Comprehensive general plan : Boise City, Idaho, 1985.

              Boise City Idaho
CITY COUNCIL
Eugene W. Shellworth • Mayor
Harold T. Jones • Council President
Vernon E. Morris • President Pro-Tem
Henry F. Koch • Council Member
Edward W. Rice • Council Member *
Edward Emerine • Council Member **
Roberta Sharp • City Clerk
C. Stanley Skiles • City Attorney
ZONING COMMISSION
Frederick C. Hummel • Chairman
Glen E. Cline
Thorwald J. Fraser
Earl C. Reynolds, Jr.
Lynn M. Rogers
P. M . Roberts • Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSION
Earl C. Reynolds , Jr. • Chairman
Charles F. Hummel • Vice-Chairman
Col. Philip Doddridge
A. S. Gilbert
Errol W. Little
Charles E. Link
U. Blair Locander
Miles J. Willcutt
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
• l 9 5 3
P. M • Roberts • Director, Department of Building & Zoning
A. J. Wahl • Public Works Commissioner
Steve Taylor • Fire Chief
Marie Wroten • Acting Commission Secretary
* Took Office- September 2, 1963 **Resigned- July, 1963
The final report on the Comprehensive General Plan for
Boise City, of which this is Volume I. is made up of the
following three parts:
VOL.
VOL.
VOL.
I The Comprehensive General Plan 1985
II Planning Research and Administration
III Proposed Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
l
.,
ATKINSON ASSOCIATES
PLANNING
Harold E. Atkinson, AlP
Paul C. Smith
URBAN ECONOMICS
Stuart P. Walsh
Kent Hallawell
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
George S. Nolte,
Consulting Civil Engineers, Inc.
EDUCATION
Dr. Russell T. Sharpe
GRAPHICS AND REPORT
Margaret Fleming
Norman Lubeck
Gail Herman
r-r....a....
To the People of Boise City:
• .
.
CITY OF BOISE
I DAH 0
December 1, 1963
The following report contains the essentials of a Comprehensive General Plan for guiding the future
growth and development of Boise City. It is submitted after almost two years of study by our Planning
Commission and Zoning Commission working in cooperation with other public officials and with the
professional guidance of our Planning Consultants.
Boise City has just celebrated its Centennial. It was a fine tribute to the 100 years of colorful history
during which Boise City has grown from a small trading post to a metropolitan center of over 53, 000
persons.
It is the purpose of the General Plan to guide future development - not to remake Boise City 0 The people
of Boise City are justly proud of their community. We cherish our attractive neighborhoods, parks,
public buildings, schools, junior college and our clean air. While all of us are in favor of improvement,
we like much of our City as it is.
In looking to the years ahead, however, we recognize that growth and change are inevitable. We know
that to accommodate this growth we shall be required to make large expenditures for public facilities,
streets, utilities and other improvements o It is the purpose of this Plan to help insure that funds for
these purposes will be wisely expended and that Boise City will grow increasingly as an ideal commun­ity
in which to work, to shop, and, of particular importance, to live and raise a family.
The promise of the future in Boise City is forecast in the progressive developments of recent years. It
is shown in our new residential neighborhoods, office buildings, motels and parking structures.
It is shown also, and with even greater significance, in the growing consciousness of Boise City as a
metropolitan area and in the increasing public interest in community development.
In considering the Plan here submitted, it is important to recognize that the preparation of a Plan is
only the first step in preparing for future growth and that without public support the adoption of a Plan
is only a fonnality.
The concepts and proposals contained herein, therefore, together with the maps and ordinances designed
to implement them, will be discussed fully in public meetings held by your Planning Commission and
Council. We urge that you attend these meetings and contribute your views to our planning program.
The future of Boise City is in your hands. We can realize its fullest potential by planning and working
together.
Respectfully submitted:
Eugene W. Shellworth - Mayor
Harold T. Jones
Vernon E. Morris
Councilmen:
Henry F. Koch
Edward W. Rice 2
CONTENTS
II 0 I S I~ r: 1'1' Y • I J) 1\ II 0
Historical Background . . . . . . 4
Economic Background . . . • . . 5
The Planning Area . . . . . . . 9
Population . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Analysis • . . . . . . 11
Summary and Forecast . . . . . . 16
The Comprehensive General Plan . . . 18
Objectives . . . . . . . . 19
Boise City - 19 85 . . . . 20
Residential . . . . . . . . 21
Commercial . . . . . . . . 25
Industrial . . . . . . . . 27
Trafficways . . . . . . . . 29
Parks and Recreation . . . . . 35
Educational Facilities . . 37
Other Public Facilities , . . . . 40
Water Supply and Distribution . . 42
Sanitary Waste Disposal . . . . 43
Plan Implementation . . . . . 44
IDAHO STATE PITOL BUILDING
3
I
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
When first mentioned in recorded history the site of Boise City
was aptly called "Peaceful Valley" -the name given to it by
the Shoshone Indians whose villages and trading centers were
located along the river's edge.
The settlement of the Boise Region began about 1810 with the
advent of the fur trade which flourished thereafter for a quarter
of a century. Legend has it that a party of French Canadians
in search of beaver, first looking down on the tree-bordered
river and valley, exclaimed "Les Bois, les Bois! Voyez les
bois!" and that from this shout came the name Boise, meaning
woods or trees.
In 1862 the discovery of gold brought a rush of prospectors
and settlers to the area. To protect them Fort Boise, which
had been built as a simple stockade by the Hudson's Bay Com­pany
in 1834 and abandoned in 1855, was re-established in
1863 as an American Military Post.
FIGURE I
MAIN STREET
1 8 6 6
There were many dramatic personalities involved in the found­ing
of Boise City. Three in particular stand out: Major
Pinkney Lugenbeel, Henry C. Riggs and James L. Reynolds.
Major Lugenbeel selected the site for the military post and
directed its building and staffing.
Henry C. Riggs was one of eight men who mGt in a cabin on
July 7, 1863, in what later became the Ritchey-Davis Ranch,
and laid out a town between the ranch and the new govern­ment
reservation. The plan provided a townsite with a main
road running parallel to and about three-quarters of a mile
distant from the river. Five blocks were laid out on either
side of this road. It was Riggs who suggested Boise City as
the name for the growing town, and later, as a member of the
1864 legislature, fought to make Boise City the Territorial
Capital. He promoted the City as a business location and
established one of the first stores in town.
James L. Reynolds visualized a greater Boise and worked to
4
bring it into being. He edited the first Boise City newspaper,
the Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman, and is famed for his efforts
in arousing public opinion to make Boise City the state capital.
Congress created the Territory of Idaho in 1863 with Lewiston
as Territorial Capital. After a protracted and melodramatic
political tug-of-war Governor Lyon finaily signed the required
bill on December 3, 1864, moving the capital to Boise City.
Boise continued as the capital City when Idaho became the
43rd state in 1890.
Incorporated in 1864 Boise City, by the turn of the century,
could boast a population of nearly 6, 000 persons.
With the building of the Arrowrock Dam, 1911 to 1915, the
irrigation of the lands around Boise City opened the area to
farming. Since then agriculture has been the basis for the
economy of the region.
Washington Irving, writing about the adventures of Captain
Bonneville in 1867, noted: "The country about the Boise or
Woody River is extolled by Captain Bonneville as the most
enchanting he has seen in the Far West; presenting the
mingled grandeur and beauty of mountain and plain; of bright
running stream and vast grassy meadow waving to the breeze."
The dramatic setting and natural beauty of the Boise City area
he described continues to be one of its outstanding features
and greatest assets.
Source of historical data: Early History of the Boise Region, 1811- 1864.
by Dr. Eugene B. Chaffee
ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Introduction
Geography and mobility are the key words in a preview of the
economic future and potential development of Boise City.
From the beginning the City's geographic location has given
it several advantages and some handicaps.
The Pacific Northwest is divided into a number of distinct
economic sub-regions the limits of which are determined by
topographic features rather than by man-made political bound­aries.
One of these sub-regions, which includes the middle
Snake River Valley and the tributary Payette and Boise River
Valleys in southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon, comprises
an extensive territory with close to a quarter million residents.
Of this bi-state territory Boise City is the geographic and
economic center.
The City's westerly location in the State of Idaho permits
close economic association with the Pacific Northwest, as
well as Rocky Mountain cities, an advantage shared by few
communities in the mountain region. The Rocky Mountains,
bordering Idaho on the east, have been an historic barrier to
commercial movement in that direction.
Within 450 miles of Boise City are three sizeable western
markets: The Ogden-Salt Lake City complex, less than 400
miles south; Portland, the nearest seaport, 445 miles to the
northwest; and Spokane 436 miles north.
All of these markets, including Boise City, are in a position
to serve each other. To maximize its economic position,
Boise City must serve as much of its own market area in as
many ways as possible, and must also provide a growing vol­ume
of products and services to neighboring regions and
metropolitan centers.
5
Boise City's present economy is based largely on retail and
wholesale trade, employment in government, service indus­tries,
and manufacturing. All of these, with the exception of
government, are in turn partly dependent on the agricultural
and forest resources of the surrounding area.
During the past decade the agricultural sector of the economy
has become increasingly dependent on livestock and live­stock
products, the value of which represented over 82% of
Ada County's total value of farm production in 19 59, compared
with 75% in 1954. The dairy industry accounts for over 50%
of the total value of livestock and livestock products.
Agricultural operations in Ada and neighboring counties are
now utilizing to a high degree the land and water resources
available, with diversified production providing an exception­al
level of stability. The net effect on the local economy,
however, depends considerably on market conditions and
federal farm policies.
