A proposed wellness retreat center in Ada County has sparked significant discussion during a recent government meeting, with concerns raised about its potential impact on the surrounding residential community. The application, submitted by Sarah Carr, seeks conditional use approval for a facility located on a 5.19-acre property at 7756 North Basin Way, which is situated in both rural preservation and rural residential districts.

The site plan includes a new private driveway and a parking area for customers, with a maximum capacity of 15 guests at any time. The facility will utilize parts of an existing residence, which has undergone recent renovations, for administrative purposes and various wellness classes. However, the existing shared driveway will be restricted to residential use only, addressing concerns about increased traffic from the retreat center.

Agency comments highlighted several requirements for the project, including compliance with building codes and fire safety regulations. The Eagle Fire District has already inspected the property and approved a fire apparatus turnaround, a critical safety feature. Additionally, the Ada County engineer has requested further information regarding grading and drainage due to the steep terrain of the site.

Public feedback has been mixed, with many residents expressing worries about increased traffic on local roads, which they feel are not equipped to handle additional vehicles. Concerns were also raised about water usage, as some residents rely on shallow wells. The county has mandated that the property owner submit well logs for review to ensure compliance with water usage regulations.

The proposed hours of operation for the wellness retreat center are limited to Monday through Wednesday from 8 AM to 8 PM, a measure intended to mitigate traffic concerns. The project is currently in compliance with the Ada County comprehensive plan, and staff members have recommended its approval, pending the fulfillment of various conditions aimed at addressing community concerns.

As the final decision-making body, the commission will weigh these factors before granting or denying the application, with the potential for an appeal to the board if necessary. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for similar developments in the area, as there are currently no other wellness retreats operating in Ada County.