Commission approves variance and recommends Reckless Subdivision preliminary plat with privacy-fence commitment

Boise — The Planning and Zoning Commission approved CVA25-49, a variance to the streetscape/sidewalk standard along a private lane, and recommended approval of SUB25-28 (Reckless Subdivision), a 12‑lot preliminary plat at 911 North Mitchell Street.

Staff and applicant presentation Planning staff presented the subdivision layout, describing a mix of public and private street improvements: Mitchell Street, a collector roadway on the east, will be improved with a 10‑foot detached sidewalk and street trees; Mesquite Court will be extended and improved with detached sidewalks; Reckless Lane (a short private lane on the northern subdivision boundary) is the subject of the variance request. Staff concluded the variance met the code’s findings because a full detached sidewalk along the private lane would consume significant width on a site that is only about 116 feet wide and would remove buildable area from multiple proposed lots.

Neighbors and conditions Neighbor testimony raised privacy and traffic concerns. Kimmy White spoke on behalf of her parents, owners of the adjacent parcel at 915 N Mitchell; White said the owners attended a neighborhood meeting and that the developer agreed to install a privacy fence along their property boundary. The applicant (Centurion Engineers) confirmed that commitment during rebuttal. Planning staff recommended approval of the variance and subdivision and the commission voted in favor.

Action and next steps The commission approved the variance and recommended approval of the subdivision to City Council. The record notes the applicant’s commitment to provide a privacy fence along the adjacent home at 915 North Mitchell; construction and final platting will proceed according to standard conditions and any required improvements delineated in the staff report.