Fremont County Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Fremont 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 Fremont County Development 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.
Fremont County Zoning Districts at a Glance
Fremont County uses a zoning system that balances residential development, agricultural preservation, and recreational opportunities. 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-2 | Multiple-family residential | Apartments, duplexes | |
R-3 | Mobile home residential | Mobile homes, manufactured homes | |
Agricultural | A-1 | Agricultural | Farming, ranching, limited residential |
A-2 | Agricultural transitional | Farming with more residential options | |
A-3 | Agricultural forest | Forestry, limited residential | |
Commercial | C-1 | Community commercial | Retail, offices, services |
C-2 | Highway commercial | Highway-oriented businesses | |
Industrial | I | Industrial | Manufacturing, processing |
Recreational | REC | Recreational | Recreational facilities and services |
Residential Zones
Fremont County's residential zones provide areas for housing development while maintaining appropriate density and neighborhood character.
Feature | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Housing Type | Single-family | Multi-family | Mobile homes |
Minimum Lot Size | Medium | Varies | Smaller |
Density | Low-Medium | High | Medium-High |
Agricultural Uses | Very limited | Not allowed | Very limited |
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-2 Zone (Multiple-Family Residential)
The R-2 zone allows for apartments, duplexes, and other multi-family housing options.
Permits apartments, duplexes, and other multi-family structures
Higher residential density
Typically located near commercial areas or major transportation routes
Provides more affordable housing options
R-3 Zone (Mobile Home Residential)
The R-3 zone is designed for mobile homes and manufactured housing.
Allows for mobile homes and manufactured housing
May include mobile home parks or individual lots
Provides affordable housing options
Specific requirements for installation and foundations
Agricultural Zones
Fremont County's agricultural zones balance farming activities with residential development in rural areas.
Feature | A-1 | A-2 | A-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Lot Size | Largest | Medium | Large |
Agricultural Intensity | High | Medium | Medium-Low |
Residential Focus | Low | Medium | Low-Medium |
Natural Resource Focus | Medium | Low | High |
A-1 Zone (Agricultural)
The A-1 zone is primarily focused on agricultural activities with limited residential development.
Preserves agricultural land for farming and ranching
Allows for farm residences and limited non-farm residential development
Few restrictions on agricultural operations
Maintains rural character and agricultural economy
A-2 Zone (Agricultural Transitional)
The A-2 zone provides for a transition between agricultural and residential areas.
Balance between agricultural and residential uses
Smaller minimum lot sizes than the A-1 zone
More restrictions on agricultural operations than the A-1 zone
Often located near growing communities or developing areas
A-3 Zone (Agricultural Forest)
The A-3 zone is designed for forestry and limited residential development in forested areas.
Preserves forest resources
Allows for limited residential development
Specific requirements for development in forested areas
Focus on natural resource protection
Commercial and Industrial Zones
Fremont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 (Community 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 (Highway Commercial)
The C-2 zone accommodates larger commercial uses oriented toward highway traffic.
Larger retail stores
Service stations and automotive businesses
Hotels and motels
Businesses catering to highway travelers
I Zone (Industrial)
The I zone provides locations for manufacturing, processing, and other industrial operations.
Manufacturing and processing
Warehousing and distribution
Research and development
Resource extraction and processing
Recreational Zone
The REC (Recreational) zone is designed for recreational facilities and activities, which is particularly important in Fremont County with its proximity to Island Park, Yellowstone, and other recreational areas.
Campgrounds and RV parks
Outdoor recreational facilities
Parks and open spaces
Limited residential development related to recreational uses
Tourist-oriented services and facilities
Zoning Procedures
Understanding how zoning works in Fremont 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 Fremont County. If you need help navigating these procedures, I'm happy to assist.
Property Restriction Hierarchy
When purchasing or developing property in Fremont 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 Fremont County
City Zoning: Properties within city limits follow city zoning instead of county zoning. In Fremont County, these cities include:
St. Anthony - Has its own comprehensive zoning ordinance
Ashton - Maintains separate zoning regulations with unique requirements
Island Park - Has specific zoning focused on recreational and tourism development
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. For example, a property zoned A-2 might legally allow for certain agricultural activities according to county regulations, but the subdivision's CC&Rs might prohibit those activities entirely.
Need Help with Fremont 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.
Exploring Zoning Throughout Southeast Idaho
Fremont County's approach to zoning reflects its unique position as a gateway to Yellowstone and home to significant recreational areas like Island Park. Understanding how Fremont 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's zoning regulations place more emphasis on recreational development and seasonal housing than most other counties in the region. The county's unique geography, with areas ranging from agricultural valleys to forested mountains, has led to a zoning approach that balances traditional agricultural uses with growing recreational development. If you're comparing properties across county lines or considering development in different areas, understanding these regional differences can help you make more informed decisions.