Nampa staff, consultants outline draft form‑based code for downtown; timeline set for Dec. 1 adoption

Nampa city staff and a consultant team presented a draft form‑based code for the downtown at a community workshop, outlining rules for building form, frontage types and permitted uses and setting a target adoption date of Dec. 1.

The draft, presented by Nathan Davis of the consultant team, lays out five downtown form districts, three “gateway” transition districts and two core districts (Central Downtown and Central Historic). The code leads with physical form—height, setbacks, frontage and building placement—rather than use, and then ties allowed uses to those forms. Davis said the intent is to “codify the goals of the downtown plan and the feasibility study” and to provide clearer standards so redevelopment is not handled on a case‑by‑case basis.

Why it matters: The code would replace the existing downtown zoning chapter (chapter 15), standardize expectations for developers and city reviewers, and aim to shape future downtown investment so the area develops with a coherent pedestrian scale and active frontages. City staff said they expect the draft to streamline approvals, reduce staff negotiation with individual property owners and support mixed uses, structured parking where appropriate and public‑realm improvements tied…