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Idaho Falls, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

R1 front / side / rear: 25 ft / 6 ft / 25 ft
R2 front / side / rear: 20 ft / 6 ft / 25 ft
RE front / side / rear: 40 ft / 20 ft / 40 ft
TN front / side / rear: 15 ft / 5 ft / 10 ft
Source table: Table 11-3-1, Section 11-3-4

Summary

Idaho Falls sets minimum building setbacks by zoning district in Table 11-3-1. In the common single-family R1 zone, the minimums are a 25-foot front, 6-foot side, and 25-foot rear setback. Other residential zones range from 15 to 40 feet in front. Setbacks vary by zone, so verify yours.

All buildings shall be set back a minimum distance from any public street, except as herein provided and required under the provisions of the zoning ordinance. [Table 11-3-1 Setbacks, Minimum in ft.: R1 Front 25, Side 6, Rear 25.]

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Full Breakdown

Building setbacks in Idaho Falls are governed by Comprehensive Zoning Section 11-3-4 and Table 11-3-1 (Standards for Residential Zones), and they vary by district. Minimum front setbacks are: RE Residential Estate 40 feet, RP Residential Park 30 feet, R1 Single Dwelling 25 feet, R2 Mixed Residential 20 feet, TN Traditional Neighborhood 15 feet, R3 and R3A 15 feet, and RMH (mobile/manufactured home) 30 feet. 5 feet single-story / 10 feet two-story, R1/R2/R3/R3A 6 feet, TN 5 feet, and RMH 10 feet. Minimum rear setbacks are 40 feet in RE, 10 feet in TN, and 25 feet in RP, R1, R2, R3, R3A, and RMH.

Setbacks are measured from the property/right-of-way line, and front and street-facing side yards are measured from the right-of-way line even where a street is not yet built to its planned width (Section 11-4-7(B)). Certain features may encroach: eaves, cornices, and gutters may project up to one-third of the required setback, and uncovered porches/steps have limited allowances (Section 11-4-9). Accessory structures have their own, generally smaller, setbacks under Table 11-3-3. Because each zone differs, confirm your lot's zone and exact setbacks with the Building Division before designing.

Violations & Fines

Building within a required setback without a variance can result in denial of permits, a stop-work order, and a requirement to relocate or remove the encroaching structure; encroachments are only allowed to the limited extent the code expressly permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the setbacks for a single-family home in Idaho Falls?

In the common R1 Single Dwelling zone, Table 11-3-1 requires a minimum 25-foot front setback, 6-foot side setbacks, and a 25-foot rear setback. Other zones differ, for example, front setbacks range from 15 feet (TN, R3, R3A) up to 40 feet (RE). Confirm your specific zone before you build.

Can my eaves or porch extend into the setback in Idaho Falls?

Limited encroachments are allowed. Under Section 11-4-9, cornices, eaves, and gutters may project into a required yard up to one-third of the minimum setback width, and certain uncovered porches and steps have allowances. Otherwise the setback must remain open and unobstructed to the sky.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Idaho Falls

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All Idaho Falls rules

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