Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Scenic Byway topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Valley County commissioners consider scenic-byway designation and architectural controls for Highway 55
Summary
Commissioners discussed seeking protected scenic-byway designation for Highway 55, developing targeted landscaping and architectural standards for the corridor, and coordinating with ITD and adjacent cities to avoid conflicts with future roadway widening.
During a Feb. 2 workshop, Valley County commissioners discussed giving Highway 55 stronger scenic protections and adding corridor-specific design guidance to the county's implementation plans.
The chair said she would "love to see Highway 55 underneath a protected scenic byway designation with some specific landscaping goals," urging targeted standards rather than countywide architectural controls. Commissioners and staff agreed landscaping and building-design guidance could improve corridor appearance but cautioned about unintended conflicts with future roadway and utility improvements.
Road and planning staff noted that landscaping placed too close to road rights-of-way can later impede necessary widening or utility work. One road department speaker said the priority should be to "save room for roadways to be improved" and to coordinate with the Idaho Transportation Department on anticipated long-term corridor needs.
The group discussed using the comp plan to develop high-level objectives, then asking the Planning & Zoning Commission to draft specific ordinance language or recommendations. Several commissioners suggested engaging local architects or a small community advisory group (an offer by Luke Fenoy was noted) to produce design alternatives and landscaping guidance tailored to segments of the corridor.
No ordinance was adopted during the workshop. The county tasked staff and P&Z to revisit existing landscaping standards, consider adjustments for setbacks and plant height within set distances from the right-of-way, and coordinate with ITD and municipal partners on any proposed scenic-byway designation.
