Together with the community, the City of Boise is developing a modern zoning code to make sure the future design and development of our city protects the character we love and creates more walkable, dynamic spaces for everyone. A modern zoning code will encourage a variety of housing types so Boiseans can find homes that fit their needs and their budget, protect our parks open spaces and pave the way for more pathways and transportation options so Boiseans can choose to walk, bike, bus or drive to the places they need to go.
Creating a City for Everyone
Our Vision
Boise is at a time of growth and change, and while change can often cause us to worry, it is also an incredible opportunity to come together, to be deliberate and intentional about how we grow so we can protect the things we love. When Boiseans come together, we do great things – protect our foothills and open spaces, care for one another in times of need, support local businesses and homegrown innovation, and provide vibrant, safe, unique neighborhoods where folks live, work and play.
Great Neighborhoods
A modern code will protect the character of our unique neighborhoods and create opportunities for small businesses, pathways and homes at Boise prices across our city.
Movement for Everyone
A modern code encourages building homes along transportation corridors so Boiseans can choose how they move around our city whether by foot, bike, bus or car.
A Home for Everyone
A modern code makes more housing types possible, so our kids can return home to start their lives in the place they grew up, our aging parents can downsize and stay close to friends and family and our workforce can find housing at Boise prices.
How We Got Here
Creating a Modern Zoning Code
The process was broken into three phases (modules), with community outreach at the center of each phase. We explored tools to create developments that better preserve and enhance community character, integrate with existing neighborhoods and support our city’s long-term vision and goals.
Citywide Advisory Committee
A Citywide Advisory Committee (CAC) made up of diverse community members worked hand in hand with the city to create a modern code that reflects Boise’s values.
Community Outreach
Over the last three years, we’ve asked residents how they envision Boise's future, what they value about our community and what they want more, or less, of. We listened to feedback at community conversations, open houses, through surveys and stakeholder meetings, and one-on-one conversations with our most underrepresented community members.
Time and time again, we heard our residents talk about their values: making sure new growth and development is sustainable, water conscious and protects our open spaces. We heard residents talk about struggles with housing affordability and that people want to be able to walk to a local coffee shop or neighborhood market and choose how they move about our city, whether it’s walking, biking, riding the bus or driving. With your help, these values are the core of our updated zoning code.
What's Next?
After a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission, Boise City Council will consider the modern zoning code the week of June 12, 2023. Residents are encouraged to provide verbal testimony at the public hearing, either in-person or virtually. Written comments were accepted June 8, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Meetings
The full reserved hearing schedule is outlined below and will take place at city hall in the Maryanne Jordan Council Chambers; days and times will be adjusted as needed, please check the public meetings webpage for updates to the schedule. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
Monday, June 12, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Presentation from staff and neighborhood associations.
- 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. dinner break
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Public Testimony
- 4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. break
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 – 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Public Testimony
- 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. dinner break
Thursday, June 15, 2023 – 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Q&A, rebuttal, deliberations, decision
- 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. dinner break
Any accommodations needed for the public hearings, such as language interpreters or ASL, can be made by reaching out to communityengagement@cityofboise.org or calling (208) 972-8500.
Public Comment
Public comments for Boise City Council were accepted through June 8, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Residents will also have the opportunity to testify in person or online at the public hearing in front of City Council.
Written testimony for the Planning and Zoning Commission hearings were accepted through April 20th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Comments received after this deadline were compiled through the June 8th deadline to be included for Boise City Council review.
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.