Bill > H0705

This bill establishes provisions allowing for multifamily residential housing developments in areas zoned for commercial use, meaning areas primarily designated for retail, office, or other non-residential commercial activities, to address a shortage of housing near jobs and services. Counties and cities must permit these developments under the same siting and design standards as other commercial uses in those zones, and they are required to amend their comprehensive plans and land use regulations to reflect this. The bill also limits parking requirements to no more than one space per dwelling unit unless specific safety or infrastructure concerns justify more, and mandates that qualifying multifamily housing projects be approved administratively as a matter of right, without discretionary review, provided their approval standards are clear, objective, and do not make development economically infeasible. Furthermore, it allows for private legal action to enforce compliance and specifies certain exceptions, such as land zoned exclusively for industrial use, environmentally hazardous areas, or parcels near airport runways. The bill also declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

Business Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0705/