St. Anthony Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding St. Anthony'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 St. Anthony Municipal 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.
St. Anthony Zoning Districts at a Glance
St. Anthony uses a comprehensive zoning system established in Title 17 of the St. Anthony Municipal Code (SAMC). 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 St. Anthony:
Category | Zone Types | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | RC, LDR, HDR | Housing at various densities | Single-family homes, duplexes, apartments |
Mixed Use | MU, MU2 | Combined residential and commercial | Residential with compatible commercial |
Commercial | DC, HIC1, HIC2 | Business and service uses | Retail, offices, restaurants, services |
Special Purpose | Public Uses, Public Lands, State Land, Open Space | Government, institutional, and natural areas | Parks, schools, government facilities |
St. Anthony'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
St. Anthony offers several residential zones to accommodate different housing types and densities while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods.
Zone | Designation | Density | Housing Types | Typical Lot Sizes | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rural Cluster Residential | RC | Very Low | Single-family primarily | Larger lots | Rural character, cluster development |
Lower Density Residential | LDR | Low | Single-family primarily | Medium to large lots | Traditional neighborhoods |
Higher Density Residential | HDR | Medium to High | Single-family, multi-family | Smaller lots | More compact development |
Rural Cluster Residential Zone (RC)
The Rural Cluster Residential zone is designed for areas where a rural character is desired while still allowing for residential development. Key features include:
Larger lot sizes
Primarily single-family detached homes
Cluster development options to preserve open space
Limited agricultural uses may be permitted
Lower density development pattern
Greater setbacks from property lines
Lower Density Residential Zone (LDR)
The Lower Density Residential zone is the primary residential zone in St. Anthony, designed for traditional single-family neighborhoods. Key features include:
Medium to large lot sizes
Primarily single-family detached homes
Traditional neighborhood development patterns
Moderate setbacks from property lines
Limited home occupations may be permitted
Accessory dwelling units may be allowed with restrictions
Higher Density Residential Zone (HDR)
The Higher Density Residential zone allows for a mix of housing types at higher densities. Key features include:
Smaller lot sizes
Mix of single-family and multi-family housing
Apartments, townhomes, and condominiums
More compact development pattern
Reduced setbacks from property lines
Often located near commercial areas or major transportation routes
Mixed Use Zones
St. Anthony has established mixed use zones to encourage vibrant, walkable areas that combine residential and commercial uses.
Zone | Designation | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixed Use - Residential Emphasis | MU | Primarily residential with compatible commercial | Residential with neighborhood-scale commercial | Residential character maintained |
Mixed Use | MU2 | Balanced mix of residential and commercial | Residential and commercial in equal measure | More flexible mix of uses |
Mixed Use Zone - Residential Emphasis (MU)
This zone is designed to maintain a primarily residential character while allowing for compatible commercial uses. Key features include:
Primarily residential uses
Small-scale, neighborhood-oriented commercial uses
Commercial uses typically limited to ground floor
Design standards to ensure compatibility with residential character
Emphasis on pedestrian-friendly development
Transition between residential and commercial areas
Mixed Use Zone (MU2)
This zone allows for a more balanced mix of residential and commercial uses. Key features include:
More flexible mix of residential and commercial uses
Medium-scale commercial uses
Multi-story buildings with commercial on ground floor and residential above
Higher density residential development
Emphasis on creating vibrant, walkable areas
May include live-work spaces
Commercial Zones
St. Anthony has established several commercial zones to accommodate different types and intensities of business uses.
Zone | Designation | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Downtown Commercial | DC | Historic downtown business district | Retail, restaurants, offices, services | Pedestrian-oriented, historic character |
High Impact Commercial | HIC1 | General commercial uses | Retail, offices, services, lodging | Auto-oriented, larger scale |
Higher Impact Commercial | HIC2 | More intensive commercial uses | Larger retail, services with greater impacts | Higher traffic generation, larger buildings |
Downtown Commercial Zone (DC)
The Downtown Commercial zone is designed to preserve and enhance St. Anthony's historic downtown area. Key features include:
Traditional downtown retail and services
Pedestrian-oriented development
Historic building preservation
Zero or minimal front setbacks
On-street parking and shared parking facilities
Mixed-use buildings with upper-floor residential may be allowed
Design standards to maintain historic character
High Impact Commercial Zone (HIC1)
The High Impact Commercial zone accommodates a wide range of commercial uses that serve the community and visitors. Key features include:
General retail and services
Professional offices
Restaurants and food services
Lodging and accommodations
More auto-oriented development
Larger building footprints
Off-street parking requirements
Higher Impact Commercial Zone (HIC2)
The Higher Impact Commercial zone allows for more intensive commercial uses that may have greater impacts on surrounding areas. Key features include:
Larger-scale retail and services
Uses with higher traffic generation
Uses that may have noise, visual, or other impacts
Larger building footprints and heights
Substantial off-street parking requirements
Buffer requirements when adjacent to residential zones
Often located along major transportation corridors
Special Purpose Zones
St. Anthony has established several special purpose zones to accommodate unique uses and preserve important community assets.
