Bonneville County Zoning Regulations
Understanding Bonneville County's zoning regulations doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're buying land, building a home, or developing property, knowing these rules is essential. This guide breaks down the county's zoning districts and regulations in plain language to help you make informed decisions.
For the most current zoning information, always check the official Bonneville County Zoning Ordinance 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.
Bonneville County Zoning Districts at a Glance
Bonneville County uses a straightforward zoning system that balances residential development, agricultural preservation, and commercial needs. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts:
Zone Type | Zone Code | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | R-1 | Single-family residential | Single-family homes |
R-1.5 | Single-family residential | Single-family homes on smaller lots | |
R-2 | Two-family residential | Duplexes, twin homes | |
R-3 | Multiple-family residential | Apartments, condos | |
Agricultural | RA-1 | Residential agricultural | Homes with limited agricultural uses |
RA-2 | Residential agricultural | Homes with more agricultural uses | |
RA-3 | Residential agricultural | Primarily agricultural with homes | |
Commercial | C-1 | Neighborhood commercial | Small retail, offices |
C-2 | General commercial | Larger retail, services | |
Industrial | I&M | Industrial and manufacturing | Manufacturing, processing |
Residential Zones
Bonneville County's residential zones provide areas for housing development while maintaining appropriate density and neighborhood character.
Feature | R-1 | R-1.5 | R-2 | R-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing Type | Single-family | Single-family | Two-family | Multi-family |
Minimum Lot Size | Larger | Medium | Medium | Varies |
Density | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Agricultural Uses | Very limited | Very limited | Very limited | Not allowed |
R-1 Zone (Single-Family Residential)
The R-1 zone is designed for traditional single-family homes on standard-sized lots.
Focused exclusively on single-family homes
Provides space for yards and outdoor activities
Typically located in established residential neighborhoods
Limited to residential uses with few exceptions
R-1.5 Zone (Single-Family Residential)
The R-1.5 zone allows for single-family homes on smaller lots than the R-1 zone.
Still limited to single-family homes
Smaller minimum lot sizes than R-1
Allows for more efficient land use
Often found in newer developments
R-2 Zone (Two-Family Residential)
The R-2 zone accommodates duplexes and twin homes, providing a transition between single-family and multi-family areas.
Allows for duplexes and twin homes
Provides housing diversity within residential areas
Often serves as a buffer between single-family and higher-density zones
Good option for small-scale rental properties
R-3 Zone (Multiple-Family Residential)
The R-3 zone allows for apartments and other multi-family housing options.
Permits apartments, condominiums, and other multi-family structures
Highest residential density
Typically located near commercial areas or major transportation routes
Provides more affordable housing options
Commercial and Industrial Zones
Bonneville County's commercial and industrial zones provide space for businesses and industries while managing their impacts on residential areas.
Feature | C-1 | C-2 | I&M |
|---|---|---|---|
Scale | Small-Medium | Medium-Large | Large |
Impact | Low-Medium | Medium-High | High |
Compatibility with Residential | Good | Limited | Poor |
Traffic Generation | Medium | High | Medium-High |
C-1 Zone (Neighborhood Commercial)
The C-1 zone provides locations for commercial uses that serve the local community.
Retail stores and services
Professional offices
Restaurants and small entertainment venues
Community-serving businesses
C-2 Zone (General Commercial)
The C-2 zone accommodates larger commercial uses that serve the broader community.
Larger retail stores
Service stations and automotive businesses
Hotels and motels
Businesses catering to regional customers
I&M Zone (Industrial and Manufacturing)
The I&M zone provides locations for manufacturing, processing, and other industrial operations.
Manufacturing and processing
Warehousing and distribution
Research and development
Resource extraction and processing
Agricultural Zones
Bonneville County's agricultural zones balance farming activities with residential development in rural areas.
Feature | RA-1 | RA-2 | RA-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Lot Size | 1 acre | 5 acres | 20 acres |
Agricultural Intensity | Low | Medium | High |
Residential Focus | High | Medium | Low |
Livestock Allowed | Limited | More permitted | Most permitted |
What You Can Do in Residential Agricultural Zones
Activity | RA-1 | RA-2 | RA-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Single-family home | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Small garden | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Small livestock (chickens, etc.) | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Large livestock (horses, cattle) | Very limited | Limited | Yes |
Commercial farming | No | Limited | Yes |
Home-based business | Limited | Limited | Yes |
The RA zones provide a good balance between residential living and agricultural activities. They're ideal for those who want more space and the ability to have some agricultural uses without being in a fully agricultural area.
Zoning Procedures
Understanding how zoning works in Bonneville County is just as important as knowing the zone designations. The county has established clear processes for:
Process | Description | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
Zoning Verification | Confirming the current zoning of a property | 1-2 days |
Permission for uses allowed under certain conditions | 30-60 days | |
Permission to deviate from specific zoning requirements | 30-60 days | |
Zone Change | Changing the zoning designation of a property | 60-90 days |
Understanding these procedural requirements can save you time and frustration when planning a project in Bonneville County. If you need help navigating these procedures, I'm happy to assist.
Property Restriction Hierarchy
When purchasing or developing property in Bonneville County, it's important to understand the full hierarchy of restrictions that may apply:
County Zoning: The base regulations that apply to all properties in unincorporated areas of Bonneville County
City Zoning: Properties within city limits follow city zoning instead of county zoning. In Bonneville County, these cities include:
Idaho Falls - Has its own comprehensive zoning ordinance with residential, commercial, and industrial districts
Ammon - Maintains separate zoning regulations with unique requirements
CC&Rs: Many subdivisions have Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions that add further limitations beyond zoning
HOA Rules: Properties in HOA-governed communities must also follow homeowners association rules, which can be even more restrictive
This hierarchy is important to understand because even if county zoning allows certain uses, city zoning, CC&Rs, or HOA rules may prohibit them. We'll be creating detailed guides for each city with separate zoning to help you navigate their specific requirements.
Need Help with Bonneville County 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
Simply trying to understand how zoning affects your property value
We're here to help at no cost to you. Our team stays informed about zoning regulations throughout the region and can help you understand how they apply to your property.
Zoning Across Southeast Idaho
Bonneville County is the most populous county in southeast Idaho, which is reflected in its more detailed zoning approach. Understanding how Bonneville County's regulations compare with neighboring counties provides valuable context, especially if you're considering properties in different areas.
Each county in southeast Idaho has developed unique zoning approaches based on their specific needs and priorities:
Bonneville County - More detailed residential categories and higher-density development
Bingham County - Has fewer zoning categories but larger agricultural zones
Jefferson County - Focuses on preserving agricultural land with specific regulations
Madison County - Balances university growth with rural preservation
Teton County - Emphasizes scenic preservation and controlled growth
Fremont County - Prioritizes recreational and tourism development alongside agriculture
If you're considering property in multiple counties, understanding these differences can help you make more informed decisions about where to buy based on your intended use.