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Caldwell proposes new overlay districts, expanded downtown design review and restrictions on industrial uses near residences
Summary
Staff proposed several overlay districts — historic, scenic gateways, Boise River corridor and an expanded downtown/urban design overlay — and said certain industrial uses would be limited or required to operate indoors within 500 feet of residential areas. Councilors asked about flexibility of overlay boundaries and next steps.
City planners presented a set of new and revised overlay districts and design standards intended to implement the comprehensive plan’s downtown and corridor objectives.
Robin Collins described the package of overlays: a Historic Overlay (adding North Caldwell to previously recognized districts), scenic overlay districts to protect and strengthen key gateways and corridors, a Boise River corridor overlay with pathway requirements, and an expanded special development and urban design overlay that incorporates downtown and nearby mixed‑use areas. Collins said staff coordinated changes to the airport overlay with airport staff and that airport uses in the draft were vetted with Scott from the airport.
The draft directs design review for all downtown rather than only the city center, requires vacant downtown lots that are unused for 180 days to be landscaped, and prohibits chain‑link fencing downtown except for construction sites. Staff also proposed removing many auto‑oriented uses such as gas stations, car washes and warehouses from downtown and traditional‑neighborhood zones.
For industrial areas that border residential districts, the draft would require exterior industrial operations to be enclosed within a building if they are within 500 feet of a residential district or structure. Staff said the intent is to reduce incompatible outdoor industrial uses near housing and to require additional screening and beautification measures for existing businesses.
Councilwoman Jettenberg asked about whether overlay boundaries could be amended without changing base zoning; staff replied that overlay boundaries are mapped in the ordinance and can be changed by updating that map in the ordinance text.
Ending
Staff said overlays give the city a tool to implement corridor and downtown design objectives identified in the comprehensive plan and to begin addressing long‑standing neighborhood concerns in traditional‑neighborhood areas. Council members asked staff to return with maps, proposed design guidelines and more detail on how the city would work with existing industrial businesses on beautification and screening.
