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Pocatello council annexes 1.86 acres on North Craft Road with conditions for river easement and water hookup
Summary
Council approved annexation and RCP zoning for 1.86 acres at 8728 North Craft Road with a 20-foot easement from the high-water mark for future trail/maintenance and with an exception allowing continued use of a private septic until sewer becomes practical.
The Pocatello City Council voted Sept. 4 to annex 1.86 acres at 8728 North Craft Road and designate the property Residential Commercial Professional (RCP), subject to conditions including a maintenance/greenway easement and city-water hookup when practicable.
Applicant Matthew Lloyd (who spoke on behalf of owner Tia Lloyd) told the council he renovated the 126-year-old home and wants the annexation to allow resale of the existing house and possibly build a second residence on the back lot. "The benefit to the property really is the access to the river," Lloyd said.
Merrill Coyle, public works engineer for the city, said the parcel’s property line extends to the river center and that the city’s future land‑use map designates approximately 0.63 acres of the site for open space. Coyle said planning staff included a 20-foot easement measured from the high-water mark to preserve the option for a future trail and to allow river-maintenance access.
City staff and the planning and zoning commission recommended approval with conditions. Staff noted the nearest practical city sewer is about 2,200 feet away; under Pocatello code 13.16.085, the council may grant an exception when connection is impractical. The council granted an exception allowing the existing house to remain on its well and septic; the council and staff clarified that the new home would be required to connect to city water and that, per city policy, once a home connects to city water it cannot later revert to a private well. Coyle said if sewer becomes available and septic failures or aquifer contamination can be demonstrated, properties would be required to connect at that time.
Public testimony included opposition focused on concerns about PUD-style zoning and maintenance of greenway areas; one commenter said, "A lot of this trail system isn't even maintained." Another nearby resident supported the project and said they planned to register the yard as a pollinator habitat.
Council member Mangum moved to approve the annexation and zoning; Council President Lyric seconded the motion. The council approved the annexation by roll call; staff will record the annexation and complete condition items including the easement and water-service plan.
The annexation will proceed to short-plat and subsequent permitting steps for subdivision and any new construction; staff said the water main in Craft Road could be extended and the new home would be required to connect to city water when built.
