Council approves Mont Meadows subdivision, grants waiver to keep Watkins Ditch open

Meridian City Council on May 6 approved annexation, comprehensive plan map changes, zoning and a preliminary plat for the Mont Meadows subdivision (file H2024-0067), a proposed 10.28-acre development at 6106 and 6162 Tarriga Lane.

Staff described the project as an annexation from Ada County RUT zoning with an application for R2 zoning on 8.48 acres and R4 zoning on 2.36 acres, producing 11 total lots (10 new and one existing). The preliminary plat shows private-drive access for four R2 lots and public access to the remaining lots; the project includes required landscape buffers, a 20-foot collector-road landscape strip, and on-site open-space amenities (a pergola, picnic seating and a fire pit). Planning & Zoning recommended approval and staff reported no outstanding issues since the commission hearing.

An existing waterway (Watkins Ditch) runs along the eastern portion of the property and the applicant requested a waiver to keep the ditch open within a common lot rather than piping it; staff noted a separate "dry ditch" on the site must be documented as abandoned before final plat approval. During the hearing neighbors who live on adjacent lots expressed support for keeping the ditch open as a natural amenity, citing habitat for ducks and other wildlife and their intent to help maintain it. Staff said the open ditch would be in common area maintained by the homeowner association.

The council voted to approve the annexation, zoning and preliminary plat and granted the requested waiver to leave the ditch open, with conditions for documentation on easement relinquishments and the dry ditch abandonment to be submitted to the city engineer before the final plat signature.

Why it matters: The Mont Meadows approval adds low-density single-family housing and preserves a natural ditch feature as a common-area amenity, subject to recorded easement and maintenance arrangements.

Vote: Approved (see actions).