HOUSING: Toews’ plan doesn’t pass critique

An Idaho state legislator proposing a solution which does not adequately address the housing affordability problem does not help. Having worked in the housing development industry for over 40 years, the blame is often directed at regulations, blame the government.

Sen. Toews suggests four actions to help make housing affordable:

• Allow duplexes or “twin homes” on lots zoned for single-family houses as a right.

• Allow accessory dwelling units (ADU) such as backyard cottages by right.

• Allow religious organizations to develop housing on church land.

• Remove local laws and HOA restrictions that prevent “starter-home subdivisions” — that is, dense, small-lot homes designed to sell for less than typical single-family options.

Allowing duplexes, twin homes and ADUs will be resisted in many neighborhoods. I do not know what laws limit religious groups from developing housing on church land. In fact, churches across Idaho and the U.S. have been creating housing on church lands for a while. Local codes currently allow much of this. Lot sizes are often not restricted by zoning but due to aquifers and the lack of public water and sewer service. HOAs can be restrictive but are managed by homeowners. A major problem with implementing these may be the NIMBY (not in my backyard) objection. More regulations and planners cannot solve these concerns.

These suggested regulations are intended to deliver affordability through falling prices. Loosen the right rules, allow enough construction, and prices will fall. Will increasing supply alone deliver affordability on time for real people? How many years will it take to deliver enough housing? More importantly can we achieve affordability without reducing the value of people’s existing homes.

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene