Boise Design Review Commission defers 4-story mixed-use project to May 14

The Boise City Design Review Commission on April 9 voted to defer consideration of DRH24-00397, a proposed four-story mixed-use building at 10 South Latah Street, to the commission's May 14 meeting.

Commissioners deferred the item after commissioners Semple and Erstad recused themselves, leaving only two commissioners in the chamber to hear the matter. The commission voted to defer the item following representations from the applicant that a delay would affect their schedule and staff explanation of noticing constraints.

The item before the commission, DRH24-00397 (Merced Architects), proposes a new four-story mixed-use building with ground-level commercial space and 41 residential units in an MX-1 (mixed use neighborhood) zone at 10 South Latah Street. The applicant team said it was prepared to proceed that evening.

Maria, the project's developer, said the applicant preferred not to delay. "I guess I would express some concern. That's a 5 week delay for us. Our whole team is here and prepared tonight," Maria said. She asked whether an earlier date than May 14 was possible given the project schedule.

Josh, planning staff, explained scheduling and noticing constraints to the commission, saying the city requires a 15-day published notice and staff must also coordinate commission and chamber availability. "If I'm trying to find some time on commissioners' schedules that work outside of a regular hearing that also doesn't have council chambers booked for another commission meeting, is incredibly difficult and, is would be outside of the norm," Josh said.

Madam chair said she was concerned that rendering a decision with only two voting commissioners would not adequately allow the public's input and expressed a preference to defer. "I think there's a opportunity for 4. I think it's really important that not only your application has heard, but also that the public's heard. And I think there would be some concerns if we rendered, an opinion, whether it's a recommendation or a rejection or conditions with only 2 members of the entire commission. So I would feel more comfortable if this item was deferred to May 14," the chair said.

A motion to defer DRH24-00397 to the May 14 meeting carried on a roll call of the two commissioners participating in the decision. Commissioners Semple and Erstad were recused for this item and did not participate in the vote.

Earlier in the hearing the commission approved the consent agenda, which included four items: DRH24-00326 at 4709 West State Street, DRH25-00037 at 9601 West Emerald Street, DRH25-00061 at 13666 West Bald Cypress Street, and DRH24-00447 at 601 West Gowen Road. The commission also approved the work session and meeting minutes from March 12, 2025.

Procedurally, staff reminded the public that decisions of the Design Review Commission may be appealed to the Boise City Council if a written appeal is filed within 10 days of the hearing and that appellants must have given written or oral testimony at the commission hearing.

With the deferment vote concluded, the chair closed the hearing for the evening and confirmed the item will appear on the May 14 agenda.