Council approves Aspen Place PUD allowing eight multifamily structures at 2806 S. Fifth Avenue

The Pocatello City Council approved a planned unit development application for Aspen Place at 2806 South Fifth Avenue, allowing lot-size averaging to construct eight multifamily structures on individual lots with a ninth common lot for stormwater retention, recreation and parking. The motion to approve, made by Council President Loehrke and seconded by Council Member Paulson, passed by roll call.

Senior planner Matthew Lewis told the council the property consists of four parcels totaling about 5.56 acres. He said the PUD would allow eight "18-plex" multifamily structures on individual lots and a common Lot 9 for shared stormwater and recreation. Lewis noted the applicant proposes 259 parking spaces, exceeding the municipal code minimum of 192 spaces, and proposed open space of roughly 86,348 square feet—about 1.98 acres—exceeding the minimum 20% requirement of 48,439 square feet.

Rob (Robert) Huizavell of Sunrise Engineering, representing the developer Gate City Builders, said he had no additional information beyond the staff report but was available to answer questions. Council members asked about construction timing; Huizavell said the developer hoped to start as soon as possible and indicated some units could be under construction by the end of summer, though he did not give a final completion date.

A public hearing had been held before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 8, 2025, which recommended approval with conditions; Lewis said notices had been mailed to property owners within 300 feet and no public comments had been received by staff prior to the council hearing. After hearing no public testimony at the council meeting, the council voted to approve the PUD as outlined in the staff report.