New rules would make it easier to build on hillsides

The Pocatello Planning and Zoning Commission met Wednesday night to
consider new standards which would ease restrictions on hillside development.

The proposal would require builders to submit a detailed geotechnical report if building on a slope with a grade of 20 percent or greater — a departure from current rules which set the threshold at 15 percent.

City planners say the proposed rules are based on careful research, and that most concerns about unstable land started at grades of 20 percent.

“That’s where the red flags always popped up, consistently popped up. This is a problem. These are problem soils. You need to be aware of it. There’s potential for severe erosion,” said David Foster, an associate planner with the city of Pocatello.

But some residents expressed concern at what they saw as lax standards.

“I just have a real struggle with being comfortable with lessening a standard that’s protective when we now know that we do have some issues in our community when it comes to runoff,” said Pocatello resident Sue Skinner.

After debating for almost an hour following public comment, the commission ultimately decided to recommend City Council not approve the new rules until all city departments are able to close any gaps they would create.

The commission set a March 2015 deadline for doing so.