Cutting Red Tape, Not Corners: How to Build More Starter Homes in Idaho

Across Idaho, people are working hard and doing everything right, yet finding a home they can afford feels out of reach. The problem is not just the cost of materials or labor. It is also the maze of outdated rules, fees, and processes that make it difficult to build new homes that regular Idaho families can afford.

Every year, more small builders, contractors, and homeowners tell the same story. They want to add a few homes on a vacant lot, convert an existing building into apartments, or build a modest starter home, but they hit barrier after barrier in the local approval process. These delays increase costs, discourage investment, and keep needed homes from being built.

At the Gem State Housing Alliance, we believe we can fix this by cutting red tape, not corners. Idaho cities can protect neighborhood character and public safety while also making it simpler and faster to build homes. The solution is not complicated. It is about streamlining review processes, setting clear standards, and trusting local builders to do their jobs.

Cities can start by adopting administrative approvals for small-scale housing projects that already meet design and zoning requirements. Instead of requiring months of hearings, city staff can review and approve these projects quickly. Builders and homeowners then have the certainty they need to move forward, saving time and money.

Another key reform is the use of predictable timelines. When builders know exactly how long a permit review will take, they can plan and budget accordingly. Long delays often mean financing falls through, which stops good projects before they begin. By setting reasonable deadlines for city reviews, local governments can encourage more housing production without spending a dollar.

We also encourage cities to review their development fees and infrastructure requirements. Many Idaho communities are finding creative ways to reduce costs while still maintaining quality infrastructure. For example, allowing smaller lot sizes and narrower streets in new developments can reduce construction costs and create more walkable, community-oriented neighborhoods.

Several Idaho cities are already leading the way. In Boise, updates to the zoning code have streamlined approvals for ADUs and small multifamily projects. Caldwell is exploring process reforms to attract more local builders. These steps are helping make housing attainable again for Idaho families.

At the Gem State Housing Alliance, our mission is to help cities and builders work together to find these solutions. We offer tools, model ordinances, and policy support to make process reform easy to implement.

Idaho has always valued independence, common sense, and hard work. Cutting red tape so people can build homes is a reflection of those same values. Together, we can make it possible for more Idahoans to own a home, stay near their families, and contribute to thriving local communities.