Pocatello, ID Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Pocatello splits its accessory structure rules by size rather than requiring a permit review process for every shed. Section 17.06.200.A applies in residential districts and sets several dimensional limits at once: the combined footprint of every accessory structure on the lot cannot exceed the square-foot area of the primary structure, and no accessory structure can exceed the height of the primary structure measured at the peak, or twenty feet, whichever is greater. Accessory structures cannot sit within the required front yard setback or the corner side setback of the underlying zoning district, and none may be located inside a designated easement.

Setback obligations then depend on size: any accessory structure larger than 200 square feet must keep a minimum five-foot side and rear yard setback, while a structure smaller than 200 square feet skips that specific setback but instead must retain all stormwater on site and maintain the fire separation distance required by the building code. Container units, railroad cars, semitrailers, and similar repurposed equipment are barred outright from counting as accessory structures at any size. Every accessory structure, regardless of size, must comply with the International Building Code as adopted by the city, and a building permit must be obtained as required by the adopted building codes; nonconforming accessory structures being altered, expanded, or reconstructed go through the nonconforming-use review process in § 17.01.170.

Commercial and mixed-use districts and the OP, LI, and I industrial districts follow a simpler rule under § 17.06.200.B and C: accessory structures there must meet all underlying district development standards for setbacks, height, and lot coverage rather than the residential-specific numbers.