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1. How do I build an ADA ramp on private property?

• Ramps built on private property (not in City right-of-way i.e. sidewalk) may be subject to Idaho’s Building Codes. Please contact the Building Safety Department for specific requirements. 
• The City does have a Sidewalk Repair Grant program to assist with costs of repair and maintenance of sidewalks in front of your property. The grant application can be found online along with additional details and information on the grant process. For more information please contact the Engineering Department at 208-735-7248.
• If you have questions about an ADA ramp in the City right-of-way (sidewalks or intersection corner) please contact the Engineering Department 208-735-7248.

2. How do I request an ADA ramp on public property?

• To request an ADA ramp on public property, please contact the Engineering Department at 208-735-7248.

3. Does the City require contractor licenses?

• The City will need your State of Idaho registration or license number before you can pull permits.
• The State of Idaho requires:
• General Contractors registration through the Bureau of Occupational Licenses.
• Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Public Works, Modular/Manufactured Installers through the Division of Building Safety .

4. Does the city require business licenses?

• If you are or want to run a business out of you home, please contact the Planning & Zoning office at 208-735-7267, there may be additional regulations for Home Occupations.
• The City of Twin Falls does requires some businesses to be licensed:
• Card Rooms
• Pawn Shop
• Auctions & Auctioneers
• Special Events
• Alcohol
• Taxi
• Sound Truck
• Transient Merchants, Vendors, Peddlers & Solicitors
• Private Security
• Going Out of Business
• Daycare Facilities
• Food Concessions & Commercial Displays
• Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
• Please see the City of Twin Falls City Code Title 3 for more information on each of these licenses.
• For more information regarding the application process please contact the City Clerk’s office at 208-735-7245.

5. Where do I go to get an Alcohol license?

• The first step to get an alcohol license in the City of Twin Falls is to obtain a State of Idaho Alcohol license.
• Once you have received the State of Idaho license, you will need to obtain a Twin Falls County Alcohol License.
• Once you have received both the State of Idaho & Twin Falls County licenses, you will need to apply for an alcohol license through the City of Twin Falls City Clerk.
• For more information regarding the application process please contact the City Clerk’s office at 208-735-7245.

6. What do I need to do to build a fence on my property?

• The Building Safety Department handout has information on permit requirements for fences.
• If you still have questions, please contact the Building Safety Department at 208-735-7238.

7. When do you need a building permit?

• Building permits are required for most construction in the City of Twin Falls, see the list of permit requirements.
• What permit do I need? Separate permits are required for each scope of work being performed. For example, framing new or removing existing walls would require a building permit; adding or replacing HVAC duct or gas piping would require a mechanical permit, adding or replacing electrical wiring would need an electrical permit; adding or replacing plumbing piping or fixtures would require a plumbing permit.
• If you have any questions regarding whether a permit is needed and/or what type of permit is needed, please contact the Building Safety Department at 208-735-7238.
• If I am the homeowner doing the work, do I still need a permit? Homeowner’s doing work on their own primary residence need to follow all applicable codes including obtaining permits (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, & Mechanical).

8. Who will be doing my building inspections? (City Limits vs Area of Impact)

All inspections (including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing {MEP}) for projects located within the City of Twin Falls actual city limits will be performed by the City’s Building Safety Department.

Projects located within the City of Twin Falls’ Area of Impact will have inspections performed by different agencies. The following shows the inspection jurisdiction for each scope of work:

Building inspections will be performed by the City’s Building Safety Department

HVAC/Mechanical inspections will be performed by the Twin Falls County Building Department.

Electrical and Plumbing inspections will be performed by Idaho’s Division of Building Safety

9. Why can’t the City force someone to maintain their property?

The Twin Falls City Council have adopted a city code that helps maintain a safe clean environment for all citizens in our community. The Code Enforcement and Animal Control officers work to administer a fair and unbiased compliance program.

For further questions, please contact the Code Enforcement department at (208) 735-7335.

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1. When is my court date?

You can look on iCourts. If your hearing is in the next 30 days you can find it here. 

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1. Where can I dump my RV waste?

• The City of Twin Falls has provided a dumpsite at the intersection of Washington Street and 4^th Avenue West specifically designed to take RV waste.
• Can I have a waste dump on my property?
  • No.  Since the City of Twin Falls is required to meet certain environmental requirements at the wastewater treatment plant, the city does not allow uncontrolled sources of wastewater discharge.  An RV waste dump on a private lot is considered an uncontrolled wastewater discharge.

2. What is that smell?

• Please contact the City of Twin Falls Environmental Engineer with questions regarding unusual smells in your area at (208) 735-7248.

3. Why does the City Chip Seal?

• The city applies both chip seal and slurry seal each year to extend the life of asphalt roads. You can find details by clicking the Chip and Slurry Seal link.
• A Road Maintenance schedule map is available to view.
• For more information, please contact the Engineering Department at (208) 735-7248.

