Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Idaho Falls, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 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?
It depends on your zone. Table 11-3-1 sets coverage at 30% in RE, 40% in RP, R1, and RMH, 50% in TN, and 80% in R2, R3, and R3A. Commercial and industrial zones have their own standards. Check your zoning designation to find the cap that applies to your lot.
Do driveways and patios count toward lot coverage in Idaho Falls?
It depends on the zone and use. In the RE, RP, R1, and RMH zones, coverage counts only areas under roofs. For multi-unit or commercial uses, coverage includes all areas under roofs plus paved surfaces such as driveways, walks, and parking areas.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Idaho Falls

All Idaho Falls rules

Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Lot Coverage Limits in Idaho Falls, ID changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.