New Idaho laws promote 'starter homes' with lots as small as 1,400 square feet

New bills require local governments to allow ADUs and higher-density development.

1 minute read

April 16, 2026, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Large homes under construction in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

The median home price in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is over $500,000. | Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock

Two new Idaho bills aim to boost 'starter home' development and housing supply. 

As Tristan Navera explains on Realtor.com, SB 1352 requires local governments to allow lot sizes as small as 1,400 square feet, the first state to do so, and removes some zoning barriers like setback requirements. SB 1354 bars local governments and HOAs from restricting accessory dwelling units, guaranteeing the right to build at least one ADU per lot. "Republican Rep. Erin Bingham said it bolsters local property rights and increases housing inventory. Existing HOA bans can remain in effect, and cities will be able to opt out." Both bills apply to cities over 10,000 people.

A bill that would allow the construction of single-staircase buildings advanced to the governor's desk.

Monday, April 6, 2026 in Realtor.com

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

A group of officials stand in a patch of dirt holding golden shovels and white hardhats.

California city breaks ground on transit connector

The project includes three mobility hubs and a pedestrian bridge.

November 2 - Mass Transit

People walking by a brick school in Cambridge.

After public outcry, Massachusetts city releases housing development tracker

Cambridge’s tracker currently shows 250 housing projects in various stages of development.

November 2 - Smart Cities Dive

A rendering of the park, with green grass and a bass sculpture that looks like several tall arches in a row.

40 years after approval, Chicago breaks ground on new park

The park honors Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city’s first permanent non-native settler.

November 2 - Block Club Chicago