4. What do I need to do if my street luminaire/light is out?

• To report a concern online, go to the SeeClickFix app on the City of Twin Falls website.
• If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Engineering Department at (208) 735-7248.

5. Who maintains grease traps?

Grease traps are maintained by the property/business owner on an as needed basis.

6. Can I build on a flood plain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires any construction in a flood plain to be regulated by the governing agency in the area.  Because of the requirement, the City of Twin Falls ensures compliance with FEMA regulations.  

For questions regarding the different flood zones and building regulations for each zone, please contact the Engineering department for specific details (208) 735-7248.

7. What can I do in a flood plain?

Building within the flood plain is possible, all FEMA regulations need to be followed.  Please contact the Engineering department for specific details (208) 735-7248.

8. How do I request an ADA ramp on public property?

To request an ADA ramp on public property, go to the SeeClickFix app on the City of Twin Falls website.

• If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Engineering Department at (208) 735-7248.

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1. What are the rules for City Parks?

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/twinfallsid/latest/twinfalls_id/0-0-0-3221

2. Who maintains my street?

The City has jurisdiction and/or maintenance of public streets (green street signs), NOT private streets (blue street signs). Private streets would be maintained by the property owner(s). 

3. How do I get utilities set up?

The Utility Services Department assists customers in setting up service for water, sewer, and garbage and recycling. Learn more on the Utility Services page.

4. Where do I access the City budget?

The City of Twin Falls budget is a sustainable plan of action, detailing how the strategic planning priorities and overall goals will be achieved. By staying focused on the future, examining current budgets for efficiencies, collaborating with other jurisdictions in the area of economic development, investing in technology, judiciously weighing proposals to add or enhance programs and planning carefully, the city has been able to maintain service levels during an era of rising costs and declining revenues streams.

Find more information about the City budget.

5. How do I register for recreation programs?

Register for recreation activities and programs with the City of Twin Falls.

6. Do I Need a Business Permit?

Okay, sorry to make you click one more time, but please complete this Online Business Permit Inquiry to see if you need a permit from the City of Twin Falls. Thank you for being patient.

7. Where do I pay?

• Utility Bill 
  • Utility bills can be paid by mail, in person at Utility Services, Online, or by Level Pay.
• Code Enforcement fines
  • Code Enforcement Fines can be paid in person at Utility Services. 
• Traffic violation:
  • Parking violations can be paid Online or in person at Utility Services.
  • Moving violation/citation can be paid Online, by mail, by phone, or in person at the Twin Falls County Court House. If you have further questions, please call (208) 736-4025.
• Building Permits, Planning and Zoning or Engineering fees
  • Fees can be paid in person at the Twin Falls City Hall, 203 Main Ave. East, 2^nd floor.
  • By mailing a check to:

City of Twin Falls

• (Building Safety, Planning & Zoning, or Engineering)
  • 203 Main Ave. E
  • PO Box 1907
  • Twin Falls, ID 83303-1907

8. How do I submit a Public Records Request?

• To obtain public records, a Public Records Request form needs to be submitted to the City’s Public Information office. 
• Some public records are exempt from disclosure, according to Idaho Code Title 74, Chapter 1.

9. Am I allowed to have livestock in city limits?

• Twin Falls City Code Title 6 Chapter 3 addresses animal regulations in city limits.
• Please contact the Police Department, Code Enforcement Office, at (208) 735-7278 for more information.

10. Where do I report mold?

The City does not have any jurisdiction or authority to enforce mold issues. However, the following are some very helpful links:

• Idaho Attorney General - Landlord & Tenant Manual
• IDH&W Indoor Environment: Mold - Know the Facts
• IDH&W Mold Brochure
• OSHA Mold Webpage

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1. How long will the ordinance be in effect?

The ordinance will be in effect for 60 days from the date passed.

2. Where will the ordinance be enforced?

In any public space, indoor or outdoor, where physical distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained.

3. What constitutes a public place?

For the purpose of this ordinance, a public place shall mean any place open to all members of the public without specific invitation, including but not necessarily limited to, retail business establishments, government offices, medical, educational, arts and recreational institutions, public transportation, including taxi cabs and rideshare vehicles. “Members of the public” shall mean persons not therein employed, or present without invitation.

4. Will I have to wear a mask on the Canyon Rim Trail or in city parks?

No, unless physical distancing yourself more than 6 feet from someone not in your household is not possible.

5. Will I have to wear a mask while in my own personal vehicle?

No. The ordinance specifically addresses public places where physical distancing is not possible.

6. Will there be exemptions made?

Yes. Per the language in the ordinance, exemptions will include:

•    Children under the age of 5.

•    Persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. A person is not required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.

•    Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

•    Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

•    Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose, face, or head for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.

•    Persons who are eating or drinking at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, so long as the person is able to maintain a distance of 6 feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

•    Outdoor public places where a person can employ physical distancing as recommended by CDC where the person is able to maintain a distance of 6 feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

•    Youth or adult athletes actively competing in a sporting event where masking is not possible. 

