Pocatello meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pocatello hearing examiner approves shed expansion; other meetings held without decisions

The only formal decision made by a Pocatello board in the past two weeks was the Hearing Examiner's approval of a conditional use permit for a shed expansion at 3945 Northern Lights Dr. Other city meetings were held but resulted in no decisions, with several items scheduled for future action.

Hearing Examiner decision

At its August 13 meeting, the Pocatello Hearing Examiner approved conditional use permit CUP26-004, requested by Jim Phillips, to expand a legal non-conforming shed within the side setback at 3945 Northern Lights Dr. The approval was based on staff findings of compliance with city code. One condition was imposed: the applicant must meet building permit requirements. No written comments were received, and no opposition was voiced during the public hearing.

City Council meetings

The City Council held three meetings in the past two weeks, all without final decisions.

On August 6, the council held a clarification meeting to review items on the regular meeting agenda for the same day. That regular meeting included public hearings on the 2027 budget, fees, and tax levy, as well as votes on several items. Agenda items included:

• Short plat approval for HAC Subdivision (9.11 acres, 4 lots) near South Valley Road and South 5th Avenue
• Short plat approval for Grey Side Subdivision (0.7 acres, 3 lots) at 1389 West Quinn Road
• Ifft Foundation Fund grant application for Upper City Creek Trail Project ($10,000)
• WPC Biogas evaluation contract with Keller Associates, Inc. ($83,930)
• Change Order #1 for Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road Pathway Project ($115,076.20)

On August 13, the council held a work session to discuss and take action on several items, including:

• A street renaming recommendation for an honorary stretch of South 8th Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and East Humbolt Street
• Proposed changes to City Code Title 5.04 (General License Regulations) and 5.56 (Taxicabs), including additions for school crossing guards, traveling carnivals/circuses, and Christmas tree sales
• City-initiated text amendments to Title 17 Zoning Regulations in response to state preemption legislation
• Pay scale expansion from 10 to 12 steps for Police and Fire management staff
• Discussion on possible reduction or elimination of capacity fees for Johnny Creek sewer connections

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission held two meetings on August 12, both without formal decisions.

The first was a set of three quasi-judicial public hearings on:

• Preliminary plat for Century Commons: 19.19 acres into 18 commercial lots, 7800 block S. 5th Ave (PP26-005)
• Map amendment for 215 W Halliday & 621 S Harrison: rezone from Light Industrial to Residential/Commercial/Professional (MA26-003)
• Map amendment for Trailside Subdivision: rezone 2 acres to RCP and amend Future Land Use to Mixed-Use (MA26-004)

The commission also considered approving the July 8, 2026 meeting minutes.

The second meeting was a clarification session to discuss the agenda items, plus a training session by Mike Neville of the City Streets Department on traffic impacts of new or larger development.

Historic Preservation Commission

On August 5, the Historic Preservation Commission held an off-site meeting consisting of a walking tour of the Pocatello Downtown Historic District, starting at 200 S. Main Street.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Pocatello City Council weighs subdivisions, budget, and contracts; minutes pending

The Pocatello City Council met Aug. 6 to consider multiple subdivision approvals, a new fire chief, and public hearings on the 2027 budget, fees, and tax levy. The agenda also included votes on grants, contracts, and lease agreements. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.

City Council regular meeting

The council's agenda included two short plat approvals: the HAC Subdivision (9.11 acres, 4 lots) near South Valley Road and South 5th Avenue, and the Grey Side Subdivision (0.7 acres, 3 lots) at 1389 West Quinn Road. The council also considered an Ifft Foundation Fund grant application for the Upper City Creek Trail Project ($10,000), a WPC Biogas evaluation contract with Keller Associates, Inc. ($83,930), and Change Order #1 for the Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road Pathway Project ($115,076.20).

In addition, the agenda included confirmation of a new Fire Chief and public hearings on the 2027 budget, fees, and tax levy. No vote tallies or decisions have been reported.

