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Council approves downtown plan update, Equine Drive berm variance and annexation; Sugar District modification moves forward
Summary
The council adopted a downtown implementation plan amendment, approved a variance at 16033 Equine Drive to preserve a drainage swale instead of a landscaped berm, approved annexation and RS‑8.5 zoning for a small enclave on Birch Lane, and modified the Sugar District development agreement to remove a 750,000‑sq. ft. cap and update lighting rules.
At its meeting the Nampa City Council approved several planning and zoning actions.
Adopted downtown plan update: Council authorized a resolution to adopt the Nampa downtown implementation plan as an amendment to Chapter 15 of the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff said the amendment removes a reference to the 2004 Central Nampa Revitalization Blueprint and updates the downtown streetscape plan.
Equine Drive variance: Applicant Ryan Johnson and Nate Markison requested a variance at 16033 Equine Drive to allow a drainage swale in lieu of the recently adopted 20‑foot landscaped berm requirement for properties zoned GB‑1. Staff and engineering concluded the recorded 35‑foot stormwater easement and existing utilities conflict with the berm requirement and recommended approval; council granted the variance, finding that placing a berm would block drainage and utility access.
Birch Lane annexation: Council approved annexation and RS‑8.5 zoning for a 0.038‑acre parcel at 7736 Birch Lane to bring a back lot into the city and consolidate jurisdiction for parcels the applicant already owns; Planning & Zoning recommended unanimous approval.
Sugar District modification: The council approved an amendment to the Nampa Gateway Center (Sugar District) development agreement to preserve existing retail buildings, remove the 750,000‑square‑foot cap on building area, update lighting standards to current city code, and clean up exhibit references. Staff said safeguards remain — including required traffic studies and conditional use permits for any future multifamily residential development — and planning and zoning recommended approval.
Staff conditioned approvals on addressing outstanding code violations (weeds/landscaping) and on meeting engineering and fire‑safety requirements as part of final permit processes.
