Planning commission approves donated tennis dome, grants three waivers

Middleton — The Middleton Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 11 unanimously approved a design review permit for a donated indoor tennis dome and a small check‑in building to be sited at Middleton High School, and granted three waivers needed for the installation.

The commission voted to grant: (1) an extension of the design review permit from the code’s 12‑month cap to 24 months; (2) a waiver from the 30‑foot height limit to allow the dome to reach 40 feet; and (3) a waiver of the requirement to meet all four of the municipal code’s design‑element criteria for new construction. Each motion passed unanimously.

The facility will place five indoor courts beneath the donated air‑inflated dome adjacent to the school’s existing outdoor courts and a small check‑in/reception building. District presenters said the dome itself was donated; the school district does not intend to pay for erection but will be responsible for utilities and ongoing upkeep. The school and project partners framed the facility as both a student resource and a community amenity that could host college matches and tournaments.

Why it matters: Canyon County currently has very few public indoor tennis options, presenters told commissioners. The district said the dome would allow year‑round practice and programming for middle‑ and high‑school players, reduce travel to Boise for…