When people think about a city, they often think about parks, buildings, and attractions. Just as important are the spaces that connect them. The sidewalks we walk on, the trees that provide shade, the benches where we stop to rest, the lighting that helps us feel safe, and the bike racks, landscaping, and public amenities that make a street comfortable and inviting are all part of a streetscape. The City of Boise is updating its Streetscape Standards & Specifications Manual to help ensure that the streetscapes adjacent to public streets remain functional, attractive, safe, and reflective of the communities they serve.
What Is a Streetscape?
A streetscape includes the features and design elements found within the public right-of-way, generally between a building and the street, which can include:
- Landscaping (trees, plants, rocks, mulch, etc.)
- Furnishings (lighting, seating, bike racks, transit facilities, wayfinding, trash / recycling receptacles, etc.)
- Paving (treatments and materials like concrete, pavers, etc.)
Together, these elements help define the character and experience of a street while creating an environment for mobility, safety, accessibility, and comfort.
What Is the Streetscape Manual & Why Is It Being Updated?
The City of Boise's Streetscape Standards & Specifications Manual helps guide how streetscapes are designed in certain identified areas of the city, establishing standards for sidewalks, trees, lighting, landscaping, bicycle amenities, seating, transit facilities, and more. The manual is used by city staff, developers, engineers, landscape architects, and others involved in planning, constructing, and maintaining the public right-of-way. This update will help clarify the current manual’s standards and establish new ones so the streetscape can continue to serve residents, businesses, and visitors as Boise grows. It will also incorporate the State Street, Shoreline, and Lusk Urban Renewal Districts (URDs) into the Streetscape Manual to help ensure that future improvements reflect the unique character and goals of these areas.
How We Got Here
Boise’s streetscapes are shaped by many different groups, including city departments responsible for planning, parks, forestry, accessibility, and public works, as well as outside agencies, utilities, transportation providers, and others who help build, operate, and maintain the public right-of-way. The project team began by engaging the individuals and organizations with direct responsibilities within the streetscape to understand what is working today, where changes are needed, what ideas are realistic to implement, and what operational, maintenance, accessibility, sustainability, and funding considerations must guide future decisions.
These discussions helped define a range of possibilities, ensuring the updated manual is usable and can serve the City of Boise for years to come. They also explored how the updated manual can reflect the plans and priorities of participating groups, incorporate the State Street, Shoreline, and Lusk Urban Renewal Districts, and support the distinct character and goals of each area. The concepts below reflect ideas and themes identified through the agency and stakeholder engagement process to date. With the practical parameters now better understood, the city wants to hear from people who use Boise’s streetscapes. Public feedback will be considered alongside input from city staff, partner agencies, stakeholders, and technical experts as the project team continues developing the updated Streetscape Manual. The update is currently underway and is expected to be completed in March 2027.
What We Heard
Through the stakeholder engagement process, several common themes emerged about how streets can promote comfort, mobility, sustainability, and neighborhood character. The examples below illustrate concepts that have received support as the Streetscape Standards & Specifications Manual update continues to evolve.
Tree Canopy and Shade
Large trees can help create cooler, more comfortable streets by providing shade and reducing heat buildup on sidewalks and pavement. A continuous tree canopy can also strengthen neighborhood character and create a more inviting public realm.
Comfortable Shared-Use Paths
Delineating lanes in shared-use paths with signage, paint, landscaping, and/or pavement treatments can improve navigation and safety for people walking, biking, and using other forms of micromobility. When paired with landscaping, shade, seating, and other amenities, these transportation routes can also serve as enjoyable public spaces.
Places to Rest
Seating that faces the sidewalk and features shade, landscaping, and flexible seating options that accommodate a range of users make resting places more inviting.
District Identity
Wayfinding features and signage that nod to a neighborhood’s identity can make public spaces easier to use and create a more cohesive experience for residents and visitors.
Resilient Landscaping and Stormwater Features
Landscaping can do more than add visual interest. A mix of trees, low-water plantings, ornamental grasses, and natural materials can help manage stormwater, support healthy tree growth, and create greener public spaces.
Share Your Thoughts
The Streetscape Standards & Specifications Manual helps guide how public streetscapes are designed. As the city works to update the manual and incorporate the State Street and Shoreline URDs, we'd like to hear from you. Please share your comments below.
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