Housing

passed · Idaho · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 1353: 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.

Topics ✓ 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

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

Track

in committee · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 947: PROPERTY SALES – Amends and adds to existing law to prohibit the purchase of single-family homes by institutional investors.

This bill prohibits institutional investors, such as corporations and LLCs, from purchasing single-family homes in Idaho starting July 1, 2026, with the goal of keeping homes in the hands of individual Idaho citizens. The law defines institutional investors as profit-seeking entities with multiple members and excludes home builders, family trusts, and nonprofits from this restriction. If an institutional investor acquires a single-family home after the effective date, they must sell the property within 180 days or face judicial foreclosure proceedings initiated by the state attorney general. The bill also includes provisions protecting individuals from liability when determining whether a buyer qualifies as an institutional investor.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits institutional investors from buying single-family homes to keep them with individual citizens, directly supporting affordable housing and property access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

Track

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 701: HOUSING – Adds to existing law to provide for limitations on rental application fees.

This bill limits rental application fees charged by landlords or property managers in Idaho. It prohibits charging fees to more than two applicant households per rental unit at the same time and requires landlords to disclose screening criteria upfront. Fees must match actual screening costs, can only be charged to applicants needing background checks, and cannot be charged if no fees are collected. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting renters who pay application fees and landlords who collect them.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits excessive rental application fees, requiring transparency and capping fees to protect tenants from unfair costs, aligning with tenant protection indicators.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1279: HOUSING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding starter home subdivisions.

S 1279 prohibits restrictive covenants (like neighborhood rules in homeowner agreements) that block "starter home subdivisions" - defined as new single-family home developments on at least 4-acre lots - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow these subdivisions in residential zones and sets specific limits: minimum lot sizes under 1,000 sq ft, small setbacks (15 ft front/rear, 5 ft sides), and density of at least 12 homes per acre. The bill also bans local governments from charging higher fees for these subdivisions compared to standard single-family developments. It does not override safety/environmental laws or affect rules in place before 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits restrictions on starter home subdivisions, mandates local governments to allow density of 12+ homes/acre, increasing affordable housing supply through development requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

Track

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 17, 2026

H 705: LAND USE PLANNING – Adds to existing law to establish provisions allowing for multifamily residential housing developments in areas zoned for commercial use.

Idaho's H 705 allows apartment buildings in areas currently zoned for commercial use (like stores or offices), requiring cities and counties to update zoning rules to permit this without extra hurdles. It mandates that such developments follow the same design and parking rules as other commercial projects - limiting parking to one space per apartment unit unless safety or infrastructure issues require more. Projects meeting local standards must be approved automatically, without discretionary review, and local governments cannot create rules that make these developments financially unviable. This bill directly affects local governments (who must amend zoning) and developers seeking to build apartment complexes near jobs and services in existing commercial zones.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for multifamily housing in commercial zones, enabling increased housing supply and affordability without discretionary delays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

Track

failed · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 760: TAXATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding a certain property tax exemption for low-income housing.

Idaho's H 760 revises property tax exemptions for low-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations. It requires qualifying nonprofits to meet specific criteria, including federal 501(c)(3) status and ensuring no private benefit from tax exemptions. The bill mandates that 55% of units must rent to residents earning ≤60% of local median income, 20% to those earning ≤50%, and 25% to those earning ≤30%, with annual compliance reports to counties. It also adds protections preventing evictions for three months after certified medical emergencies and prohibits the exemption for properties with financing closed by July 1, 2026, unless undergoing rehabilitation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill tightens property tax exemption criteria for low-income housing nonprofits, ensuring tax benefits serve intended residents and promoting fiscal accountability through strict income requirements and compliance reporting.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 55% units for ≤60% AMI, requires 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and ensures tax exemptions directly advance affordable housing access per income thresholds.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Taxes Renters

Track

in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1277: ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding prohibitions against restrictive covenants banning accessory dwelling units and to establish provisions regarding accessory dwelling units in the Local Land Use Planning Act.

This bill (S 1277) prohibits homeowner associations and restrictive covenants from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like in-law suites or backyard cottages - starting July 1, 2026. It requires local governments to allow up to two ADUs on residential lots (one for properties ≤1 acre, two for larger lots) and bans restrictions on parking, fees, size (minimum 1,000 sq ft), setbacks, and height. The law also mandates that ADU projects be approved administratively without discretionary review and allows affected parties to sue for violations. It directly affects homeowners, associations, and local zoning authorities by standardizing ADU rules statewide.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly removes barriers to ADU construction, mandates local approval of up to two ADUs per lot, and increases housing supply through secondary units - directly advancing affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Land Use Zoning

Track

signed · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

H 706: IDAHO BUILDING CODES – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding single stairway building exceptions.

H 706 allows Idaho local governments to permit apartment buildings (specifically residential group R-2) to have a single stairway for emergency exits, subject to strict safety requirements. These requirements include building height limits (max 6 stories without an occupiable roof), a maximum of four units per floor, mandatory fire sprinkler systems meeting NFPA 13 standards, and detailed stairway specifications like 48-inch width and 2-hour fire resistance. The bill also updates local building code adoption rules, requiring jurisdictions to implement specific versions of the International Building Code by 2027. This change primarily affects new apartment construction in Idaho, offering potential cost savings for developers while maintaining enhanced safety standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows single stairway exceptions for R-2 apartments with safety standards, enabling more flexible housing development while maintaining safety requirements, directly facilitating housing construction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

in committee · Idaho · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 1278: LOCAL LAND USE PLANNING ACT – Adds to existing law to provide for regulation of development on religious land.

S 1278 (Local Land Use Planning Act) requires Idaho cities and counties to permit multifamily (3+ dwelling units) and mixed-use (65% residential) development on religious land without special approvals like zoning changes or variances. It prohibits local governments from imposing restrictions on building height (below 40 feet), setbacks, parking requirements, or density limits beyond standard rules, while allowing supportive housing and group homes. The bill explicitly excludes homeless shelters from its provisions and applies to applications received on or after July 1, 2026. It establishes a legal process for religious organizations or housing groups to seek court enforcement if local governments violate these rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves barriers to multifamily housing development on religious land, increasing housing supply by prohibiting density restrictions and requiring permits without special approvals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

Track

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 13, 2026

H 647: MANUFACTURED HOMES – Amends and adds to existing law to prohibit certain restrictive covenants against manufactured homes and to revise provisions regarding siting of manufactured homes in residential areas.

Idaho's H 647 prohibits restrictive covenants that ban or unreasonably limit manufactured homes in areas zoned for single-family homes, making such covenants void and unenforceable after July 1, 2026. The bill requires local governments to update zoning plans to allow manufactured homes in single-family residential areas and sets appearance standards (e.g., minimum square footage, siding/roofing matching neighborhood style, pitched roofs). It directly affects manufactured home owners, communities with exclusionary covenants, and local governments managing land use. The law does not apply to covenants entered before July 1, 2026, and mandates that manufactured homes meet specific aesthetic and structural standards similar to traditional homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discriminatory covenants against manufactured homes in single-family zones, enabling affordable housing development and preventing zoning-based housing discrimination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

Track