Post Falls Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Post Falls Zoning Overview
Post Falls is located in the Idaho panhandle adjacent to Coeur d'Alene, situated along the Spokane River at the point where it exits from Coeur d'Alene Lake. The city has experienced rapid growth as part of the broader Spokane-Coeur d'Alene corridor, transitioning from a mill town to a diverse residential and commercial community. The Spokane River and its falls provide both scenic value and environmental constraints that shape local land use policy.
Key Zoning Districts
Post Falls uses R-1 through R-3 residential zones, C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (Community Commercial), C-3 (General Commercial), and I-1 and I-2 industrial districts. The Riverbend Commerce Park area has planned unit development zoning. Mixed-use zones have been introduced along the Spokane River corridor.
ADU Regulations
Post Falls allows ADUs on qualifying residential lots with owner-occupancy required. Size limits and design compatibility standards apply. The city has adapted its ADU regulations in response to housing demand from the growing metropolitan area.
Development Process
Permits are processed through the Planning Department. Major development proposals go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Shoreline development along the Spokane River is subject to additional environmental review and setback requirements.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Post 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 — Kootenai 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 Post Falls
- 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 Post Falls are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Post Falls permit fees →