Ada County residents challenge new ADU proposal citing privacy and river view concerns

During the recent public hearing held by the Ada County Board of Commissioners on May 7, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 6470 East Signal Rock Drive. The property owner, Courtney Centillion, has been at the center of a contentious debate since her acquisition of the property in June 2020, following her appointment to the Barber Valley Neighborhood Association Board of Directors.

The initial approval for the property was granted for a single-family dwelling, contingent upon annexation by the city of Boise and connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system. However, as of now, there is no record of an annexation request from the city, raising questions about the legitimacy of the ongoing development plans.

In 2024, Centillion applied for variances to allow for a septic system and the construction of a 24-foot ADU. This proposal has faced strong opposition from neighboring property owners, particularly from a couple who expressed concerns about the potential obstruction of their view of the Boise River and the environmental risks associated with the septic system. They highlighted that the addition of the ADU would violate previous agreements made by the Board of Commissioners regarding the property’s development.

The couple's objections were compounded by their belief that the Barber Valley Neighborhood Association (BVNA) had overlooked the negative impact of the proposed changes, possibly due to Centillion's previous role on their board. They requested that the windows of the ADU facing their property be removed or that mature trees be planted to restore their privacy and view.

The discussion during the hearing revealed a broader concern about the adherence to prior findings and the implications of allowing deviations from established agreements. The couple's plea for intervention underscored the tension between individual property rights and community standards, as well as the potential environmental implications of the proposed septic system.

As the Board of Commissioners deliberates on this matter, the outcome could set a precedent for future developments in the area, particularly regarding the balance between new construction and the preservation of community aesthetics and environmental integrity. The next steps will likely involve further examination of the annexation status and the potential for modifications to the ADU proposal to address the concerns raised by neighboring residents.