Boise Launches Accessory Dwelling Unit and ‘Moveable Tiny Home’ Pilots

“Boise City Council has selected LEAP Housing as a partner for two pilot programs aimed at creating more affordable housing opportunities,” according to an article from the Idaho Press staff. The programs will create new mechanisms for permitting moveable ‘tiny homes’ and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family lots in the city. “The pilot programs were created in partnership with the Harvard-Bloomberg Innovation Track team and will explore these forms of housings as possible solutions the city can use to address housing affordability.”

The moveable tiny homes were not previously permitted, and the pilot program will approve permits for five to six properties. “ADUs are sometimes allowed in some parts of the city. This program will assist residents who want to build and rent out a unit at an affordable rate for 10 years. Participating residents will receive resources from the city, including help with permitting and an exemption for city impact fees, the release said.”

ADUs have landed in the spotlight as more cities and states reform their zoning codes to allow property owners in single-family zoned neighborhoods to build additional housing units on their lots in an effort to boost housing affordability and lightly increase density in already developed areas.