Smaller homes run into opposition across the Treasure Valley. Builders and buyers want them, but some neighbors and cities that want to expand their tax base don’t.

Home builders say Treasure Valley buyers are looking for smaller homes that are cheaper to buy, easier to maintain and less expensive to heat and cool.

That demand is creating a clash in some communities where larger homes are the norm or the goal. A neighborhood in Star is opposing modular homes. And when a developer wanted to build smaller homes on 20 of 137 lots in the Schoolhouse Park subdivision in Kuna, the City Council voted no. It said the city needs to lift the value of Kuna housing, which is heavy on starter homes. Kuna Mayor Scott Dowdy said requests for smaller homes are increasing, and he worries about an "avalanche" of applications.

BY BRAD TALBUTT – [email protected]

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