Bonners Ferry City Zoning Code

   The purpose of this chapter is to establish basic development standards consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan and to set general and specific conditions for development and various uses or areas within the city. The regulations set forth are adopted to serve, protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare and to preserve and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the city, while allowing for the orderly and efficient development of property in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Appendix A, "Table of Uses," of this title establishes the types of uses and zoning districts where various uses are allowed. The specific design regulations set forth in this chapter are in addition to and supplement the zoning district standards set forth elsewhere in this title.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Manufactured Home Siting Standards: In all areas within the corporate limits wherein this code permits the location, occupation and use of single-family dwellings, manufactured and mobile homes meeting or exceeding the following specifications will be a permitted and authorized use, subject to the following restrictions on the placement of said homes:

   A.   Manufactured homes shall be multi-sectional enclosing a space of not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet and when assembled on site, they shall not be less than twenty feet (20') both in length and width. They shall also either have been certified as having been constructed in accordance with the standards for certification of manufactured/mobile homes by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and manufactured/mobile home construction and safety standards, or if manufactured prior to June 15, 1976, have received a certificate of compliance from the Administrator of the Division of Building Safety of the State of Idaho that the structure meets the rehabilitation requirements of Idaho Code title 44, chapter 25.

   B.   Manufactured housing shall be installed in accordance with Idaho Code title 44, chapter 22, "Manufactured Housing Setup Code."

   C.   The manufactured home shall have a pitched attached roof with a slope of not less than three feet (3') in height for each twelve feet (12') in width.

   D.   The manufactured home shall have exterior siding and roofing material commonly used on residential dwellings and which is comparable to the predominant material used on the buildings in the area. The city officer charged with the approval of building will determine compliance with this provision.

   E.   The provisions of this chapter shall not permit manufactured homes or the lot upon which they are sited to follow any development standard, architectural requirements, and/or minimum size requirements, which are lower or less than that which is or would be applicable to a conventional single-family residential dwelling constructed on the same lot.

   F.   This chapter shall not apply to the regulation of manufactured/mobile homes situated or to be situated in manufactured/mobile home parks which the city has approved as a manufactured/mobile home park nor shall this apply to lands falling within an area defined as a historic district under Idaho Code 67-4607 nor shall this chapter be applied to modify or abrogate any recorded restrictive covenant applicable to any land within the jurisdiction of the city.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   No RV, motor home, or travel trailer shall be used as permanent living quarters.

   B.   No person shall live in or continuously occupy a recreational vehicle or camper (pickup), as defined in this title whether or not self-contained, within the city, unless said recreational vehicle is located within a legally established recreational vehicle park or recreational vehicle campground; except that the temporary occupancy of a recreational vehicle parked on a residentially zoned property for a period of up to fourteen (14) days in one 365-day calendar cycle is permitted, pursuant to city code section 4-5-6.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Intent: This section is established to set standards and regulations governing the location and approval of manufactured or mobile home parks in a manner that is consistent with state law and in keeping with the policies of the adopted comprehensive plan to provide a variety of housing types for all ages, incomes, and abilities, while ensuring safe, attractive, and sanitary conditions. The following standards apply to the development and redevelopment of manufactured and mobile home parks:

   A.   Each manufactured/mobile home lot shall meet the following minimum land area and space width:

      1.   Single-wide homes shall be a minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet in land area and a minimum of thirty five feet (35') of front lot width;

      2.   Multi-sectional homes shall be five thousand (5,000) square feet in land area and a minimum of fifty feet (50') of front lot width.

   B.   A screening wall or vegetation screening along the borders of the manufactured or mobile home park shall be provided.

   C.   All manufactured or mobile home parks shall comply with all other applicable requirements of the zoning district and the requirements of floodplain areas.

   D.   Manufactured or mobile home parks shall comply with the standards set for public streets.

   E.   The park shall provide exterior lighting at locations, as determined by the city engineer, necessary for public safety and welfare. Lights, that are near a public street or alley, are to be installed so that the visibility of any oncoming traffic is not obstructed.

