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Overview of the Community Development Department
The Community Development Department implements the City’s vision and mission as it relates to the existing and proposed land use and built environment. The responsibilities are divided into five main categories: planning (current planning, development review, and long range planning); building (building permits, plan review, and inspection); grants (grant writing and administration); Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and code enforcement in cooperation with the McCall Police Department.
Planning: Current planning improves the quality of life, design, infrastructure, and economy through the regulation of land development. Working with the McCall Area Comprehensive Plan, the McCall City Code, and State and Federal regulations, staff ensures that development proposals meet applicable codes. Staff supports the land use decision-making functions of the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission within the City and the Impact Area and provides administrative decisions. Staff also supports the land use decision-making functions of the City Council and the Valley County Board of Commissioners for the City and the Impact Area, respectively.
Long range planning activities include the continual update and implementation of the McCall Area Comprehensive Plan, zoning and subdivision codes, and other policy and regulatory documents to better articulate the community’s vision. In addition to the City Council and P&Z, the Department also staffs the Urban Renewal Agency, the McCall Improvement Committee, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Environmental Advisory Committee. The staff attends meetings for the Central Idaho Historical Museum (CIHM), Big Payette Watershed Advisory Group (WAG), Idaho Smart Growth and the Payette River National Scenic Byway. The department also staffs working citizen committees that are trying to solve planning issues (i.e. Downtown Parking Committee and Airport Code Revision Committee).
Building: The building official is responsible for the creation of a safe, clean, ‘green’ built environment within the City and Impact Area. Staff reviews building plans for conformance to the International Building Code (IBC) and other related codes and issues building permits. The building official performs inspections as required, ensuring that construction conforms to IBC and approved designs.
Grants: Grant activities include identification of funding opportunities, grant writing, administration of approved grants, technical support, and sometimes project management. These services are provided to all departments and are performed by the Grant Coordinator.
GIS: The GIS staff supports planning efforts by building the GIS system with new and more accurate data, providing analysis and maps, and training opportunities for City employees to use the software in the respective departments. The GIS staff is also funded by the Streets and Water/Sewer departments and assists departments throughout the City. The GIS intern is a summer position for a high school or college student looking to improve skills while collecting data with a GPS unit and working with the GIS software.
Mission Statement
The Community Development Department implements the City’s vision and mission (see below) as it relates to the existing and proposed land use and built environment.
McCall will be a diverse, small town united to maintain a safe, clean, healthy and attractive environment. It will be a friendly, progressive community that is affordable and sustainable. McCall’s unique character is defined by its environment, history, culture, and people. Preserving and enhancing the character and exceptional environment of the McCall Area, in concert with providing guidance for growth.
The department has a complementary mission of providing excellent, consistent and accurate public service delivery.
2015
- City Achievement Award for McCall GIS Program
2014
- Outstanding Plan Award from ID American Planning Association for Downtown Master Plan (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZMAYYIVNDU)
- Grow Smart Award from Idaho Smart Growth for Public Policy for Downtown Master Plan
- 3 awards from America In Bloom (now in Circle of Champions)
2013
- I-way Leadership Award for leadership in pathway planning
- McCall named as the Outstanding Community under 4000 in population from America in Bloom
2012
- Small Community Award from Idaho Smart Growth for McCall Lakefront/Legacy Park and 2010 Improvement Project
- Resilient City Award for McCall’s Solar City Project
- Recognition by USDA for energy efficiency efforts
2011
- America in Bloom Criteria Award for outstanding Environmental Awareness
- AIB Community Champion Award
- Association of Idaho Cities and Idaho State Historical Society- Idaho Heritage City designation
- Idaho Business Review Accomplished Under 40 Award
2010
- America in Bloom “Four Blooms” and recognition for Outstanding Community Involvement
2009
- Small Community Grow Smart Award for Hotel McCall
- Mixed Use Grow Smart Award for Alpine Village
2006
- City Achievement Award for Comprehensive Policy Planning and Implementation
2005
- Idaho Smart Growth “Grow Smart” Award for Planning Policy
- Association of Idaho Cities City Achievement Award for Grant Coordinator Position
- Tree City USA, 2001-2011, Growth Awards 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the zoning of my property?
A: The zones of properties within McCall’s city limits and the McCall Impact Area are indicated on the City of McCall Zoning Map, available as a PDF downtown here (Zoning Map).
Q: What are the required building setbacks for my property?
A: First, determine the zoning of your property (see question 1). Then, review the appropriate section of McCall’s City Code to determine the minimum required setbacks for street-fronting, side and rear property lines. Setback information is available in Title 3 of the McCall City Code (Planning and Zoning). Then, for residential zones, click on Chapter 3: Residential Zones and Standards and scroll down to sections 3.3.03, 3.3.04, and 3.3.05. For commercial zones, click on Chapter 4: Commercial Zones and Standards, then scroll down to section 3.4.03. For industrial zones, click on Chapter 5: Industrial and Business Park Zones and Standards, then scroll down to section 3.5.03. McCall’s City Code is provided online by Sterling Codifiers, Inc., and can be accessed by clicking here (McCall City Code).