Consumer Markets
Boise City's potential as a consumer market is directly related
to population and the income trends of residents in the ten­county
Boise City trade area. Within these ten counties live
over one-third of Idaho's residents. The population of this
area was 231,472 in 1960, an increase of 18.8% since 1950,
as compared with the State's growth rate of 13. 3%. The popu­lation
of the ten-county area is expected to increase to about
315,000 by.l985. Ada County and adjacent Canyon County to
the west account for over 65% of the population of the ten­county
area.
Boise City offers a full line of retail establishments sufficient
to meet the needs of the community and the surrounding trade
area and has the highest retail sales of any Idaho community.
Although containing only 5% of Idaho's population, the City
accounts for over 12% of total retail sales in the state. Over
75% of Ada County's retai~ sales are transacted in Boise City.
The City also contains over 200 wholesale firms, chiefly
concentrated in the machinery, food, and hardware lines and
is also a regional center for financial, medical, professional,
and other services.
FIGURE 2
6
Transportation
Boise City is the air transportation hub of Idaho, providing
service to all major western cities. It is also a major high­way
center, and will soon be on the Federal Interstate High­way
System. The City is served by 17 common carrier truck
lines. Four bus companies provide passenger and parcel
service.
The Union Pacific, with both passenger and freight service,
is the only railroad serving Boise City. Rail freight to the
north and south connects through Pocatello, 235 miles to the
east. The lack of competitive rail transportation is a disad­vantage
to certain economic activities in Boise City.
Industrial Markets
In recent years the Rocky Mountain area has experienced
substantial industrial growth, as has the Pacific Northwest.
Boise City's regional position permits association with both
of these areas in the marketing of raw materials and indus­trial
components.
In serving markets beyond the ten-county trade area, Boise
City manufacturers can offset location limitations, to some
extent, when products are of relatively high unit value and
thus can absorb long-distance delivery costs. This is illu­strated
in the success of Boise City's mobile home industry
in serving distant markets, including the San Francisco Bay
Area.
Labor Resources and Employment
The Boise City labor market area comprises all of Ada County.
The available labor force has steadily increased along with
population. According to current estimates of the Idaho Em-ployment
Security Agency the area has a civilian labor force
of 37,250 and unemployment of 1, 600.
There appears to be a labor supply available to meet any fore­seeable
needs. The Boise area has a satisfactory history of
labor relations.
Government, the largest employment category, employs 6,400
persons, or about 12 percent of the employed population of
Ada County. Retailing is the area's second largest employer,
with an estimated 6,200, compared with about 5,000 in 1958.
While the volumes and values of Ada County's agricultural
production have continued to rise, there has been a reduction
in total farm employment, due largely to mechanization. The
irrigation of additional land areas helps to offset this trend.
Business ana Financial Services
Boise City has three well established commercial banks,
operating nine branches, and three savings and loan associ­ations
, providing adequately for the community's financial
needs and for economic growth. Boise City, because of the
distance to other metropolitan centers, has developed most
of the business services usually found only in a city of
100,000 or more.
Research facilities, which are somewhat lacking in the City
at the present time, are expected to improve when four-year
and graduate college programs are made available in the
community.
Economic Potentials
Industry of the so-called "footloose" type, together with
additional food processing and expanded government activi­ties,
constitute Boise City's chief potential for future de­velopment.
Secondary but significant opportunities include
7
increased tourist business and growth in sales and services
to the trade territory.
To industries of the so-called footloose types, which are not
closely tied to markets, materials, or highly specialized
labor resources, Boise City offers distinct attractions. The
number of such industries is multiplying steadily with the
increased mobility of management personnel and rising labor
costs in major metropolitan areas. One example of such
industries is the manufacture of electronic products and com­ponents
which, in contrast to research and development, is
not tied to centers of advanced technical education and highly
skilled labor. In a great portion of electronics manufacturing
the labor requirements are for unskilled but adaptable per­sonnel
who are willing to work at reasonable but competitive
wage rates.
Boise City is established as the administrative center for the
State of Idaho, and as the preferred location for regional
offices of various agencies of the federal government, Em­ployment
in government offices will continue to expand with
the growth of the state and nation.
Boise City will maintain its strong position as the regional
center for trade and commercial services as well as for finan­cial,
medical, professional, and other services, with the
volume of activities increasing with the growth in regional
population.
Regional Trade and Tourist Development
For a number of years the Boise area has actively promoted
its attractions for visitors, with a considerable degree of
success. The excellent winter sports facilities in the area
offer possibilities for development, though limited to a cer­tain
extent by competing facilities in other areas. The
same is true of hunting and fishing - sports readily avail­able
to local residents, of a quality capable of attracting a
nationwide patronage.
The continuing national growth of tourism, the recent impetus
given to Pacific Northwest travel by the Seattle World's Fair,
and the completion of the Federal Interstate Highway System,
all enhance Boise City's prospects for an increased volume
of tourist business.
FIGURE 3
RECREATION WONDERLAND
8
THE PLANNING AREA
The term "planning area" may be defined as the geographical
area containing the factors which influence, in a major way,
the development of the area for which a plan is being drawn.
Thus, from a broad economic standpoint, the planning area
for Boise City embraces the area which includes the multi­state
market to be served by Boise City industry and business,
and in a more restricted economic sense, may be said to be
made up of the ten- county trade area served by the City .
In addition to these matters, which were discussed in the
foregoing section, the General Plan for Boise City , as a basis
for the design of such matters as traffic circulation and the
use of land, takes into account the major political and geo­graphical
areas shown on Figure 4 . These include the County
of Ada County I the Boise Independent School District I the
Boise Metropolitan Area as defined by the Ada County Board
of Commissioners , and the Boise City Incorporated Area as of
1960.
The Planning Area I as herein defined and shown as Item 2 I
Figure 4 I is the geographical area of approximately 56 square
miles which now contains or will contain in the foreseeable
future 1 the urban population of which Boise City is the central
city. This area, by reason of topography and availability of
or feasibility of providing utilities I contains the area into
which Boise City may expand as a reasonable administrative
unit during the planning period.
~ I IIIIIIIIIIIIWt 11111111!!
LEGEND
CD
0
0
CD
CD
8018£ CITY
1960
BOISE PLANNING
AREA
BOISE METROPOLITAN ~
AREA ~
BOISE SCHOOL
DISTRICT
ADA COUNTY
lm''.,':: I
CJ
FIGURE 4
9
FIGURE 5
180-,---------.--------.--------,,--------.--------,
170~--------t-------~--------t-------1-----,
160~--------t--------r--------t-------1-,
POPU ION
150~--------t--------r--------t-----
130~--------t-------~
HIGH - 176, 000
ADA COUNTY
MEDIAN- 158,000
LOW- 140,000
BOISE METROPOLITAN
AREA - 136,000
BOISE CITY
120~--------t---, ~ I I PLANNING AREA
120,000
liD I ,!>
1oo I ~,, I ~ ~ I I I
so-r~~----~-------r--------~------1-------~
Source:
70 U.S. Census, unless otherwise noted.
Ada County Report, October 1961.
Projections: Atkinson Associates
601-------~------~~------+-------1-------~
401-~----~------~~------+-------1-------~
301-------~------~~------+-------1-------~
:: I I I I I J~:. s:0
FRINGE
0,_ _____ ._ ______ ~----~~----_.------~
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985
POPULATION PROJECTIONS CHART
POPULATION
Historically there has been steady and sustained
growth in population in the Boise City Area. Prior
to 1950 most of the development responsible for
this increase took place within the City limits.
During the past decade, as the result of the deple­tion
of buildable land within the City and the
extension of utilities beyond the City limits,
major residential development has taken place on
the outskirts of the City.
The following table summarizes projections of
population to the year 1985:
1960 1970 1985
Boise City 34,481 * (1) 110,000
Boise City
Planning Area 76,250 100,250 120,000
Boise City
Metropolitan Area 82,500 109,000 136,000
Ada County 93,460* 121,500 158,000
'* U. S, Census (1) Dependent on City boundary,
10
COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
THE BOISE COMMUNITY
The plan for the future of any community begins with the environ­ment
in being. Its corner stone is the community status quo.
Some of the major environmental factors taken into account in the
General Plan for Boise City are given in the following resume.
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
The majority of residential development in and around Boise City
is devoted to single-family use. In some instances, particularly
in the newer areas, housing has been built in subdivisions which
are uniform in lot size, dwelling type, and value. However, in
most of the older parts of town, although street patterns follow a
grid pattern and lot sizes are consistent, development has taken
place over a period of years and combines various residential
building types with some non-residential uses. In a few areas,
the character of development along a street may change radically
several times within a few blocks.
Although there are some substandard dwellings in several parts of
the community, Boise City has no aggregations of such dwellings
which could reasonably be described as slums.
With the exception of the recently annexed areas, most of the
residential land within the present City limits is built upon. In
the former, however, and in the urbanized county area, there is
a considerable amount of vacant subdivided land as well as large
areas of undeveloped land capable of subdivision. Figure 6 (5).
Single-family areas appear to fall into the following classifica­tions,
all of which have particular standards and values which
deserve enhancement and protection through the provision of
appropriate zoning regulations .
Early Developments
The dwellings in this group, which make up most
of the residential portions of the City, are, as
shown on Figure 6 (4), generally on streets having
a grid pattern. Many of the areas contain a small
scattering of commercial and industrial uses.
Home occupations and the renting of rooms are
fairly common. Duplexes and apartments are
found at random locations - frequently converted
from large residences.
As mentioned above the pattern is not consistent
and there are a numQer of developments to which
the above description does not apply; such as
those along Harrison Boulevard - and in the Warm
Springs Area.
