Boise staff recommend stopping further foothills annexation, allowing limited infill on annexed vacant lots

Maureen Brewer, city planning director, told the council that staff are recommending the city adopt a two-part policy to protect the Foothills: the city would not annex any additional foothill areas and would consider development only on vacant lots already annexed and zoned for limited residential uses. "A, the city will not annex any additional areas of the foothills, and, b, that the city will only consider development on already annexed to vacant lots," Brewer said.

Why it matters: the Foothills are a scenic and recreation resource and a priority for wildfire mitigation. Brewer said the policy would protect existing neighborhoods while still allowing a modest amount of infill housing, estimating roughly 400 possible additional homes within current city limits, including 236 in already‑approved subdivisions and about 165 on annexed vacant lots.

What staff propose to do next: Brewer said codifying the policy requires a comprehensive plan amendment and flagged a roughly six‑month timeline to return to council with a proposed amendment. She also said staff would initiate discussions with Ada County about amending the city's area of impact so boundaries reflect northern city limits and to explore whether county planning and criteria could align with Boise's goals.

Council reaction and clarifying points: council members welcomed the clarity the policy would provide while asking for more detail on the proposed infill standards and safety measures. Several members stressed coordination with the fire department, updated geotechnical and hillside engineering standards, and clear communication with landowners and developers who may have expected future annexation. Brewer replied staff will review existing Foothills development criteria and recommend any needed zoning or ordinance changes as part of the implementation.

Next steps: staff noted a resolution related to the effort was scheduled for the council meeting later that evening and said they would proceed with the comprehensive plan amendment if the council affirms direction. The public process and any county actions would follow state and county procedures. The mayor and multiple council members emphasized they want public hearings and interim deliverables before final adoption.