Historic Preservation Commission walking tour

The Historic Preservation Commission held an off-site meeting Aug. 5 consisting of a walking tour of the Pocatello Downtown Historic District. The tour began at the S. Union Pacific Avenue entrance to Station Square, with a stop at 200 S. Main Street. No decisions were on the agenda.

City Council clarification meeting

Also on Aug. 6, the City Council held a clarification meeting to review items listed on the regular meeting agenda. The meeting was procedural, with no decisions made.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days according to the provided data.

Pocatello officials weigh 64-townhome subdivision, student housing variance, and FY2027 budget

Pocatello's recent government meetings covered housing development, a major contract amendment, and the next city budget — but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, so final outcomes and vote tallies are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Planning & Zoning Commission: 64-townhome subdivision hearing

On July 8, the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on preliminary plat PP26-006, which would subdivide Lot 2 Block 2 of The Crossings Division 1 into 64 townhome lots and three private drives. The site is located west of Paradigm Way and north of Venture Way. The applicant is Troy Allan Builders, Inc. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including planting 18 trees along the frontage and compliance with city codes. The commission's recommendation would forward to the City Council for a final decision. A separate July 8 clarification meeting covered procedural review of agenda items.

Hearing Examiner: 75-foot student housing variance at 651 Memorial Drive

On July 9, the Pocatello Hearing Examiner held a public hearing on a variance request by ICON Pocatello LLC for a student housing project at 651 Memorial Drive. The variance would allow a 75-foot building height — above the 45-foot limit in the RCP zone — along with 173 units, up to 5 unrelated occupants per unit, and reduced parking of 52 on-site and 200 off-site stalls versus the required 290.5 stalls. A previous variance (19-3492) was approved for the same site in 2019. Staff recommended approval with conditions including emergency access, a signage permit, and a landscaping plan.

City Council July 9: Zoning code updates and Capital Improvement Plan

The City Council held a work session July 9 to discuss city-initiated text amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) in response to state preemption legislation, listed as an action item. The council also discussed a request for proposals for a city-wide Capital Improvement Plan and reviewed progress on 2026 Mayor and Council priorities and goals. The Pocatello Iwamizawa Sister Cities Foundation provided an update on its goals and projects, and advisory board activity updates were heard.

City Council July 16: Oxbow contract, railroad agreement, and CUP appeal

The July 16 regular meeting included several action items. The council considered amending the Biota Research and Consulting, Inc. contract for the Oxbow Project, increasing the amount from $521,366.00 to $598,147.00. A reimbursement agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for engineering services at the Montana Subdivision was also on the agenda. The council reviewed an appeal of Conditional Use Permit CUP 26-003 by Lex Development, which had been denied. Justin Smith was listed for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. A clarification meeting preceded the regular session with no substantive items detailed.

FY2027 budget guidance

A special City Council meeting on July 16 focused on receiving and providing guidance on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget from the Finance Department. The action item would direct publication of the budget.

Coming up

• **July 20 — City Council town hall:** A special meeting to provide a public update on the budget development process, with a public comment period on city government-related topics.

All recent meetings are listed as agenda-only with minutes not yet published. Outcomes, votes, and any final figures will be confirmed when minutes become available.

Pocatello meetings: City Council weighs $1.3M well contract, rezoning near Century High; planning panel takes up 64-townhome subdivision

Pocatello's City Council had its busiest stretch of the summer, with a July 2 regular agenda listing votes on a $1,315,000 water well contract, a rezoning near Century High School, and the annexation of roughly 19 acres into city limits. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings covered here, so outcomes are not confirmed; this roundup reports what was on each agenda.

City Council — July 2

The regular meeting agenda included several consequential items:

• **Rezoning 6100 South 5th Avenue** from Residential Commercial Professional to Light Industrial (LI).
• **Annexing approximately 19.19 acres** across from Century High School, zoned Commercial General (CG).
• **Awarding a $1,315,000 bid** for the Well #17 Project to Starr Corporation.
• **Approving an $89,500 contract** with Safetech Inc. for hazard abatement at 429 Washington Avenue.
• **Public hearings** on the Pocatello Housing Plan and Urban Forest Plan.

