Ada County denies Shadow Valley planned community, citing water and road-safety concerns
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Summary
After reviewing more than 1,000 pages of record and neighbor testimony, the board voted to deny a proposed Shadow Valley planned community because groundwater quantity/quality, traffic safety and neighborhood character were not satisfactorily addressed.
Ada County commissioners voted Dec. 30 to deny a proposed Shadow Valley planned community, concluding the application failed to meet county standards on water availability, roadway safety and compatibility with existing rural character.
Staff told the board the record exceeded 1,000 pages and included extensive neighborhood testimony; planning and zoning had recommended denial. Commissioners cited unresolved groundwater quantity and quality questions, potential impacts on private wells, and the project's likely effect on road safety under county code standards.
Commissioners said many neighbors opposed the development and emphasized that county zoning and community expectations must be balanced with developer proposals. The denial does not bar the landowner from submitting a different proposal that better fits the character and infrastructure limits of the area.
The motion to deny carried on a voice vote; staff prepared the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting the decision.