The Idaho Senate passed a pair of housing bills aimed at increasing housing supply by limiting restrictions on different types of housing development on Friday, March 20, sending the proposals to the Idaho House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation was introduced by Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene, and is part of a larger effort to address rising housing costs across the state and is co-sponsored by Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton.
One proposal would allow duplexes and twin homes in areas currently zoned for single-family housing. The other would lift restrictions on accessory dwelling units, allowing smaller secondary homes to be built on residential properties if they meet health, safety and infrastructure standards. Supporters say these bills would expand property rights and open more opportunities for development.
Earlier this year, several proposals stalled in committee with concerns about their potential impact, citing strain on infrastructure and loss of local control over zoning decisions. Parking was also seen as an issue.
After those concerns, Toews revised the proposal and reintroduced it this March. The updated bills return some authority to local planners, allowing them to determine whether areas can support the increased density. The new versions also include parking requirements and apply only to cities with populations of 10,000 or more.
Toews described the legislation as a means to reduce regulation and increase housing availability while lowering cost statewide.
Others pointed to growing concerns about affordability, particularly for younger residents and first-time buyers.
The median listing price for a home in Idaho has more than doubled over the past decade, reaching about $565,000 in January, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Jim Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said housing costs are a frequent concern among his constituents, expressing cautious support for the effort, despite its limitations.
“We’re not fixing it,” Ruchti said during Senate debate on the bill. “We’re not even trying, frankly
… People have figured out what a great state this is.”
Nichols acknowledged that the bills are not a complete solution but that they represent a step forward.
“This won’t be the be-all and end-all,” Nichols said. “I’m sure we’ll revisit this in the future.”
If approved by the House and signed into law, the measures would mark a significant statewide effort to address housing supply, one of the largest in recent years. Housing is an issue that continues to affect communities across Idaho, including students and residents navigating a competitive housing market.
Sam Walsh can be reached at [email protected].