   F.   All parks shall provide an open area for recreational purposes..

   G.   All parks with fifteen (15) spaces or more shall provide one or more parking areas of adequate size for recreational vehicles for the occupants of the park. No such parking area shall be used or occupied for a commercial purpose or by those not residing in the park. Fencing and landscaping shall screen the parking area.

   H.   A minimum of two (2) parking spaces shall be provided for each manufactured/mobile home lot.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   The purpose of this section is to provide the standards and requirements for the location, operation and accommodations for a park or court for the purpose of providing short-term camping facilities.

   A.   Application: The application for an RV park permit shall contain the minimum requirements for the respective application type and shall also include the following:

      1.   Extent and area used for camping purposes.

      2.   Roadways and driveways, including the width and type of surface.

      3.   Location of sites or units for RVs, motor homes or travel trailers.

      4.   Location and number of service buildings, including facilities within.

      5.   Method of sewage and trash disposal.

      6.   Plan for water and electrical supply.

      7.   Landscaping provisions.

   B.   Site Development: The RV park shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide or meet the following requirements:

      1.   The park/court shall be adequately lighted from dusk to dawn, with lights that shall not obstruct the visibility of any oncoming traffic.

      2.   Each space shall be provided with water, sewage, and electricity.

      3.   Each RV stall shall contain a minimum of one thousand (1,000) square feet and shall be at least twenty feet (20') wide. There shall be a minimum of ten feet (10') of space between RVs/motor homes/trailers.

      4.   Each RV stall shall have one extra parking space and shall be graveled, paved or provided with other means for a dust free surface.

      5.   No greater number of RVs, travel trailers or motor homes shall be allowed in any park/court than the number of RV stalls permitted, based upon the standards of subsection 11-6-5 (3).

   C.   Service Building And Accommodations:

      1.   Each park/court shall provide one or more service buildings, adequately equipped with electrical and plumbing facilities. Restroom facilities shall be provided.

      2.   The service building shall be a permanent structure and meet requirements of the current building code. All service buildings shall provide proper lighting within the structure twenty four (24) hours a day. Each service building shall provide exterior lighting after dusk and before dawn.

      3.   Each park/court shall provide trash disposal areas for each twenty (20) spaces. Disposal areas shall be fenced with a site obscuring fence, the height of which shall be a minimum four feet (4').

      4.   Landscaping shall be addressed in the park plan to provide a minimum buffer strip of a mix of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs in a planting strip of not less than ten feet (10') along the parking area and adjacent property lines.

   D.   Protection: The park/court shall be subject to all the provisions of this title, other city ordinances, and current fire codes.

   E.   Restrictions:

      1.   No RV, motor home, or travel trailer shall be used as permanent living quarters.

      2.   Tiny homes and park model homes, as defined by Idaho Code, which are on foundations are prohibited.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   The following standards shall be met for the bulk storage of flammable liquids and gases, or corrosive materials, above ground and for resale:

   A.   Will be located at least three hundred feet (300') from a residence, motel, or hotel, except for an owner's residence.

   B.   Will be erected with the written approval of the fire authority having jurisdiction.

   C.   Will have suitable loading and unloading spaces and off-street parking facilities meeting the approval of the fire authority.

   D.   A city business license is required prior to the use commencing on the property.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Home occupations, as defined by this code, shall be permitted where authorized by the table of uses, Appendix A, subject to the following standards:

   A.   Only members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation.

   B.   The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants and not more than twenty percent (20%) of the floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in the conducting of the home occupation, except as otherwise provided for home-based daycares.

   C.   There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises showing visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation. No outside storage of machinery, equipment, or materials shall be permitted.

   D.   Traffic associated with the home occupation shall not exceed ten (10) vehicle trips per day on average on a weekly basis.

   E.   The home occupation shall be small-scale and low intensity. No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation, which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference. No equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.

