Once I learned that Idaho Falls’ mayoral race is headed to a runoff, I revisited the finalists’ websites to review their positions on managing the city’s growth challenges. Both candidates cite the need for “Smart Growth” or “strategic growth” solutions, which are possible in Idaho thanks to the Local Land Use Planning Act of 1975 (Idaho Statutes: Title 67, Chapter 65).
Passed 50 years ago by a far more moderate Legislature and under a Democratic administration, the Act required EVERY Idaho city and county – regardless of size – to develop a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance to manage future growth. Unlike some neighboring states that make planning optional for small jurisdictions, Idaho recognizes that land use planning helps even the tiniest cities and counties better manage their growth while still protecting existing property rights.
The statute’s purpose statement could serve as a checklist for the runoff debates to assess how well our mayoral candidates understand the breadth and necessity of local planning. Interestingly, the first item listed addresses affordable housing, a critical, current need across Eastern Idaho:
Purpose. The purpose of this act shall be to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the state of Idaho as follows:
(a) To protect property rights while making accommodation for other necessary types of development such as low-cost housing and mobile home parks.
(b) To ensure that adequate public facilities and services are provided to the people at reasonable cost.
(c) To ensure that the economy of the state and localities is protected.
(d) To ensure that the important environmental features of the state and localities are protected.
(e) To encourage the protection of prime agricultural, forestry and mining lands and land uses for production of food, fiber and minerals, as well as the economic benefits they provide to the community.
(f) To encourage urban and urban-type development within incorporated cities.
(g) To avoid undue concentration of population and overcrowding of land.
(h) To ensure that the development on land is commensurate with the physical characteristics of the land.
(i) To protect life and property in areas subject to natural hazards and disasters.
(j) To protect fish, wildlife and recreation resources.
(k) To avoid undue water and air pollution.
(l) To allow local school districts to participate in the community planning and development process so as to address public school needs and impacts on an ongoing basis.
(m) To protect public airports as essential community facilities that provide safe transportation alternatives and contribute to the economy of the state.
While these are laudable statewide objectives, elected officials must first incorporate them into land use plans for their specific locales and then impartially enforce the ordinances that follow. Public involvement is required under the law to ensure ongoing citizen input and to hold local officials accountable.
It costs money for any community to engage in good planning, but after 50 years of trying, Idaho cities and counties with visionary comprehensive plans and effective ordinances are reaping the benefits.
Jan Brown is a retired nonprofit executive who is State Committeewoman for the Bonneville County Democrats and Region 7 Representative on the Idaho Democratic Party Executive Committee.