Sensitive Lands

Overview

Being nestled between the foothills and high desert adds to Boise's beauty and appeal, but it also brings with it unique challenges to protect our lands. Some Sensitive Land Standards are set by the creation of specific zoning districts, while others are covered by Development and Design Standards to address additional needs.

Read the Code

Sensitive Lands Standards Set by Zoning Districts

All development requirements for the Sensitive Land areas are outlined in the Zoning Districts section of the code, where each overlay district is defined in detail. The overlay districts are the:

• Airport Influence Area Overlay
• Boise River System Overlay
• Flood Protection Overlay
• Hillside Development Overlay
• Wildland Urban Interface Overlay

Foothills Development Standards

To preserve the open space the Foothills provide this community, there are additional standards to implement residential subdivision density and design elements in the Foothills Planning Area. These standards also apply to developments within the Hillside Development Overlay. In addition to general requirements in this space, the standards address the following permitted development densities:

• Additional dwelling units permitted;
• Eligible preserved open space;
• Ineligible preserved open space;
• Priority open space;
• Design standards including general standards, standards for trains, and preserved open space, grading and building disturbance envelopes; and
• Ownership and maintenance of open space.