Commission approves detached ADU and garage at 406 West Pueblo Street

The Boise City Historic Preservation Commission approved application DRH25‑00060 to construct a detached accessory dwelling unit and a separate one‑car garage at 406 West Pueblo Street.

Staff presented the site plan and elevations and said the proposed accessory structures differentiate themselves from the primary residence in materials and massing, meet the guidance that accessory structures be similar in height or shorter than the primary residence, and comply with the zone’s reduced setback and the 22‑foot backup requirement for garages. Staff recommended approval; the commission voted in favor on a motion by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioner Malloy. The roll call vote was five ayes and the motion carried.

The applicant’s builder, Jay Metzler, represented the owner, Nancy Osborne, and said the design is straightforward and that he was available to answer questions. The neighborhood representative, Sandra Herman, called the design “charming” but suggested the city consider whether single combined ADU/garage buildings might be appropriate in some cases for efficiency. Herman reiterated neighborhood requests for permeable paving, on‑site water management, and adherence to specified materials to avoid fines or mitigation later.

Staff confirmed the proposed lot coverage is 26% as submitted. Commissioners discussed the configuration briefly, and one commissioner noted the code constraint that accessory structures cannot exceed the primary residence size informed the detached design.

Because the accessory structures meet the guidelines and code constraints, the commission approved the application. The decision is subject to the normal appeal period.