comprehensive plan and approvals of development applications. Public Facility and Utilities - Refers to key facilities, types, and levels of the following: fire protection, police protection, schools, libraries, sanitary facilities, storm drainage facilities, government administrative services, energy, and other services deemed necessary by the community for the enjoyment of urban life. Quality of Life - Those aspects of the economic, social, and physical environment that make a community a desirable place in which to live or do business. Quality of life factors include those such as climate and natural features, access to schools, housing, employment opportunities, medical facilities, cultural and recreational amenities, and public services. Residential Area - A given area of the community in which the predominant character is residential. Uses which support residential activity such as parks, churches, schools, fire stations, and utility substations, may also be permitted. In certain instances, existing lots of record and development patterns may exceed comprehensive plan densities. Review - An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation and the rendering of an opinion or decision. Review by the city may involve public hearings, formal approval or denial of development proposals, etc., as provided for in city ordinances. Ridgeline Development - Ridgeline development means a development on the crest of a hill that has the potential to create a silhouette or other ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 180 substantially adverse impact when viewed from a common public viewing area. Right-of-Way (ROW) - The lines that form the boundaries of a right-of-way. Rural Land and Character - The acknowledgment of the role of agriculture and the responsibility of those who use the land for that purpose. Rural areas include the mixture of agricultural uses, green fields, open spaces, range land, forest, high desert, and other rural land characteristics with minimum residential development, unless it’s associated with agricultural land use. County land use ordinances, such as subdivision, planned unit developments, and planned communities, may not threaten rural character; however, ordinances should take in account these attributes. To minimize the impacts to rural character, buffer zones, open space or better landscaping guidelines should be considered. Scenic Byway Program - Roadways that provide an enjoyable and relaxing experience or that offer cultural or historical enrichment to travelers are legislatively designated as part of a Scenic Byway System. Scenic byways are typically secondary roads having significant cultural, historic, scenic, geological, or natural features. They often include vistas, rest areas, and interpretive sites in harmony with the scenic characteristics of the road. The Federal-Aid Highway Program includes limited funding for such statewide systems. Sense of Place - The characteristics of an area that make it readily recognizable as being unique and different from its surroundings and having a special character and familiarity. Sprawl - The process in which the spread of development across the landscape far outpaces population growth. The landscape sprawl created has four dimensions: 1) a population that is widely dispersed in low-density development; 2) rigidly separated homes, shops, and workplaces; 3) a network of roads marked by huge blocks and poor access; and 4) a lack of well-defined, thriving activity centers, such as downtowns and town centers. Most of the other features usually associated with sprawl–the lack of transportation choices, relative uniformity of housing options, or the difficulty of walking–are a result of these conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 181 Strip Commercial and Industrial - A development pattern characterized by lots in a continuous manner fronting on streets and resulting in numerous access points to the street. Subdivision - The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale, development or lease. Tax Increment - Additional tax revenues that result from increases in property values due to new development within a redevelopment area. Telecommuting - An arrangement in which a worker is at home or in a location other than the primary place of work and communicates with the workplace and conducts work via wireless or telephone lines, using modems, fax machines, or other electronic devices in conjunction with computers. Transfer Development of Rights Program - The removal of the right to develop or build, expressed in dwelling units per acre, from land in one zoning district to land in another district where such transfer is permitted. Comment: Transfer of development rights, or transfer of development credits, is a relatively new land development control tool used to preserve open space and farmland. Presently, the most common use of this method has been for historic preservation in urban areas. Transit-Oriented Development - The concentration of development at nodes along public transit corridors, either light rail or bus routes. Transitional Use - A permitted use or structure of an intermediate intensity of activity or scale and located between a more intensive or less intensive use. Trip Capture - A traffic percentage reduction that can be applied to the trip generation estimates for individual land uses to account for trips internal to the site. These internal trips are not made on the major street system but are made by either walking or by vehicles using internal roadways. Urban - Population and territory within the boundaries of urbanized areas and the urban portion of places outside of the urbanized area that have a decennial census population of 2,500 or more. (U.S Census Bureau) Urban Area - A highly developed area that includes, or is appurtenant to, a central city or place and contains a variety of industrial, commercial, residential and cultural uses. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 182 Urban Land - Land that is developed at urban densities or that has urban services. Urban Service Boundary - That area that can be served economically and efficiently by city utilities. Urbanization - Process of converting land from rural to urban. Walkway - 1) A right-of-way dedicated to public use that is not within a street right-of-way, to facilitate pedestrian access through a subdivision block by means of a hard surface path; 2) any portion of a parking area restricted to the exclusive use of pedestrian travel. Wireless Telecommunications Equipment - Any equipment used to provide wireless telecommunication service, but which is not affixed to or contained within a wireless telecommunication facility but is instead affixed to or mounted on an existing building or structure that is used for some other purpose. Wireless telecommunication equipment also includes a ground mounted base station used as an accessory structure that is connected to an antenna mounted on or affixed to an existing building. Wireless Telecommunication Facility - Any freestanding facility, building, pole, tower or structure used to provide only wireless telecommunication services, and which consists of, without limitation, antennae, equipment and storage, and other accessory structures used to provide wireless telecommunication services. Wetlands - Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, however, wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland areas created to mitigate conversion of wetlands, if permitted by the county or the city. Zero-Lot Line - A detached single-family unit distinguished by the location of one exterior wall on a side property line. ---PAGE BREAK--- Shining Bright into the Future - 2040 and Beyond I 183 Zone - The smallest geographically designated area for analysis of land use activity. An area or region set apart from its surroundings by some characteristic. Zoning Map - The maps which are a part of the zoning ordinance and delineate the boundaries of zone districts.