Exploring tiny homes and how they’re being used in Idaho

The trend in the last few years for simpler living has spawned an entire industry around tiny homes or alternative dwelling units (ADU). This architectural and social movement offers individuals and families an affordable option for home ownership and encourages people to downsize their carbon footprint.

Across the Gem State, people are recognizing the benefits of tiny-home living and thus, the state has seen a rise in tiny home construction.

Helping with the affordable housing crisis

Kyle Patterson, director of organizational effectiveness for the City of Boise, said that several years ago, the city engaged in community conversations that addressed housing affordability. There was a deep interest from residents for both ADUs and tiny homes on wheels (THOW), both of which were lower-cost housing options.

“Since then, we have made it easier to build ADUs by, for example, increasing the maximum allowed ADU size from 700 square feet to 900 square feet,” he said. “THOW, which are homes under 400 square feet on a trailer, are not currently allowed in Boise. But because of community feedback, we are piloting a program to allow a handful of residents to host a tiny home on wheels in their backyard. The pilot is being evaluated by Boise State University and will inform a decision about whether we should legalize tiny homes soon.”

Brian Woodward, chief operating officer of LEAP Housing, has partnered with the City of Boise to test the tiny homes on wheels idea.

“While occupying a THOW inside city limits is currently illegal, the city’s pilot makes it legal for a period of 12 to 18 months,” he explained. “There was an outpouring of interest for the program, but only a finite number of sites could be selected. Each landlord that applied had to go through a normal application process with the city (as if you are building something new or making a major improvement). If approved, the landlord could legally rent out space to a THOW for 12 to 18 months to be occupied.”

Woodward shared that the rentals are like renting at RV parks or manufactured housing communities. Currently, the spaces are about $500 to $800 each, which assumes that the person renting the space owns the tiny home.

“The cost of a THOW itself is much smaller than a traditional house, because you are not paying for the land, and you are also not paying for excess square footage,” he said. “Additionally, you have the opportunity to flex hard on utility savings through climate-friendly solutions including off-grid options. For those who crave a simpler lifestyle, purchasing a THOW can be a great choice.”

Patterson said that the pilot has welcomed a diverse range of people and household types, ranging from one- to two-person households to a family of four with young children.

Eric Morrison, founder and owner of Alley Homes, reiterates that the interest for ADUs and tiny homes has grown in recent years. In fact, many clients that he works with now have already done significant research on what they want and are ready to start construction on their tiny home project.

“They’ll come to us with plans they’ve found online, sketches of their own ideas, or a list of must-haves they’ve compiled after getting a few quotes,” he said. “It’s less about educating and more about helping them figure out the right fit for their family, property and budget.”

True tiny homes – which are generally less than 300 square feet – often attract younger people who are interested in living a more minimalist lifestyle. On the other hand, ADUs, which are always on permanent foundations, can be up to 900 square feet and usually appeal to a broader group.

“What we’ve learned is that every project is as unique as the people behind it,” he said.
Morrison said that he has seen some really creative and fun ways that ADUs and tiny homes are being used, too. Some people may want to build a space to utilize for rental income, others may need it for an aging parent or for adult children getting a foothold on their career. For lower-income households, the homes provide an affordable way for people to live and invest in their community.

“ADUs can help bridge the gap by utilizing existing property and infrastructure,” he said. “As costs come down and regulations improve, we think they’ll play an even bigger role in addressing Idaho’s housing needs. There’s a lot to love about ADUs.”

And while there are a lot of benefits of tiny home living, there are also some challenges that come with it. Navigating the permitting and zoning laws can be confusing and time-consuming. Construction costs also remain high, which is something to be aware of.

Morrison said, “Building anything right now is expensive — labor, materials, permitting, utility hookups — it all adds up. For example, just connecting sewer and water to an ADU can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your property. That’s a huge barrier for people who might otherwise be ready to move forward. Still, overall construction costs for a smaller home are generally less than a full-sized house, which is a big reason they’re so appealing.”

The future

As for what’s ahead, it’s clear that the tiny home movement is here to stay.

“Modular and/or mobile housing formations as well as smaller footprint housing solutions are coming and coming fast,” Woodward said. “Technology is there, and building quality is there. It’s really a matter of planning and zoning codes catching up to accommodate innovation while preserving and maintaining the existing infrastructure.”

Patterson agreed, saying that Idaho needs more housing of all types and sizes.

“ADUs are growing in popularity. Between 2019 and 2024 we saw a 169% increase in the number of ADUs built in Boise – 13 in 2019, 35 in 2024,” he said. “Many homeowners are excited to build an ADU or host a tiny home in their backyard because it has the potential to be a ‘win-win’. They increase the housing supply available to residents, homeowners benefit by receiving rental income, and small footprint living can be environmentally friendly because it better utilizes our existing land and infrastructure. We’re excited to experiment with creative approaches, like tiny homes, to meet our community’s needs and keep Boise a city for everyone.”