A separate clarification meeting the same day was procedural, with no formal decisions. A third July 2 council meeting focused on review of the draft FY2027 budget and a proposed 2027 medical benefits plan.

City Council — July 9 work session

The council was scheduled to discuss city-initiated text amendments to Title 17 zoning regulations in response to state preemption legislation, listed as an action item. Other agenda items included discussion of a Request for Proposals for a city-wide Capital Improvement Plan, a review of the 2026 Mayor and City Council priorities and goals, an update from the Pocatello Iwamizawa Sister Cities Foundation, and advisory board activity updates.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 8

The commission held a public hearing on preliminary plat PP26-006, which would subdivide Lot 2 Block 2 of The Crossings Division 1 into 64 townhome lots and three private drives. The site is west of Paradigm Way and north of Venture Way. The applicant is Troy Allan Builders, Inc. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including planting 18 trees along the frontage. The commission's recommendation would be forwarded to the City Council. A same-day clarification meeting was procedural with no substantive actions.

Hearing Examiner — July 9

The Hearing Examiner held a public hearing on a variance request by ICON Pocatello LLC for a student housing project at 651 Memorial Drive. The variance would allow a 75-foot building height in an RCP zone where 45 feet is the limit, 173 units with up to 5 unrelated occupants per unit, and reduced parking — 52 on-site stalls plus 200 off-site stalls versus the 290.5 required. A previous variance (19-3492) for the same site was approved in 2019. Staff recommended approval with conditions including emergency access, a signage permit, and a landscaping plan.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 1

The commission's agenda included approving June 3 minutes, reviewing a historic plaque installation estimated at $22,267.69 plus $1,292.79 shipping, planning an August 5 downtown walking tour, discussing partnerships with Visit Pocatello and Chubbuck for plaque signage, and exploring future historic home history and brochure projects.

Coming up

• **July 16 — City Council regular meeting:** Agenda includes a contract amendment for the Oxbow Project with Biota Research and Consulting, Inc., increasing the amount from $521,366.00 to $598,147.00; a reimbursement agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for engineering services at the Montana Subdivision; an appeal of Conditional Use Permit CUP 26-003 by Lex Development; and the appointment of Justin Smith to the Historic Preservation Commission.
• **July 16 — City Council clarification meeting:** Procedural session before the regular meeting; no substantive items listed.

All recent meetings listed above are noted as "agenda only" with minutes not yet published. Readers seeking confirmed outcomes should consult the official Pocatello city records.

Pocatello Council Tackles Rezoning, $1.3M Water Well Contract; Planning Commission Set for 64-Townhome Hearing

The Pocatello City Council's July 2 regular meeting agenda included votes on a $1,315,000 water well contract, a rezoning near Century High School, and the annexation of roughly 19 acres into city limits. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed in the available record.

City Council — July 2 Regular Meeting

The council was scheduled to act on several infrastructure and land-use items:

• **Well #17 Project:** A bid of $1,315,000 to Starr Corporation for the Well #17 Project was listed for award.
• **Hazard abatement:** A $89,500 contract with Safetech Inc. for hazard abatement at 429 Washington Avenue was on the agenda.
• **Rezoning:** An ordinance to rezone 6100 South 5th Avenue from Residential Commercial Professional to Light Industrial (LI).
• **Annexation:** Approximately 19.19 acres across from Century High School, zoned Commercial General (CG), proposed for annexation into city limits.
• **Public hearings:** Hearings on the Pocatello Housing Plan and the Urban Forest Plan.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not possible to confirm which items passed, failed, or were continued.

City Council — July 2 Budget Review

A separate council meeting focused on the draft Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal and a presentation on the proposed 2027 medical benefits plan. No formal decisions were listed; the meeting was for council input and review.

City Council — July 2 Clarification Meeting

A procedural clarification meeting was held to discuss items on the regular meeting agenda. No formal decisions were made.

