Boise's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Boise, Idaho, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Home Daycare
Boise allows a home daycare for up to six children by-right, and seven to twelve with a Zoning Compliance Review, under strict site and space standards.
Key details: By-right cap: 1-6 children, no application. Review threshold: 7-12 children needs Zoning Compliance Review. Outdoor play area: 100 sq ft per child. Indoor floor area: 35 sq ft per child. Parking: 1 space per employee.
Operating without the required license or Zoning Compliance Review, or without meeting the space/parking/signage standards, is a zoning code violation the city can enforce through code compliance action.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Boise caps home businesses at 500 sq ft and no outside employees before a Zoning Compliance Review is required.
Key details: Floor area cap: 500 sq ft, no ZCR needed. Employees allowed: None without ZCR; 1 with ZCR. Delivery hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Fri, 2/day. Signage: One 2 sq ft non-illuminated wall sign. Residency: Owner-operator must live on site.
Operating outside these limits without an approved Zoning Compliance Review is a zoning code violation subject to City enforcement action.
Signage Rules
Boise allows only one small, non-illuminated wall sign for a home-based business, capped at two square feet and mounted flat against the house.
Key details: Sign limit: One wall sign, max 2 sq ft. Sign type: Non-illuminated, flat against building. If over limit: Needs Zoning Compliance Review. Floor space cap: 500 sq ft for home occupation. Code section: Boise City Code § 11-03-03.2.O.
Posting a sign larger than two square feet, an illuminated sign, or a freestanding/yard sign for a home occupation without Zoning Compliance Review approval is a zoning code violation subject to enforcement and potential permit denial or revocation.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Boise caps home-business deliveries at two per day, limits instructional classes to one student at a time, and bans any home occupation that causes abnormal automotive or pedestrian traffic.
Key details: Deliveries/pickups: 2 per day, 8am-6pm weekdays. Instructional classes: 1 student at a time, 8/day max. Abnormal traffic: Prohibited outright. Retail sales: Only items made on-site. Review path: Zoning Compliance Review if noncompliant.
The Planning Director enforces via Zoning Compliance Review denial or revocation; occupations causing abnormal traffic or exceeding delivery/class limits are prohibited home occupations, subject to code enforcement action.
The Bottom Line
Boise's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Boise is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Boise's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.