Bill > H0801

This bill establishes new regulations for development on land owned or leased by religious organizations, defining "religious land" as property owned or leased for at least 40 years by a "religious organization," which is a nonprofit entity primarily for religious purposes. The bill mandates that cities must permit multifamily (three or more dwelling units) and mixed-use (at least 65% residential square footage) developments on religious land without requiring special zoning changes or permits. It also prohibits cities from imposing overly restrictive rules on such developments, including limiting building height to less than 40 feet or three stories, requiring excessive setbacks, imposing minimum parking requirements beyond federal law, or limiting density, building coverage, or unit size beyond what's specified. Furthermore, cities cannot prohibit supportive housing or group homes, which are defined as residential facilities providing assistance for individuals with disabilities. However, this bill does not apply to religious land within a quarter-mile of heavy industrial uses, airports, or military bases, and it explicitly excludes homeless shelters from its provisions, allowing jurisdictions to continue regulating or prohibiting them. Cities are still permitted to enforce generally applicable sewer, water, stormwater, and building code requirements not otherwise restricted by this bill, and they must approve compliant development applications ministerially, meaning based on established rules rather than discretionary judgment, starting July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

Ways and Means Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0801/