Idaho Falls, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RE / RP / R1 coverage
- 30% / 40% / 40%
- R2 / R3 / R3A coverage
- 80% each
- TN / RMH coverage
- 50% / 40%
- Low-density measure
- Areas under roofs only (RE, RP, R1, RMH)
- Accessory rear-yard cap
- No more than 30% of rear yard
Summary
Idaho Falls caps lot coverage by zone in Table 11-3-1: 30% in RE, 40% in RP, R1, and RMH, 50% in TN, and 80% in R2, R3, and R3A. In the lowest-density zones coverage counts only areas under roofs; for multi-unit and commercial uses it also includes driveways, walks, and parking.
In the RE, RP, R1 and RMH Zones lot coverage shall only include those areas under roofs. For multi-unit or commercial uses lot coverage shall include all areas under roofs and paved surfaces, including driveways, walks, and parking areas.
Full Breakdown
Maximum lot coverage in Idaho Falls is set per zone by Comprehensive Zoning Section 11-3-4 and Table 11-3-1. The maximum coverage percentages are: RE Residential Estate 30%, RP Residential Park 40%, R1 Single Dwelling 40%, R2 Mixed Residential 80%, TN Traditional Neighborhood 50%, R3 Multiple Dwelling 80%, R3A Residential Mixed Use 80%, and RMH (mobile/manufactured home) 40%. How coverage is measured depends on the zone and use: in the RE, RP, R1, and RMH zones, lot coverage includes 'only those areas under roofs' (Section 11-3-4(C)(2)).
For multi-unit or commercial uses, lot coverage includes 'all areas under roofs and paved surfaces, including driveways, walks, and parking areas,' with the remainder landscaped as required (Section 11-3-4(C)(3)). Accessory structures in residential zones are additionally limited so that accessory buildings cover no more than thirty percent (30%) of the rear yard (Section 11-4-8(A)(2)), and Table 11-3-3 lists a maximum rear-yard coverage of 30% for accessory structures. Commercial and industrial zones in Chapter 3 carry their own coverage standards. Because the measurement method and cap depend on your zone and use, confirm your specifics with the Building Division when planning additions or new structures.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the maximum lot-coverage percentage for your zone, or covering more than 30% of the rear yard with accessory buildings, can result in permit denial and a requirement to reduce building footprint or paved area to comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum lot coverage in Idaho Falls?
Do driveways and patios count toward lot coverage in Idaho Falls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho building setbacks & zoning overview
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