Project Milestones

Updating Boise's Zoning Code

The Zoning Code Rewrite was broken into three phases (modules), with 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 are in line with the city’s comprehensive plan, Blueprint Boise.

Final Documents

Planning and Development Services (PDS) has submitted the zoning code amendment and a comprehensive plan amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission will hold public hearings on the final version of the code and new conversion map in late April and make a formal recommendation to the City Council for a final decision. To view upcoming meetings, click here.

Modern Zoning Code Documents

How We Got Here

Over the last few years, the city asked residents what they envision Boise's future to look and feel like. We listened to feedback at community conversations, open houses, surveys, stakeholder meetings and one-on-one deep engagement with our most underrepresented community members.

Draft Module 3: Process + Procedures

Fall 2022

The City of Boise released Module 3 in October 2022. Module 3 includes the process and procedures developments must go through to receive approval.

Community Engagement

The city hosted five community conversations over the course of five weeks in October and November of 2022. Each outreach event included a 20-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. Attendees had the opportunity to look at printed boards and have one-on-one conversations with planners. A digital open house was available for residents unable to attend in-person meetings.

The city also released the Community Development Tracker tool, letting residents easily see what types of projects and developments are happening in their neighborhoods.

• Digital Open House
• Outreach Summary Report - Module 3
• Community Development Tracker

Draft Module 1 + 2 Revised

Summer 2022

City of Boise staff were in the community listening during Spring 2021 for Module 1 and Winter 2022 for Module 2. Based on feedback from the community, the City of Boise made significant revisions to Modules 1 + 2.

Community Engagement

In July 2022, Planning and Development Services (PDS) released the revised draft Modules 1 and 2 and began community outreach. In-person events were held at locations throughout Boise to provide convenient engagement opportunities for residents. In addition to three public open houses, the city also hosted a digital open house for individuals unable to attend in-person events. The city gathered feedback at each open house, as well as collected comments by phone and email. City staff responded to roughly 50 phone calls and emails to answer questions and provide more information.

• Revised Module 1 + 2 Digital Open House
• Outreach Summary Report - Revised Modules 1 + 2

Draft Module 2: Design + Development Standards

Winter / Spring 2022

Module 2 of the Zoning Code Rewrite was released in January of 2022. This section of the zoning code outlined development and design standards for developing properties within the city. The city released the draft module with several accompanying materials for public review including the How to Read Module 2, an Executive Summary and the conversion map.

Community Engagement

Draft Module 1: Zoning Districts + Allowed Uses

Spring 2021

The City of Boise released Module 1 of the Zoning Code Rewrite in spring of 2021. This section of the zoning code outlined what would and would not be allowed within certain zones across the city and proposed the following changes to help better align our zoning code with the city's long-term vision:

• Condensed and renamed zoning districts, 
• Allow new housing types within all residential zones,
• Allow small-scale commercial in some residential zones and
• Created new zones that allow mixed-use development.

Community Engagement

The City of Boise sought community feedback May - June of 2021 on the draft Module 1 of the Zoning Code Rewrite. The results of the public input can be read in the quick links. Your input helped the City of Boise ensure the city grows in a sustainable, efficient and responsible manner that allows us to maintain and enhance our treasured quality of life.

• Outreach Summary Report (PDF)
• Outreach Addendum (PDF)

Project Kick-Off

Fall 2020

The City of Boise solicited feedback about the city’s current zoning tools and received over 800 responses. Feedback indicated that Boiseans want to see Blueprint Boise implemented in ways that make the tools and procedures for zoning more understandable, predictable and equitable for residents, developers and the community as a whole.

Key recommendations included:

• Simplified, streamlined code with illustrations
• Clearly defined land uses
• High quality design standards for buildings and sites
• Clarity about the development review process

Diagnostics and Solutions Report

Additionally, feedback from the survey was integrated into the Final Diagnostics and Solutions Report. This report also includes feedback and observations from city staff and consultants about the challenges and opportunities that exist with our current zoning tools.

Citywide Advisory Committee

The city used a Citywide Advisory Committee (CAC) compiled of diverse community members to assist in creating a code that reflects Boise’s values.