Pocatello Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Pocatello Zoning Overview
Pocatello is the fifth-largest city in Idaho and the county seat of Bannock County, situated at the junction of Portneuf River and the Snake River plain in southeastern Idaho. The city serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, and commerce, anchored by Idaho State University. Pocatello's zoning code balances established residential neighborhoods near campus and downtown with expanding suburban growth on the city's edges.
Key Zoning Districts
Pocatello's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), and R-M (Multi-Family) residential zones, C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), and M-1 and M-2 (Industrial) districts. The historic downtown has a commercial district encouraging mixed-use development and historic preservation.
ADU Regulations
Pocatello allows ADUs on residential lots with owner-occupancy required. The university community generates steady demand for rental housing, and ADUs provide an option for homeowners near campus. Size limits and setback requirements apply.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through Planning and Development Services. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews subdivision, conditional use, and rezoning applications. Floodplain regulations apply along the Portneuf River corridor.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Pocatello
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 — Bannock 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
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Pocatello
- Max Size
- 750 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 Pocatello are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Pocatello permit fees →