The Current Planning team reviews land use requests and ensures compliance with the zoning code and Boise’s comprehensive plan, Blueprint Boise. Requests can range from new housing developments, businesses, or neighborhood and community uses. Each request is unique but follows standards and similar procedures outlined in code. Applications may be reviewed administratively reviewed by staff or heard before a review body in a public hearing. For an overview of the development review process, review the city planning handbook.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission functions on behalf of the City Council. The Commission can have up to 12 members and are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Several members represent the design, development and legal professions, as well as the area outside city limits but within the city’s area of impact. Another member is a youth appointment.
Submitting Planning and Zoning Commission Level Applications
Project submittal is considered complete when all associated applications have passed prescreen and corresponding fees have been paid in full. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be scheduled at the next available hearing. You will be notified on the 2nd week of the month if you are scheduled for the following month's P&Z hearing.
Current Planning Review
Referencing the zoning code, requests must comply with the basic standards of the zoning district, as well as any overlay districts and specific plans. The zoning map displays the different zones within the city, while the GIS property viewer map provides a deeper look at different aspects of a property. Along with this, specific uses are either allowed, conditionally allowed or prohibited based on the zone, and require an application to be submitted for review.
To find out more about a property’s zoning district and allowed uses, call (208) 608-7100 or contact us.
All requests must be submitted through a specific application created within the Permitting and Licensing system, then drawings and documents are uploaded into the ePlanReview system. After the application is submitted, a fee must paid in order to have the application officially accepted for review.
Types of Reviews
Staff Level
The following types of applications are reviewed administratively by the Current Planning team unless appealed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
- Accessory Dwelling Units and Duplexes
- Home Occupations
- Record of Surveys
- Temporary Uses
- Non-Conforming Uses
- Minor Floodplain, Hillside and River Permits
- Minor Modifications to Conditional Use Permits or Planned Unit Developments
Planning & Zoning Commission
The following types of applications are required to be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission where they render a final decision unless appealed to the City Council.*
- Conditional Use Permits
- Planned Unit Developments
- General Exceptions
- Variances
- Subdivision Hillside Permits
- Major River Permits
- Appeals of Administrative Decisions
City Council
The following types of applications must first be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission where they render a recommendation before being scheduled before the City Council.*
- Rezones and Annexations
- Code Text Amendments
- Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Special Exceptions
- Subdivisions
- Appeals of Planning & Zoning Commission Decisions
* All requests of the Commission and/or Council must follow specific procedures, including meeting with the city for a pre-application meeting and holding a neighborhood meeting, before submitting an application with the Planning Division.
To contact a city planner to schedule a pre-application meeting, call (208) 608-7100 or contact us.
Send a Message to Planning
Thank you for your interest in the Planning division. Please fill out the form below and a representative will be in touch with you. If you are inquiring about a specific project, please include the record number or project address.