Boise considers relaxed zoning requirements for developers building for ‘public good’
As Boise works on a larger zoning rewrite to simplify regulations, city planning officials are also trying to expedite another change: incentive zoning and a “housing bonus.”
New developments would get a relaxation of zoning restrictions in exchange for providing what’s seen as a public benefit, such as open space, historic preservation or affordable housing.
The proposal is still in its early phases, Andrea Tuning, urban planner for the city, told the Boise City Council on Tuesday, but planning officials have worked on some potential incentives. They could include:
▪ Offering a higher density for housing development than typically allowed in a zone if a project serves people with lower incomes.
▪ A reduction in the required number of parking spaces if the development would preserve historic structures.
▪ A streamlined development-review process for projects that conform strictly to design guidelines.
Tuning cited the Travis Apartments, which were in an Art Deco building built in 1937, as an example of how a bonus ordinance could have come into play.
The apartments at 17th and Bannock streets in the West Downtown neighborhood are set to be replaced with high-end condominiums. The apartments offered one-bedroom units for $825 a month.
“It could have been applicable in that particular case, where if we said, ‘No, we’re willing to work with you. If you’re willing to preserve this beautiful Art Deco building, we can offer you additional housing located behind that,” Tuning said. “Now we’re maintaining that affordable housing and that historic structure, as well as providing additional housing for the developer as they move forward.”
She said the ordinance would need to clearly define what would be considered historic or an activity center eligible for the bonus. The measure likely would focus on developments built in areas of community activity determined by Blueprint Boise, the city’s comprehensive plan.
Council President Elaine Clegg suggested also considering areas near major roads and intersections.
“There might be a real opportunity to get some increased housing in those locations that is actually more beneficial to the existing neighborhood than perhaps a single-family house that isn’t working anymore,” Clegg said.
She also asked that the city consider options for people who don’t necessarily qualify for designated low-income housing but who still have a hard time finding something they can afford. The Boise area’s housing market has continued to boom despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The city is accepting applications from people interested in being on a citywide advisory committee for the zoning project, officials said.
Council Member Patrick Bageant suggested that planners engage younger people, saying those younger than 35 “have very different ideas about how our city should grow.”
Council Member Lisa Sánchez said she could work with officials to identify ways to remove barriers that might prevent people from weighing in. “There are a lot of folks in our community who are interested in this, but they have transportation issues or child-care issues,” she said.
Tuning said the project probably would fully kick off by the end of July. From there, officials will gather public comment and bring the item before the council by January of next year.
The bonus ordinance would be written alongside the zoning rewrite, which is estimated to be finished in the next two to three years, she said.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 9:21 PM.
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