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Pocatello commission recommends 64‑unit townhome PUD despite residents’ parking and drainage concerns
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend approval of a planned unit development for 64 owner‑occupied townhomes and 1.47 acres of open space, while residents urged the city to address likely delivery/parking conflicts, traffic impacts on Venture Way and future drainage and maintenance details.
The Pocatello City Planning and Zoning Commission on March 11 recommended approval of a planned unit development (PUD) application for 64 owner‑occupied townhomes — including 44 units with two‑car garages — and roughly 1.47 acres of open space that will include a park and playground.
Applicant Kevin Karchner described the plan as a missing‑middle housing project intended to provide owner‑occupied units and said parking was intentionally addressed in the design. "Of those 44 include both a 2 car garage and a 2 car driveway, providing 4 parking spaces per home," Karchner said.
Becky Babb, planning manager, reviewed PUD criteria and said the site qualifies for lot‑size averaging under Pocatello City Code 17.02.14(g). She discussed traffic data cited in the staff report, saying the highest counted daily traffic on Venture Way was about 6,542 vehicles in 2022 and 5,391 in 2025, and stated that utilities are readily available and that a final plat will address engineering items including drainage.
Public testimony included multiple supporters who said the development would add needed housing stock. Merrill Quayle said the layout follows prior plans and cited a planned 41‑foot curb‑to‑curb roadway with bike lanes; a grad student who identified as "Wiki" and another resident, Addie Hall, said the project would help diversify housing options and provide for students and young families.
Other nearby residents urged caution. Mike Sant, who lives adjacent to the project, said he was "not opposed" but warned about traffic, estimating an additional "minimum of a 100 cars" from the townhomes plus more from nearby apartment projects. Daniel Robinson opposed the PUD, raising questions about road maintenance responsibility, drainage and whether green space would be usable given shading; he asked whether the development would create an HOA and who would maintain roads and common areas.
Karchner answered that the design provides parallel parking and that an HOA would maintain roads and landscaping. Commissioners and staff noted that drainage, crosswalks and other engineering details are addressed at the preliminary/final plat stage and that a preliminary plat submission will include required drainage and maintenance plans. Staff also said crosswalk installations must meet ADA criteria and pedestrian warrants before being added.
Commissioner (voice 11) moved to recommend approval of the PUD, finding it met the standards under Pocatello City Code section 17.02.140 with conditions of approval; the motion carried on a recorded vote.
Next steps: a preliminary plat and engineering submittals are required before building permits; staff will verify drainage and other technical requirements during those subsequent reviews.
