McCall, ID – The McCall City Council has issued a formal letter to the Valley County Commissioners requesting a joint meeting to discuss significant proposed changes to the McCall Area of Impact (AOI). This letter follows recent developments and conversations that raise concerns about the future of the McCall Area of Impact.

On September 27, 2024, the City Council and Valley County Commissioners met to discuss House Bill 1403, specifically §67‐6526, impacting the governance of city impact areas statewide, directing cities and counties to establish, modify, or confirm the area of impact by December 31, 2025, based on five criteria. This legislation outlines a more stringent framework for defining and managing areas of impact, requiring cities and counties to reevaluate their boundaries and administrative processes. During this meeting, both parties agreed to a collaborative process, including public meetings, the development of a formal McCall annexation plan, and the need for the city to show areas of growth.

However, subsequent events have caused concern. On December 9, 2024, a County Commissioner suggested during a public meeting that changes to the McCall AOI may proceed on an expedited timeline. This was further compounded by a meeting on December 18, during which McCall city staff were presented with a county staff-created document outlining steps to dissolve the joint Planning and Zoning Commission, repeal the McCall Area Comprehensive Plan, and apply new, county-wide codes to the former AOI. City representatives were verbally informed of the County’s intention to move forward with dissolution—an action not previously discussed in public forums.

The McCall Area of Impact, established in the 1970s, is a collaborative planning zone that ensures orderly development, protects the water quality of Payette Lake and Payette River and along with other natural resources, and aligns growth with city standards. The AOI is managed through a joint planning and zoning commission and adheres to codes adopted by both Valley County and the City of McCall. This system has provided consistency, fairness, and predictability in land use planning for nearly five decades.

The City’s letter emphasizes the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon process and requests a joint meeting at the earliest convenience to address these concerns. The Council encourages Valley County to proceed with transparency and to uphold the commitments made during the September discussions.

The McCall AOI surrounds the city limits and extends south to Elo Road, west to Adams County, and east near Little Payette Lake. It represents areas expected to be annexed by the city in the future and is managed under Valley County jurisdiction using codes closely aligned with city standards. This alignment has been critical in ensuring that growth near McCall occurs in a way that supports infrastructure planning, protects the watershed of Payette Lake, and prevents urban sprawl.

McCall staff, since the September joint work session, has been actively working on a current annexation request with Ponderosa State Park and an associated Annexation Agreement; A map of past annexations to show growth of City over time; a detailed Annexation Plan; an evaluation of AOI boundaries that are in the best interest of City, County and AOI residents; as well as compliant with Idaho Law based on the five criteria and information from the Annexation Plan.

The City of McCall remains committed to working with Valley County to ensure a thoughtful and transparent process that considers public comment regarding any changes to the AOI. McCall City Council invites and encourages public meetings and joint discussions as both parties navigate this complex issue.

For more information about the McCall Area of Impact or to view the City Council’s letter, visit https://engagemccall.com/impactarea or contact City Hall at 208-634-7142.