Ada County, ID Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Base course
- 4-inch compacted gravel minimum
- Surface
- Asphalt or all-weather dustless
- Exempt
- Rural residences, temporary uses
- Wheel restraint
- Substantial restraint required
- Driveway clearance
- 5 ft each side of drive
Summary
In unincorporated Ada County, off-street parking areas must generally be built with a compacted gravel base at least 4 inches thick surfaced with asphalt or a comparable all-weather dustless material approved by the County Engineer. Rural residences and temporary uses are exempt. Driveways must meet turnout and clearance standards near
Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all off street parking areas shall be improved with a compacted gravel base, not less than four inches (4") thick, surfaced with asphaltic concrete or some comparable all weather dustless material as approved by the County Engineer. This standard shall not apply to agricultural produce stands, roadside produce stands, rural residences, temporary uses, or temporary construction offices.
b. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all off street parking areas shall be provided with a substantial wheel restraint to prevent cars from encroaching upon abutting private and public property or overhanging beyond the designated parking stall dimensions. This standard shall not apply to agricultural produce stands, roadside produce stands, rural residences, temporary uses, or temporary construction offices.
c. When a bumper overhangs onto a sidewalk or landscape area, the parking stall dimensions may be reduced two feet (2') in length if two feet (2') are added to the width of the sidewalk or landscaped area planted in ground cover. In no case shall the width of the sidewalk not be ADA compliant.
d. Parking spaces and access lanes shall be marked including accessible symbols and signs.
e. All lighting provided to illuminate a parking area shall comply with the lighting standards provided in Section
Full Breakdown
Ada County Code Section 8-3-10 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) sets improvement standards for parking areas. Surfaces must have a compacted gravel base not less than 4 inches thick, topped with asphaltic concrete or comparable all-weather dustless material approved by the County Engineer; this does not apply to agricultural/roadside produce stands, rural residences, temporary uses, or temporary construction offices. Parking areas also need a substantial wheel restraint. Separately, Section 8-3-11 requires that areas within five feet of each side of a driveway near private roads be kept clear, and new driveways must meet turnout standards.
Violations & Fines
Development Services enforces zoning surfacing and access standards through permit review and code compliance; non-conforming parking areas may require correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pave my driveway in unincorporated Ada County?
Are there clearance rules for driveways near private roads?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.