Ashton Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Ashton's zoning regulations is essential for property owners, homebuyers, and developers in this charming Fremont County community. Whether you're buying a home, planning renovations, or developing property, knowing these rules will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
For the most current zoning information, always check the official Ashton City Code and planning department resources. If you need help understanding how these regulations affect your property, our team at Bellhaven Real Estate is here to assist at no cost.
Ashton Zoning Districts at a Glance
Ashton uses a comprehensive zoning system established in Title 17 of the Ashton City Code. The city's zoning regulations are designed to implement the comprehensive plan and ensure orderly development. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts in Ashton:
Category | Zone Types | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | LDRZD, HDRZD | Housing at various densities | Single-family homes, duplexes, apartments |
Commercial | HCZD, CCZD | Business and service uses | Retail, offices, restaurants, services |
Industrial | IZD | Manufacturing and industrial operations | Manufacturing, warehousing, processing |
Ashton's zoning code is designed to maintain the city's small-town character while accommodating appropriate growth and development. The city has established clear regulations for each zone to ensure compatible land uses and appropriate development standards.
Residential Zones
Ashton offers two residential zones to accommodate different housing types and densities while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods.
Zone | Designation | Density | Housing Types | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lower Density Residential | LDRZD | Low | Single-family, two-family | Protected from conflicts with higher density and commercial uses |
Higher Density Residential | HDRZD | Medium to High | Mix of housing types including multi-family | Class II permit required for subdivisions, mobile home parks, and most multi-family dwellings |
Lower Density Residential Zone (LDRZD)
The Lower Density Residential Zone is designed to protect neighborhoods of one- and two-family dwellings from conflicts with higher density developments and commercial or industrial enterprises. Key features include:
Primarily single-family and two-family dwellings
Home businesses permitted with performance standards
Schools, churches, daycare centers, and parks allowed with Class II permit
Minor utility installations permitted
Accessory uses and buildings customarily associated with permitted uses
Emphasis on maintaining residential character
Higher Density Residential Zone (HDRZD)
The Higher Density Residential Zone provides for a mix of housing types and densities while protecting from conflicts with commercial and industrial uses. Key features include:
One-family or two-family dwellings
Multiple-family (attached) dwellings containing up to eight units
Home businesses permitted with performance standards
Schools, churches, daycare centers, and parks allowed with Class II permit
Minor utility installations permitted
Class II permit required for subdivisions, mobile home parks, and most multi-family dwellings
Accessory uses and buildings customarily associated with permitted uses
Commercial Zones
Ashton has established two commercial zones to accommodate different types of business uses and development patterns.
Zone | Designation | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highway Commercial | HCZD | Commercial uses dependent on highway visibility | All commercial uses | Located along U.S. Highway 20 |
Community Core | CCZD | Traditional "main street" development | All commercial uses, residential as accessory | Downtown Ashton, traditional development pattern |
Highway Commercial Zone (HCZD)
The Highway Commercial Zone is designed to provide a place for commercial uses that depend on a high degree of accessibility and visibility from U.S. Highway 20. Key features include:
All commercial uses permitted (except those requiring Class II permit)
Minor utility installations permitted
Class II permit required for uses involving combustible, flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials
Accessory uses and buildings customarily associated with permitted uses
Emphasis on accessibility and visibility from highway
Community Core Zone (CCZD)
The Community Core Zone is designed to provide for a traditional "main street" pattern of development in downtown Ashton. Key features include:
All commercial uses permitted (except those requiring Class II permit)
Residential uses allowed as accessories to active commercial operations
Commercial use must front on the street
Residential use must be less than 50% of the building
In two-story buildings, residential use must be on the second floor
Off-street overnight parking required for residential use
Minor utility installations permitted
Traditional downtown development pattern
Industrial Zone
Ashton has established an Industrial Zone to accommodate manufacturing and industrial operations.
Zone | Designation | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Industrial | IZD | Industrial operations with minimal conflict | All industrial uses | Class II permit for hazardous materials and large-scale developments |
Industrial Zone (IZD)
The Industrial Zone is designed to provide places where industrial uses can operate with minimal conflict with less intensive uses. Key features include:
All industrial uses permitted (except those requiring Class II permit)
Accessory uses and buildings customarily associated with permitted uses
Class II permit required for uses involving combustible, flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials
Class II permit required for "large scale industrial developments"
Minor utility installations permitted
Separation from residential and sensitive uses
Development Standards
Ashton's zoning code includes detailed specification standards for each zone. These standards ensure that development is compatible with surrounding properties and meets community expectations for quality and character.
