Commission recommends city code changes to align ADU and starter-home rules with state law

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of ordinance text amendments to align Nampa code with recent Idaho state legislation (Idaho Code 67-65-41) covering accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and starter-home subdivisions.

Principal planner Kristy Watkins explained the changes are required by state law that took effect July 1 and summarized major revisions: a new chapter for ADU standards (ADUs limited to 1,000 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling), removal of the separate manufactured-home chapter where redundant, and adoption of starter-home subdivision language reflecting the state statute with certain local exceptions for lot configuration and environmental constraints.

Watkins noted the state removed owner-occupancy as a required condition for ADUs; the draft keeps local bulk standards (setbacks and parking) while authorizing ADUs in all residential zones with one off-street parking space required (subject to proximity exceptions). Commissioners asked about density and enforcement; staff said the city can still use its comp-plan densities to limit unit counts per acre and that minor clarifications from the legislature may prompt six-month code adjustments later.

Commissioner Turner moved, and Daffer seconded, to recommend the drafted code updates to City Council; the commission approved the recommendation by roll call (Garner, Kehoe, Daffer, Morgan, Copeland, Kirkman, Turner, Feene — all aye; Miller absent). Staff will package proposed ordinance language and findings for the council hearing.