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Kootenai 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

Residential zones
No numeric cap in LUDC
Light Industrial
3 stories / 35 feet
Airport Overlay
4 stories / 50 feet
Exempt features
Spires, chimneys, antennas
Source
LUDC 8.2.806, 8.4.1408

Summary

Kootenai County's residential zones set no numeric building-height cap in the code, but the Light Industrial zone limits buildings to three stories or 35 feet. Height limits do not apply to spires, chimneys, antennas, water tanks and similar rooftop appurtenances.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Kootenai County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No building hereafter created or structurally altered in a Light Industrial zone shall exceed three stories or a maximum height of thirty-five (35) feet.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

The LUDC does not impose a numeric maximum height in the residential and agricultural zoning tables; height there is governed by setbacks, the adopted building code (Title 7), and the Airport Overlay zone where applicable. The Light Industrial zone caps height explicitly: 'No building hereafter created or structurally altered in a Light Industrial zone shall exceed three stories or a maximum height of thirty-five (35) feet' (8.2.806). Under the Airport Overlay zone (8.3.107) no structure may exceed four stories or 50 feet above airport elevation, and structures over 35 feet need Airport Advisory Board review. Height limits generally don't apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, or chimneys (8.4.1408).

Violations & Fines

Exceeding applicable height regulations is prohibited (8.4.1404.A) and a LUDC violation (8.8.603.A misdemeanor); civil penalties up to $1,000/day may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a height limit for a house in the unincorporated county?
The LUDC sets no numeric height cap for residential zones; height is governed by setbacks, the adopted building code, and the Airport Overlay where it applies. Cities set their own residential height limits.
Do chimneys and antennas count toward the height limit?
No. LUDC 8.4.1408 exempts spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, chimneys and similar rooftop appurtenances from height limits, except in the Airport Overlay zone.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kootenai County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Kootenai County rules

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