Why Intentional Growth Matters

In city planning, one truth stands out: once something is allowed through zoning, it’s nearly impossible to undo. That’s why every zoning decision carries long-term consequences for our neighborhoods, our families, and our future.

Take short-term rentals (STRs). Right now in Idaho Falls, STRs are allowed in any zone that permits residential use, with no special permit or application required (City FAQ). That means your quiet street could suddenly have a rotating cast of nightly renters—and once it’s allowed, there’s almost no way to reverse it.

I’m not against STRs, and I’m not against growth. But these decisions need to be made on purpose, not by accident. Growth should strengthen neighborhoods, not surprise them.

The Tools We Already Have

The encouraging part is this: we already have tools in our zoning code to handle this—we just need leadership willing to use them.

Overlay Zones

An overlay zone is like adding an extra layer of protection on top of regular zoning. Idaho Falls already uses them—for things like airport safety, historic districts, and downtown design. They work because they set clear expectations for what fits in a particular area.

So why not create an Owner-Occupied Overlay Zone? In neighborhoods where stability really matters, we could require that certain properties be owner-occupied. That keeps investment local and ensures someone with a stake in the community is living there.

Conditional Use Permits (CUPs)

CUPs are another tool already in place. They allow something that isn’t normally permitted, but only with conditions. The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council already have the ability to attach those conditions (see Title 10, Chapter 3 of the zoning code).

We could simply make owner-occupancy one of those conditions. If someone wants to turn a property into a multi-unit rental or an STR in a sensitive area, they’d need to live on-site. If they don’t, the permit gets pulled. It’s common sense accountability.

The Case for Starter-Home Zoning

I’ve talked with so many families here who feel locked out of the housing market. Median home prices in Idaho Falls are around $370,000, while median household income is about $60,000 (Redfin, April 2025). That gap leaves families with few options. And even rentals are starting to cost what a reasonable mortgage payment should.

That’s why I believe in starter-home zoning—areas set aside for smaller, more affordable homes where families can actually buy in. By pairing this with owner-occupancy requirements, we make sure these homes aren’t just gobbled up by investors. They stay available for the families who want to put down roots.

Smart Growth: Standards, Not Surprises

To me, this all boils down to one word: standards.

  • Infrastructure first—roads, utilities, and safety services in place before approvals.
  • Neighborhood fit—density where it belongs, like Snake River Landing, not crammed into quiet subdivisions.
  • Homeownership opportunities—zoning that helps families build equity, not just developers build portfolios.

Smart growth doesn’t mean saying “no” to growth. It means steering it in a way that protects the neighborhoods we already have while opening doors for the families who want to join us.

Looking Forward

Idaho Falls has the tools—Overlay Zones, CUPs, zoning amendments, deed restrictions. The question is whether we’ll use them with intention, or keep letting growth outpace infrastructure and affordability.

As mayor, here’s my commitment:

  • Use zoning tools deliberately, not carelessly.
  • Protect neighborhoods from chaotic growth.
  • Open up real opportunities for families to own and invest here.

That’s the kind of leadership Idaho Falls deserves—leadership that puts families first and keeps our community strong for generations to come.