Idaho Falls Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Idaho Falls Zoning Overview
Idaho Falls is the largest city in eastern Idaho and serves as the regional commercial, medical, and cultural hub for the upper Snake River plain. The city's economy is closely tied to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), located approximately 50 miles to the west. The Planning and Building department administers the city's zoning code, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial districts arranged around the historic downtown along the Snake River.
The Snake River runs through the center of Idaho Falls, creating scenic riverwalk areas and influencing floodplain development standards. The downtown area has experienced revitalization with mixed-use projects and cultural venues. Surrounding residential neighborhoods range from historic districts near downtown to newer subdivisions on the city's expanding periphery.
Key Zoning Districts
Idaho Falls uses R1 (Single-Family), R2 (Two-Family), R3 and R3A (Multi-Family) residential zones, CC (Central Commercial) and HC (Highway Commercial) districts, and LI and HI (Light and Heavy Industrial) zones. The downtown area has specific design standards encouraging pedestrian-oriented development.
ADU Regulations
Idaho Falls permits ADUs on residential lots with owner-occupancy required. Units are limited to 800 square feet. The city has adopted ADU provisions to help address housing needs driven by regional employment growth, particularly from INL and related industries.
Development Process
Permits are processed through the Planning and Building department. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews subdivision, conditional use, and rezoning applications. Floodplain development near the Snake River is subject to FEMA regulations and the city's flood damage prevention ordinance.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Idaho Falls
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 — Bonneville 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
- 9,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 75 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Idaho Falls
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Idaho Falls are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Idaho Falls permit fees →