Bonneville County, ID Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

615, Increased Residential Density, authorizes the Commission to grant an increased residential density of up to 15% of the allowable number of dwelling units within a Planned Unit Development, as an incentive to encourage quality design rather than a rule applying automatically. The bonus is broken into three components the Commission scores separately: landscaping, capped at a maximum 5% increase, covering streetscape, open spaces, plazas, use of existing landscaping and pedestrian-way treatment; siting, also capped at 5%, covering visual focal points, use of existing topography, view and wind orientation, circulation pattern and building clustering; and design features, capped at 5%, covering street sections, architectural styles, harmonious materials and parking areas broken up by landscaping.

A developer has to demonstrate that these factors make a substantial contribution to the PUD's stated objectives to receive any of the three increments, so the 15% ceiling is not granted as a lump sum. 613 already requires at least 10% of the gross project area be reserved as common open space and recreation space regardless of whether the density bonus is used. 620 rather than as a ministerial permit.