Q: What are the deadlines for submitting applications for McCall Area Planning & Zoning review?
A: Deadlines are approximately six weeks prior to each P&Z meeting. A schedule of this year’s deadlines is available here (P&Z Deadlines).
Q: How do I know my lighting conforms with the McCall dark sky requirements?
A: Information regarding dark sky requirements for outdoor lighting in available in Chapter 14 of the McCall City Code. Also, Dark Sky Ordinance frequently asked questions are addressed in the Building Information section of this web site.
Q: Can I camp in a tent or RV on my property?
A: McCall City Code (MCC 3.8.01) states that camping is prohibited on undeveloped lots, unless it is during the process of construction and a building permit has been issued. Then, camping is allowed for up to 60 days. Guest camping is allowed on developed lots for up to 10 days out of any 30 day period.
Q: What is the McCall Impact Area?
A: Idaho state statute requires that cities and counties establish areas of city impact to provide a way for cities to grow in a manner that is cost effective for its residence, to anticipate future infrastructure needs, and encourage urban development within cities (see Area of City Impact Tool Kit, Smart Growth Idaho and University of Idaho, 2012). The McCall Impact Area extends around Payette Lake, west to Club Hill Blvd., and south of Elo Road. The boundaries of the McCall Impact Area can be seen on the City of McCall zoning map here. The City of McCall zoning requirements apply to properties within the McCall Impact Area and are subject to land use and development approval by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission, a joint volunteer commission of four city representatives and three Impact Area representatives.
McCall Area Comprehensive Plan Update
The McCall Area Comprehensive Plan Update will kick off in February 2016. The current McCall Area Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council and County Commissioners, Dec. 2007 and Jan. 2008, respectively. The update will be based on an intensive public involvement process and the process will be facilitated by consultants. Check out the website if you are interested in getting involved or participating.
2016 Sidewalk Project
The anticipated construction date for the McCall Redevelopment Area Sidewalk Improvement Project is now scheduled beginning in the spring of 2016.The location of the project is E. Lake Street, Fir Street, Pine Street and Roosevelt Ave. The scope includes: construction of ADA sidewalks and curb ramps, signage, landscaping, on-street parking, stormwater improvements, and bike lanes. For more information, visit the project page here.
Lardo Bridge Project
The new Lardo Bridge is now in place (view the time-lapse video), and crews still need to complete final design details and reconstruction of the western portion of Rotary Park.
The City of McCall worked closely with Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), and later with Wadsworth Construction to ensure the new bridge would safely accommodate walkers and bikers and highlight the natural beauty and connection with the lake and river. From the beginning, city staff insisted on a high quality design that would match McCall's community character and meet the McCall Design Guidelines and the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, Pathways Master Plan, and the Complete Streets Policy. The bike lanes, sidewalks and viewing platform are a result of thinking about the bridge as more of a linear park in addition to the important transportation and recreational connection. The bridge has public art pedestals for future public art pieces. There will also be two interpretative signs referencing the local area history including the previous Lardo bridges.
Pathway Signage Plan
The Community Development staff is currently developing a plan to help locals and visitors navigate the public pathway system. This effort was a recommendation of the Pathways Master Plan and is a way to improve the pathway experience.
McCall’s Downtown Transit Hub
Treasure Valley Transit (TVT),our transit provider, received a significant federal grant for transit facilities to include Phase 1 (completed): A maintenance and storage facility and Phase 2: a multi-modal transit center. City staff has been working with TVT on the siting of the facility (see report here) which was publically vetted in the Downtown Master Plan process.
McCall’s Recycle Center Relocation
The current recycle center located off of Deinhard Lane which is managed by Lake Shore Disposal is planned to move to a new location TBD off of Industrial Loop. Check back for more details as the project progresses.
Public Art Projects
There are lots of exciting public art projects happening in McCall. For more information, click here: mccall.id.us/commitees/PAAC.html
West Central Mountains Regional Economic Development Strategy
As part of a contest and local match the region has started the process to develop a regional economic development plan. For more information on the project or ways to participate, please visit the website: abcidaho.org
Staff Contacts
Community Development Director
Michelle Groenevelt
(208) 634-5229
City Planner
Morgan Bessaw
(208) 634-4256
Building Official
John Powell
(208) 634-8648 - Office
(208) 315-2268 - Cell
Permit Technician
Rachel Santiago-Govier
(208) 634-7052
Economic Development Planner
Delta James
(208) 634-3504
GIS Analyst
Garrett Mapp
(208) 634-8120
GIS Technician
John Driessen
(208) 315-3927