   F.   There shall be no on-premise sales in connection with the home occupation, nor shall there be any uses allowed that are otherwise required to obtain a special use permit for the applicable zoning district.

   G.   Internet sales and off-premise sales of the goods produced by the home occupation are permitted.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Home-based businesses, as defined by this code, shall be permitted where authorized by the table of uses, Appendix A, and subject to the following standards:

   A.   Home-based businesses require the approval of a special use permit. Conditions of approval to set hours of operation, traffic, noise, screening, or other measures to mitigate the impact of the use may be set by the city.

   B.   Members of the family residing on the premises and up to two (2) employees who do not reside on the premises are permitted to be engaged in the home business.

   C.   The home-based business shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the property for residential purposes. Not more than forty percent (40%) of the floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in the conducting of the home-based business. An accessory residential structure, such as a shop or garage, may be used for storage of equipment and home-based business activities, but not to exceed forty percent (40%) of the structure.

   D.   Traffic shall not exceed twenty (20) trips per day on average on a weekly basis. Conditions of approval may further restrict maximum traffic allowances, based upon the circumstances of the site and proposed use.

   E.   Limited storage of equipment and materials in an accessory residential structure may be permitted.

   F.   One free-standing or wall sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet or six feet (6') in height may be permitted.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Shall not exceed six (6) children as outlined by the childcare facility definition of this title;

   B.   Applications for in-home family daycare where permitted by the table of uses of this title shall be processed by the zoning administrator, who shall review the application for compliance with this title and may apply conditions of approval to assure the in-home daycare does not adversely affect the neighborhood. The zoning administrator shall provide the applicant with a written decision. The final decision may be appealed pursuant to this title.

   C.   An application for the in-home daycare shall be submitted to the city and shall contain at minimum the following:

      1.   The name and signatures of the applicants and the landowners;

      2.   A plan of the site, drawn to scale, showing location of all existing and proposed buildings, parking and loading areas, traffic access and circulation, undisturbed areas, open spaces, landscaping, refuse and service areas, utilities, signs, yard and any fencing or other features peculiar to the operations of the use at the site;

      3.   A parking plan that addresses adequate off-street parking that is designed consistent with this title; and

      4.   A fee, as set forth by the official fee schedule.

   D.   Prior to commencement of the use the applicant shall submit to the city an inspection report from the city fire department indicating the department has reviewed the site against the applicable International Fire Code and state fire marshal standards for daycares and found the proposed use to be in compliance with these standards.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   Wrecking yards, impound yards, junk yards, and stock yards are prohibited uses in all zoning districts.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Purpose: To provide an additional, affordable housing option that meets changing family and community needs while keeping the character of the single-family developments by setting minimum and maximum standards.

   B.   Eligibility: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is permitted in the zoning districts as specified in the table of uses of this title.

   C.   Density: One ADU is permitted per parcel or lot. Construction or placement may occur before, during, or after construction of the primary dwelling. Construction of an ADU prior to the primary dwelling shall be designed and built to comply with the maximum square footage established by this section, based upon the future primary dwelling.

   D.   Design: ADUs may be attached to the primary dwelling or detached, new construction or conversion of an existing structure and shall meet the following standards:

      1.   Location shall be on a lot or parcel of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet.

      2.   Maximum size of fifty percent (50%) of the primary dwelling unit square footage on the lot or parcel or eight hundred (800) square feet of livable floor space, whichever is less. Livable space shall include areas for living, sleeping, eating or cooking, but exclude garages, decks, covered porches, and utility spaces.

      3.   A minimum livable floor space of not less than four hundred (400) square feet is required for all detached ADUs. The livable floor space of an ADU attached to the primary dwelling unit may be smaller but shall meet minimum residential building code requirements for the living space.

      4.   A maximum of two (2) bedrooms.

      5.   Provisions for minimum of one (1) additional on-site parking space.

      6.   Approved building permit demonstrating construction or modification complies with applicable building and fire codes.

