Boise, ID Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- School/park/church buffer
- 1,000 feet
- Residential buffer
- 500 feet
- Allowed hours
- 4:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
- Security staffing
- 1 per 20 parking spaces
- Governing code
- Boise Development Code § 11-03-03.4.P
Summary
Boise regulates sexually oriented businesses through zoning use standards instead of a separate license, imposing strict spacing and operating conditions citywide.
It shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a public or parochial school or daycare as defined and licensed by the state of Idaho; a public park or playground; a Bar or Tavern or other premises serving alcohol; religious institution; or any other Sexually Oriented Business. ... It shall not be located on a lot or parcel that is within 500 feet of a residential use or zoning district ... Hours of operation are from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. One security staff person is required for each 20 required parking spaces or fraction thereof.
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
Boise's Development Code treats a sexually oriented business as a regulated commercial use subject to fixed criteria in place of the standard Conditional Use Permit review. The use cannot sit within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, public park or playground, bar or tavern, religious institution, or another sexually oriented business, and it cannot be on a lot within 500 feet of a residential use or zoning district. Hours are capped at 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., one security staffer is required per 20 required parking spaces, and windows must be screened so nothing inside can be viewed from the street or sidewalk.
Violations & Fines
Opening, converting, or expanding a business into this use without meeting the standards blocks zoning/building approval; the City can deny or revoke permits and pursue code enforcement for noncompliant spacing, signage, screening, or hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sexually oriented business locate anywhere zoned commercial in Boise?
Does Boise require a special license for these businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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