More Recent Subdivisions - Medium Lot Size
Housing built during the past two decades follows
the usual post-war pattern. Streets are generally
curving and subdivisions, as illustrated on Figure
6 ( 2), are characterized by uniformity of lot size,
dwelling type, and age of dwelling. Most of the
subdivisions are small and hence do not create a
neighborhood of uniform characteristics. Families
in these areas tend to place value on maintaining
the type of design to which the neighborhood was
built and would not be amenable to the introduc­tion
of non-residential uses or to the conversion
of single-family units to multi-family dwellings.
ll
N
.......
Hilltop Areas
Dwellings in these recently developed areas are built to
generally uniform standards. Lots are above average in size
and dwellings are in a cost range above the City average.
Note Figure 6 (l).
Apartments
Although apartment units make up a small part of available
housing in Boise City, the nationwide trend toward apartment
living and retirement in metropolitan areas has stimulated
apartment building within the City. The multi-story apart­ments
being built east of the Capitol Building and south of
Ann Morrison Park mark a distinct departure from traditional
residential development in- Boise City. Figure 6 (3) shows
the Boise Hill apartment development.
Non-Residential Areas
In addition to the major areas of the City which are developed
for residential use, as described above, several concentra­tions
of non-residential use stand out, i.e., -the central
business area, outlying shopping centers, ribbon commercial
along major arterials and highways, the industrial develop­ment
south of Front Street, the governmental office complex
centering around the State Capitol Building, the office and
professional area east of the Capitol Building, and the motel
concentration along Capitol Boulevard. Each of these has an
important place in the community economic structure and
contains planning values which deserve enhancement and
protection.
COMMERCIAL AREAS
Commercial development in Boise City may be classified in
the following four types:
The Central Business Area
The downtown area, which contains the major office and retail
outlets in the City, has an appearance of economic stability,
and contrasts favorably with central business areas in most
cities of a size comparable to Boise City. Figure 6 (7).
The area is faced with the problems common to central areas,
i.e. , the segregation of through from local traffic, the provi­sion
of adequate offstreet parking, the obsolesence of some
structures and the need to compete with outlying shopping
areas in maintaining over-all attractiveness. There is con­siderable
evidence of success in all of these directions, such
as the new Bank of Idaho building, the Bon Marche four-story
Offstreet Parking building, extensive parking lots, the Provi­dent
Savings and Loan building, the expansion of motor hotel
facilities, the face lifting of older structures, improved street
lighting, and the use of planter boxes along downtown streets.
Favorable conditions relating to downtown include its central
location close to State and County office buildings; its rela­tionship
to the major highway pattern; and the trend toward
more intensive residential and office development in the
adjacent area.
The building of the recently approved Federal office building
on the Veteran's Hospital property will benefit downtown,
particularly if other similar developments can be obtained
to tie it to the office-building complex. The contemplated
provision of additional facilities for conventions or similar
activities, linking the commercial and governmental office
areas functionally, as well as in plan, offers benefits to
both the office functions and the downtown area.
Neighborhood Commercial
In Boise City, retail commercial activities other than the
13
central business district, include shopping centers generally
located at the intersections of major thoroughfares, ribbon
commercial development along thoroughfares, and the corner
grocery or small convenience stores found in many residential
neighborhoods.
Outlying shopping centers built shortly after the war tend to
front onto the highway and provide mostly convenience shop­ping
facilities. The more recent centers are built around
large parking lots and offer a wider range of merchandise and
services. Several of these are planned to include a junior
department store or branches of downtown stores and will
thereafter be more directly in competition with the downtown
area. Figure 6 (8).
The corner grocery stores, frequently of the type known as
the "rna and pa" store, ar!' located in almost every neighbor­hood
in Boise City. To a large extent they cater to walk-in
trade, provide a convenience to the neighborhood, and gen­erate
very little vehicular traffic. The curb parking provided
is usually adequate.
Highway-Related Commercial
Ribbon and highway-related commercial development in Boise
City offers goods similar to that in the neighborhood shopping
centers and also includes roadside business such as motels,
trailer parks, gasoline service stations, used-car lots, drive­in
restaurants, and other activities which, to a considerable
extent, depend upon the traffic passing their door for trade.
When grouped together in a favorable location such develop­ments
can form an attractive area and supplement each other.
However, when placed in spot or scattered locations along
major streets they can contribute to neighborhood deterioration.
The business of motels and mobile home parks appears likely
to grow in importance in Boise City in future years. Of
particular note is the development located on Capitol Boule­vard,
immediately south of the Boise River. There are a num­ber
of locations in the community suitable for this type of
development.
Service Commercial
Service commercial activities in Boise City include ware­housing,
contractor shops, auto repair shops, and other
non-objectionable quasi-industrial uses which, generally
speaking, do not require the facilities or the frontage char­acteristic
of retail trade areas •
In contrast to industrial uses, these commercial activities
generally make good neighbors to the downtown area. They
have a relatively low employment density, hence do not create
major traffic or parking problems, and form a good transitional
use from retail commercial to industrial by providing a buffer
between the two and serving both.
Because service commercial activities, in addition to serving
the central business area and industrial areas, also provide
some service to the entire community, a central location in an
area of reasonable proximity to both downtown and industrial
land is well suited to them. The area along Grove and Front
Streets is so located and is near both downtown and the major
industrial areas, as is the area south of the Boise River, be­tween
Ann Morrison Park and Capitol Boulevard. Another
location, the frontage on Americana Boulevard, south of the
Boise River, also has a reasonably central location and is
close to the industries in that area. Figure 6 (9).
INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Industrial developments in the Planning Area are established
in three generalized areas. As in most communities these are
located either along the railroad right-of-way or in areas
served by industrial rail spurs.
14
The industrial area south of the Central Business District,
extending east and west of Capitol Boulevard, is devoted
largely to warehousing and similar uses serving downtown
businesses which, for the most part, are quiet and free of
smoke and the other disturbances usually associated with
industrial areas. Figure 6 (l 0).
The largest area suitable and available for industrial use is
located south of the proposed Interstate Freeway. It contains
the airport, the airport industrial area, and the Boise Indus­trial
Park. Admirably served by highway and rail access, this
area contains ample land for extensive industrial operations.
The third area, located along the Union Pacific industrial
spur west of the City limits, is used for above ground bulk
storage of inflammable materials.
There are also a number of industrial uses spotted throughout
the community in commercial and residential areas. Because
they are limited in number and size they are not, as yet, a
major disadvantage to the areas in which they are located.
However, it is self-evident that the needs of industry and the
needs of a residential neighborhood are quite different and
that the two do not make good neighbors.
LAND AVAILABLE FOR EXPANSION
There is an abundance of undeveloped land with­in
the planning area. Although the land within
the City limits is, for the most part, subdivided
and built upon, large sections of land within the
planning area, but outside the City, contain only
scattered development at the present time. Some
of this land cannot reasonably be developed be­cause
of topography, nonavailability of utilities ,
and high development costs. Also, not all of the
buildable land will be required for development
during the planning period. Sections of the
Boise River Valley floor, for example, although
close to the center of the City, are utilized for
extensive land uses such as farming, sand and
gravel operations and large scale equipment
storage.
The availability of undeveloped land areas suit­able
for a range of uses has the advantage of
permitting flexibility of land use planning. It
has also the community advantage, when com­bined
with the river, park, school land, and
other public areas , of creating the feeling of
openness and spaciousness which is character­istic
of the Boise area.
15
The following conditions and trends are of major significance as a frame
of reference for planning the development of Boise City to the year 1985.
Boise City is a good place in which to work and live, offering a reputation
for stability, outstanding community character, a healthful environment,
exceptional recreational advantages, and freedom from the smog and grime
which blight most metropolitan areas.
The City will continue to serve as the major shopping, commercial, and
service center for the surrounding trade area of some ten counties serving
about 25 0, 0 0 0 people.
The most favorable opportunities for Boise City to expand its economic
base are in the areas of "footloose" industries, tourist development,
expanded sales and service to the surrounding trade area, governmental
activities and expanded regional agricultural production.
The City is in a position to develop these opportunities and expand its
economic base through an aggressive economic development program
designed to maximize its advantages and overcome the less favorable
factors of location and transportation.
Stimulated by an economic development program, Ada County and the Boise
City Planning Area may be expected to achieve populations of 121,500 and
100,250 respectively in 1970, and 143,500 and 117,000 respectively in
1980. By 1985, the terminal date of the planning period, it is estimated
that the population of the Boise City Planning Area will be 120, 000 and
that of Ada County, 158, 000.
Most of the people in Boise City like the present character of their resi­dential
neighborhood and will support planning provisions designed to
16
retain and protect desirable neighborhood design and established values.
The major portion of the residential growth anticipated during the planning
period will take place in the recently annexed portions of the City and the
contiguous urban metropolitan area.
The preponderant demand for residential units will continue to be for
single-family dwellings.
Commercial development will increase roughly in proportion to area popu­lation
and expansion will take the form of a more intensive use of the
downtown area and an increase of shopping center development in the
suburbs.
The development of convention facilities in the vicinity of the government
office complex would enhance the future of the central business area.
It is anticipated that the public will continue to support school bond
issues and that the Independent Unified School District of Boise City
will thus be enabled to provide facilities in pace with community growth.
The City park system includes exceptional community and regional parks.
Additional neighborhood play areas will be required in some sections of
the Planning Area.
The State and Federal highway system, including the proposed Interstate
Freeway, form an excellent basic pattern of transportation for the metro­politan
area.
The valley floor in Boise City, already an outstanding community asset,
offers opportunity of further recreation, civic, and tourist-related devel­opment.
The City's public buildings, parks, and related civic developments,
which are located in a setting of great natural beauty and interest, make
Boise a distinguished City today. Viewed in terms of future developments,
Boise is potentially a City renowned for civic beauty.
