Housing (Affordable Housing)

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.

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.

Idaho's S 1280 prohibits restrictive covenants that ban duplexes or "twin homes" (two separate living units sharing a wall on single-family lots) and requires local governments to allow these housing types in areas zoned for single-family homes. The bill voids existing covenants that restrict such developments and mandates local zoning changes to permit twin homes/duplexes without unreasonable lot size, parking, or fee requirements. It also requires local approvals for these projects to be automatic (like single-family homes) without discretionary delays. The law applies statewide except in historic districts and takes effect July 1, 2026.