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Commission adopts code updates for parks, accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals to meet state law and local needs
Summary
The commission recommended amendments to park development rules to allow park-specific standards, and updated city code on accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals to comply with recently passed state legislation.
The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 recommended several code updates:
Parks and recreation standards — Staff proposed reducing public-zone setbacks (front setback from 30 to 20 feet; rear from 30 to 25 feet) and exempting park and recreation facilities from some Chapter 4 development standards so staff and Parks can create park‑specific design standards. Commissioners asked staff to add a clearer definition of “commercial recreational facilities” before the ordinance goes to council; the commission recommended the ordinance with that direction.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — Staff presented changes required by the most recent state legislation (Senate Bill 1354). The city can no longer impose owner-occupancy requirements or ADU-specific parking and setback standards that differ from other residential structures. The code now reflects the state-mandated minimum sizing rule (ADU must be at least 1,000 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling, whichever is greater) and removes deed-restriction owner-occupancy language.
Short-term rentals — Staff said the city’s short-term rental rules required only minor edits to align with state law that preempts some local occupancy restrictions. The commission recommended the amendments.
Each ordinance was recommended to the mayor and city council; staff will refine definitions and provide council with the commission’s suggested language changes.