17
THE COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN 1985
THE COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN
It is the purpose of the foregoing estimates of economic and
population trends to establish a basis for anticipating land
use requirements and for identifying policies required to
bring about an orderly physical development of the Boise
City area. When clearly stated and agreed upon, policies,
on such matters as the future use of land areas, the loca­tion
of major trafficways, and the preferred general location
of public improvements, become a general plan for commun­ity
development.
Basically the General Plan is a statement of policy presented
in broad outline. Its purpose is to guide the physical de­velopment
and growth of the planning area.
It is obvious that problems of community development such
as those relating to drainage, traffic, transportation, and so
forth, do not stop at city boundaries. The General Plan,
therefore, includes an area larger than the City of Boise and
takes into account the entire Boise City urban area.
The function of the Plan is to organize and set forth in maps
and policy statements the physical form the community
should take to best meet the economic, social, and cultural
BOISE C lTV · IDAHO
needs of its inhabitants during the planning period, i.e. , to
the year 1985. It serves also as a coordinative measure:
There are many agencies in the Boise community which pre­pare
plans as a part of their regular activities. The Boise
School District plans for future school expansion. Ada
County has its own general planning program. The State
Division of Highways includes plans for highways in the
Boise area as a part of its over-all highway planning. In a
similar manner the various departments of the City, such as
the Department of Public Works and the Fire Department,
annually estimate the additional facilities required to meet
anticipated growth and change. It is the function of the
General Plan to help incorporate these plans into a commun­ity-
wide design.
Because the Plan is comprehensive and long-range in con­cept
and acts as a guide for the development of private as
well as public lands, it must be sufficiently flexible to be
adaptable to changing conditions in the community.
Upon its adoption it affords a frame of reference for use by
community officials and as a basis for discussions with
county or other authorities on planning matters of mutual in­terest
- such as the classification of land on the outskirts of
the City or the relationship of the General Plan to the Ada
County General Plan now in preparation.
18
The Plan will have a place also in meetings with officials
of the Idaho State Department of Highways concerning the
design and treatment of the proposed Interstate Freeway and
the access routes into the City relating to it.
OBIECTNES
The Plan has the following objectives:
TO FOSTER the development of sound, well planned residen­tial
neighborhoods which will maintain high value, be
capable of reasonable city maintenance and build the city's
reputation as a desirable place in which to live.
TO ENHANCE the functioning of the industries presently in
the community and encourage diversification of industry to
broaden the city's economic base.
TO PROMOTE the continued growth of the downtown business
area as a regional commercial and shopping center and to
provide for neighborhood shopping at locations convenient to
the neighborhoods served.
TO ASSIST in making the city administration an effective
business operation by advancing the efficient installation
and operation of public facilities, utilities, and services.
The designation of the most desirable arrangement and use of
land, as stated above, is one important function of the Plan.
These matters, when officially approved, are made effective
through the enactment of City laws, particularly those
grouped in the zoning and subdivision ordinances which, as
proposed, are set forth in Part III of this report.
The classification of land, according to use, has many recog­nized
advantages. Over many years the experience of cities
has shown that areas, such as those which we generally think
of as being commercial, residential, or under the
general heading of industry, are best able to carry
on their normal activities and to maintain value if
they are developed uniformly for a compatible group
of uses.
In contrast to this, experience has shown that areas
containing a mixture of uses such as, for example,
industrial combined with residential, do not develop
satisfactorily and frequently become more or less
unsuitable for either use.
The General Plan, therefore, proposes that land in
appropriate locations be set aside for each of the
essential uses which make up the Boise community
and that, within general limits, these areas be re­served
for such use.
The following table shows estimated areas of land
required to accommodate anticipated developments
within the planning area to the year 1985:
LAND USE
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agriculture and Open Land
Gross Area
(000 acres)
17.5
1.5
4.3
9.4
Public Facilities including Schools
and Parks 2.2
The proposed development of major land areas
within the planning area is described in the
following pages.
19
BOISE CI1Y - 1985
Each city has an individuality and a per­sonality
derived from its people which
reflects its historical background; and
is influenced I to a large extent I by its
physical form .
Composed of streets I buildings I and
spaces filled with a multitude of activi­ties
I cities offer varying degrees of
interest and attractiveness . A city may
be commonplace or it may be exciting
and stimulating I depending upon the
way its multi -faceted facilities are
arranged 1 and the manner in which they
are related to the total community en­vironment.
Boise City has been favored by nature.
Scenic surroundings of rivers I moun­tains
I and dramatic civic beauty form
an essential part of the Boise City
heritage .
The following policy is recommended
to retain Boise City' s outstanding
values and achieve its full potential in
this important respect:
• Identify the factors - both present
and future I which contribute in a
major way to the visual aspects
of the community I and take steps
to insure their protection and en­hancement.
• In the design and siting of each
new major undertaking (such as a
building 1 bridge I or street) I give
due consideration and emphasis to
its visual impact on the community .
• Acquire land along the Boise River
so as to create a conti nuous green
belt of public lands stretching along
the river throughout the entire length
of the community .
• Enhance and protect the inherent dig­nity
and beauty of Capitol Boulevard
by retaining and beautifying publicly­owned
frontages; maintaining present
set- backs in the Central Business
Distri ct; encouraging building designs
which incorporate additional set- backs
wherever possible; obtaining sufficient
right- of-way in undeveloped areas to
permit additional tree planting and
beautification; gradual elimination of
FIGURE 7
BEL T ALONG BO I S E RI VER
' 2 CAPI T OL BOU LE VARD IM P RO VE MEN T
3 B R AV E S FIEL D
4 COLL E GE EXP ANS I ON AR E A
non- conforming uses; and the provi­sion
of uniform tree planting where
feasible along the entire length of the
boulevard.
• Retain the remaining park area around
the State Capitol Building and 1 when
and if feasible I develop an office
building and mall complex north of
the Capitol grounds .
• Explore ways and means of maintain­ing
the Union Pacific Railroad Station
as a community feature so that the
building and park may be made a per­manent
civic monument.
• Ident ify and take steps to preserve I
for public use I occasional view
sites along the highways bordering
the bench area both north and south
of the City.
20
RESIDENTIAL
It is estimated that the anticipated in­crease
in population in the planning
area by 1985 of about 18,500 families,
if all were located in new single-family
neighborhoods , would require about
5, 285 gross acres or 8. 25 square miles,
an area about one and one-half times as
large as the land now within the City
limits, north of the Boise River.
It is apparent, however, that a major
portion of the housing required to ac­commodate
these families will be built
on existing vacant but subdivided land
and that additional dwelling units will
be created within the City through an
increase in residential density in
designated areas.
The residential section of the Plan is
directed to preserving established val­ues
in residential areas, encouraging
the development of new residential
areas as well designed neighborhood
patterns , and to guiding change in older
residential neighborhoods toward plan
obi ectives.
Separate types of residential area
including rural residential, suburban
residential, combined residential, and
apartment neighborhoods are proposed:
Single-Family Residential
Provision is made for three neighbor­hood
types which are exclusively one­family
dwelling in character and which
differ only as to density and character
of development as determined by lot
size: These include suburban areas
characterized by a 20, 000 square foot
minimum lots size; hillside and estate
developments characterized by a mini­mum
lot size of 9, 000 square feet; and
urban one-family areas in which the
minimum lot is 6, 000 square feet in area.
In order to provide for the continued de­velopment
of certain residential areas
in the older part of the City in conform­ance
with the established neighborhood
pattern, the General Plan establishes
standards and designates areas for them
under the classification of "Combined
Residential". It is anticipated that
areas so designated will continue to be
predominately single-family dwelling in
character, that houses will be inter­spersed
with limited or garden-type
apartments, and that in some selected
areas, upon approval of the Planning
Commission and Council, certain quasi­residential
uses and professional offices
will be established.
_4r iJil - .. ,._.- -.
The Plan provides also for residential de­velopment
in rural areas including single­family
dwellings on farms or on estates,
having an area of one acre or larger.
Multi-Family Residential
During recent years there has been a
nation-wide trend in urbanized areas
toward apartment living and it is anti­cipated
that the present step-up of
apartment building in Boise City will
continue.
To accommodate the demand for apart­ments
convenient to employment,
shopping, and community recreation
facilities, the designation and regula­tion
of land for two types of apartment
development is proposed. One of these
is included in the Combined-Residential
as described above. The other provides
for developments of a higher density
which, because of larger scale, can
justify the higher cost of close-in down­town
locations. The area northeast of
the State Capitol Building, designated
on the General Plan Map as Residential­Administrative,
is proposed for this type
of development. Certain professional
executive-administration and research
offices are also provided for with appro­priate
restrictions.
21
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
In the consideration of residential areas I the neighborhood is
usually considered to be the basic unit. It is generally con­ceived
of as a small community within the community having
more or less homogenous physical character and interests.
The preferred pattern for a neighborhood centers about the ele­mentary
school site and play area and is designed to be free
of unnecessary vehicular traffic .
The planning area I comprised of the City of Boise City and
the surrounding urban land I divides naturally into five major
areas which may be further divided into 24 sub-areas I as
shown on Figure 8 . These areas I which are delineated on the
basis of existing land use I school population I and highway
pattern I correspond in a number of ways to the standards
normally sought in neighborhood design I such as I for exam­ple
I matters of size I natural boundaries I consistency of
use I and population- holding capacity .
Although some of them do not qualify as a neighborhood 1 on
the basis of design and relation to facilities I all comprise
community units which are of value in appraising existing
conditions I trends in population and community change I
and the requirements for schools 1 playgrounds 1 and other
community facilities .
A tabulation of the facilities and utilities available to each
of the 23 neighborhoods shown in Figure 8 is inc luded in
Table 16 I Appendix Volume III.
