Idaho Code §§ 31-4203, 4204, 4212, 4213, 4215 § 31-4203
DEFINITIONS.
Operative Text
The following terms, wherever used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context: (a) "Authority" or "housing authority" shall mean any of the public corporations created by section 31-4205, Idaho Code. (b) "Housing project" shall mean any work or undertaking: (1) To demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area; such work or undertaking may embrace the adoption of such area to public purposes, including parks or other recreational or community purposes; or (2) To provide decent, safe and sanitary urban or rural dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of low income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, roads, sewers, water service, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes; or (3) To accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term "housing project" also may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith; to buildings, and the land, equipment, facilities and other real or personal property, which do not contain dwelling units or other living accommodations for persons of low income when such buildings are utilized for administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare or other purposes by or for low-income persons or senior citizens, and redevelopment projects carried out by an authority at the request of local government when such projects include dwelling units which are sold or rented to persons of low income. (c) "Governing body" shall mean the council, board of commissioners, board of trustees or other body having charge of the fiscal affairs of the state public body. (d) "Federal government" shall include the United States of America, the United States department of housing and urban development, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America. (e) "County" or "counties" shall include all counties in the state of Idaho as designated in chapter 1, title 31, Idaho Code. (f) "Clerk" shall mean the county clerk or the officer charged with the duties customarily imposed on such clerk. (g) "Area of operation" shall mean the entire county except within the corporate limits of cities in the county which have presently, or hereafter create, a housing authority under title 50, chapter 19, Idaho Code; provided however, that a county housing authority may continue to own and operate any housing project for which it has become financially obligated which is located in a city that subsequently creates a housing authority or is located in an area annexed by a city that has created or subsequently creates a housing authority. (h) "Slum" shall mean any area where dwellings predominate which, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health or morals. (i) "Person of low income" shall mean persons or families who lack the amount of income which is necessary, as determined by the authority undertaking the housing project, to enable them, without financial assistance, to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings without overcrowding. (j) "Bonds" shall mean any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to this chapter. (k) "Real property" shall include all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature, appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens. (l) "Obligee of the authority" or "obligee" shall include any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessors demising, to the authority, property used in connection with a housing project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal government when it is a party to any contract with the authority.
Idaho Code Title 31, Chapter 42, § 31-4203 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Idaho's County Housing Authorities law. It defines key terms—such as 'housing authority,' 'housing project,' 'slum,' and 'person of low income'—that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. These definitions set the boundaries of who qualifies for programs, what types of projects are covered, and which geographic areas fall under a county authority's jurisdiction. Because these are definitional provisions, they do not themselves impose duties or grant benefits but shape the meaning of every other section in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who interact with county housing authorities in Idaho should be familiar with the definitions established in § 31-4203, as these terms determine the scope of authority programs and eligibility criteria. For example, the definition of 'housing project' is broad and includes not only residential construction but also demolition, site preparation, and community facilities serving low-income persons or senior citizens. Operators whose properties fall within a county authority's 'area of operation'—defined as the county excluding cities with their own housing authority under Title 50—should understand how that boundary affects which authority, if any, has jurisdiction over their projects or agreements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants seeking assistance or housing through a county housing authority in Idaho should know that § 31-4203 defines who qualifies as a 'person of low income' and what constitutes a 'housing project' under the chapter—definitions that directly affect eligibility for authority programs. The definition of 'person of low income' is determined by the authority undertaking the specific project, meaning eligibility thresholds can vary. Tenants who believe they may qualify, or who have questions about whether a particular development falls under county authority oversight, can contact their county housing authority directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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