Council denies rezoning request and proposed restaurant at 1215 13th Street South

The Nampa City Council denied a request to rezone 1215 Thirteenth Street South from two-family residential (RD) to community business (BC) and a related development agreement application for a proposed small restaurant. The denial followed public comment from nearby residents and council discussion that focused on compatibility with surrounding homes, alley access, parking strain and the narrow lot’s constrained setbacks. Applicant Aaron Randall and owner Brenda Rodriguez proposed a compact, residential-scale restaurant to occupy a narrow lot between existing residential parcels and a commercial corridor. The design shown to council included diagonal parking, a one-way drive aisle that would connect Thirteenth Street to the alley and a 6-foot fence and landscaping along the property line. Staff and the applicant proposed conditions such as a 6-foot site-obscuring fence and landscaping buffer between the proposed parking and adjacent residences. Neighbors testified that the alley already faces dust, congestion and bright lights from neighboring businesses and expressed concern the restaurant would increase noise, late-night activity and curbside parking at homes. One resident said the neighborhood had long-term seniors and families who bought homes expecting residential character. During deliberations councilmembers debated whether the lot’s small width and proximity to residences would make any commercial use compatible. Several councilmembers noted alternative residential uses — tiny homes or a duplex — remained possible under the current zoning and that the property had existing utility easements that complicate new construction. A motion to approve the rezoning with conditions failed; later the council approved a motion to deny the rezoning by recorded vote.