The Pocatello City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plat for the Bath Fitter Subdivision, authorizing the chair to sign findings and allowing the end of Phil Meter Avenue to be constructed as either a cul-de-sac or a hammerhead depending on future coordination with Union Pacific and public works.

Jeff Hatch of Hatch Design Architecture said the property had been rezoned previously and that the development proposes roadway infrastructure and parcels coordinated with public works. Matthew Lewis, senior planner, told commissioners staff found the preliminary plat compliant with Pocatello City Code chapter 16.20.05 provided the eight conditions in the staff report, including condition 6 related to the road termination and potential future extension across Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Hatch described discussions with public works and said, if a crossing were secured, "we wouldn't need a cul de sac," arguing the applicant needed flexibility. Staff noted condition 6 was written to require a hammerhead as the current standard, but public works would determine the final configuration and the commission could allow flexibility in the condition.

Commissioners agreed to amend the condition's wording from "shall" to "may" so the cul-de-sac at the end of Phil Meter Avenue could be changed to a hammerhead to facilitate future railroad extension if the crossing is obtained. Staff also reminded the commission that, after preliminary approval, the applicant has two years to submit a final plat for review.

Commissioner Buckley moved to approve the preliminary plat application on behalf of the property owner Ravenna Idaho LLC, with the condition amendment; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The commission authorized the chair to sign the findings of fact and decision.

The approval advances the project to final-plat review, subject to the listed conditions and further public-works coordination on access and stormwater requirements.