Pocatello, ID Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RE/RL/RMS/RMM max height
- 35 feet
- RH zone max height
- 45 feet
- Administrative adjustment
- up to 10% by Planning Director
- Formal relief path
- variance under § 17.02.160
- Enforcing department
- Planning and Development Services
Summary
In the City of Pocatello, Table 17.03.600 of the zoning code caps principal building height at 35 feet in the RE, RL, RMS and RMM residential zoning districts and 45 feet in the RH (Residential High Density) district. Planning and Development Services enforces the cap through building permit review, and a director-level adjustment can raise it slightly before a formal variance is needed.
Standard RE RL RMS RMM RH RCP2 CG CC OP9 LI I ... Maximum 35 ft. 35 ft. 35 35 45 45 ft. 105 120 105 105 120 height ft. ft. ft. ft.6 ft.6 ft.6 ft.6 ft.6
Full Breakdown
Table 17.03.600, Dimensional Standards Table, sets the maximum building height alongside lot size, setbacks and landscaping for every residential and commercial district. Residential Estate (RE), Residential Low Density (RL), Residential Medium Density Single-Family (RMS) and Residential Medium Density Multi-Family (RMM) lots top out at 35 feet; Residential High Density (RH) lots and the Residential-Commercial-Professional (RCP) district top out at 45 feet. Under section 17.03.600(B), the Planning Director or a designee may approve an administrative adjustment of up to 10 percent to the height standard on a written showing that the change will not adversely affect public health, safety or welfare.
If that request is denied, the applicant can still pursue a formal variance under section 17.02.160. A separate note to the table allows height to be increased for Civic Uses in Residential and RCP zoning districts through a Conditional Use Permit, and lets Central Commercial and Industrial buildings rise to 150 feet the same way, though that CUP path applies to civic and commercial construction rather than an ordinary single-family or multi-family home. Nothing in the residential height standard changes based on roof pitch or lot slope; it is measured from the proposed structure as built.
Violations & Fines
Title 17's own enforcement clause, section 17.01.170(C), makes the mayor or a designee the enforcement officer for the zoning title. A person who builds over the height limit without an approved adjustment, CUP or variance can be charged with a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. The City can also withhold building permits or approvals on the property until the violation is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in a Pocatello residential zone?
Can I get an exception to build taller?
What happens if I build over the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pocatello
Compare Pocatello to another location·View the Idaho building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.