ZOA 25-00013

Habitat for Humanity rep praised the zoning rewrite but said detached sidewalk requirements cut her Maple Grove/Victory project from five homes to four and added ~$25,000; also worried a 50-year affordability term creates a second-class homeowner.

NeighborWorks Boise rep valued fee-deferral incentives (about $100,000 deferred at Cole and Fairview) but asked for sidewalk flexibility in established neighborhoods and for detached homes to be allowed in MX zones.

Supported the amendments, saying renters need more options and an easier path to housing.

Infill developer urged deeper code changes — smaller minimum lots, reduced setbacks, fewer parking mandates, taller heights — saying infill lots at $250,000 make affordable homes impossible.

Homeowner subdividing his own back field asked for flexibility — more ADUs, attached sidewalks, and flexible EV charging outlets rather than locked-down connector standards.

Former Idaho Housing staffer with three decades of experience strongly supported the changes, saying more diverse housing across neighborhoods lowers rents and boosts social mobility.

Southeast Boise parent said the changes aren't enough fast enough and challenged the city to launch an incremental developer incubator.

26-year resident and former zoning rewrite volunteer expressed support and said she'd research sidewalk issues before the next round.

25-year-old resident said starter homes have tripled in price since his parents bought and he fears being priced out of Boise; wants a modest one-bed near transit.

Online testifier strongly supported the incentive changes, saying 80% AMI housing that actually gets built beats 60% AMI that doesn't, and urged ending parking mandates and height limits.

Online ADU builder with 20–25 units in planning said forcing him to tear out and rebuild an existing sidewalk defies the city's carbon goals, and the 120% AMI cap on minor land divisions doesn't pencil for anyone.

Neighbors for Boise and Gem State Housing Alliance member urged eliminating parking minimums entirely and pointed to Spokane's smaller setbacks and lot standards as a model.