Standard Type | LDRZD | HDRZD | HCZD | CCZD | IZD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Lot Size | Varies | Varies | None | None | None |
Setbacks | Required | Required | Required | Minimal | Required |
Building Height | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Parking | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
Performance Standards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Each zone has specific specification standards that address lot size, setbacks, building height, and other physical aspects of development. Additionally, performance standards address operational aspects such as noise, traffic, and compatibility with neighboring properties.
Permit System
Ashton uses a two-tiered permit system to regulate development within each zone:
Permit Type | Description | Approval Process | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Class I Permit | Basic permit for uses explicitly allowed in the zone | Administrative approval | Permitted uses listed for each zone |
Class II Permit | Conditional permit for uses that require additional review | Planning and Zoning Commission review | Uses with potential impacts that need mitigation |
Each zoning district specifies which uses are allowed with a Class I permit and which require a Class II permit. The Class II permit process allows for public input and the application of conditions to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties.
Zoning Administration and Procedures
Understanding how zoning works in Ashton is just as important as knowing the zone designations. The city has established clear processes for zoning administration and procedures.
Process | Description | Typical Timeline | Approval Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
Class I Permit | Basic permit for allowed uses | 1-2 weeks | Zoning Administrator |
Class II Permit | Conditional permit for uses requiring review | 30-45 days | Planning & Zoning Commission |
Permission to deviate from specific zoning requirements | 30-45 days | Planning & Zoning Commission | |
Zone Change | Changing the zoning designation of a property | 60-90 days | City Council |
Boundary Dispute | Appeal of administrator's interpretation of zone boundary | 30 days | Appeals procedure |
Planning and Zoning Commission
Ashton's Planning and Zoning Commission plays a crucial role in the zoning process. The commission reviews applications, holds public hearings, and makes recommendations to the City Council on zoning matters.
Zoning Administrator
The Zoning Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the zoning code. The administrator's responsibilities include:
Providing information and advice concerning zoning regulations
Processing Class I permits
Reviewing applications for completeness
Interpreting zoning district boundaries
Enforcing zoning regulations
Coordinating with other city departments and public agencies
Area of City Impact
Ashton has established an Area of City Impact that extends beyond the city limits. This area is important for several reasons:
It defines areas where future city growth is anticipated
It allows for coordinated planning between the city and Fremont County
Properties in this area are subject to special regulations
It helps prevent incompatible development on the city's periphery
If you're considering a property near Ashton but outside the city limits, it's important to determine whether it falls within the Area of City Impact and what implications that might have for development or future annexation.
Relationship to Fremont County Zoning
Ashton's zoning regulations apply only within the city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas of Fremont County are subject to the county's zoning regulations instead, with special provisions for the Area of City Impact. This distinction is important for several reasons:
Aspect | City Zoning | County Zoning | Area of City Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Detail Level | More detailed and specific | More general | Hybrid approach |
Restrictions | Typically more restrictive | Typically less restrictive | Intermediate |
Services | Full city services | Limited county services | Limited county services |
Annexation Impact | N/A | N/A | Properties may be annexed in future |
Approval Process | City Planning Commission/Council | County Planning Commission/Commissioners | County administers with city input |
Ashton works closely with Fremont County on planning issues, particularly within the Area of City Impact. If you're considering a property near the city limits, it's important to verify which jurisdiction's regulations apply and whether annexation might be required or beneficial.
Understanding CC&Rs and HOAs in Ashton
Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in Ashton are subject to additional restrictions through Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Homeowners Associations (HOAs). This is particularly common in newer subdivisions.
The Hierarchy of Property Restrictions
City Zoning: The base regulations that apply to all properties within Ashton city limits
CC&Rs: Private agreements that place additional restrictions on properties within specific developments
HOA Rules: Specific regulations created and enforced by homeowners associations
Even if city zoning allows a particular use, CC&Rs or HOA rules may prohibit it. For example, a property in a residential zone might legally allow for certain home-based businesses according to city regulations, but the subdivision's CC&Rs might prohibit any commercial activity entirely.
Need Help with Ashton Zoning?
At Bellhaven Real Estate, we help clients understand zoning regulations throughout southeast Idaho. Whether you're:
Looking to purchase property and want to understand what you can do with it
Planning to build or develop and need clarity on zoning requirements
Considering a variance or zone change for your existing property
Trying to navigate the relationship between city zoning, CC&Rs, and HOA rules
Our team can help you understand the regulations that apply to your specific situation. Contact us today for assistance with your Ashton property questions.