The Boise City Council opted to shake up the city’s zoning code, but stopped short at two changes proposed by city staff.
This week, the Boise City Council got its first look at substantive changes proposed by city staff to the city’s new zoning code implemented at the end of 2023. The package of proposed edits included a range of changes, large and small, ranging from minor grammatical edits to larger changes on fourplex design and language changes to comply with a new state law ending city regulation of childcare centers. Staff also proposed allowing tiny homes on wheels within city limits after a multi-year pilot program conducted by LEAP Housing.
Boise City Council members praised city staffers for most of the changes, especially the move to allow tiny homes on wheels. Some changes pitched by city staff council members were unanimously tabled for the time being. This included changes to increase the maximum density allowed in some areas near the Boise Airport, following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s review of the raft of proposed changes. The proposal also opted to keep restrictions on minor land divisions unless developers agree to cap the rent or sales price on one of the units, which has continued to be opposed by realtors and developers who say this process burdens small-scale developers…