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Soda Springs council accepts recommendation to rezone four parcels east of town
Summary
After a public hearing with residents raising driveway and traffic concerns, the Soda Springs City Council voted Oct. 2 to accept the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendation to change four lots from R-3 to C-2; the formal ordinance will be introduced at the next meeting.
The Soda Springs City Council on Oct. 2 accepted the Planning & Zoning Commission—s recommendation to rezone four lots east of town from R-3 to C-2 following a public hearing in which nearby residents raised concerns about driveway access and new traffic patterns.
City staff opened the public hearing and noted one written comment had been received. A developer representative told the council that rezoning to C-2 would make certain financing options available and help keep construction costs down, saying, "If we don't rezone this, I'm gonna be using financing that makes it so my cost to build is gonna jack up the cost in the town," and that the project could pivot to single-family housing if market surveys indicate demand. A resident, Monica Smith, asked at the hearing whether the project would force her father to move an existing driveway; staff and project representatives responded that entrance locations had been coordinated with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and that existing driveways were expected to remain, though ITD—s future standards could affect access.
City staff read aloud the uses permitted in C-2 districts under the city code, noting that allowed uses include automobile, truck and trailer sales, repair and rental; sales and service of low-speed vehicles and ATVs; restaurants; clubs or lounges; recreation and commercial establishments such as bowling alleys; and recreational vehicle parks. Staff also explained that some potential uses would still require conditional-use review under the code.
Council members discussed the Planning & Zoning finding that the rezoning complies with the city—s comprehensive plan. Councilmember Speaker 2 moved to accept the Planning & Zoning Commission—s recommendation to rezone the specified lots from R-3 to C-2; a second was given, and the motion passed on a council vote. Staff said the formal ordinance (first reading) will be brought forward at the next council meeting for the legislative step required to complete the zone change.
The public hearing record and the Planning & Zoning recommendation were the central pieces of evidence in the council—s action. The council did not adopt the ordinance at the Oct. 2 meeting; it approved the recommendation so the formal ordinance process can proceed at the next meeting.
What happens next: Staff will prepare the ordinance (first reading) and continue coordination with ITD and the applicant on access and infrastructure; conditional-use processes will apply if the applicant proposes uses that require that review under the C-2 rules.
