Shelley Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Shelley's zoning regulations is essential for property owners, homebuyers, and developers in this growing Bingham 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 Shelley City Code Title 10 (Planning, Zoning, & Building) 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.

Shelley Zoning Districts at a Glance

Shelley uses a straightforward zoning system that focuses primarily on residential development, reflecting the city's character as a family-oriented community in Bingham County. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts:

Shelley's zoning code is designed to maintain the city's small-town character while accommodating growth and development. The city has also established an Area of City Impact that extends beyond the city limits, allowing for coordinated planning with Bingham County for future growth areas.

Residential Zones

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

R1 Zone (Single-Family Residential)

The R1 zone is the standard single-family residential zone in Shelley.

• Traditional single-family neighborhoods

• Moderate to large lot sizes

• Limited to detached single-family homes

• Some accessory uses permitted (home offices, etc.)

• Makes up a significant portion of the city's residential areas

R1-A Zone (Single-Family Residential Variation)

The R1-A zone is a variation of the standard R1 zone with specific requirements.

• Similar to R1 but with specific standards

• Designed for particular neighborhoods or developments

• May have different setback, height, or lot coverage requirements

• Still limited to single-family homes

R2 Zone (Medium-density Residential)

The R2 zone allows for a mix of single-family and two-family dwellings.

• Permits both single-family homes and duplexes

• Medium-density residential development

• Smaller minimum lot sizes than R1/R1-A

• Often serves as a transition between single-family and commercial areas

• Provides more affordable housing options

R2A Zone (Medium-density Residential Variation)

The R2A zone is a variation of the standard R2 zone with specific requirements.

• Similar to R2 but with specific standards

• Designed for particular neighborhoods or developments

• May have different setback, height, or lot coverage requirements

• Still allows for both single-family and two-family dwellings

Commercial Zones

Shelley has several commercial zones to accommodate different types and scales of business activity while maintaining compatibility with the city's predominantly residential character.

C1 Zone (Neighborhood Commercial)

The C1 zone is designed for small-scale commercial uses that serve the surrounding neighborhoods with minimal impact on residential areas.

• Small retail stores and convenience shops

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

• Personal services (salons, dry cleaners, etc.)

• Small cafes and restaurants

• Often serves as a buffer between residential and more intensive commercial uses

• Typically has strict requirements for landscaping, signage, and operating hours

C2 Zone (Community Commercial)

The C2 zone accommodates medium-sized commercial establishments that serve the broader community.

• Grocery stores and pharmacies

• Retail shops and service businesses

• Restaurants and cafes

• Professional office complexes

• Located along major streets and intersections

• Designed to be accessible to multiple neighborhoods

C3 Zone (Highway Commercial)

The C3 zone is for larger commercial operations, particularly those oriented toward highway traffic and requiring good vehicular access.

• Hotels and motels

• Larger retail establishments

• Fast-food restaurants and drive-through businesses

• Gas stations and convenience stores

• Auto-related businesses

• Located primarily along State Highway 91 and other major transportation corridors

CBD Zone (Central Business District)

The CBD zone covers Shelley's downtown area, promoting a mix of commercial, civic, and cultural uses in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

• Retail stores and boutiques

• Restaurants and cafes

• Professional offices

• Civic buildings and public spaces

• Mixed-use buildings with residential upper floors

• Special provisions for historic preservation and downtown character

Commercial development in Shelley is generally designed to serve the local community, with larger regional commercial uses concentrated in neighboring cities like Blackfoot and Idaho Falls. The city works to ensure that commercial development is compatible with its predominantly residential character.

Special Provisions and Procedures

Shelley's zoning code includes special provisions and procedures for various situations:

• Special Use Permits (Title 10-10): Allows for uses not normally permitted in a zone under certain conditions

• Non-Conforming Uses (Title 10-11): Regulations for properties that don't conform to current zoning

• Appeals and Variances (Title 10-12): Processes for requesting exceptions to zoning requirements

• Mobile Home & Travel Trailer Parks (Title 10-13): Specific requirements for these types of developments

• Planned Unit Developments (Title 10-15): Provisions for comprehensive development plans

• Subdivision Regulations (Title 10-16): Requirements for dividing land into lots

These special provisions provide additional guidance for specific situations and help ensure consistent application of the zoning code throughout the city.

Zoning Procedures in Shelley

Understanding how zoning works in Shelley 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 Shelley.

Area of City Impact

Shelley has established an Area of City Impact (Title 10-4) 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 Bingham County

• Properties in this area may be subject to both city and county regulations

• It helps prevent incompatible development on the city's periphery

If you're considering a property near Shelley 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 Bingham County Zoning

Shelley's zoning regulations apply only within the city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas of Bingham 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

• 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

Shelley works closely with Bingham 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 Shelley

Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in Shelley 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 Shelley 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 R1 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 Shelley 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 Shelley property questions.