The achievement of neighborhood values is largely a matter
of good community planning and subdivision design. The
following objectives should be considered in the design of
future residential neighborhoods in Boise City:
• The development of neighborhoods as unified residential
areas outlined by natural boundaries I such as major
II
FIGURE 8
22
trafficways, and provided with required school and park
areas and other community facilities.
• The design of neighborhood street patterns within the
framework of major trafficways so as to create residential
islands free of through traffic but readily accessible to
traffic routes •
• The location of elementary schools and play areas near
to, but not on, major collector streets and the siting of
such facilities so that pedestrians can reach them without
crossing major thoroughfares.
The preservation of trees, streams, and natural features
and their incorporation in the development of sites for
schools, parks, or other public facilities.
A schematic neighborhood layout designed to achieve the
above objectives is shown on Figure 9. It illustrates a pre­ferred
type of street layout and the placing of school, park,
and shopping facilities in locations accessible to all parts
of the neighborhood.
POLICY OF LAND DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the above the following approaches to resi­dential
planning, which have been utilized in recent years ,
should be considered in the design of future subdivisions:
• The use of the Planned Unit Development by means of
which greater flexibility and a more desirable living
environment can be achieved in the planning of large resi­dential
areas. The proposed zoning ordinance includes a
provision designed to facilitate this type of development.
N EIGHBORHO
FIGURE 9
PLAN SCHEMATIC ARRANGEMENT
23
COMMERCIAL
Shopping facilities and commercial development in the Boise
City planning area have expanded over the years in proportion
to area population and community growth. These facilities
consist of the Central Business District, of some 20 square
blocks, outlying shopping centers of various size, and linear
commercial developments along major arterial streets.
The land areas designated for commercial use in the Plan
coincide generally with the areas now used for commercial
purposes or zoned for such use. These areas are at present
only partially developed and, as noted above, include ample
space for the expansion of commercial activities in proportion
to the anticipated increase in population.
The advantages of restricting major uses of land to groups of
compatible activities and the exclusion of noncompatible uses
applies particularly to developments of a commercial nature.
The following policies are proposed to assist in promoting
the economic well being of commercial developments:
1 The grouping of commercial activities into the follow­ing
general types:
General Commercial: Uses which provide for retail
sales, commerce, and related activities, and also for
travel-related services * such as drive-in restaurants,
gasoline service stations, and used car lots.
* Travel-Related Commercial activities are established as a separate
zoning classification which also includes retail sales and commerce, to
afford further enhancement of commercial developments in specific loca­tions.
Reference: Volume lll, Proposed zoning ordinance and map. FIGURE 11
25
Service Commercial: Uses which provide for activities
of a service nature such as repair shops, small ware­houses,
wholesale stores, and similar activities which
serve other commercial businesses and home owners in
the community. Limited semi-industrial activities not
requiring industrial locations are also included in this
group.
2 The allocation of areas for each separate type of com­mercial
uses with only limited and carefully controlled
exceptions made to the uses permitted therein.
Areas designated primarily for retail trade and commerce
include the central business area and some outlying shop­ping
locations. Areas designated for travel-related com­mercial
activities are located along major thoroughfares.
In certain of these, such as the area along Capitol Boule­vard,
highway-related commercial activities will predom­inate.
The Plan designates land for the service commercial type
of use in the area adjacent to and south of the Central
Business District, an area convenient to downtown custom­ers
and centrally located to all parts of the community.
3 The provision of additional support of commercial activ­ity
in the Central Business District through the location of
government offices and other opportunities for increased
employment, and the encouragement of increased density
of residential development near the downtown area in the
form of an apartment and executive complex north and east
of the Capitol.
4 The adoption of the Trafficways Plan which will facili­tate
access to, and the movement of traffic through, the
Central Business District and other commercial areas.
5 The provision and retention of adequate offstreet park­ing
in all commercial areas.
6 The enhancement of over-all community attractiveness
so as to maintain Boise City as the shopping center for the
surrounding trade area.
26
INDUSTRIAL
It is the purpose of the industrial section of the Plan to allo­cate
land in sufficient quantities, and of the nature required,
to provide for the types of industrial expansion outlined in
the foregoing economic analysis.
Present industrial development in the Boise City area is made
up largely of warehouse activities and light manufacturing.
A substantial inventory of industrial land is necessary to pro­vide
for future expansion, to keep Boise City in a competitive
position with other communities, and to maintain reasonable
land prices. Therefore, the provision of an adequate selec­tion
of sites for all types of prospective industry will require
the setting aside of considerably more industrial acreage than
is expected to be put into use during the planning period.
Industrial land in the planning area is comprised of the fol­lowing
three major areas:
l The warehouse and distribution area of 335 acres
along the railroad just south of the Central Business Dis­trict.
About half of this area is now vacant, or in a use
such as residential or sand and gravel extraction. This
land, when needed, can be developed for industrial use
thus doubling the industrial capacity of the area.
2 The tank farm area, comprising about 310 acres, lo­cated
along the Union Pacific industrial spur. About 200
acres of this area are presently in use. The remaining
area of approximately 100 acres is vacant and available
for industrial use.
3 The bench industrial area, comprising approximately
2, 9 00 acres surrounding the Boise Municipal Airport,
south of the proposed Interstate Freeway. About 450
acres of this land is developed leaving some 2,450 acres
for future development. The area is well served by high­way,
air, and rail and is suitable for a wide range of
industrial uses.
~.... ~ til 0 til til~
-~
Q) ~-o Q) til Q) ... ... ~ til
tJ>O 0 Q)
INDUSTRIAL AREA ~ "' 0 "' "' "' 0. "' 0.
Q) 0 ... -...~.. til tll..-1 til X 0
til til til Q) til Q) ~
-~ 0 0 :> 0 ... ,_,
X ._. ... Q) ... 0
~ 0> CJ-o CJ .... <;(!
(2)
North of the River 335 170 165 97%
Tank Farm Area 310 200 llO 55%
(3) (4) (5)
Bench Industrial Area 2, 9OS 450 2,455 45%
(l) Includes areas developed in conformance with proposed land use.
(2) Includes vacant land; residential developments and sand and gravel extraction.
(3) Excludes 750 acres of airport use.
(4) Includes surplus military buildings and advacent land areas.
(5) Includes: 620 acres located in Airport Zone "8" and 1 , 040 acres located in Airport Zone '' H".
Note: Zone .. B", Inner Approach Zone, restricts heights of buildings and regulates land uses.
Zone" H", Noise Transition Zone, regulates minimum lot sizes and land uses.
27
The Boise Industrial Park shown on
the General Plan Map is being de­veloped
by the Boise Industrial
Foundation Incorporated. This land I
200 acres in area 1 offers excellent
transportation and access. It is
served by the Union Pacific Railroad
and is adjacent to major interchanges
on the proposed Federal Interstate
Highway. Water I natural gas 1 and
electric power are available on the
site. Plant locations are available
in a range of sizes . The character
of development is insured by pro­tective
covenants and also by the
provisions of the zoning ordinance
relating to industrial land.
Boise City has available for indus­trial
development a total of approx­imately
2 1 700 acres of vacant land
or land temporarily in other uses.
Subject to its continued protection
for industrial use I availability at
competitive prices I and the provis­ion
when required of access and
utilities I this land is adequate for
all anticipated and actual inventory
needs during the planning period.
BOISE
FIGURE 12
INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA
28
TRAFFICWAYS
TRAFFICWAYS PLAN
The basic street pattern in the Boise planning area consists of
a series of arterial streets leading from various Pc;>ints of the
compass to the downtown area. This overlays a grid pattern
of streets generally following section lines which serve either
as arterials or collector streets relating to the basic pattern.
The central business area is the focal point for most of the
City's traffic. There is an adequate interior street system in
the downtown area, nearly all of which is operated on the one­way
grid system shown on Figure 16.
The highway pattern in the Boise Metropolitan Area is influ­enced
considerably by the geography of the region. Highway
locations have been controlled somewhat by the benches
north and south of the community and by the need for bridges
across the river.
The Trafficways Plan shown on Figure 14 has been designed
to provide for the logical and orderly development of the
Boise community; the safe and convenient movement of people
and goods; and the expenditure of funds for public highways
on an economical basis.
The Plan has been engineered to provide for the traffic vol­ume
anticipated to the year 1985, which is shown graphically
on Figure 15. Estimates of traffic volume are based on a pro­jected
1985 population for the planning area of 120,000 and
158, 000 for Ada County, and an evaluation of traffic require­ments
related to the proposed land use plan. The latter
!Htftdl
takes into account the probable location of employment cen­ters,
additional residential subdivisions, and other traffic
generators .
Assignments of projected traffic have been made on the basis
of minimum travel paths.
The Trafficways Plan is intended to serve the Planning Com­mission
and City Council in the evaluation of proposed
subdivisions and the programming of street improvements.
It is implemented by the Subdivision Ordinance included in
Volume III of the General Plan and by the Standard Engineer­ing
Specifications of the City, both of which spell out street
standards and requirements in detail.
The Trafficways Plan has been coordinated with the plans of
Ada County, the State Highway Department, and Garden City,
and, as submitted, meets with the approval of those juris­dictions.
The Plan includes the following classifications of streets,
typical cross sections of which are shown on Figure 13.
1 Arterial Street: A street having the primary function
of carrying large volumes of traffic.
Four proposed types of arterial streets are shown on Fig­ure
13. Of these:
The Divided Arterial - has the advantages of providing
space for left-turn lanes, roadside planting, and pro­vides
also for increased safety.
29
The Undivided Arterial - provides
the same roadway surface as the
divided arterial and is the basic
street section for moderate arterial
traffic flow and for use in commer­cial
and industrial areas.
The One-Way Arterial - is the
standard street section recommend­ed
for the one-way grid in the cen­tral
business area.
