Boise Approves First Zoning Code Update in 60 Years

“After three days of public testimony and more than four years of work, the Boise City Council unanimously approved its new zoning code,” reports Margaret Carmel in Boise Dev, marking the first update to the city’s 60-year-old zoning code.

The code change increases density allowed along major transit corridors and in neighborhoods, as long as a project is affordably priced or has sustainability components, and cuts parking requirements and much more.

Among the hottest topics discussed were the length of deed restrictions for affordable housing, which was cut from 50 years to 20, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). “Requirements for when neighbors are notified about projects was another hot topic during public testimony. One of the changes to the code draft staff suggested allows immediate neighbors to be notified after certain types of projects – known as Type 2 – are approved.” 

The rewrite also scales up bike parking requirements, permits large trees in some landscape buffers, allows daycares in any mixed-use zone, and lets businesses apply for a variance to reduce parking.

See the source article for a more complete list of changes in the zoning code, which will go into effect on  December 1, 2023.