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Planning commission recommends reduced front and rear setbacks when alley access provided
Summary
The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend a zoning code amendment that would allow a 15-foot front setback and a 3-foot rear setback in residential zones when vehicular access is from a public or private alley; the measure moves to the mayor and city council for final action.
The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval to the mayor and city council of an amendment to Title 11 of the city’s comprehensive zoning code that would allow reduced front and rear setbacks in residential zones when properties are alley-loaded.
Staff introduced the proposal as an amendment to Sections 11-3-4 (dimensional standards for residential zones) and 11-7-1 (definitions). The change would allow the front setback in RP, R1 and R2 zones to be reduced to 15 feet where vehicular access is provided from a public or private alley. It would also allow a rear setback of 3 feet for primary structures when the rear yard abuts a public or private alley. Staff said the 15-foot figure aligns with typical utility easement needs and that the 3-foot rear setback mirrors standards already used in the city’s TN and R3 zones.
The change is intended to give developers more flexibility on smaller lots, help fit utilities and snow-storage areas, and support “missing middle” housing types such as smaller single-family homes and twin homes. Staff showed existing local examples — Providence Point, Highland Park, and other developments — to illustrate how rear-loaded garages and alleys can create a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape and reduce the number of curb cuts on sidewalks.
Commissioners questioned practical details during the public hearing. Commissioner Scott asked whether the reduced front setback requires rear vehicular access; staff confirmed that the 15-foot front setback is available only when the property is rear-loaded with a public or private alley and the garage is accessed from that alley. Commissioners also asked whether the amendment would apply to established subdivisions; staff said it would not change existing subdivisions unless property owners redevelop or use existing alley access to alter structures. Staff clarified that the setback distances are measured from the property line and that sidewalk location does not change the measurement.
Commissioners pressed on related constraints such as lot coverage and driveway limits. Staff said the amendment does not change the city’s lot-coverage standards (for example, lot-coverage limits in some zones remain unchanged) but that the setback flexibility nonetheless provides additional options to meet other code requirements including public works, fire access, and utility easements. The minimum alley width discussed was 20 feet, and staff noted that HOAs commonly manage maintenance for private alleys.
After discussion the commission voted unanimously to recommend the amendment to the mayor and city council.
The proposal now goes to the mayor and city council for final consideration. If adopted, the code change would be available for new developments that meet the alley-access requirement but would not, by itself, force changes inside existing subdivisions without property owner action.
