Nampa City Council reviews zoning amendment for new Mexican restaurant on Thirteenth Street

The Nampa City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on a proposed zoning map amendment for a new neighborhood restaurant at 1215 Thirteenth Street South. The applicant, Aaron Randall of GGT Architecture, presented plans for a small Mexican restaurant designed to serve the local community. The proposed establishment would occupy a narrow lot, measuring only 35 feet wide, and would feature an 1,100 square-foot building with seating for approximately eight patrons.

Randall emphasized that the restaurant aims to enhance the neighborhood by transforming a currently vacant lot into a community amenity. The design includes a low-profile building, standing at 25 feet tall, with landscaping intended to minimize visibility issues for nearby residents. The restaurant will not have a drive-through window, focusing instead on walk-up service.

City planner Christie Watkins outlined the zoning change from residential to community business, noting that the area is surrounded by both residential and commercial properties. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding potential noise, traffic congestion, and the impact on property values. Specific worries included the adequacy of parking and the flow of traffic, particularly given the narrow access points to the property.

During the meeting, council members discussed the layout of the parking and access points, with some suggesting that the design could be adjusted to better accommodate traffic flow and reduce noise for neighboring homes. The council also considered the potential for landscaping to serve as a buffer between the restaurant and residential areas.

Public comments included opposition from residents concerned about the restaurant's impact on the quiet character of the neighborhood. One resident expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the restaurant's parking plan, suggesting it might encroach on spaces used by adjacent businesses.

In conclusion, the council will continue to review the proposal, weighing the benefits of introducing a new dining option against the concerns of local residents. Further discussions and potential adjustments to the plan are expected as the council seeks to balance community needs with development goals.