17.06.500: BOARDING HOUSE PERMIT; STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS:
A single-unit dwelling, a duplex, or a townhouse as defined in section 17.01.150 of this title may be used as a boarding house for two (2) households per unit provided a boarding house permit and a city license as provided in title 5, chapter 5.68 of this code are obtained and maintained in good standing by the owner. The following regulations apply:
   A.   No more than two (2) households per dwelling unit shall be allowed. Boarding house occupancy shall not be allowed in triplex or other multiplex buildings.
   B.   Boarding houses may be allowed outright in RMM and RH zoning districts and in commercial and mixed use zoning districts subject to conditions contained in sections 17.05.610 and 17.05.620 of this title, provided that all conditions for boarding house permits/licensing can be met.
   C.   Permittees must acquire a license prior to instituting such use and must maintain the license in good standing throughout the duration of use of the property as a boarding house. See title 5, chapter 5.68 of this code for standards and requirements.
   D.   In addition to the occupancy limits prescribed by the international residential code, international building code, and uniform housing code as adopted by the city, occupancy of a boarding house shall be limited to the number of off street parking spaces available. Provided, however, there must be a minimum of one off street parking space per dwelling unit, regardless of occupancy category of the tenants. Applicants may request that up to half of the off street parking space requirements be met by leasing or otherwise providing parking spaces on adjacent property. The city attorney shall determine if the lease or agreement provides adequate use of the necessary spaces. Applicants whose existing premises cannot meet parking space/tenant ratio requirements may receive limited relief from said requirements from city staff for one more tenant than the number of available off street parking spaces. Applicants who desire any other relief from these parking/tenant ratio requirements may apply for a variance.
   E.   The site must have either a total of five hundred (500) square feet, or one hundred (100) square feet per bedroom, whichever is greater, of landscaping in the front yard.
   F.   A minimum of two hundred (200) square feet per person per dwelling unit and the minimum square footage requirements for sleeping quarters set by building and housing codes as adopted by the city shall apply.
   G.   The name, address, and phone number of a local (within the greater Pocatello area) site manager must be provided on the application and the phone number information must be posted in the form of a sign at least six inches by eight inches (6" x 8") and no greater than two (2) square feet in size located on the front of the building, along with the city license number. All such information must be kept current and maintained so as to be clearly legible. No separate sign permit or fee is required.
   H.   New construction should be designed and configured so as to resemble a single-unit dwelling or two-unit dwelling to blend with the other residential buildings in the area. Other conditions for site development may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on outside lighting, specifications for ingress and egress from parking lots; erection of sight obscuring fencing, and other measures to mitigate adverse effects on surrounding residents.
   I.   Conversion of an existing house or two-unit dwelling to a residential rental dwelling used as a boarding house for more than one household per dwelling unit shall be considered a change of use and provisions of the uniform or international building code as adopted by the city will be required. No permit may be issued until proof of compliance is provided. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2008)