What does Boise’s Modern Zoning Code mean for existing neighborhoods?

Redevelopment into higher density residential housing is inevitable. We believe this can be done in a way that enhances existing neighborhoods through responsible infill development.

Why is Infill Development important? 

• Infill development is critical to accommodating growth and redesigning our cities to be environmentally and socially sustainable.

How is Infill Development a green way of building and developing? 

• Increasing the density in older, established residential areas allows us to reuse existing utility services, streets, sidewalks and keeps our city’s carbon footprint in check by reducing commuter vehicle emissions. It helps protect agricultural land by reducing urban sprawl and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by allowing workers to live closer to city job centers.

How does Infill Development revitalize our older neighborhoods? 

• Infill development’s principal purpose is to breathe new life into existing communities and instill new interest, investment and money into the community by making the neighborhoods more attractive. This revitalization process typically results in more residents, improved property values and a more livable and productive neighborhood. Population growth within urban areas can also attract more businesses, which boost the economy.

How does Infill Development help our local businesses and municipalities thrive? 

• The redevelopment of older and dilapidated properties can increase property tax revenue significantly. The additional tax revenue for municipalities can take tax pressure off of existing properties, give better financial support to schools, roads and parks, and give significant social benefits to the community.

Case Study:

• The Boise Infill team helped manage the redevelopment of a dilapidated property on Division Street in Boise in 2021. The property taxes for that home in 2020 were $2,215.64 per year. Cook Brothers Construction built three very nice new homes in its place. The property taxes for these new homes in 2022 were $5,671.66, $4,907.78 and $5,948.30 for an annual total of $16,527.74. That is an additional $14,312.10 in tax revenue for Ada County, plus two additional housing units that were able to reuse and utilize the existing Boise City infrastructure. That is 7.4 times the amount of tax revenue generated for public use, which is an incredibly positive statistic that gives back to the community. Furthermore, the addition of two more households of customers for nearby local businesses creates a substantial economic benefit.