City Council — June 22 Executive Session

The council held a special meeting to convene into executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(c) to discuss acquiring an interest in real property. No final action was to be taken during the closed session, and the meeting was to adjourn immediately after. Minutes are not yet published.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 1

The Historic Preservation Commission agenda included approving June 3 meeting minutes and reviewing a historic plaque installation estimated at $22,267.69 plus $1,292.79 in shipping. The commission also planned to coordinate an August 5 downtown walking tour, discuss partnerships with Visit Pocatello and Chubbuck for plaque signage, and explore future historic home history and brochure projects. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **July 8 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** A public hearing on preliminary plat PP26-006, which would subdivide Lot 2 Block 2 of The Crossings Division 1 into 64 townhome lots and three private drives, located west of Paradigm Way and north of Venture Way. Applicant is Troy Allan Builders, Inc. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including planting 18 trees along the frontage. The commission's recommendation goes to the City Council. A separate clarification meeting with no substantive actions is also scheduled.
• **July 9 — Hearing Examiner:** A public hearing on a variance request by ICON Pocatello LLC for a student housing project at 651 Memorial Drive. The variance would allow a 75-foot building height (the RCP zone allows 45 feet), 173 units with up to 5 unrelated occupants per unit, and reduced parking — 52 on-site and 200 off-site stalls versus the 290.5 required. A previous variance (19-3492) was approved for the same site in 2019. Staff recommends approval with conditions including emergency access, a signage permit, and a landscaping plan. Public testimony will be taken.

City Council takes up $1.3 million water well contract, rezoning; HPC plans walking tour

Pocatello government meetings this week included City Council consideration of a $1.3 million water well bid and a zoning change near Century High School, while the Historic Preservation Commission advanced a downtown plaque project and plans for an August walking tour. All recent meeting agendas are available but minutes have not yet been published.

City Council: infrastructure and zoning

The City Council’s July 2 regular meeting agenda included several land-use and spending items. Members were scheduled to vote on an ordinance to rezone 6100 South 5th Avenue from Residential Commercial Professional to Light Industrial, and to annex roughly 19.19 acres across from Century High School with a Commercial General zoning designation.

On the infrastructure front, the agenda called for awarding a $1,315,000 bid for the Well #17 Project to Starr Corporation and approving an $89,500 contract with Safetech Inc. for hazard abatement at 429 Washington Avenue. Public hearings were also set on the Pocatello Housing Plan and the Urban Forest Plan.

That same day, the council held a budget review session to discuss the draft Fiscal Year 2027 budget and a proposed medical benefits plan. A separate clarification meeting with no formal action items also appeared on July 2. No voting results are available from these sessions.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 1 to review progress on a downtown plaque program. Staff presented cost estimates of $22,267.69 for plaque installation plus $1,292.79 in shipping. The group also planned an August 5 walking tour, discussed partnerships with Visit Pocatello and Chubbuck for future signage, and explored possible historic home history and brochure projects.

Executive session on real estate

A special City Council meeting on June 22 convened in executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(c) to discuss acquiring an interest in real property. The council took no final action, and the meeting adjourned immediately afterward.

Coming up

July 8 – Planning & Zoning Commission: A public hearing is scheduled for a preliminary plat (PP26-006) that would subdivide land in The Crossings Division 1 into 64 townhome lots and three private drives. The site, west of Paradigm Way and north of Venture Way, is proposed by Troy Allan Builders, Inc. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including planting 18 trees along the frontage. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. A clarification meeting for the Planning & Zoning Commission also appears on the same date with no substantive items listed.

July 9 – Hearing Examiner: A public hearing will address a variance request from ICON Pocatello LLC for a student housing project at 651 Memorial Drive. The developer seeks to build a 75-foot-tall structure (the RCP zone allows 45 feet), with 173 units and up to five unrelated occupants per unit. Parking would be reduced to 52 on-site and 200 off-site stalls, compared with a required 290.5 spaces. Staff supports the variance with conditions including emergency access, a signage permit, and a landscaping plan. A previous variance for the same site was approved in 2019.