Legalizing Homes for Idahoans: Why Local Zoning Reform Matters Now

Across Idaho, families, teachers, nurses, and first responders are struggling to find a place to call home. The simple truth is that we haven’t been building enough housing to keep up with demand. While construction costs and interest rates play a role, one of the biggest barriers is much closer to home—our outdated local zoning codes.`

For decades, most Idaho cities have reserved the majority of their residential land exclusively for single-family homes. These rules often make it illegal to build duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes, even when they would fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods. On top of that, local requirements for parking, setbacks, and minimum lot sizes make homes more expensive to build and harder to finance. The result? A severe shortage of attainable housing options for the very people who make our communities run.

The Gem State Housing Alliance was created to change that. We are Idaho’s first pro-housing coalition dedicated to expanding housing supply through local policy reform. Our mission is simple: to make it easier to build more homes of all types, especially starter homes and “missing middle” options that Idahoans can actually afford. We work with local governments, developers, and community members to modernize zoning codes, streamline permitting, and promote policies that make housing attainable for working families.

This work isn’t abstract—it’s practical, local, and achievable. By allowing duplexes and fourplexes by right in single-family zones, cities can create new homes that blend into existing neighborhoods while doubling the supply of housing in walkable, connected areas. By simplifying lot splits and small land divisions, we make it possible for small builders to create new homes without years of red tape. And by right-sizing parking requirements, cities can reduce costs, make better use of land, and support more vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods.

Zoning reform doesn’t mean every neighborhood will change overnight. It means communities can grow naturally again, with more options for every stage of life—from young families buying their first home to seniors looking to downsize without leaving their community.

At Gem State Housing Alliance, we believe Idaho’s cities are ready for this conversation. Together, we can legalize homes for Idahoans—so that everyone who works hard in our state can afford to live here, too.

If you’re a city leader, planner, developer, or simply someone who cares about Idaho’s future, we invite you to join us. Explore our Policy Playbook, download model ordinances, or become a founding member to help fuel this statewide movement for more housing choice.

Because Idaho’s growth should be guided by opportunity, not red tape.