Are Giant Christmas Inflatables Allowed In Idaho Neighborhoods

As I was putting up my 8-foot inflatable Christmas decorations this year, I felt pretty impressed with myself. Then I drove through a couple of neighborhoods and saw Christmas setups that were insane. Trees, Santas, reindeer, the whole North Pole situation. Some of them were literally two stories tall!

I was totally impressed and more than a little jealous of how great they looked. But it got me wondering if Idaho has actual rules on just how big these things can get.

Most Neighborhood Inflatable Rules Are Not Really About Height

I couldn't find a statewide rule that says your Christmas inflatable must be under a specific height. It seems to come down to whether your display is treated as decor versus a sign or attention-getting display, and whether it creates a safety or visibility problem.

Boise Is Generally Friendly To Seasonal Decorations

Boise’s city code lists religious symbols and seasonal decorations as an exempt sign type, which is a good sign for normal residential Christmas inflatables.

Read More: RV Spotted Driving Dangerously Close to Idaho Canyon Rim

Twin Falls Gets Specific When Inflatables Act Like Signs

Twin Falls is one of the places where inflatables are clearly discussed in the context of temporary signs and permits. But that applies to businesses. Still, it is a reminder that if your inflatable starts looking like signage, you could wind up in a different category.

Idaho Falls And Pocatello Can Be A Gray Area If You Go Massive

Pocatello lists holiday decorations as not subject to a permit. Idaho Falls has a detailed sign code that focuses on permits and sign types, but it does not read like a Christmas decoration rulebook.

The Real Boss Fight Is Your Idaho HOA

As long as your inflatable isn't causing a safety issue, the city doesn't really care about your inflatable. HOWEVER, your HOA might. Idaho’s most famous example is the West Hayden Estates dispute over a Christmas display, which has gone through years of litigation and even reached the Ninth Circuit.

More recently, an HOA in Colorado received some community flak for trying to throw down the hammer on a festive homeowner with a giant inflatable Santa.

Two Rules That Matter About Idaho Inflatables

First, stay clear of overhead power lines. Idaho’s Overhead Line Safety Act is commonly explained as the 10-foot rule. Idaho law says you need a 10-foot clearance for many overhead lines.
Second, do not block sidewalks, sight lines, or corners. The fastest way to turn holiday cheer into a problem is to make drivers or pedestrians deal with it.