Rigby Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Rigby's zoning regulations is essential for property owners, homebuyers, and developers in this important Jefferson County city. 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 Rigby 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.

Rigby Zoning Districts at a Glance

Rigby uses a traditional zoning system with clearly defined residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts:

Rigby's zoning code is designed to maintain the city's small-town character while accommodating growth and development. The city has established clear regulations for each zone to ensure compatible land uses and appropriate development standards.

Residential Zones

Rigby offers several residential zones to accommodate different housing types and densities.

R-1 Zone (Single-Family Residential)

The R-1 zone is the standard single-family residential zone in Rigby, designed to protect stable neighborhoods of detached single-family dwellings on larger lots.

• Large landscaped lawns

• Low building heights (maximum 25 feet)

• Ample setbacks and side yards

• Predominantly off-street parking

• Low traffic volumes

• Minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet

• Minimum lot width of 80 feet

• Not more than one single-family dwelling per lot

The R-1 zone has specific requirements for lot coverage and landscaping:

• Maximum building coverage (including impervious surfaces): 70% of lot area

• Minimum landscaping: 30% of lot area

• Impervious surface limitations: Not more than 40% of front yard, 50% of rear yard, and 100% of one side yard

Permitted uses in the R-1 zone include:

• Single-family dwellings (detached, manufactured)

• Tourist homes (with review for neighborhood compatibility)

• Group homes for disabled and elderly persons (under 8 residents)

Conditional uses that require special approval include churches, schools, communications facilities, electricity regulating substations, and other utility and public facilities.

R-2 Zone (Mixed Residential)

The R-2 zone allows for both single-family dwellings and multi-family dwellings, providing more housing options and higher density than the R-1 zone.

• Accommodates a mix of housing types

• Higher density than R-1

• Typically located as a transition between single-family areas and higher-density or commercial areas

• Provides more affordable housing options

R-3 Zone (Multi-family Residential)

The R-3 zone is specifically designed for multi-family dwellings, allowing for the highest residential density in Rigby.

• Apartments, condominiums, and townhouses

• Highest residential density

• Often located near commercial areas or major transportation routes

• Provides the most affordable housing options

RMH Zone (Residential Mobile Home)

The RMH zone is designated for residential mobile homes, providing an affordable housing option for Rigby residents.

• Mobile homes and manufactured housing

• Specific standards for installation and appearance

• May be individual lots or mobile home parks

Parks Zone

In addition to residential zones, Rigby has designated areas for parks and recreation.

RP Zone (Residential Park)

The RP zone is used specifically for City of Rigby Parks and Recreation uses. Private parks and recreation uses maintain the zoning of the subdivision in which they are located.

Commercial Zones

Rigby's commercial zoning is designed to accommodate a variety of business activities while maintaining the city's small-town character. The commercial zones provide space for retail, service, and office uses at different scales and intensities.

C1 Zone (Neighborhood Commercial)

The C1 zone provides for small-scale commercial uses that primarily serve the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

• Small retail shops and convenience stores

• Professional offices (medical, dental, legal, etc.)

• Personal service establishments (barber shops, salons, etc.)

• Small restaurants and cafes

• Neighborhood-oriented businesses

• Limited hours of operation to minimize impact on nearby residences

C2 Zone (General Commercial)

The C2 zone accommodates a broader range of commercial activities that serve the entire community.

• Retail stores and shopping centers

• Restaurants and food service establishments

• Professional and business offices

• Service businesses

• Entertainment venues

• Located along major streets and arterials

C3 Zone (Highway Commercial)

The C3 zone is designed for larger commercial operations that cater to highway traffic and require significant space for operations.

• Hotels and motels

• Large retail establishments

• Vehicle sales and service

• Gas stations and travel centers

• Restaurants with drive-through facilities

• Located primarily along US Highway 20 and other major transportation corridors

CBD Zone (Central Business District)

The CBD zone encompasses Rigby's historic downtown area, promoting a pedestrian-friendly mix of commercial, civic, and cultural uses.

• Retail shops and specialty stores

• Restaurants and cafes

• Professional offices

• Government and civic buildings

• Cultural and entertainment venues

• Mixed-use buildings with upper-floor residential

Industrial Zone

I Zone (Industrial)

The I zone is designated for industrial uses such as manufacturing, warehousing, and processing. These areas are typically located away from residential zones to minimize potential conflicts.

• Manufacturing and processing facilities

• Warehousing and distribution centers

• Contractor yards and building supply businesses

• Research and development facilities

• Agricultural processing and support services

• Located in designated areas with appropriate infrastructure and buffering from residential uses

Annexation and Zoning

An important aspect of Rigby's zoning code is the provision for newly annexed areas. Any area annexed to the municipality is automatically zoned R-1 (Single-Family Residential) until otherwise zoned. This ensures that new areas incorporated into the city have basic protections in place until a more specific zoning designation can be determined.

Zoning Procedures in Rigby

Understanding how zoning works in Rigby is just as important as knowing the zone designations. The city has established clear processes for:

These procedures involve applications, fees, public hearings, and decisions by the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council. Understanding these procedural requirements can save you time and frustration when planning a project in Rigby.

Relationship to Jefferson County Zoning

Rigby's zoning regulations apply only within the city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County are subject to the county's zoning regulations instead. This distinction is important for several reasons:

• Properties annexed into the city will transition from county to city zoning (automatically becoming R-1 initially)

• City zoning is typically more detailed and restrictive than county zoning

• Different procedures and authorities govern zoning decisions

• Properties near the city boundary may be affected by both jurisdictions

Rigby works with Jefferson County on planning issues, particularly for areas that may be annexed in the future. 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 Rigby

Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in Rigby 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

1. City Zoning: The base regulations that apply to all properties within Rigby city limits

2. CC&Rs: Private agreements that place additional restrictions on properties within specific developments

3. 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 zoned R-1 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 Rigby 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 Rigby property questions.