Service areas
ADUs Across the Boise Area
Four cities, four planning departments, one state law that's changing the rules by 2027. Pick yours.
Same valley, different rules
Boise, Meridian, Eagle and Garden City share a climate and a housing market, but each has its own zoning code, planning staff and permit process. Boise has moved furthest so far, with a 2023 code rewrite and free pre-approved plans in 2026. The others are updating their codes to meet Idaho Code ยง 67-6541, which requires cities over 10,000 people to allow one ADU per single-family lot by right by February 1, 2027.
The lots differ too: alleys and detached garages in Boise's older neighborhoods, HOA subdivisions in Meridian, larger parcels and irrigation easements in Eagle, and compact river lots in Garden City. Each city page covers what that means for design, utilities and permits.
| City | Biggest factor |
|---|---|
| Boise | Pre-approved plans and overlays |
| Meridian | HOA covenants and easements |
| Eagle | Utility distance on large lots |
| Garden City | Floodplain and small lots |