Boise Backing Off Proposed Citywide Zoning Changes

Boise was considering allowing up to four units by-right on any residential parcel in the city, but has since rolled back the scale of the proposed zoning changes.

1 minute read

July 14, 2022, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Treasure Valley

CSNafzger / Shutterstock

“Boise’s new zoning code proposal got a major shake-up after the first two rounds of public input,” reports Margaret Carmel for Boise Dev.

According to Carmel, the current proposal takes citywide rezoning off the table, instead focusing zoning changes along specific corridors, “or when developers agree to build with sustainable materials and reserve some units for low-income Boiseans.”

“One of the significant changes this draft makes is scaling back the number of units allowed by right throughout the city,” reports Carmel. “The first draft allowed up to four units on any residential parcel, which is a higher density than the duplexes allowed by right on every parcel right now. It also consolidated the city’s three residential zoning districts down to two.”

New Boise Planning Director Tim Keane, who previously served as  planning director in Atlanta, presented the latest iteration of Boise’s zoning code rewrite, the latest revisions coming after a second round of public input.

“[Keane] said these changes came after listening to feedback from residents in public input sessions who felt the old proposal was a ‘one size fits all’ solution that didn’t embrace the city’s diversity,” according to the article.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 in Boise Dev

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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog