Idaho Smart Growth

Idaho Land Use Analysis

Idaho Code requires cities and counties to have comprehensive plans (a written vision for their community) and zoning ordinances. However, unlike neighboring states, Idaho does not have a statewide land use agency or any state-based funding for cities and counties to carry out their land use planning.

Many Idaho cities and counties have limited or development based budgets for planning staff. In some cases clerks, treasurers, and engineers function as the planning staff. Many communities are using comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances that were put in place when the state land use planning law was enacted in 1975. As a result, new developments are often poorly integrated into existing communities and fail to incorporate widely-recognized smart growth principles. 

Meanwhile, communities around Idaho are struggling to keep up with and address factors related to increased growth, such as providing adequate infrastructure, protecting open space and working lands, maintaining economic vitality, and maintaining natural and recreational amenities. 

To understand the needs of local communities, build a plan to meet those needs, and provide transportation and housing choices for Idaho families, Idaho Smart Growth is conducting a comprehensive analysis of Idaho laws, policies, rules, and permitting provisions at the state, county, and local levels. The analysis will evaluate positive and negative impacts of existing standards on land use planning and growth management efforts.  Partners on this project include the University of Idaho, Boise State University, the Urban Land Institute, and the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association.

The University of Idaho has posted the comprehensive plans and ordinances gathered by this project online.

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