Council approves annexation of 19.19 acres east of Century High School for commercial development

The Pocatello City Council voted June 4 to annex approximately 19.19 acres east of Century High School and assign the property a Commercial General zoning designation, advancing a developer-backed plan for future commercial lots.

Mel Quail of Sunrise Engineering spoke for the applicant, Dykeman Construction, describing the parcel as ready for annexation and noting existing arterial roadway, water and sewer infrastructure that will support the proposed development. Quail said a preliminary plat is forthcoming and that the developer plans commercial-building amenities for the area.

City long-range planner Jim Angles told the council the annexation is consistent with the comprehensive plan’s future land-use map and conforms to Pocatello City Code and Idaho state annexation procedures. He said the planning and zoning commission recommended approval following a prior hearing.

Council members asked about the portion of the parcel that surrounds a seminary building owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Quail said that parcel would remain in the county and could be annexed later if the city desired. Concerns were raised about the character of future buildings adjacent to the high school; council members noted that the annexation action simply brings the property into the city for future platting and that subsequent plat and site-review processes would control final building types and design.

Councilman Mangum moved to approve the annexation and zoning map designation as presented; the motion received a second and was adopted by roll call.

Next steps will include the applicant filing a preliminary and final plat for the site and subsequent staff review of infrastructure, landscaping and other conditions tied to development approvals.

No written public opposition was reported for the record at the hearing.