      7.   Confirmation from respective agency or department that the existing utilities are adequate to accommodate the future ADU.

      8.   Occupancy and use shall be the same standards as those applied to primary dwelling unit.

      9.   Compliance with setback, height, and lot coverage of the respective zoning district.

      10.   Design consistent with the primary residence, including roof pitch, siding, color, materials, and windows is encouraged.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Purpose: This section provides standards and a process for the use of a residential dwelling unit as a short-term rental, as defined by this title. These standards allow the city to address the health, safety, and welfare of the general public and occupants of the short-term rental and allow the city to ensure adequate services and parking are available.

   B.   Applicability: This section shall apply to all short-term rentals, as defined.

   C.   Registration: Prior to the operation of the short-term rental, the landowner shall register with the city clerk and identify the location, contact information, emergency contact information, and other details requested on a form provided by the city.

   D.   The short-term rental shall conform to the following standards:

      1.   The short-term rental occupancy is limited to the dwelling only, and shall not include occupancy in accessory structures, RVs, camp or tent sites, or any other spaces outside the dwelling.

      2.   Occupancy shall not exceed two (2) persons per bedroom. Spaces such as dens, library, kitchen, office, game room, or other such areas are not bedrooms.

      3.   The short-term rental shall be equipped with a smoke detector, fire extinguishers, applicable carbon monoxide detector, and a safe exit plan.

      4.   All trash shall be placed in an approved receptacle.

      5.   Parking shall be provided off-street for all short-term occupants, based on the off-street parking requirements of the applicable zoning district.

      6.   No commercial activities shall be permitted within the short-term rental dwelling.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Parklets: The purpose of this use is to create options to expand the public open spaces and boost economic activities in the downtown district by allowing the conversion of some curbside parking spaces into raised platforms for seating, retail area, art displays, bike racks, plantings, and other amenities known as parklets, to be located on specified city streets.

   B.   Eligibility: Parklets are permitted in the downtown district on specific streets identified by resolution of the city council. Properties eligible for parklet space shall be:

      1.   Located adjacent to and on the same side of the street as the parking space to be used for the parklet;

      2.   Located within twenty-five feet (25') of the parklet parking space;

      3.   Associated with an active business located along the street side or ground floor.

   C.   Permits: Prior to installation of a parklet, a temporary right-of-way permit shall be obtained by the applicant, using the forms provided by the city and accompanied by applicable fees, as set by resolution of the council. The city administrator or designee may issue the permit after a review of the request by affected agencies and/or departments, and upon a finding that the application is in accord with the standards of this section. The permit is only valid for the authorized time specified in the permit. The permit shall be renewed annually through the permit process.

   D.   Permit Requirements: The applicant shall provide:

      1.   A completed city application form, signed by the applicant and/or property owner;

      2.   A site plan showing the diagrammatic plans for the parklet, consistent with the design standards adopted by the city.

      3.   A signed indemnification form, holding the city, its employees, and agents harmless from all costs, damages, or actions.

      4.   A general liability insurance policy with the City of Bonners Ferry listed as an additional insured, in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00);

      5.   An acknowledgment that the applicant shall bear all costs for parklet installation and required design elements.

   E.   Design Standards: Parklets shall be designed, installed, and maintained to meet the following, to the satisfaction of the city:

      1.   All parklets shall meet the required design and installation standards as specified in this section and as adopted by city council resolution.

      2.   The use of corner parking spaces shall be avoided.

      3.   Permitted parklets shall be installed no earlier than April 1 and removed by October 1, unless otherwise adjusted by the city due to weather conditions or other reasons.

      4.   The parklets shall not impair or block underground utility accesses, fire hydrants, electrical transformer vaults, traffic lanes, or city drainage systems.

