The Land Use Division represents the City's Departments of Planning & Development Services, Parks & Recreation, and Arts & History. Our attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Design Review Committee, the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Impact Fee Advisory Committee, the Foothills Conservation Advisory Committee, and the Arts and History Commission.

As the City grows, the Land Use Division assists the City's officials and employees with meeting the needs of Boise residents for the use, enjoyment, and development of their property.

From ensuring the continued livability of the City's diverse neighborhoods and historic districts to helping acquire new park lands and recreational opportunities, our division endeavors to provide a seamless development process to keep our community thriving.  The Land Use Division is active in all City transactions involving real property, including residential development applications, subdivision platting and covenants, zoning code enforcement, and land sales and exchanges. When necessary, our Division litigates land use issues for the City in state and federal court.

As a part of Planning & Development Services, the City's Housing and Community Development Division also receives legal support from our attorneys. Some matters handled on behalf of the Housing Division include defending Fair Housing complaints, assisting with reasonable accommodations for tenants in need, providing advice on federal housing and services loans, and providing as-needed representation in court for matters of unlawful detainer.

Finally, diverse recreational opportunities in the City mean that the Land Use Division plays an integral role in helping Parks & Recreation best meet the community's needs. In addition to facilitating the acquisition and development of new park properties and open space such as Marianne Williams Park, Esther Simplot Park, Terry Day Park, and River Recreation Park, the Division drafts and negotiates commercial leases for certain park amenities, assists the Department with partnership opportunities such as the community centers at Morley Nelson and Grace Jordan Elementary Schools, and advises the Director and the Commission on the extensive variety of legal issues which invariably arise.

The City of Boise strives to make this the most livable city in the country - and our Land Use Division is there to help make it all happen!

Division Manager:
Amanda Horton

Division Attorneys:
Pat Riceci
Mary Watson
Robert Lockward

Paralegal:
Ryan Strong