Boise Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Boise Zoning Overview
Boise, Idaho's capital and largest city, has experienced rapid population growth that has intensified focus on its zoning and land use policies. The city's Planning and Development Services department administers the Boise City Code, which governs zoning, subdivisions, and building standards. Boise's zoning code is organized around a series of residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts that reflect the city's growth from a compact downtown outward through the Treasure Valley. The Boise River corridor, foothills, and downtown core are subject to additional overlay districts and design review standards.
The city has been at the forefront of Idaho's housing policy debates, updating its zoning code in recent years to allow greater housing diversity, including ADUs, missing middle housing types, and transit-oriented development. The North End, Bench, and downtown neighborhoods each have distinct zoning patterns that reflect their historical development and community character. Boise's comprehensive plan, "Imagine Boise," provides the policy framework for zoning decisions.
Key Zoning Districts
Boise's residential zones range from R-1A (estate lots of 1 acre) to R-3D (high-density residential at 22 units per acre). Commercial districts include C-1D (limited commercial), C-2D (general commercial), and C-3D (service commercial). The downtown area uses a form-based code with specific districts like D-C (Downtown Core) and D-TN (Downtown Transitional Neighborhood). The city also has planned community and mixed-use zones.
ADU Regulations
Boise has adopted progressive ADU regulations that allow accessory dwelling units on most single-family lots without requiring additional parking or owner-occupancy. ADUs are limited to 800 square feet and 25 feet in height. The city's approach has been to reduce barriers to ADU construction as part of its housing affordability strategy, making Boise one of the more ADU-friendly cities in Idaho.
Development Process
Building permits are issued by Planning and Development Services after zoning compliance review. Projects in the downtown area may be subject to design review by the Boise City Design Review Committee. Floodplain development near the Boise River requires FEMA compliance. The Boise Foothills area has specific hillside development standards governing grading, vegetation, and building placement.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Boise
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Ada County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 65 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Boise
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Boise are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Boise permit fees →