Boise, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1A/R-1B front (main structure)
- 15 ft
- R-1A/R-1B interior side
- 10 ft
- R-1C/R-2/R-3 interior side
- 5 or 10 ft
- R-1A/R-1B rear
- 20 ft
- Rear on an alley
- reduced to 5 ft
Summary
Boise sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by residential zoning district, from 10-foot rears in R-3 to 20-foot fronts and rears in R-1A.
TABLE 11-04.2: RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS ... Setbacks - Building and Parking (Minimum) Front ... Remainder of Structure 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. ... Interior Side 10 ft. 10 ft. 5 ft. or 10 ft. 5 ft. or 10 ft. 5 ft. or 10 ft. Rear 20 ft. 20 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft.[7] 15 ft. [7]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Table 11-04.2 of the Development Code fixes building setbacks for each residential district. Front setbacks run 15-20 ft depending on whether the entry is a front-loaded garage; interior side setbacks drop from 10 ft in R-1A/R-1B to 5 or 10 ft in R-1C, R-2, and R-3; rear setbacks step down from 20 ft to 15 ft (5 ft where the rear line abuts an alley). Planning & Development Services checks these figures against every building permit application.
Violations & Fines
Building Permit applications that don't meet the table's setbacks are rejected until plans are revised or a variance/adjustment is approved; structures built in violation are subject to code enforcement action and can be ordered altered or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back must a house sit from the front lot line in Boise?
Do setbacks change near an alley in Boise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho building setbacks & zoning overview
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