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Idaho Falls, ID Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Occupancy limit: 12 or fewer children
Classification: Group R-3 (residential)
Code amended: IBC Section 305.2.3
Governs: Building code, not zoning

Summary

Idaho Falls' building code lets a home daycare with twelve or fewer children keep its ordinary residential classification instead of converting to a commercial occupancy.

305.2.3 Twelve (12) or fewer children in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having twelve (12) or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as a group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(B) Delete Section 308.2.4 and replace with the following: 308.2.4 Five (5) or fewer persons receiving custodial care. A facility with five (5) or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a group R03 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(C) Delete Section 308.3.2 and replace with the following: 308.3.2 Five (5) or fewer persons receiving medical care. A facility with five (5) or fewer persons receiving medical care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy.
(D) Delete Section 308.5.4 and replace with the following: 308.5.4 Persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having twelve
(12) or fewer children receiving day care or having five (5) or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(E) Delete Section 310.4 and replace with the following: 310.4 and replace with the following: 310.4 Residential Group R-3, Residential Group R-3 Occupancies where the

View official code

Full Breakdown

City Code Section 7-1-2(A) amends International Building Code Section 305.2.3: an in-home childcare operation caring for twelve or fewer children in a dwelling unit is classified as a Group R-3 (ordinary residential) occupancy, or must instead comply with the International Residential Code. That keeps a small home daycare out of the commercial building-code track that would otherwise require sprinklers, accessibility retrofits, and other institutional upgrades. It governs building classification only; it does not itself grant zoning approval for the home business.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding twelve children under this classification, or failing to meet R-3/IRC construction standards, moves the facility into a stricter commercial occupancy category, risking permit denial or a stop-work order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a daycare from my house in Idaho Falls without commercial building upgrades?

Yes, for twelve or fewer children. City Code Section 7-1-2(A) keeps the home classified as Group R-3 residential rather than commercial.

Does this section also cover zoning approval?

No. It only sets the building occupancy classification; separate zoning rules may still apply to the home business.

Sources & Official References

[1]Idaho Falls City Code, Title 7 Chapter 1 (International Building Code)

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