Zoning Guide

Boise Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Last updated: Verified:

Fact-checked against Boise's current modern zoning code published in 2025 and effective during this 2026 review.

Boise's modern zoning code materially changed the old residential dimensional framework. The previous page's R-1C table was stale.

Current R-1C Residential: Traditional

Current Table 11-02.7 provides:

Standard R-1C
Minimum lot area 3,500 sq ft
Average lot width 25 ft
Minimum street frontage 20 ft
Front-entry garage/parking setback 20 ft
Front setback — remainder of structure 15 ft
Street-side entry garage/parking 20 ft
Street-side setback — remainder of structure 15 ft
Interior side 5 ft, or 10 ft where the referenced condition applies
Rear 15 ft
Maximum height 3 stories / 40 ft

The previous page listed R-1C as 20-ft front, 5-ft side, 15-ft rear and 35-ft height. The current code distinguishes parking/garage placement from the rest of the structure and permits greater height.

Accessory-Structure Exceptions

Chapter 11-04 contains separate setback exceptions for smaller accessory structures and alley-loaded structures. Do not apply the principal R-1C envelope automatically to a shed, garage, or ADU.

Other Residential Districts

R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3 and other modern-code districts have separate dimensional tables.

Historic, foothills, airport, floodplain, and planned-development conditions can further modify the result.

How to Check a Property

  1. Confirm the current zoning district in Boise's mapping tools.
  2. Use the current modern zoning-code table for the district.
  3. Distinguish garage/parking setbacks from the rest of the building.
  4. Check accessory-structure and encroachment provisions.
  5. Check overlays and project-specific approvals.
  6. Confirm parcel-specific questions with Boise Planning and Development Services.

Official Sources

This guide is informational only. The current Boise Zoning Code, overlays, and parcel-specific approvals control.

More about Boise City Zoning

ADU Rules & Regulations

Sources

  1. Boise City Code Title 11 — Zoning·cityofboise.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. City of Boise Planning and Development Services·cityofboise.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  3. Boise Open Data — Zoning Map·opendata.cityofboise.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link

FAQ

What are the setback requirements in Boise residential zones?
Under Boise's modernized Zoning Code (effective December 2023), typical single-family residential zones such as R-1C and R-2 require approximately a 20 ft front setback, 5 ft interior side setbacks, and a 15 ft rear setback. R-1A (large-lot) and R-1B zones apply larger setbacks. Always verify your specific zone on the Boise zoning map.
What is the maximum building height in Boise residential zones?
Maximum height in Boise's R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, and R-2 residential zones is generally 35 ft, measured from average grade to the highest point of the roof. The Boise Foothills hillside area and historic districts may impose lower limits, and mixed-use and downtown districts allow greater height.
Did Boise change its setback and height rules in 2023?
Yes. Boise adopted a fully modernized Zoning Code that took effect in December 2023. The new code reorganized residential districts, updated dimensional standards, reduced barriers to missing middle housing and ADUs, and simplified setback tables. The numbers in this guide reflect the current post-2023 code.
How do I confirm the setbacks for my Boise lot?
Look up your parcel on Boise's Open Data GIS portal to find your zoning district, then read the dimensional standards in Title 11 of the Boise City Code. For questions, contact Planning and Development Services at (208) 384-3830 — staff can provide a zoning verification before you finalize plans.