•    Persons who are engaged in indoor exercise or recreational activity, so long as they engage in physical distancing.

•    Persons who are participating in a court proceeding wherein the presiding judge authorizes the face covering to be removed. 

•    Persons who are participating in Educational Activities. Educational Activities means activities involving students taught by an educator in a school or equivalent setting.  

•    Persons who are participating in religious activities.

7. If I have a medical reason I cannot wear a mask will I have to provide documentation to prove this?

No, persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering will not be required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot wear a mask.

8. Who will enforce the ordinance?

The Twin Falls Police Department through both enforcement and education.

9. Is there a penalty for non-compliance?

Yes. Anyone that violates the ordinance will be guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of $50 plus court costs.

10. Where can I get reusable face coverings?

The City of Twin Falls purchased masks for the community using their CARES Act funds in September. These masks are available at City Hall, the Public Library, and at all schools in the Twin Falls School District.

11. Should I say something if someone is not wearing a mask?

Someone may have a medical reason for not wearing a face covering. Whether those around you are wearing face coverings or not, focus on keeping 6 feet of distance between you and washing your hands often.

12. How do I report someone for not wearing a mask?

You can call Police Administration at (208) 735-7209, Code Compliance at (208) 735-7335 or 3-11. There will be an email form available on the city’s website at www.tfid.org.

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1. Can I have a home based business?

• A home based business, also known as a home occupation, may be allowed depending on the zoning of your property and the type of business. 
• Generally, if the proposed business will generate any traffic, either vehicle or pedestrian, a Special Use Permit and a public hearing in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be required. 
• Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 208-735-7267 for further information.

2. What is the zoning on this property?

• Property zoning can be found on the City of Twin Falls Zoning Map. 
• If you have further questions regarding the zoning designation, please contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 208-735-7267. 

3. What are the setbacks on this property?

• The setbacks of a property will largely depend upon the zoning designation. 
• Once the zoning designation has been identified you can locate the setback requirements in the City Code under the “Property Development Standards” pertaining to the property’s zoning.

4. What is the zoning for sheds and do I need a permit?

• Can I build a shed on my residential property?
• The Building Safety Department has a handout for building a storage shed, garage, or other outbuilding. If you have further questions, please contact Building Safety at 208-735-7238.
• Any shed/accessory building greater than 200 sq/ft will require a building permit.
• A shed/accessory building less than 200 sq/ft is generally allowed without a permit, but still need to meet Planning and Zoning regulations. If you have any questions regarding these, please call Planning & Zoning Department at 208-735-7267.
• Depending on the zoning district you reside, there is a square footage limit for sheds/accessory buildings.
• 
  

ZONE	Allowed Square Footage w/o SUP
SUI	1500 sf or less
R1 VAR	1000 sf or less
R2	1000 sf or less
R4	1000 sf or less
R6	1000 sf or less

• A Special Use Permit (SUP) may be requested if your accessory building is over these limits. Please review the list and City Code to determine if your shed/outbuilding falls into these categories.

• If I am the homeowner doing the work, do I still need a permit? Homeowner’s doing work on their own primary residence need to follow all applicable codes including obtaining permits (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, & Mechanical).

5. Can the City make a property owner stripe a parking lot?

Per City Code any new development must stripe their lot if they have more than ten (10) spaces (Twin Falls City Code 10-11-4). However, there are many parking lots within the City that were developed before the adoption of City parking lot development ordinances that may be exempt to current regulations.

6. How do I find my property boundaries(pins)?

The City does not provide services to locate the exact location of property pins. However, the City can direct a property owner to a potential corresponding subdivision plat which could provide further insight of a property’s boundaries. For such information contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 208-735-7267.

7. What can I do with this property?

For information regarding building codes please contact Building Safety Department at 208-735-7238 or use the links below:

• List of permit requirements
• Fence & Site Obstructions
• Building a Storage Shed, Garage or other Outbuilding
• Additional Building Policies, Information & Brochures

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1. When it is after hours, how do workers know when to hit the streets during a snow storm?

Usually that is driven by calls from on-duty police officers. If snow starts to get deep after regular work hours, on-call street workers are notified. Drivers know during the winter they might work during the night, on weekends and holidays.

2. Why is it that the highways outside the city limits seem to show blacktop before city streets?

City trucks have spring-loaded rubber-bladed plows that help drivers avoid damaging equipment, manhole covers and storm drains. On the other hand, trucks used on highways are generally equipped with steel-tipped blades that scrape right down to the pavement.

3. Is my street private or public?

All private streets are indicated by a blue street sign and all public streets are indicated by a green street sign. The City has jurisdiction and/or maintenance of public streets (green street signs), NOT private streets (blue street signs). Private streets would be maintained by the property owner(s). 

4. Who maintains my street?

The City has jurisdiction and/or maintenance of public streets (green street signs), NOT private streets (blue street signs). Private streets would be maintained by the property owner(s).