Idaho Falls council affirms Willow's Place townhomes after extended hearing

The Idaho Falls City Council on Aug. 6 affirmed its prior June approval of the Willow's Place planned unit development, a 12‑unit townhome project at 1080 South Bellin Road, after an extended quasi‑judicial hearing that featured detailed staff analysis and nearly three hours of public comment.

Director of Community Development Sander told council that the application met the PUD ordinance's applicable standards and that technical reviews — including stamped stormwater engineering — had been completed. "The PUD requirements requires 1 amenity per 50 units," Sander said while describing how the proposal met the code's amenity and buffering requirements. Developers said the project would provide 42 on‑site parking spaces for 12 units and that engineering drawings show on‑site stormwater retention.

Opponents raised procedural and substantive concerns: residents questioned the mediation process, whether notices and setbacks in the packet matched the final plan, the use of off‑site church property for certain improvements, and public‑safety risks posed by a nearby irrigation canal. Councilors acknowledged the public concerns but repeatedly framed their decision as a narrow quasi‑judicial review: the body must decide whether the application met criteria set in ordinance rather than weigh broader policy preferences.

Councilor Radford moved to "affirm the decision of the city council to approve the Willows Place townhomes planned unit development and to direct staff to prepare a written decision," and the motion carried. Council President Francis recused himself prior to the final vote because of prior ex‑parte participation in mediation. City Attorney Jones reminded the council the written decision must be issued by the statutory deadline and that the ex‑parte restrictions remain in effect through any potential judicial review.

The council directed staff to draft the written findings and conclusion consistent with the oral motion; the decision will be posted as part of the official record and is subject to the statutory opportunity for judicial review.