Senate panel backs printing of interim-study resolution on land use and housing supply

Senators on the Idaho Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee voted to print RS32059 on Feb. 4, a resolution to form an interim study of state and local land use regulations and their impact on housing supply.

Senator Ali Rabe, who represents District 16 and introduced the filing, said the study would bring together legislators, local governments and industry stakeholders to examine zoning and permitting barriers. "This will establish an interim committee to study state and local land use regulations on housing and their impact on housing supply in Idaho," Rabe said. She described rapid population growth and rising costs: "Rapid population growth in our state has caused housing costs to double, in many areas of Idaho and many Idahoans are struggling to find housing that they can afford."

Rabe said the proposal was modeled after a recent Montana bipartisan working group that produced an almost 100-page report with policy recommendations, and that the interim committee would similarly solicit stakeholder input from cities, counties, home builders, planners and architects. "We think we can come out at the end with some really practical solutions that allow us to reduce regulatory burning, streamline permitting, and encourage responsible growth across the state," she said.

Senator Berndt moved to send RS32059 to print; Senator Ben Toews seconded the motion. After brief discussion and no recorded roll-call objections, the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The chair concluded committee business for the day shortly afterward.