Planning commission recommends annexation of 127 acres of airport land, cites federal limits on non‑aeronautical uses

The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 6 recommended that the mayor and city council approve annexation and initial LM (light manufacturing) zoning with an airport overlay for a 127‑acre parcel north of the city.

City staff presented the application for the airport‑owned site, describing it as contiguous to city limits near East River Road/North 5th West and saying the requested LM designation aligns with the existing airport overlay and the city’s comprehensive plan. "Staff recommends approval of the annexation and initial zoning of LM and the airport overlay zone," a city staff member told the commission.

During questions, Ian Turner, Idaho Falls Regional board director, said the airport acquired the land to protect runway approaches and that the parcel is intended to remain largely as it is today. "There will be no manufacturing constructed on this property," Turner said, adding that federal and state restrictions and protected airspace limit what structures and uses are allowed.

Several nearby residents spoke during the public hearing. Aubrey Johnson, who said the family formerly owned part of the farm on the parcel, said she was relieved there are "no active plans to build anything right now" but warned that any future development could increase traffic and noise and asked for a significant buffer between homes and development. Leora Johnson said the family previously sought rezoning for homes and was denied because aircraft overflight and lack of utilities made residential use incompatible. Jerry Johnson, who said his family has farmed the land since 1947, said a sprinkler system removal and an asserted increase in farming fees have complicated continued agricultural use; he objected to notices suggesting warehouses and asked whether any future development would observe the runway safety vector.

Airport and planning staff responded that the parcel is subject to conditions tied to Airport Improvement Program federal grants (roughly 95% federal funding), which commit the airport to aeronautical uses. Staff said converting the property to non‑aeronautical industrial uses such as warehouses would require federal approval that is "highly unlikely," and that eminent‑domain acquisition terms and state‑law limitations further constrain permissible uses.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded a recommendation to the mayor and city council to approve the annexation and initial LM zoning with the airport overlay. Commissioners Behan, Storm, Ogden, Scott, Eiler, Harger and Panter each voiced "Aye," and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the commission will forward its recommendation and staff materials to the mayor and city council for final action; staff noted that the federal grant and any state conditions would still govern what the airport may build on the site.