The Modified Arterial - provides
four moving lanes with restricted
parking and has been designed for
situations in which the right-of­way
available is restricted and in
which arterial street capacity is
required.
2 Commercial-Industrial Street: A
street designed primarily to carry
traffic in commercial and industrial
areas and to provide adequate park­ing
and loading space.
3 Collector Street: A street de­signed
to carry traffic from minor
streets to other collector or arterial
streets; and also to serve abutting
properties.
The Collector-Residential is a
special case collector street having
somewhat reduced standards. It is
intended to serve as a collector
street in future residential areas.
4 Minor Street: A street which is
usually residential in nature and
which serves primarily to provide
access to abutting properties.
PROPOSED STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND PAVEMENT STANDARDS
Type of Street Minimum R. 0. W. Minimum Pavement Width
Arterial - Divided l 00' Dual 32' *
Arterial - Undivided 80' 64'
Arterial - One-Way 80' 52'
Arterial - Modified 60' 44'
Collector 60' 40'
Collector - Single-family residential 60' 36'
Commercial 80' 64'
Industrial 80' 64'
* 18' Median Strip
,. ~· R(lll[>WAY 10' IOEDIU
_JOd RIGHT Of WAY _
' -~2'~ _(__._. -.
ARTERIAL STREET- DIVIDED
~ ; tf
~t;*4k££%~tt2~~?M1f.i1~~~~~&~}r~l
--'-+-- --· __6• ' II<>ACWAY __ ~
--~·-r OF"!_._,_ -- -----j
ARTERIAL STREET- UNDIVIDED
COMMERCIAL STREET
INDUSTRIAL STREET
'! .. :; r?fMB5i~0f1fVQ~WPJt~~1.WZ~~~u~1
.. 52' oo..., .....
80' ~IGM1 iJF WAY
ARTERIAL STREET- ONE WAY
FIGURE 13
I ' 44 >1<)4001'11.Y •
r------"''RiG!:'_T_QF ·~·--- -
ARTERIAL STREET- ~OOIFIED
f4"'" ~= w.v:&~~f~$51~tlifft.W~f;1a
00' 40 ~OAD .. AY
60' ROG><T Of WAY
COLLECTOR STREET
tl~Wtrif~gz.@.~~i~
._ <r l _ 36" ROAOW~· _ _____;______,,_
~----•ooC'"''~'"-'"o• ,.._, __ _
COLLECTOR STREET
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AREAS
{,);i~fl-~l'l!il!!f~V'/f,~("'·'lfi®r&'J ~~'UJ';-;1.~,-<;;~,·-.:;:(-J1;I)r,,)~ )'!'(;'~i J.(,f l·'!:O-_:'I1J, _. "'"1·J""''!>~~.-;', , ~41
~ _\IIII!ES U TO,.;' 004D'fiAY VA.,ES
I SO" ~IGHT Of •A_, __ ~
MINOR STREET
'1
30
FIGURE 14
J
·= - scor.LL.,!'I:H
TRAFFICWAYS PLAN
LEGEND
HIGHWAYS:
=PROPOSED
LlM!TED ACCESS
- UNLIMITED ACCESS
-PROPOSED
NTERCHANGE
CITY & COUNTY STREETS:
- ARTERIAl - four or
more mov1ng lanes
--PROPOSED
--COLLECTOR - two or
three '-lOving lanes
--PROPOSED
ONE-WAY STREET PATTERN
Present System
The Boise City pattern of one-way streets which
extends throughout the central business district
and some of the neighboring area was adopted in
November 1957. The system has been modified
several times since then and reduced somewhat
in coverage. In general it has functioned well
and the problems manifested in a few locations
are those which are inherent in one-way street
traffic patterns.
Traffic Conditions
Figure 17 shows the present volume of traffic
carried by streets in the one-way pattern as
determined by a study of traffic movements in
downtown Boise City compiled by the City in
1963 and by traffic counts made by the State De­partment
of Highways over a period of several
years.
It is anticipated, on the basis of the projected
increase in population and proposed changes in
land use, that traffic over the system will in­crease
about 3% per year. Factors contributing
to this are the extension of commercial develop­ment
in the downtown area; the future develop­ment
of the area north and east of the capitol
for professional and research offices, including
the proposed Federal Office Building, and for
apartment developments; and the development of
areas on the fringe of the downtown area for high­way-
related uses in addition to the usual com­mercial
developments proposed by the General
Plan. An additional factor is the possibility that
31
~ .
., I ~
FIGURE 15
PEAK HOUR
/~ ~. '---1 I
TRAFFIC
100
200
300
soo - 1000 - 2000 ..
VOLUME l 9 8 5
the proposed federal building will be augmented
by additional office buildings, an auditorium and
convention center, or a mall bordered by govern­ment
office buildings located north of the capitol
building.
The use of streets for one directional traffic offers
certain advantages, including the reduction in
congestion through increased traffic capacity,
convenience and safety to drivers and pedestrians,
and ease of parking. It entails also possible
disadvantages such as an increase of circulatory
travel, confusion to out-of-town drivers not
familiar with the system, and increased travel
distance to some locations.
The present one-way pattern in Boise City, shown
on Figure 16, is somewhat unique - in two ways:
Because downtown is a terminal location for a
large amount of traffic, it provides for traffic
circulation in addition to the clearing of heavy
traffic through the area and it includes streets
which do not, at present, carry heavy traffic.
During the past several months the advantages
and possible disadvantages of the present pattern
have been evaluated to determine whether further
modification should be made at this time.
Consideration has been given to present and
anticipated traffic capacity requirements, the
effect of the currently proposed program for street
construction and widening, and the needs and
desires of owners and tenants of the effected
property. 32
~ .
~
~ 3 LANE STREETS
FIGURE 16
Restriction to one-way traffic on some streets in
the system, particularly those at the heart of the
central business area, can be fully justified on
the basis of present traffic volume and the re­quirements
of traffic movement. In contrast to
this, however, the present traffic load on a
number of streets on the fringes of the one-way
system does not justify a one-way street classi­fication.
This, however, is not conclusive evidence that
the one-way classification is unnecessary or
undesirable for these streets. Their retention in
a one-way classification may be wholly justified
by anticipated future traffic requirements or by
the other factors mentioned above.
An evaluation of these factors can be made with
greater accuracy upon the adoption of the city
and state street improvement program for 1964
and the resolution of property owner objectives.
These matters are both under study by the City
Administration and by the Parking and Transpor­tation
Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.
Because any modification of the system will in­volve
considerable driver re-education it is
recommended that the present system be con­tinued
until complete data on all of the above
factors has been assembled and evaluated.
33
FIGURE 17
l:!arr
"'"~_/_ ,
1000
2000
3000
5000 10000 - 15000 •
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUME
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
1 9 6 3
34
P A R K S
One function of the General Plan is to
designate space for parks and recrea­tional
use of the type, location, and
amount in keeping with the present and
future needs of the community. Re­quirements
for recreational space and
facilities are influenced by such factors
as the nature of the surrounding country­side,
the size and density of the urban­ized
area, population and employment
characteristics, the distribution of age
groups, and local tradition.
In the matter of space for recreation
Boise City has several unique advant­ages:
Its surrounding large-scale
recreational areas, include opportunities
for fishing, hunting, camping, and ski­ing,
all within a few minutes drive from
the center of the City and, within the
community itself, the Boise River Valley
provides a green belt transversing the
heart of the urban area and containing
several outstanding parks.
Parks and open areas, in addition to
creating places for recreation, also
provide a setting for the City. They
frame public buildings, enhance vistas,
and provide a breathing space and re­spite
from the commotion and noise of
traffic and commercial life. The evalu-
AN D RECREATION
ation of the need for parks, open space,
and other public areas, therefore,
should be made in relation to their total
contribution to the community.
Boise City has more than the usual need
and opportunity for parks and green areas
to serve in this way. As the Capital
City of Idaho and the seat of Ada County
government, the City is expected to have
dignity and charm. As a City of homes,
it should continue to be a delightful
place in which to live. Also, because
the economy of the area is based largely
on trade and commerce attracted from a
wide area, and its economic future is
partially dependent upon tourist travel
and retirement living, Boise City's
physical enhancement is a particularly
worthwhile community goal.
The Plan envisions a park system com­prised
of a chain of community parks
along the Boise River supplemented by
appropriate neighborhood facilities.
The following seven types of park and
recreation space are proposed:
1 Playlots - Small area for pre­school
children, located in protected
areas within walking distance of
.. . * --..._~ ~ ... w-dwellings
served.
2 Neighborhood Recreation Areas -
designed primarily for the use of
children from five to fourteen years
of age.
3 Major Neighborhood Recreation
Areas - designed to serve several
neighborhoods.
4 Community Parks - large areas
designed for diversified family
recreation.
5 Regional Parks or Reservations -
Large outlying areas of varied terrain,
maintained primarily in a natural
state, serving the people of the
region. Typical facilities include
those for camping, fishing, boating,
hiking, and nature study.
6 Special Facilities - such as golf
courses, ball parks, swimming pools,
tennis courts, public gardens.
7 Incidental Public Open Space -
including parkway strips, traffic
islands and the grounds around public
buildings.
35
There are at present 1, 019 acres of parks and recreation
space within the planning area distributed as follows:
Playlets and Neighborhood Parks
Major Neighborhood Recreation Areas
Community Parks
Special Facilities
School Ground Recreation Areas
27
147
671
16
158
Acres
II
II
II
II
Because of the abundant large-scale recreation areas sur­rounding
Boise City, the major need for recreation space in
the City is for additional playlets, neighborhood recreation
areas and community parks.
FIGURE l B
EXISTING: A
PARK & PLAYGROUND •
TENNIS COURT ....
SWIMMING POOL •
PROPOSED:
PARK & PLAYGROUND e
TENN IS COURT ....