      5.   Parklets shall not inhibit or limit access to existing handicap parking spaces.

      6.   Parklets shall not inhibit the free flow of pedestrians nor encumber neighboring sidewalks.

   F.   Enforcement: The city may require the parklet to be removed and invalidate the permit if the applicant fails to maintain the parklet in accord with the design requirements and permit conditions.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)

   A.   Purpose: Cottage housing is an alternative, single-family housing type that allows the grouping of smaller, detached housing units and shared open space that can contribute to the affordable housing options, provide neighborhood variety, and still provide the benefits of single-family homes. The standards of this section are designed to allow the clustering of dwelling units, provisions for pedestrian access, reduced building costs, and added community amenities that include a functional open space. Cottage housing may provide higher residential density than the underlying zone through smaller, clustered housing units and parking areas, provided the standards of this section are met.

   B.   Zoning: Cottage housing is permitted or conditionally permitted in the zoning districts as specified in the table of uses of this title. A site plan review is required where the use is permitted outright.

   C.   Procedures: Proposed cottage housing developments are subject to either the special use permit or site plan review application process, as established in the table of uses of this title. Notice is required pursuant to section 11-13-5E for cottage housing proposals in the medical zone. Depending on the planned ownership, additional applications may be required. Each cottage housing project application shall include a master plan, detailing how the development will meet the standards of this section and timetables for completion of improvements and amenities. Conditions of approval shall be set by the city to ensure completion of improvements identified in the master plan.

   D.   Ownership: The developer has the following ownership options and additional application requirements:

      1.   Retention of all homes and subject land by the owner for lease of individual units. A planned unit development is required where a special use permit is indicated in the uses table of this title. A site plan review is required where indicated as permitted in the uses table.

      2.   Condominium ownership, where the landowner intends to sell individual rights to the home's airspace only and not the land, together with common space or limited common space. A condominium plat in accord with the Idaho condominium property act is required.

      3.   Individual, fee simple ownership of individual lots and common ownership of open space or common areas. A subdivision in conjunction with the planned unit development special use permit is required.

      4.   A community land trust or community housing trust, where a qualified trust holds the lease on the land but allows separate purchase of the residence. A condominium plat or a subdivision and planned unit development are required.

   E.   Density: Due to design requirements and reduced house sizes, a bonus density multiplier of 1.5 is allowed for cottage house development. (For example, if the underlying zone permitted five (5) dwelling units, the bonus density of 1.5 allows eight (8) cottage dwellings.) Fractional density calculations ending in 0.5 or greater may be rounded up to the next whole number. Where there is no minimum lot/parcel size for the zoning district, a minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of land per dwelling is the basis to be used for the calculation.

   F.   The following development standards and design criteria shall apply to proposed cottage developments:

      1.   Cottage Housing Standards Table:

 

   A.   Townhomes are housing options that allow for the development of attached, single-family dwellings of three (3) or more units, with common bearing walls and individual ownership of the land upon which the dwelling is constructed and ownership of the adjoining front or rear yards.

   B.   Approval of a subdivision application and recording of the plat are required to allow for the division of the subject land into individual ownership.

   C.   The parent parcel or lot that exists prior to the townhome plat shall be a minimum lot width of fifty (50) feet. The resulting townhome lots are not required to meet a minimum lot width.

   D.   A draft common/party wall agreement addressing construction, maintenance, repair, and rights of access is required to be filed with the city at the time of subdivision application. The agreement shall be recorded with the final plat.

   E.   The preliminary plat application shall include the proposed homeowner association agreement detailing utility/common billing, where applicable, garages, parking, and any common open space and access maintenance and repairs.

   F.   Maximum dwelling units by zoning district, per lot or parcel:

      1.   Townhomes are not permitted in zones RES-A, Downtown, and Light Industrial;

      2.   A maximum of three (3) dwelling units for zone RES-B;

      3.   A maximum of four (4) dwelling units for zones RES-AB and MX.

      4.   No specified maximum number of dwelling units for zones Medical and Commercial. Section 11-12-6 addresses density allowances within a mixed-use planned unit development.

(Ord. 621, 5-20-2025)