In Module 3 of the Zoning Code Rewrite, we propose breaking up projects into four different classification types. These project type classifications will guide residents and developers to understand the process they must go through and what type of hearing body will review their projects. It also tells us what projects are appealable and who they would get appealed to.
Project Type Classification
Type 1
Simple Review
No Appeal
- Temporary Sign
- Home Occupation
- Hillside Category 1 + 2
Type 2
Administrative Review
(May require interdepartmental review)
Appeal to Hearing Examiner
- Record of Survey
- Minor Small Lot
- Nonconforming Use
- Sign Program
- Group Childcare
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Duplex/Triplex/Fourplex
- Other Allowed Uses
- River System Permit
- Conditional Use Permit Modification
- Minor Design Review
- Allowed Use - Allowed Form
Type 3
Appointed Body Review and Decision
(Requires interdepartmental review)
Appeal to City Council
- Hearing Examiner: Variance
- Planning and Zoning Commission:
- Major Expansion of Nonconforming Use*
- Allowed Use - Alternative Form*
- Conditional Use Permit
- Hillside Category 3*
- Complex River System Permit*
- Design Review Commission:
- Major Design Review*
- Major Small Lot*
- Historic Preservation Commission:
- Certificate of Appropriateness*
Type 4
City Council Review and Decision
(Requires interdepartmental review)
Appeal to District Court
- Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Annexation/Rezone
- Planned Unit Developments
- Subdivisions
- Subdivision Related Items
BOLD: New
* Not required by Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA)
Project Review
Creating different project types helps us know which review bodies are evaluating projects and what types of projects they are reviewing. The items in bold are new or changed information from our current code. For example, we have introduced an Interdepartmental/Agency Review that will bring partners across the city, internal and external, together to assess projects that need collaboration to create an excellent project. The Hearing Examiner has been reintroduced to review variances in type three applications and type two appeals. The last item that is in bold is to elevate the Design Review Committee to a Design Review Commission (DRC). Changing the Design Review Committee to a commission eliminates them from being a sub-committee of the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and appeals of the Design Review Commission would go to Boise City Council.
| REVIEW BODY | TYPE OF REVIEW | APPLICATION TYPES |
| Administrative (Staff/Director) | Use Specific Standards | 1 and 2 |
| Interdepartmental/Agency Review | Subject Matter Expertise Coordination | Some 2 All 3 and 4 |
| Hearing Examiner | Objective and Consistent Review | 3 (variance only) Appeals of 2 |
| Design Review Commission | Architectural Design | 3 |
| Historic Preservation Commission | Historic Design | 3 |
| Planning and Zoning Commission | Land Use Decisions | 3 and 4 |
| City Council | Policy Related | 3 and 4 |
BOLD: New
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Project Standards
Our development process will ensure that projects located in our most important locations support our city's long term goals.
See More Community Involvement
Include stakeholders early to ensure the concept meets our desired outcomes.
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