Bonner County, ID Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Section 12-461 applies the landscaping subchapter to all new development in the commercial, industrial and rural service center districts and to all other commercial, multi-family, public and industrial development in other districts unless otherwise noted. For remodels or additions, the standards apply where the value of the additions equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the existing structure and/or site improvements as determined by the Bonner County assessor's office over any five (5) year time period; for smaller additions they reach only the specific areas being improved.

Section 12-463 A tells applicants to integrate existing on site trees and native vegetation into the site design and calls retention of that vegetation preferred over new landscaped areas. Where existing trees or native plant materials are kept, the landscape professional should add supplemental plantings where needed or confirm that the existing vegetation meets or exceeds the objectives in section 12-460. Xeriscaping, meaning designs for drought tolerant vegetation and low water usage, is encouraged. Subsection C prefers trees, shrubs, ground covers and grasses native to northern Idaho that suit the site conditions, points to Appendix B of Title 12 for a list of native plants and their landscape uses, and lets nonnative plants be considered provided they are appropriate to the region and not invasive. The wording is preference language, so Bonner County does not require a native-only palette.

Section 12-460 D states the purpose: to promote the use of native and drought tolerant species appropriate for the region. The paperwork is in section 12-462, which requires a scaled landscape plan with every new development needing a building location permit, building permit or conditional use permit. It must identify the species and locations of existing trees to be retained, carry a plant list with common name, quantity, spacing and size, and describe methods of protecting existing vegetation during construction.

Once planted, section 12-463 E says ground cover should cover seventy percent (70%) of the soil in one growing season, or in three (3) years if mulch is applied. Section 12-466 requires the owner to keep landscaping in healthy growing condition and replace dead plant material immediately or as the planting season permits, and 12-467 requires completion before occupancy. In the Alpine Village District, 12-471 C also calls for reclaiming disturbed ground with native plants having soil holding properties.