Caldwell council approves short plat to split Home Depot site into four commercial lots

The Caldwell City Council approved a short plat Tuesday to divide the 16.79-acre parcel currently under construction for Home Depot into four commercial and light-industrial lots.

Katie Wright, associate planner for the city, told the council the parcel, southwest of Highway 2026 and Smead Parkway, was annexed into the city and rezoned to M-1 in 2022. The short plat application (SPP2502) proposes one parcel for the Home Depot store — roughly just under 13 acres — and three additional pads in the northeast corner, the largest of which is about 1.5 acres; the other two are slightly over 1 acre each. Wright said staff found the proposal in compliance with bulk standards, frontage and subdivision ordinances and that utilities and site access are available or will be provided as required. She noted a development agreement associated with the property (instrument number 2022007464) governs permitted uses on the site.

Tamara Thompson of The Land Group, the applicant’s representative, said Home Depot is on schedule for temporary occupancy in August and a grand opening in October. Thompson said landscaping and utilities are being installed now and that the short plat primarily formalizes internal lot lines and easements, including sewer and water easements the city has requested.

Councilors debated no substantive changes; one councilor moved to close public testimony after Thompson was the only speaker. Councilor Diodi moved approval, Councilor Denver seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The council approved the short plat subject to the conditions listed in staff’s findings of fact, conclusions of law and order of decision.

The M-1 (General Industrial) zoning for the site allows industrial uses and certain commercial uses that staff said would be consistent with the development agreement and the comprehensive plan’s employment center place type. Wright said specific site details such as building setbacks and parking will be reviewed at building permit stage.

Council discussion and the staff report did not identify any public-agency objections or public comments opposing the short plat during the review period. The applicant and staff agreed to finalize recorded easements with the final plat as required.

The approval allows the applicant to record the final plat after meeting the conditions stated in the staff report, creating the three smaller pads in addition to the Home Depot parcel.