County OKs moratorium on PUDs

Exploding subdivision growth has the county seeking time to create an improved ordinance system to deal with all the demands.

Last week Elmore County Commissioners passed an interim moratorium on planned unit developments (PUD) which they hope will give them time to revise current zoning ordinances and prepare for anticipated growth in the county for the next several years.

The moratorium will put a hold on accepting any new applications for PUD's, which are developments that include a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses under single ownership or control.

The current zoning ordinance also requires a development to include a minimum of 10 percent of the gross land area be reserved for common open space to be used as public parks or recreation areas.

Updating the zoning ordinances has been a priority with the county Planning & Zoning Commission this past year as they continue to receive an increasing number of applications for residential subdivision developments.

At a public hearing last Wednesday, the P & Z Commissioners approved the Driftwood Subdivision, a 54 lot site on 200 acres.

The development is located off Hwy. 51 (Bruneau Highway) and West 36th South (Old Grandview Highway).

The residential lots will average three to five acres in size and incorporate new requirements from the county for subdivisions which include paved roads and fire suppression capabilities for individual property owners.

Adhering to new rules from the Mountain Home Rural Fire Protection District (MHRFPD) pertaining to adequate fire protection measures, the development will house underground water storage tanks throughout the subdivision for fire suppression.

One tank will be used for every 15 lots in the subdivision to protect residents and property from fire damage and each of the fiberglass storage containers have the capacity to hold 10,000 gallons of water.

Developer Bud Corbus said,"These tanks will be available to residents of the subdivision and anyone else in the area needing water for structure or wildland fire protection."

The costs to build homes in the county has increased with regard to fire protection. Since March, the MHRFPD has been collecting a $500 fire fee per lot as building permits are issued.