Idaho Falls board approves variance allowing homes to be set back beyond 20-foot maximum near Highway 20

The City of Idaho Falls Board of Adjustments voted Feb. 25, 2025, to approve a variance allowing residential dwelling units to be constructed beyond the traditional neighborhood (TN) zone's 20-foot maximum front setback on a lot southeast of Highway 20 and west of Canyon Avenue.

The variance affects an irregular infill lot in the city's original town site; staff recommended approval under the zoning ordinance citing a physical hardship created by the lot shape after Highway 20 construction. The developer's representative said the layout requires the increased setback to meet fire access rules while preserving rear garages and some front yard space.

Barry Laing, an engineer with Connect Engineering, described the lot as "a very unique shaped and and unique location property," and said the developer cannot meet the TN zone's maximum 20-foot front setback because the alley is too narrow to meet fire requirements and the lot is unusually shaped by Highway 20. "One of the requirements in the traditional neighborhood zone is a maximum front yard setback of 20 feet. And that's the variance that we're looking for to increase, that maximum setback from 20 feet…