Caldwell, ID Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Caldwell City Code Section 10-03-18 creates an optional density bonus program to implement the Comprehensive Plan's housing goals. It applies to residential developments citywide, though the Neighborhood 1 place type instead follows the Conservation Area Development standard at Section 10-05-07-1(2), and the downtown districts require Council approval of a special use permit rather than automatic table criteria. Developers choose from listed criteria including deed-restricted affordable rental or for-sale units priced so a household pays no more than 30 percent of gross income, universal design units with zero-step entrances and 36-inch doors, age-in-place units with reinforced bathroom walls and lever hardware, housing diversity mixes, dedicated open space above code minimums, regional connectivity improvements and city-desired specific uses.

Each criterion earns a fraction of a point up to a four-point ceiling. A half-point equals 10 percent of the available density bonus, with a 1 du/ac floor if 10 percent computes to less, one point equals 25 percent, two points equal 50 percent, three points equal 75 percent, and four points unlock the full 100 percent bonus. A companion table sets base minimum and maximum densities by comprehensive plan place type and compatible zoning district; Neighborhood 3, zoned R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2 or P-D, runs 4 to 20 du/ac with a bonus ceiling up to 25 du/ac.

The Director may work through alternatives to the standard criteria table on a case-by-case basis where the code's listed options do not fit a proposal.