Environmental Rules in Pocatello, ID (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Pocatello, Idaho, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Pocatello's stormwater chapter applies to every new development or redevelopment site in the city, covering grading permits, building permits, site plans, and land divisions under Section 8.52.040. Stormwater facilities must be designed to the Portneuf Valley Stormwater Design Manual under Section 8.52.050, and required drainage easements must be at least twenty feet wide under Section 8.52.100.
Stormwater Management Rules in Pocatello
Some RestrictionsPocatello City Code § 8.52.020
8.52.020: PURPOSE: The purpose of this chapter is to: ... A. Provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Pocatello by establishing minimum stormwater management requirements consistent with local, federal and state law and the requirements of the city's national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit. ... 8.52.040: ... APPLICABILITY: This chapter is applicable ...
Erosion Control
Every construction project in the City of Pocatello needs an erosion control permit before work begins, under Section 8.44.060. The city issues general, site specific, or special site permits depending on the project under Section 8.44.070, and erosion controls must follow the City of Pocatello Storm Water BMP Guidebook standards set out in Section 8.44.090.
Construction Erosion Control Permits in Pocatello
Some RestrictionsPocatello City Code § 8.44.060
8.44.060: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS: ... A. Every person shall obtain an erosion control permit (hereinafter "permit") from the city of Pocatello before commencing any construction activity, unless performing work covered by an existing city of Pocatello approved erosion control permit or otherwise exempted by this chapter. ... 8.44.070: ... EROSION CONTROL PERMITS: ... A. The follo...
Flood Zones
Any development inside a special flood hazard area in Pocatello needs a floodplain development permit before work starts, administered by the City Engineer as Floodplain Administrator under Chapter 15.32. New and substantially improved residential structures must have their lowest floor built no lower than the flood protection elevation. Violating the chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $100 fine and 180 days in jail.
Pocatello Floodplain Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsPocatello City Code §§ 15.32.060, 15.32.120
C. Establishment Of Floodplain Development Permit: A floodplain development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activities within special flood hazard areas determined in accordance with the provisions of section 15.32.080. ... ... H. Penalties For Violation: ... ... 2. Violation of the provisions of this chapt...
Defensible Space
On sloped Pocatello building sites, section 17.05.140(A)(6) requires native vegetation to stay in place, even inside required setbacks, wherever it is possible to do so, but it expressly lets that vegetation be cleared back when needed to create defensible space against wildfire.
Pocatello Wildfire Defensible Space Rule
Some RestrictionsPocatello City Code § 17.05.140(A)(6)
6. Native vegetation shall be retained to the extent possible, even in identified setback areas, except where required to provide a defensible space to minimize threat of wildfires.
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Pocatello, new construction and substantial improvements in special flood hazard areas must have the lowest floor elevated to the flood protection elevation: base flood elevation (BFE) plus two feet of freeboard. Where no BFE is set, the floor must sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade.
Pocatello Flood Protection Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsPocatello City Code § 15.32.050; § 15.32.120
FLOOD The base flood elevation plus the freeboard. PROTECTION A. In special flood hazard areas where base flood elevations (BFEs) have been ELEVATION determined, this elevation shall be the BFE plus two feet (2') of freeboard; and (FPE): B. In special flood hazard areas where no BFE has been established, this elevation shall be at least two feet (2') above the highest adjacent grade. ... A. Res...
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