It is proposed that, in order to achieve larger and more useable - ~~. ..~ ~...._11-- sWIMMINGPooL •
total facilities, play lots and neighborhood parks be combined
with school sites where feasible.
An additional 12 neighborhood parks are recommended for loca­tion
throughout the City, and a major neighborhood recreation
area is recommended for the area south of Boise Avenue and
east of Broadway.
It is proposed also that additional land along the Boise River
be acquired to link community parks with other public lands
forming a continuous green belt available to all sections of
the City.
36
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
During the 1963 school year public schools , within the Boise
Planning Area I had an enrollment of over 19, 000 students,
including 10,400 in elementary schools, 4 1 900 in junior high
schools and 4, 100 in high schools. As shown in the follow­ing
table it is estimated that by 19 85 there will be some
3 0, 000 students w ithin the planning area, an increase of
about 10,000.
1985
Maximum Projected Excess * Capacity Enrollment Enrollment Additional
May 1963 Including 110,000 over Schools
Enrollment Expansion Population Capacity Required
High Schools 3,522 3,533 6,600 3,067 2
Jr. High Schools 4,804 5,058 7,150 2, 092 2
J:lementary Schools 10,911 12,318 16,500 4,182 8
---- - -----
To provide for this increase it is proposed that present school
facilities be expanded where feasible and that new construc­tion
be undertaken to provide an additional eight e lementary
schools, two junior high schools , and two high schools. The
General Plan Map shows existing school locations and the
proposed locations of new schools. These locations are
based on an analysis of existing school facilities and the
possibilities of their expansion, and on expected population
changes.
Ada County is served by the Meridian, Kuna 1 and Boise Inde­pendent
School Districts. The largest is the Boise School
District, which serves over 8 0% of the Ada County population,
* Projections are based on the following ratio of student enrollment to total
population: High School - 6. 0%; Junior High School - 6. 5%; Elementary
School - 15.0%. School enrollment projections and an analysis of plant
capacities are given in Tables 14 and 1 S, Appendix ,Volume III.
•
•
•
FIGURE 19
..~ . .~ .. .~ .. ..
SCHOOLS
EXISTING: •
HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIOR HIGH •
ELEMENTARY •
PROPOSED: •
HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIOR HIGH •
ELEMENTARY •
37
and provides for all students within the Boise City limits and capacities.
for the majority of those within the Boise urban fringe.
School facilities in the Boise District include two senior high
schools, five junior high schools, and 27 elementary schools.
District properties also include undeveloped sites reserved
for future school needs .
Facilities within the Boise School District and within the
Planning Area may be classified by location as follows:
AREA I - North of Boise River
This area is served by l 2 elementary schools, North, East,
and Hillside Junior High Schools, and Boise High School. The
Lincoln School is operated as a remedial facility for Grades
1-12, and serves the entire district. With the exception of
Hillside Junior High, Boise High, and Adams Elementary, all
schools in this area are presently operating below their design
capacities.
School facilities in the area are generally adequate for the
anticipated school population during the planning period.
Although there will be some increase in student population
during that time, most of this can be absorbed by the excess
capacity and the expansion possibilities in existing schools.
The following increase in facilities is recommended:
• The construction of one additional elementary school in
the area generally south and east of the Adams School
District.
• Expansion of existing facilities at Whittier, Taft, and
Central elementary schools to their maximum design
• Restriction of student enrollment in the Central and
Campus schools to district students only.
AREA II - South of the Boise River
The area south of the river is served by 13 elementary schools,
West and South Junior High Schools and Borah High School.
It is generally deficient in schools: 8 of the 13 elementary
schools, both junior high schools, and the senior high school
are operating beyond their rated capacities.
Because of favorable topography and the availability of build­able
land, the area south of the Boise River has in recent
years experienced rapid growth which has brought about a
demand for more schools. It is anticipated that this trend
will continue during the planning period.
The following increase in facilities is recommended:
• Expansion of Jackson and Mountain View Elementary
Schools to accommodate their maximum design capacities.
• Construction of seven additional elementary schools at
locations shown on the General Plan Map.
• Construction of one new junior high on the school-owned
property located on North Cole Road and acquisition of
one additional junior high school site of at least 25 acres.
• Construction of a new senior high school on the school­owned
land located on Goddard Street, west of North Cole
Road and acquisition of one additional senior high school
site of 35 to 40 acres, located west of the planning area.
38
BOISE JUNIOR COLLEGE
On the basis of data and analysis set
forth in the General Plan Study it is
concluded that development of the
Boise Junior College as a four-year
institution is necessary to meet the
educational needs of the Boise area
and to enhance community economic
development. It is further concluded
that:
• Boise Junior College, situated in
the fastest growing region of the
State, will continue to grow and,
by 1975, will serve over twice as
many students as it does today.
• The present and future needs of the
Boise area cannot be adequately
served by the two private denomina­tional
colleges and the two-year
public college now operating in the
Southwest Region.
• There is urgent need for a broad day
and evening program of higher
education in Boise City, extending
not only through the four-year range
but through the master's and first
professional degree levels, particu­larly
in such fields as education,
business and public administration,
and law, as well as liberal arts,
social science, and science.
• Though many conditions are favor­able
for the establishment of such
an institution, there are also very
difficult problems involving financ­ing,
relationships to other educa-tional
institutions and state versus
local control. But because the
needs of the area will grow more
acute I its formation appears to be
inevitable.
While land needs cannot be ade­quately
estimated until a master
plan for higher education in Idaho
has been adopted, it seems prudent
to reserve now at least enough land
adjacent to the present campus to
meet the needs of a doubled enroll­ment
and, since the possibility of a
four-year institution appears strong I
to reserve additional land for this
purpose.
The Plan proposes that pending the
development of more specific plans for
higher education in Idaho, the City of
Boise City make suitable provisions to
reserve, in addition to the present 110
acre campus, a minimum of:
100 additional acres adjacent to the
present campus to provide for the
inevitable e xpansion of Boise Junior
College and another 100 acres (total
31 0) to accommodate a four-year
institution which would also offer
graduate work in certain fields
through the master's and first pro­fessional
levels.
FIGURE 20
39
0 T H E R PUBLIC
FIRE STATIONS
Boise City is served by the Boise City Fire Department. The
City is divided into five fire protection districts 1 each con­taining
a fire station which provides coverage for the entire
district. The downtown and adjacent industrial area consti­tute
a double district which is served by both the Central
Fire Station and Sub-Station No . 5 .
The City has a fire rating of Class 3 1 an excellent rating in
view of the fact that no city fire department is rated Class 1
and very few have a Class 2 rating. Boise City progressed
from an average rating of Class 5 in 1950 to Class 4 in 1952
and achieved its present Class 3 rating in 1960. The present
rating denotes a high degree of protection assuring low fire
insurance rates for homes and for commercial and industrial
buildings.
Boise City Fire Department has been able to serve areas an­nexed
to the City to date and to maintain its Class 3 rating.
It is anticipated 1 however I that the annexation of additional
areas will require an expansion of fire protection facilities.
The following program is recommended:
1 Retain all existing fire station sites and buildings.
2 Construct a new sub-station on city-owned land at the
corner of Primrose and Liberty streets 1 to better serve re­cently
annexed areas formerly in the Cole Fire District.
3 Designate a site for a future sub-station on city-owned
land located at Sycamore Drive and State Highway 44 1 to
FACILITIES
EXISTING: * CENTRAL STATION
• SUB STATIONS
•
DOUBLE SERVICE
DISTRICT
:;~:!:~=~*
SERVICE DISTRICTS
PROPOSED :
• SUB STATIONS
FIGURE 21
40
serve the area north of the present city limits which, if
annexed, would no longer be served by the Collister Fire
District.
4 In the event of annexation, provide an additional sub­station
in the vicinity of Overland and Orchard streets to
replace the protection for the -area now provided by the
Whitney Fire District. Consideration should be given to
acquiring the Whitney District fire station, which is well
designed and located.
5 In the selection of sites for additional fire stations ex­plore
the advantages to be gained by including facilities
for a police sub-station and public works sub-station on
the premises to serve the same district served by the fire
station.
CITY CORPORATION YARD
The Boise City Corporation Yard and City shop facilities,
located in the industrial area of 17th Street near the Boise
River, provide the equipment and storage facilities needed
for the construction, repair, and maintenance of city streets,
sidewalks, lighting, and other city facilities and equipment.
There is a need for expansion of the corporation yard area to
provide for material storage and for employee parking. It is
recommended that one and a half to two acres, adjacent to
the coprporation yard, be acquired for this purpose.
CITY HALL
The Boise City Hall contains the administrative offices and
council chambers of the City and is adjacent to the central
police station and police court. The central fire station is
on a nearby site.
FIGURE 22
\
~-:::-- .:;;:.- .
~- • ···:,, ... ~~I :::-·~ •. -·- - ·--.· .. ._.Qiiiil m • - i- ~ I 'I !II l,L •. ¢•: . -- t- . ·~ '• • i...-~~I
I
These facilities, though generally adequate for present City
operations, are minimal in some instances and provide little
opportunity for staff expansion. Additional land area is cur­rently
needed for employee and visitor offstreet parking.
It is apparent that continued growth in the incorporated area
of the City and in City population will require the services
of additional administrative personnel, and that the present
City Hall will become inadequate before the end of the plan­ning
period .
It is recommended, therefore, that consideration be given to:
l The acquisition of land near the City Hall to be used
for offstreet parking, and,
2 Development as a long range program, in conjunction
with Ada County and appropriate federal or other
agencies, of a new City Hall and Civic Center Complex,
to be located near the present State and County buildings.
