Idaho lawmakers streamline building permits to boost housing supply and reduce costs

The Idaho Legislature convened on March 24, 2025, for Senate Legislative Session Day 78, focusing on key issues surrounding housing supply and building permit processes. The primary agenda item addressed was a proposed bill aimed at streamlining the building permit application process to facilitate increased housing development.

During the session, a senator emphasized the importance of reducing housing costs and increasing supply for constituents. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance efficiency by requiring building permit authorities to publish a clear list of requirements necessary for obtaining a permit. Additionally, the bill mandates that authorities respond to residential permit applications within 10 days and commercial applications within 20 days, specifically indicating whether the application is complete or incomplete.

The senator highlighted that current delays often occur when applicants submit their applications, only to receive feedback weeks later indicating minor errors, which can significantly prolong the approval process. This inefficiency has been a barrier to timely housing development in Boise, making it difficult for builders and developers to initiate projects.

The bill aims to address these challenges by ensuring timely reviews and clearer communication, ultimately supporting the goal of increasing housing supply and reducing costs. Following the presentation, the floor was opened for debate, but no further discussion was initiated, leading to the closure of the debate.

Overall, the meeting underscored the legislature's commitment to improving housing availability in Idaho through legislative action aimed at enhancing the building permit process.