Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on August 25, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Commission considered four major items: a duplex development (South Side Duplexes), an industrial rezoning (Happy Valley Road), a non-commercial kennel permit, and a large master-planned community (Lone Star). The meeting featured extensive public testimony and deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, which included four final plats approved by City Council and two public hearings from the July 14, 2026 meeting: a variance for reduced front yard setback and landscape buffer at 3424 East Greenhurst Road (approved 5-1) and a zoning map amendment from BC to BN and R-D with a development agreement and preliminary plat for Springshores Commons (approved by a 3-3 tie-breaking vote by the mayor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• South Side Duplexes: Neighbors expressed concerns about increased traffic, safety of children playing in streets, loss of privacy, and the impact of connecting a stub street to their quiet neighborhood. One resident requested a wall for privacy. The applicant committed to a six-foot vinyl privacy fence and open space buffers.
• Happy Valley Industrial Rezoning: Multiple residents and nearby property owners opposed the application, citing incompatibility with the rural residential character, increased noise, light pollution, traffic congestion, potential health impacts from diesel fumes and dust, and decreased property values. A petition with nearly unanimous opposition from neighbors within 300 feet was submitted. One speaker supported the project as a logical extension of existing industrial uses and beneficial for the airport.
• Non-Commercial Kennel: Friends and colleagues of the applicant testified that she provides excellent care for her seven rescued dogs and that the animals are well-behaved and healthy. The applicant herself spoke about the emotional support the dogs provide and her plans to move to a property with fewer restrictions. Opposing testimony was not presented, but police department records cited previous animal welfare violations.
• Lone Star Master Plan Community: Numerous residents opposed the project, citing high density (over 1,000 dwelling units), traffic congestion on already overloaded roads (especially Midway, Lone Star, and Carcher), loss of farmland and rural character, inadequate infrastructure, and concerns about water supply and irrigation ditch maintenance. A few speakers acknowledged the need for growth but urged lower density and better traffic mitigation.

Discussion Items

• South Side Duplexes (Item 3-1): The Commission discussed parking requirements (76 spaces provided vs. 71 required), the reduced rear yard setback (four feet for duplex lots), and the impact of connecting Taylor Street to the existing neighborhood. Concerns were raised about the small rear yards and the lack of front yard setback for garages. The applicant noted that the project had been modified based on neighbor feedback, including replacing 14 duplexes with six single-family lots. The Commission approved the project with conditions.
• Happy Valley Industrial Rezoning (Item 3-2): Debate centered on compatibility between the proposed 30,000-square-foot warehouse and flex space and the surrounding residences. Commissioners weighed property rights, airport compatibility (which prefers industrial over residential near the airport), and the potential for traffic and noise impacts. A motion to approve with a development agreement requiring a truck turn lane failed 4-4. A subsequent motion to approve with a development agreement that would reconfigure the site plan to lessen impacts on neighbors passed 4-2.
• Non-Commercial Kennel (Item 3-3): The Commission considered the applicant's request to keep seven dogs under a conditional use permit. Police reports documented previous animal welfare issues and a revoked permit. After initial motions to approve (with a two-year time limit) and to deny both failed (3-3), a compromise motion to approve for 18 months (or until the occupant no longer resides at the property) passed 4-2, limited to the seven named dogs.
• Lone Star Master Plan Community (Item 3-4): Staff presented the proposal as the first master plan community under the Southwest Nampa Specific Area Plan, with 149 acres of mixed-use development including commercial, multifamily (with a requested 20% density bonus to 14.4 units per acre), and single-family residential (RS4, 5-8 units per acre). The Commission discussed phasing, traffic impact studies, roadway improvements, and compatibility with existing large-lot subdivisions. An amendment to require lots abutting existing homes to be 10,000–12,000 square feet was incorporated into the development agreement. The project was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• South Side Duplexes: Approved (4-2) with staff-recommended conditions. The recommendation will go to City Council.
• Happy Valley Industrial Rezoning: Approved (4-2) with a development agreement that requires the site plan to be reconfigured to minimize visual and noise impacts on adjacent residences, and a recommendation that City Council consider a truck turn lane.
• Non-Commercial Kennel: Approved (4-2) for a period of 18 months or until the applicant no longer resides at the property, whichever comes first, limited to the seven dogs listed in the application. The permit is subject to the standard conditions of approval and the applicant must comply with all animal control regulations.
• Lone Star Master Plan Community: Approved unanimously (6-0) with a development agreement that includes conditions for transitioning density (stepping down from commercial to multifamily to single-family), requiring lots abutting existing residential parcels to be 10,000–12,000 square feet, and ensuring compliance with the Southwest Nampa Specific Area Plan and roadway improvement standards.