Idaho Falls, ID Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting authority
- Community Development Services Administrator
- Allowed zones
- I&M-1 and I&M-2 only
- Sensitive-use buffer
- 2,500 feet
- Buffer from other SOBs
- 1,000 feet
- Max penalty
- $300 fine or 6 days jail
Summary
Idaho Falls confines sexually oriented businesses to I&M-1 and I&M-2 zones, requires a city permit before opening, and bans them within 2,500 feet of schools, churches, homes, parks, or youth clubs and 1,000 feet of another such business.
Sexually Oriented Businesses shall be permitted only in the I&M-1 and I&M-2 zones... Permits for Sexually Oriented Businesses shall be required and governed by ... Section 4-16-9 of this Chapter... The person commits a misdemeanor if they operate or caused to be operated a Sexually Oriented Business within 2,500 feet of: (1) any religious institution; (2) any school; (3) the boundary of any residential zone... or (6) a boys club, girls club, or similar existing youth organization.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Title 4, Chapter 16, a Sexually Oriented Business permit from the Community Development Services Administrator is mandatory before operating; operating without one is a misdemeanor. Businesses are locationally restricted to I&M-1/I&M-2 industrial zones and barred within 2,500 feet of a religious institution, school, residential zone boundary, park, or youth club, and within 1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business (adult arcade, bookstore, cabaret, theater, massage parlor, etc.). The annual permit fee is set by Council resolution and permits run one year; the Police Department and Community Development Services jointly enforce and may inspect the premises at any time it is open.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, violating the 2,500-foot or 1,000-foot spacing rules, refusing a lawful inspection, or operating more than one such business in one structure is a misdemeanor: up to a $300 fine, 6 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a sexually oriented business locate in Idaho Falls?
Is a special permit required to open one in Idaho Falls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
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