Bonner County, ID Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Section 12-333, the Commercial Use Table, lists "Nurseries and daycare centers, child/adult." Read against the column headers, the row is conditional in A/F with note (2), conditional in R with note (2), conditional in S, permitted in C, and conditional in RSC, REC and AV. The Forestry and Industrial columns are blank, and under section 12-330 a blank box means the use is not allowed in that district. Note (2) requires that, where access to the site is by road, the road sit in a recorded easement or public right of way and be constructed to provide adequate emergency vehicle access for fire, medical and law enforcement.

Note (16) applies the Idaho Code definition, except where the daycare is used as a subordinate part of a permitted use, and section 12-804 defines DAYCARE CENTER by pointing to Idaho Code sections 39-1202 and 39-3306. A conditional use permit starts with an application to the Planning Department under section 12-222, including a site plan, a narrative on noise, glare, odors, fumes and vibrations, and a vicinity map. The Zoning Commission or Hearing Examiner holds at least one public hearing and can grant the permit only after finding the proposal is not in conflict with the comprehensive plan and the use will neither create a hazard nor be dangerous to persons on or adjacent to the property (section 12-223).

A denial must be in writing, and the final decision can be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners under section 12-225. Conditions can include safeguards to protect adjacent property and measures to minimize environmental impacts. Under section 12-226, approval expires if the permit is not issued within two (2) years or the use has not started within two (2) years of issuance, with a single extension of up to two (2) years. Parking under section 12-432 for schools (daycare, preschool and kindergarten) is 1 space/10 students and 1 space/employee or teacher, within 500 feet of the principal use.