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Ada County, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

RR max height
35 feet
Measured from
Avg ground at front wall
Measured to
Highest roof point
Varies by
Base zoning district
Code table
Ada County 8-2-6-1

Summary

In the Rural Residential (RR) district, Ada County limits building height to a maximum of thirty-five feet (35'). Building height is measured from average ground level at the front wall to the highest roof point. Each base district sets its own maximum.

City-specific rules exist: Boise has its own structure height limits rules that differ from Ada County's county-level regulations. If you live in Boise, check the city-specific page instead.

Building Height (max): 35'. Building Height: The vertical distance from the average contact ground level at the front wall of the building to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, or gambrel roofs.

Full Breakdown

Ada County Code Table 8-2-6-1 (Rural Residential, RR) sets a maximum building height of thirty-five feet (35') for both the base and the rural-residence category. Title 8's definitions state that Building Height is 'the vertical distance from the average contact ground level at the front wall of the building to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, or gambrel roofs.' Other base districts (RP, RUT, R1, R2, and up) each list their own maximum height in their Chapter 2 dimensional tables. These limits apply to unincorporated Ada County.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the district's maximum building height without a variance is a zoning violation; Development Services can withhold permits or require corrective work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a home be in Ada County's RR district?
Building height is capped at a maximum of thirty-five feet (35') under Table 8-2-6-1 for the Rural Residential district.
How is building height measured?
From average ground level at the front wall to the highest point of the roof, per the Building Height definition in Title 8's Chapter 10.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ada County

All Ada County rules

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

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Structure Height Limits in Cities Across Ada County