Environmental Rules in Boise, ID (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Boise, Idaho, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Boise regulates stormwater discharge and requires drainage plans for new development under its Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance.
Boise Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 10-6-2-1
No person shall throw, deposit, leave, maintain, keep or permit to be thrown, deposited, placed, left or maintained, any refuse, rubbish, garbage or other discarded or abandoned objects, articles and accumulations, in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, storm drain inlet, catch basin, conduit or other drainage structures, parking area, or upon any public or private plot of land so that the sam...
Erosion Control
Boise requires a grading permit under the city's building code before altering land contours, unless the work falls into one of nine listed exemptions such as small fills or utility trenching.
Boise Grading Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 9-1A-85
J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following: 1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties. 2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code. 3. Cemetery graves. 4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations. 5. Excav...
Flood Zones
Boise requires new and substantially improved homes in the Floodway Fringe to elevate the lowest floor, including basements, two feet above the base flood elevation under the city's FP-O Flood Protection Overlay.
Boise Flood Hazard Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-02-07.3.F(3)(b)(iv)(A)
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including but not limited to Manufactured Homes) located in the Floodway Fringe shall have the lowest floor including basements and crawl spaces, elevated two feet above the base flood elevation. B. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure located in the Area of Shallo...
Defensible Space
Boise requires a 30-foot defensible space around homes in designated Wildland-Urban Interface areas, with a 5-foot fuel-free zone right against structures.
Boise Defensible Space Rules
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 5-12-53 (IFC Chapter 41, § 4115)
4115.3 Fuel Modification. Buildings or structures in designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas, shall comply with defensible space fuel modification distances as required by the code official. Fuel modification distance shall be at least 30 feet... 4115.3.4 Fuel-Free Area. A fuel-free area of 5 feet is required around all structures. This area shall utilize and maintain only approved fire...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Boise requires new and substantially improved homes in the Floodway Fringe to elevate their lowest floor, including basements and crawl spaces, two feet above the base flood elevation.
Boise Flood Protection Overlay Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsBoise City Code § 11-02-07.3.F(3)(b)iv.A
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including but not limited to Manufactured Homes) located in the Floodway Fringe shall have the lowest floor including basements and crawl spaces, elevated two feet above the base flood elevation. B. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure located in the Area of Shallo...
Looking for Ada County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boise city rules.
Environmental Rules in Ada County →