Planning project · Planning application
In-ground pool and retaining walls sought at hillside home; application expired
The request for a swimming pool and new retaining walls on a 0.9-acre residential lot in the Hillside overlay is marked expired. City planners said it would need a Category 2 hillside review, likely including a geotechnical report.
From the filing
The application's description as it appears in City of Boise's record. See the official record
Pool and Retaining Walls in the Hillside overlay
Project name on file: 1936 S WINDSTAR PL
Timeline
June 30, 2026
Project Cancellation: Expired
Expire PLN, no longer needed per Scott Gifford
Dec. 2, 2025
Concept Review Complete: CR Complete - Type 2
Nov. 21, 2025
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview
Nov. 21, 2025
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview Complete
A determination has been made that this project will be a Category II Hillside project due to the nature of surrounding slopes. In addition to the already submitted documents, additional documents may be required during the CFH Review process.Additional documents that you can expect to provide will be a geotechnical report with the possibility of a global slope stability analysis (please see the Agency Comment for Hillside Retaining Wall Permitting within this PLN ); structural calculations for any retaining wall that is greater than four feet of height, more than one retaining wall when the horizontal interior distance between the retaining walls is less than 10 feet and the total of all retaining walls exceeds four feet in height, a retaining wall having a surcharge, or having a backslope greater than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical (these requirements will be assessed again at the time of occupancy); and civil plans.NOTE: The hazards of developing and building on property, especially in the Boise foothills, is well known. It is the responsibility of the applicant/owner’s design, geological, and engineering professionals, not the City, to identify, address, and mitigate any hazards to the site. Satisfying these Conditions of Approval is for limited [City purpose] only and should not be relied on for design, geological or engineering purposes. Developer will comply with all requirements of Boise City Hillside Development Code Sections or submit evidence satisfactory to the Boise City Engineer that the proposed development is exempt from the requirements therein stated due to location, topography and/or the absence of adverse conditions associated with slope stability, ground water, erosion and sedimentation.If you would like to discuss this determination, please contact us at HillsideDrainage@cityofboise.org or we can set up a meeting if you prefer.
Nov. 19, 2025
Application Submittal: Online
Nov. 19, 2025
Application filed
Documents
Site plans
- Download Site plan with patio and pool deck layout
Site plan showing survey bearings, existing patio and retaining walls, an existing rock outcropping, and a new patio/pool deck at a 1/16" = 1 ft scale.
Nov. 19, 2025 · 1 page · 253 KB · PDS-Other Small Docs
Project narrative
- Download Concept review summary report
Advisory concept review summary for a Category II Hillside project proposing an in-ground pool and new retaining walls, listing expected geotechnical, structural and civil documents.
Dec. 2, 2025 · 2 pages · 454 KB · PDS-Concept Review Summary Report
Application
- Download Planning project application form
Application for an in-ground concrete swimming pool with retaining walls and steps on a hillside lot, requesting city guidance on whether engineering and geotechnical evaluations are needed.
Nov. 19, 2025 · 2 pages · 159 KB · PDS-Application
- Download Public Works hillside project questionnaire
Checklist answering whether the project involves parcel changes, additions, new dwellings or driveways, and grading over 12 inches, with retaining wall details.
Nov. 19, 2025 · 1 page · 701 KB · PDS-Other Small Docs
Photos
- Download Backyard image showing proposed pool location
Image of the backyard showing where the pool will begin near the base of the rock and sit about 2.5 feet above ground.
Nov. 19, 2025 · 1 page · 693 KB · PDS-Other Small Docs
- Download Backyard image showing proposed pool location
Image of the backyard showing where the pool will begin near the base of the rock and sit about 2.5 feet above ground.
Nov. 19, 2025 · 1 page · 638 KB · PDS-Other Small Docs
Correspondence
- Download Hillside retaining wall permitting guidance
Public Works guidance on when retaining walls in the hillside zone need a determination, slope stability analysis, and planning-code height and setback limits.
Nov. 21, 2025 · 5 pages · 804 KB · PDS-Agency Comments