The City of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County Planning and Zoning Commissions will hold a joint public hearing on August 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Idaho Falls City Council Chambers, 680 Park Avenue, to consider a re-negotiated Area of City Impact (AOCI).  Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing and offer testimony on the proposal. 

The AOCI is a geographical area where a city is expected to grow into and annex at some future time.  Idaho Code requires all cities to define an AOCI with their respective counties. 

Besides defining the geographic area for future growth, the AOCI also includes an agreement between a city and county about which plans, policies and development standards will apply in the area. 

The last AOCI agreement between the city and county was approved in 2001.  The two Planning and Zoning Commissions began work on the new boundary and agreement in March of 2016. 

Besides developing a new AOCI, this is also an opportunity for the city and county to come together and talk about mutual concerns and thoughts about growth and development. 

Brad Cramer, Director of Community Development Services said, “As we’ve met together every month over the course of this project I think both sides have come away with a much better understanding of each side’s goals, concerns, and processes.  The relationship is definitely stronger than when we first started.  All of us hope we continue discussions and not wait another 16 years to stay in regular communication.”

Cramer also thanked the amount of volunteer time put into the discussions.  “I’m grateful we have people in the city and county willing to come to an extra meeting every month to talk about challenging issues and work hard to find solutions.  Planning and Zoning Commissioners put in a lot of unheralded hours and work.  They’ve really done a good job with the Area of City Impact.”

Following the public hearing, the City Council and County Commissioners will discuss the recommendation.  Once both sides agree to the terms of the agreement and the boundaries, each jurisdiction will pass an ordinance adopting the boundary map and agreement. 

Area of City Impact Frequently Asked Questions

Proposed Area of City Impact Boundaries

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.

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