41
l
l
' ~
'
W AT E R S U P P L Y
FIGURE 23
A N D
BOISE WATER
CORPORATION
SERVICE AREA •
DISTRIBUTION utilities
One of the basic prerequisites for sound community development
is the provision of an adequate supply of water. To be adequate,
a community• s water system must furnish safe and potable water
for the domestic, commercial, and industrial needs of the com­munity,
in quantities and pressures capable of providing for
peak loads of daily consumption and also of maintaining water
pressure needed for fire protection.
In a predominantly residential community such as Boise City,
the use of water for domestic purposes, such as drinking, wash­ing,
and other household purposes, for recreational uses and
garden maintenance, constitutes the major load on the water
system, and the amount of water required for commercial or
industrial uses is proportionately small. As industry develops,
however, this relationship could change . The amount of water
required by industries varies greatly . Some industries - such
as canneries, bottling works, and similar activities - may use
a great deal, while other industrial requirements are comparable
to those for domestic use .
The majority of the planning area is now served by a central
water system under the jurisdiction of the Boise Water Corpora­tion.
This system, the extent of which is shown on Figure 23,
can be extended to accommodate all urban developments pro­posed
within the planning area . It is recommended that future
subdivision development within the planning area be serviced
wherever possible with a central water supply built to uniform
and high standards.
42
FIGURE 24
S EW E R D I S T R I C T S
BOISE CnY SEWER f'1\
DISTRICT \_V
BENCH SEWER 0
DISTRICT \!:.)
NORTHWEST SEWER f'j\
DISTRICT \V
SANITARY W A S T E DISPOSAL utilities
The provision of an adequate system for the disposal of sani­tary
wastes is essential to the protection of public health and
to the conservation of natural streams and underground water.
A typical city disposal facility consists of a sewer system to
collect and trans port wastes and a sewage treatment plant to
provide for their neutralization and disposal.
All types of urban land uses create a need for sanitary waste
disposal. In the interest of public health and welfare, resi­dential
uses, except in areas of very low density, and
commercial and industrial uses, when located in urban areas,
must be provided with sewers and access to disposal facilities.
The Boise City owned and operated sewage treatment plant,
built in 1949, was designed with expansion possibilities to
serve a population of 9 0, 000 people. It has been expanded to
keep pace with the growth of the service area and is rated as
one of the nation's finest disposal systems . The three sewer
districts in the Boise planning area, Boise City Sewer District I
the Bench Sewer District I and the Northwest Sewer District I
though under three separate jurisdictions, all use the Boise
City Sewage Treatment Plant .
As shown on Figure 24, most of the area within the City is now
served or can be served by the Boise City Sewage Treatment
Plant system. It is highly desirable that all developments
within the planning area be served by central water and central
sewer facilities as soon as this can be made feasible .
43
P L A N
Several instruments have been prepared
to help carry out the provisions of the
General Plan and the related decisions
of City Officials. The most important
of these are the Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinances.
Zoning Ordinances are the local laws
governing the use of land. They deter­mine
the kind of use, such as for homes,
apartments, or businesses; the arrange­ment
of building on the land; the inten­sity
of use, or the density of the living
or working population; and the support­ing
facilities required, such as off street
parking. Zoning laws are designed to
implement the land use concepts of the
Comprehensive General Plan.
Subdivision Ordinances are the laws
designed which regulate the subdivi­sion
of land. They specify standards
for new streets and building lots and
for site improvements such as sewers,
water mains, sidewalks, pavement, and
so forth.
The zoning and subdivision ordinances
are administered by the City Council
with the guidance of the City Planning
Commission, the Board of Adjustment,
and the technical assistance of City
IMPLEMENTATION
staff members.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
The General Plan outlines the public
developments called for during the plan­ning
period. A Capital Improvements
Program is required to develop cost esti­mates
and a plan of financing for these
improvements and to recommend their
appropriate staging and timing. This
essential part of plan effectuation is
scheduled for preparation during 19 64.
Authority for Planning and Zoning
Authority to guide city development and
govern the use of land through zoning
is granted to the City of Boise in the
enabling statutes of the State of Idaho.
This legislation enables the City to ap­point
a Planning Commission and a
Zoning Commission, which may be
combined into one commission as here
recommended, and a Board of Appeals;
to prepare and adopt comprehensive
plans for the physical development of
the City; to establish regulations per­taining
to the use of land and the
buildings thereon; and to adopt policies
and procedures pertaining to the admin­istration
of these activities.
ORGANIZATION C H A R T r ELECTORATE 1
~l:L
~Bo~
CITY PLANNING -lNING COMMISSION
CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
t PLANNING-ZONtG COMMISSION I I BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Members
Nine members nominated by the
Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council.
Ex-Officio Members
(Non-voting)
Mayor of the City
City Attorney
Secretary
City Clerk or Other
Procedure
Initiates or receives applications
through Planning Officer.
Gives public notice and holds
public hearing or hearings.
Recommends action to the City
Council,
Members
Five members nominated by the
Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council.
Procedure
An appeal is initiated by filing
an application with the Planning
Officer.
Upon receipt of an appeal, sets
the date and publishes notice of
public hearing.
Approves or denies the appeal
after one or more public hearings.
Appeal may be carried to the City
Council.
FIGURE 25
44
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
With certain exceptions, the City Plan­ning
Commission serves the City
Council in an advisory capacity. It is
the broad concern of the Commission
to foster developments which will make
for a safe, attractive, and economically
sound community and to guide the
physical development of the City in
constructive directions.
It is proposed that the Planning Com­mission
and Zoning Commission be
organized as shown on Figure 25 and
that it serve with the following
authority and jurisdiction:
Preparation of a General Plan
The Planning Commission, at the
Council's request, may prepare and
recommend a General Plan for the
future development of the City. It may
also, from time to time, recommend
changes or additions to the General
Plan either on its own initiative or at
the request of the City Council.
An annual review of Plan provisions by
the Commission is recommended.
The Preparation and Adoption of a
"zoning Plan and Changes in Zoning
Classifications
The Boise Planning Commission and
City Council have zoning jurisdiction
over the land within the corporate
limits of the City. Action by the Com­mission
is required in the adoption or
amendment of any zoning ordinance. A
change in zoning constitutes a change
in the land use provisions of the Gen­eral
Plan and requires an amendment to
the Zoning Ordinance •
The Subdivision of Land
The subdivision of land plays a very
important part in the development of
community pattern and character.
Whereas, structures may be remodeled
or rebuilt from time to time, a street
pattern or neighborhood character, once
established, is more or less permanent
and cannot be changed without large
and costly redevelopment.
It !s the responsibility of the Planning
Commission to study proposed sub­divisions
, to review them in public
hearings, and to recommend action on
them to the City Council, making such
suggestions for changes or modifica­tions
as it deems desirable.
Consideration and Recommendation
Relating to the Granting of a
Conditional Use Permit
The Zoning Ordinance, as proposed,
permits certain uses of land in each
zone classification. Certain other uses
are permitted upon the granting of a
conditional use permit. A conditional
use, as provided for in the Zoning Ordi­nance,
is an activity which, although
generally suitable to the zoning district
in which it is classified, may entail
problems of traffic congestion, public
safety, or unsuitability for other reas­ons
in specific situations, and is
therefore permitted only after review
and recommendation by the Planning
Commission and approval by the City
Council.
The method of organization and proced­ure
followed by the Commission in
these matters is shown on Figure 25.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
It is the function of the Board of Adjust­ment
to assist in the administration of
the planning and zoning regulations by
hearing and deciding appeals from any
decision relating to planning or zoning
matters made by any public official; and
authorizing, under certain conditions , a
variance from the zoning plan or zoning
ordinance, when, in the opinion of the
Board, such variation is justified and in
the best interest of the community. The
procedure followed by the Board in these
matters is shown in Figure 25.
45
Atkinson Associates
CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING
December L 1963
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Members of the City Planning and City Zoning Commissions
City of Boise City, Idaho
Gentlemen:
The General Plan concepts set forth on the preceding pages and the General Plan Map, together with the supporting
data and proposed ordinances contained in Volumes II and Ill of this report, constitute the basis for an expanded
program of city planning in Boise City.
It is anticipated that the concepts contained in the Plan will be resolved in greater detail in public hearings prior to
official action, and it is recommended that these concepts and policies be renewed and revised periodically to keep
them in phase with community needs and conditions.
Wherever possible the policy recommendations in the several sections of the Plan have been worked out in discus­sion
with the related agencies: The Traffic Section has been reviewed and approved by the Metropolitan Transporta­tion
Committee; the Zoning and Subdivision ordinances have been developed in close cooperation with the Zoning
Commission and City officials; and all parts of the Plan have had extensive review by the Planning Commission.
To facilitate close City-County coordination in planning activities, the desirability and need for which has been
increasingly apparent during the course of this program, particular care has been taken to relate the proposed City
Zoning and Subdivision ordinances with those of Ada County. It is hoped that these ordinances will form the basis
for the continued coordination of City-County planning programs.
We are grateful for the cooperation received from the members of the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Com­missioners,
and from City officials. We are particularly indebted to County Planning Director, Lynn M. Rogers,
for making County Planning data available and for his assistance in the development of comparable City and
County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances; to Mr. P. M. Roberts, Director, Department of Building and Zoning,
for his extensive and detailed review of the Zoning Ordinance; and to Mr. A. J. Wahl, Public Works Commissioner,
for his continued efforts in the development of the Subdivision Ordinance and advice on other parts of the Plan.
It has been, for us, a privilege to work with the people and the public officials of the City of Boise City in the
development of the Comprehensive General Plan.
Sincerely yours,
._~__-ILAk.s~.se.- ~cia.t ~
Harold E. Atkinson, AlP
We are dealing with an environment in being,
not a clean slate. Our task is to improve, not to
make perfect. But it is also ever to improve, and
never to be content, J, T. H.
46