Proposed Update to Boise Zoning Code Would Boost Density, Discourage Sprawl

A years-long process has culminated in a proposal that would encourage the creation of affordable housing, promote transit-oriented development, and position the city for less car-oriented growth.

1 minute read

April 5, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Boise Idaho

Pinpals / Pixabay

A proposed update to the city of Boise’s zoning code aims to reimagine the Idaho city to be more sustainable, equitable, and affordable through adjusting regulations on “Building heights. Parking requirements. Neighborhood markets. Lot sizes. Transit. Mixed-use complexes.”

As Ian Max Stevenson reports in the Idaho Statesman, “Boise hopes to avoid the pitfalls of sprawl, unaffordability and car reliance that many other cities have faced” as the city grows. The revised zoning rules would permit higher density, include affordable housing incentives, decrease minimum lot sizes, and reduce parking requirements.

“While many of the zoning revisions relate to allowed uses themselves, Boise is also planning to streamline application processes for projects that planners want to see.” The new rules would incentivize adaptive reuse of older buildings and create mixed-use districts near transit corridors and other activity centers.

Critics of the plan say permitting more density outright would remove leverage from the city and could lead to the destruction of affordable housing. The city also lacks a comprehensive public transit system to encourage people to reduce their car use. Boise city planner Tim Keane acknowledges this weakness and says more transit investment is needed, but that how the city grows is a crucial component. “If you don’t have the development pattern, you’ll never have a transit system.”

Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Idaho Statesman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.