Idaho Falls, ID Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Under the City of Idaho Falls Zoning Code (Title 11), 'Home Occupation' is listed in Table 11-2-1 as an administrative conditional use (C1) in all residential zones (RE, RP, R1, R2, TN, RMH, R3, and R3A). The operating standards are in Section 11-2-6(R). A home occupation must be conducted entirely within a residential dwelling or accessory structure, and no more than 20% of the floor area of the dwelling may be used for it. The use may not employ on-premise help other than residents of the dwelling, except as otherwise provided in the Code. No outdoor storage of materials or supplies is allowed, and no overnight on-site parking of a commercial or business vehicle over 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is permitted. The home occupation must not alter the building's appearance or cause the premises to deviate from residential character through color, materials, lighting, signs, noise, traffic, or parking demand, and it cannot generate more off-street parking demand than a normal residence. Several low-impact activities do not require a home occupation permit at all, including artists and craft workers who do not sell to the public on-premises, home offices with no client visits, telephone answering services, and private instruction with no more than one student on the premises at a time. The Code also bans certain uses as home occupations (see the home-occupation-permits topic).