Council approves Val Nova Village preliminary plat despite fire‑response concerns; developer pledges mitigation support
October 14, 2025 | Eagle, Ada County, Idaho
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Clyde Capital Group’s preliminary plat for Val Nova Village Subdivision Number 1 — covering Lots 11 and 17 in Pump 1 — was approved by the council after applicant and staff presentations and a planning‑commission recommendation.
Attorney Kendall Hancey presented the proposal and said the application matches prior approvals in Pump 1: the plat covers 306 units at about 2.96 dwelling units per acre and preserves 42% open space. The applicant requested a minor swap of dwelling typologies (two units switched between single‑family attached and single‑family special lots) without changing total unit counts; that swap was described as intended to improve product fit for builders and would not change the overall unit total.
Nick Weaver, owner, addressed a planning‑commission concern about wildfire response and said Val Nova has an existing wildfire safety plan, on‑site fuel‑break measures and coordination with fire districts. Weaver said the project team is supporting Star Fire District’s effort to secure a mill levy increase to staff a closer station, noting a citizen election in November and a potential May follow‑up if needed.
Planning staff (Daniel Miller) said the application is generally consistent with the approved Pump 1 documents and that staff recommended conditions including requiring two fire access points before the first significant occupancy and ensuring alley‑loaded lots have adequate frontage or pathways and approved wayfinding signage so addresses are clear for emergency responders.
The planning and zoning commission recommended approval 3‑to‑1. The council motion adopted the preliminary plat and allowed the applicant’s requested typology adjustments; the council’s approval included standard site‑specific and technical conditions recommended by staff.
Why it matters: Val Nova is a large master‑planned development; the preliminary plat and the applicant’s mitigation and coordination steps affect emergency response expectations, infrastructure sequencing and future buildout of housing supply in the valley.
Attorney Kendall Hancey presented the proposal and said the application matches prior approvals in Pump 1: the plat covers 306 units at about 2.96 dwelling units per acre and preserves 42% open space. The applicant requested a minor swap of dwelling typologies (two units switched between single‑family attached and single‑family special lots) without changing total unit counts; that swap was described as intended to improve product fit for builders and would not change the overall unit total.
Nick Weaver, owner, addressed a planning‑commission concern about wildfire response and said Val Nova has an existing wildfire safety plan, on‑site fuel‑break measures and coordination with fire districts. Weaver said the project team is supporting Star Fire District’s effort to secure a mill levy increase to staff a closer station, noting a citizen election in November and a potential May follow‑up if needed.
Planning staff (Daniel Miller) said the application is generally consistent with the approved Pump 1 documents and that staff recommended conditions including requiring two fire access points before the first significant occupancy and ensuring alley‑loaded lots have adequate frontage or pathways and approved wayfinding signage so addresses are clear for emergency responders.
The planning and zoning commission recommended approval 3‑to‑1. The council motion adopted the preliminary plat and allowed the applicant’s requested typology adjustments; the council’s approval included standard site‑specific and technical conditions recommended by staff.
Why it matters: Val Nova is a large master‑planned development; the preliminary plat and the applicant’s mitigation and coordination steps affect emergency response expectations, infrastructure sequencing and future buildout of housing supply in the valley.
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