ID S1278

Cities and counties must permit multifamily (3+ units) and mixed-use development on land owned or leased for 40+ years by religious organizations, without requiring zoning changes, variances, or conditional use permits

Local governments cannot restrict building height below 40 feet/3 stories, cannot impose minimum parking requirements, and must allow setbacks of 15 feet (front), 10 feet (rear), and 5 feet (side)

Supportive housing and group homes must be allowed on religious land, but the law explicitly excludes homeless shelters and preserves local authority to regulate or prohibit them

The law does not apply to religious land within 1/4 mile of heavy industrial uses, airports, or military bases; cities may still enforce sewer, water, stormwater, and general building code requirements

Aggrieved persons or housing organizations may sue in district court for violations, with courts authorized to award damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs; effective July 1, 2026