Council approves annexation, map amendment to allow Core & Main light-industrial site on Black Cat Road

The Meridian City Council voted May 6 to approve a comprehensive plan map amendment and annexation allowing Core & Main to develop a 5-acre light-industrial site at 299 South Black Cat Road (file H2024-0066).

Staff described the request as a change of future land-use designation from low-density employment to mixed employment and an annexation from Ada County RUT to the city—s IL (Light Industrial) zoning district. The applicant proposed a single-story 19,000-square-foot building (approximately 14,492 sq ft warehouse and 4,508 sq ft office) plus an outdoor contractor—s yard and storage area. Core & Main indicated the site would employ roughly 18 people and receive about 10 trucks per day; the applicant said this would be the company—s second Meridian location.

Staff advised caution that continued expansion of IL into mixed- and low-density employment areas along the Black Cat corridor could reduce employment diversity and increase truck traffic; staff recommended evaluating future IL expansions carefully. The planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval for this specific, 5-acre request, noting the parcel—s adjacency to existing industrial uses and that the applicant revised building orientation, materials and fenestration after staff feedback.

During the public hearing, neighbors raised buffering and noise concerns. The applicant provided a sound check from its existing Meridan site showing a measured maximum of 60 dB at 90 feet that the applicant—s consultant estimated would attenuate to about 44 dB at the nearest residence (~500 feet away). The applicant also proposed an 8-foot closed-vision fence around the property and a 10-foot multiuse pathway along the street and agreed to restrict a proposed western access to truck traffic only, per staff and ACHD guidance.

The council voted in favor (roll call recorded: unanimous among those present) and approved the annexation and comprehensive plan amendment (H2024-0066). Conditions in staff—s recommendation included architectural standards, landscape and screening improvements, and restrictions on access to align with the city—s UDC and ACHD policies. A traffic impact study was not required by ACHD given the project—s scale; ACHD confirmed the proposed development met its policies.

Why it matters: The action permits an industrial yard and storage use inside the city limits on a small parcel adjacent to preexisting industrial uses. Staff urged caution about repeating similar map amendments because cumulative IL rezoning could change the corridor—s employment mix and truck volumes.

Vote: Approved (see actions).