Kootenai County's residential and suburban zones require that development leave 65% of the parcel as open space free from structures. The code prohibits any building from occupying a greater percentage of lot area than allowed.
Rather than a single 'lot coverage' percentage, the LUDC uses open-space minimums. In the Agricultural Suburban, Restricted Residential, and High Density Residential zones, permitted uses must 'leave sixty-five percent (65%) of the parcel as open space free from structures' (e.g., 8.2.306, 8.2.405-407, 8.2.504) — effectively a 35% maximum building/structure coverage. LUDC 8.4.1404 bars erecting or altering any building so as to occupy 'a greater percentage of lot area' than permitted or to reduce required yards/open space. Required open space and off-street parking for one building cannot be counted toward another (8.4.1406). Minimum lot sizes also apply by zone (e.g., Rural 5 acres, Ag Suburban 2 acres).
Exceeding coverage or eliminating required open space violates the LUDC (8.8.603.A misdemeanor); the county may withhold permits and assess penalties up to $1,000/day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kootenai County, ID
Kootenai County has no ordinance banning backyard composting; home composting of yard and food scraps is allowed. Compost must not become a nuisance (odor, v...
Kootenai County, ID
Kootenai County has no ordinance banning or specifically regulating artificial turf on residential lots. Standard site rules still apply near water: replacin...
Kootenai County, ID
Kootenai County does not require or prohibit native-plant landscaping generally, but along the shoreline it actively encourages native vegetation: the county...
Kootenai County, ID
Kootenai County has no ordinance banning rain barrels. Rainwater collection in Idaho is governed by state water law: Idaho allows collecting rainwater and di...
Kootenai County, ID
Kootenai County itself sets no countywide lawn-watering schedule. Outdoor watering limits, if any, come from your city or your water/irrigation provider. Und...
Kootenai County, ID
Idaho law makes weed control mandatory: every landowner must control noxious weeds on their property at their own cost (Idaho Code 22-2407). Kootenai County'...
See how Kootenai County's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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