Nampa planning panel approves Lowe's conditional use permit for outdoor sales after parking, safety conditions

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved a conditional use permit allowing Lowe's at 1400 Caldwell Boulevard to maintain and expand outdoor storage and seasonal sales areas, concluding the permit will take effect after the written decision is issued and the appeal period ends. Brandon McDougall, representing the applicant team, said the application responds to a city code-enforcement complaint. “We're here tonight in response to a code enforcement complaint Lowe's received regarding their outdoor storage and display,” McDougall said.

City planning staff told commissioners the property is zoned BC and that exterior storage in front of a principal use requires a conditional use permit under the city code. “In code 10 16, it requires that any exterior storage in front of the principal use requires a conditional use permit,” Christie Watkins, principal planner for the City of Nampa, told the commission.

Why it matters: The discussion centered on balancing a large retailer's seasonal inventory needs with parking supply, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) space requirements and emergency access. Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on parking…