Boise Zoning Code

Zoning Code Toolkit  

Our zoning code is part of an ongoing effort to make city planning more accessible, transparent, and responsive. Through easy-to-use tools, regular community engagement, and annual updates, we’re committed to making sure the code works in real life—and continues to evolve with our city’s needs.  

This toolkit educates, inspires and activates residents, builders and advocates around Boise’s evolving zoning landscape. Whether you're a homeowner, student, planner or community organizer, you’ll find resources to help you understand zoning, explore housing solutions and get involved in shaping the future of our neighborhoods. Together, we’re shaping a Boise that’s welcoming, resilient, and ready for the future.  

Illustrated Zoning Guide

This guide is an introduction to what Boise zoning is all about, a tool to understand terminology, and a stepping-stone to show people how they can participate in building a Boise for the future. Whether you’re a resident curious about what can be built in your neighborhood, a business owner planning to grow, or a developer shaping new projects, this guide provides clear visuals and straightforward explanations. By breaking down complex information into easy-to-follow graphics and language, we’re helping our community better understand Boise's zoning code and how it shapes the future of our city.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guide below is a great resource. It gives clear information for homeowners, real estate agents, and DIYers. You'll learn about city standards, planning steps, and how to get approval for an ADU.

ADUs help add more affordable homes in Boise. They support different housing needs and give people more choices. Because ADUs are small, they cost less to heat, cool, and power. They can be used as a rental, a home for family or friends, or a home office. They are also a smart investment.

Neighborhood-Scale Incentives Design Guide

The Neighborhood-Scale Incentives Guide is a resource to educate and empower developers, builders, and property owners to produce high-quality housing that positively contributes to Boise neighborhoods.

Well-designed, small-scale neighborhood homes, like triplexes, cottage villages, fourplexes, and small apartments, are crucial for a growing city. More than just structures, these homes keep our neighborhoods people-scaled and people-friendly, ensuring that everyone can call Boise home.

Boise’s zoning code encourages neighborhood-scale housing by offering incentives. This guide explains Boise's residential zones and each zone’s available incentives. You’ll learn how these incentives can be used to create neighborhoods that are inclusive and sustainable, understand the general zoning and building requirements for each housing type, and be able to navigate the intricacies of site planning to enhance livability for residents.

Download the Design Guide

More Housing Incentives

User Guides

The following User Guides provide a helpful overview of specific zones in the zoning code.

User Guide - Traditional Residential (R-1C)

User Guide - Compact Residential (R-2)