Ada County approves extension of Boise area-of-impact, retains right to revisit if city does not provide services

The Ada County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 30 to approve an extension of the City of Boise's area of impact, saying sewer infrastructure is already in place for much of the area and that city action to lift a prior moratorium makes inclusion appropriate.

County staff presented the application as the sixth and final area-of-impact review this year. Richard Beckett of Ada County Development Services summarized findings and told commissioners the extension reflects statutory requirements that properties likely to be annexed or served within five years can be included in a city's area of impact. Commissioners said the record shows substantial existing sewer lines and noted Boise City Council had signaled action to lift a moratorium affecting hookups.

Commissioner Daley, who disclosed he lives near the area, said residents who already pay sewer fees asked the county not to expand the area of impact unless the city would allow hookups. He said the county's resolution includes a mechanism to revisit the decision if the city does not follow through.

The board's motion to approve the application carried on a voice vote. The transcript lists the application using two different identifiers in separate places; the board cited the project as an update to Boise's comprehensive plan and tied approval to the findings that require the city to provide services within the statutory five-year window.

Next steps: staff will notify Boise and monitor whether the city acts on the moratorium and meets service commitments within the county's specified review period.