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S 1353 Idaho Senate · 68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

HOUSING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding regulation of twin homes and duplexes.

This bill requires cities in Idaho with populations over 10,000 to allow twin homes and duplexes in residential zones where single-family homes are permitted, unless those areas are designated as historic districts. The law mandates that local governments update their land use regulations by February 1, 2027, to permit these housing types, remove lot size restrictions that would block their construction, and limit parking and fee requirements to levels comparable to single-family homes. Cities must approve twin homes and duplexes through administrative processes similar to single-family dwellings, provided they meet standard infrastructure and safety requirements, while retaining the ability to adopt less restrictive rules or maintain protections for public health and safety.
Issues: ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates cities to allow twin homes and duplexes, increasing housing supply and affordability while removing restrictive lot size and parking requirements.95% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 2, 2026 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Text → Engrossment 1 · 6 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to expand its applicability from cities with over 5,000 residents to those with over 10,000 residents. It also updated the deadline for local governments to update their zoning plans from October 2026 to February 2027. Additionally, the definition of a 'twin home' was clarified to require fee simple ownership of the land, and new exceptions were added to parking requirements for lots near transit or commercial areas.
Scope change
The bill now applies only to cities with a population greater than 10,000, whereas the original text applied to cities with a population greater than 5,000.
ELIGIBILITY

Increased the minimum city population threshold from 5,000 to 10,000 for the bill's provisions to apply.

TIMELINE

Extended the deadline for cities to update their comprehensive plans and land use regulations from October 1, 2026, to February 1, 2027.

DEFINITION

Added a requirement that 'twin home' owners must own the underlying land in fee simple ownership.

REQUIREMENT

Added an exception to the parking requirement, allowing fewer than one off-street parking space per unit if the lot is near transit, commercial areas, or designated parking.

Added new exceptions for historic properties and specific infrastructure constraints like emergency access or fire code conflicts.

Added a new section clarifying that the bill does not supersede existing state or local laws regarding public health, safety, flood plains, environmental hazards, and setbacks.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 20, 2026

How they voted

24–12
Passed
Total votes 36
Mar 20, 2026
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican30
18 Yea 12 Nay
60% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Amendments
1
Mar 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read third time in full as amended – PASSED - 23-12-0AYES – Anthon, Bernt, Bjerke(Bjerke), Blaylock, Den Hartog, Galloway, Harris, Hart, Kohl, Lakey, Nichols, Okuniewicz, Rabe, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, Taylor, Toews, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, Zito, ZuiderveldNAYS – Adams, Burtenshaw, Carlson, Cook, Foreman, Grow, Guthrie, Keyser, Lenney, Lent, Ricks, VanOrdenAbsent and excused – NoneFloor Sponsor - ToewsTitle apvd - to House
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced
Amendments reported printed
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Committee
Amendments ordered printed; referred for engrossment
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported out without recommendation, as amended
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Placed in the Committee of the Whole
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Committee
Referred to 14th Order for amendment
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Committee
Reported Printed; referred to Local Government & Taxation
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.