BOISE HOUSING PILOT FAQS

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU) + MOVEABLE TINY HOMES

Q: What is LEAP Housing?

A: LEAP Housing was started in 2016 by Bart Cochran, a Boise realtor, who saw vulnerable populations unable to access stable, affordable homes. We are an Idaho-based nonprofit that believes all people deserve a safe, affordable home and our mission is to develop and preserve affordable housing while providing empowering services that lead to greater housing stability.

Q. What is the background on why the City of Boise is conducting this pilot?

A. Over the past year, the City of Boise participated in the Harvard-Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative Innovation Track with a focus on identifying creative new solutions to housing affordability in Boise. Based on its extensive, people-centered research and testing, the team recommended that the city fund and evaluate two innovative housing pilot programs.

Q. What is a major objective of the ADU Pilot?

A. To create housing stock in the way of ADUs which are rented out at or below at least 80% of area median income (AMI), but ideally at or below 60% of AMI.

Q: What is Area Median Income (AMI)?

A: AMI is a statistic used by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to determine the eligibility of applicants for certain housing programs. For this pilot, residents will need to earn at or below 80% AMI, and preferably at or below 60% AMI. 60% AMI is equivalent to $31,680 for a household of 1, or $36,180 for a household of 2. That includes occupations like a bank teller, landscaper, preschool teacher or hairdresser. (City of Boise Income Guidelines)

Q. What resources/support will I receive when participating in the pilot?

A. The city will provide resources to participating homeowners, including help with permitting, an exemption for city impact fees, and technical assistance and support from LEAP Housing on managing the property. Grants are also available to ease the costs of a utility connection.

Q. What's a moveable tiny home?

A. A moveable tiny home is a small housing unit (400 square feet or less) on a trailer that can be transported from one site to another. Moveable tiny homes differ from recreational vehicles (RVs) in that they are made of traditional housing materials and
are designed to look like a conventional home.

Q. What are some tiny home requirements as a part of the pilot?
A. The moveable tiny homes would be required to sit on a gravel pad or other suitable foundation and be connected to utilities (water, sewer, electrical). Selected participants would need to receive approval from adjacent neighbors to
place the moveable tiny home on their property.

Q. Do I have to rent my ADU that was created during the pilot to residents who earn at or below 80% AMI?

A. Yes. the homeowner will rent the ADU to income-restricted tenants at a specific area median income level for a specific duration outlined in the deed restriction.