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Council removes historic-design overlay from three East Lewis parcels; neighbors press to preserve mature street trees
Summary
Boise City Council approved removing a historic-design overlay from three East Lewis Street parcels after staff said the lots no longer meet district criteria; neighbors urged conditions to protect a detached sidewalk and mature elms, and staff said tree removal in the public right of way would require city approval under Title 7.
Boise — After a contested public hearing, the Boise City Council voted to remove a historic-design overlay from three parcels on East Lewis Street, clearing the way for future residential development while stopping short of requiring the tree-protection conditions neighbors requested.
City planning staff told the council that the subject lots were split from a larger parcel and no longer met the historic district’s defining characteristics (they are vacant, no longer oriented toward Warm Springs Avenue, and lack access to geothermal lines). The planning team recommended approval of both the zoning map amendment and the major historic action, and the planning and historic commissions previously recommended approval.
Several nearby homeowners told the council the parcels’ frontage contains mature elms and a detached sidewalk that residents use daily; they asked the council to condition approval on preserving those trees. Carrie Ellen Elliott told the council the detached sidewalk and tree row are "beautiful" and essential to neighborhood safety. Helen Stoll called the elms part of the Warm Springs historic district's legacy and urged conditioning any approval on preservation of those trees.
City staff responded that trees in the public right of way fall under the city's tree ordinance (Title 7) and that removal without approval would be a code compliance matter. Staff and the applicant said the developer has no present intention to remove the street trees; the applicant also noted the parcel owner has indicated plans to consolidate lots and build fewer homes, which would reduce pressure on the streetscape.
Councilmembers emphasized the desire to retain the existing detached sidewalk and mature trees where possible but noted that specific preservation actions would be part of later development and permitting processes. The council approved both CAR 25-13 and DRH 25-0018 by roll call votes.
Details: staff recommended approval based on findings that the parcels no longer meet the overlay's defining criteria; neighbors requested three conditions relating to the previously granted sidewalk waiver, preserving existing trees and streetscape-friendly garage design; the council approved the map amendment and the major historic-action certificate of appropriateness.