Zone | Designation | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Public Uses | - | Government and institutional uses | Schools, government buildings, community facilities |
Public Lands | - | Publicly owned lands | Parks, recreation areas, public facilities |
State Land | PL2 | State-owned properties | State facilities, conservation areas |
Open Space | OS | Preservation of natural areas | Parks, natural areas, recreation, conservation |
Public Uses
The Public Uses zone is designed for government and institutional uses that serve the community. Key features include:
Government buildings and offices
Schools and educational facilities
Community centers
Libraries
Fire and police stations
Other public service facilities
Public Lands
The Public Lands zone encompasses publicly owned lands used for various public purposes. Key features include:
Parks and recreation areas
Public facilities
Utility installations
Other publicly owned properties
State Land (PL2)
The State Land zone is designated for properties owned by the State of Idaho. Key features include:
State government facilities
State parks and recreation areas
Conservation areas
Other state-owned properties
Open Space Zone (OS)
The Open Space zone is designed to preserve natural areas and provide recreational opportunities. Key features include:
Parks and recreation areas
Natural areas and wildlife habitat
Trails and passive recreation
Conservation areas
Floodplains and wetlands
Limited development allowed
Development Standards
St. Anthony's zoning code includes detailed development standards for each zone. These standards ensure that development is compatible with surrounding properties and meets community expectations for quality and character.
Standard Type | Description | Varies By Zone |
|---|---|---|
Lot Size | Minimum required lot area | Yes |
Lot Width | Minimum required lot width | Yes |
Setbacks | Required distances from property lines | Yes |
Building Height | Maximum allowed height | Yes |
Lot Coverage | Maximum percentage of lot covered by buildings | Yes |
Parking | Required number of parking spaces | Yes |
Landscaping | Required landscaping and open space | Yes |
Design Standards | Requirements for building appearance | Yes |
These standards ensure that development in each zone is appropriate for the intended character and use of the area. They help maintain property values, ensure compatibility between neighboring properties, and promote the overall quality of development in St. Anthony.
Zoning Administration and Procedures
Understanding how zoning works in St. Anthony 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Zoning Verification | Confirming the current zoning of a property | 1-2 days | Planning Administrator |
Permission for uses allowed under certain conditions | 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 |
Development Plan Review | Review of plans for new development | 30-60 days | Planning Administrator/Commission |
Planning and Zoning Commission
St. Anthony'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.
Planning and Zoning Administrator
The Planning and 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
Assisting applicants with preparation and submission of applications
Conducting on-site inspections of properties
Collecting and distributing materials relevant to applications
Coordinating with other city departments and public agencies
Preparing planning and zoning meeting agendas and materials
Issuing permits and notifications as approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission
Area of City Impact
St. Anthony 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
Applications for development in the Area of City Impact are administered by Fremont County with input from St. Anthony
It helps prevent incompatible development on the city's periphery
If you're considering a property near St. Anthony 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
St. Anthony'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 |
St. Anthony 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 St. Anthony
Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in St. Anthony 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 St. Antony 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.
Airport Overlay Zoning District
St. Anthony has established an Airport Overlay Zoning District to protect the functionality of the local airport and ensure compatible development in its vicinity. This overlay district imposes additional regulations on properties within certain distances of the airport, including:
Height restrictions to protect airspace
Limitations on uses that might create hazards for aircraft
Restrictions on uses that might be sensitive to aircraft noise
Requirements for disclosure of airport proximity to potential buyers or tenants
Special review procedures for development within the overlay district
If you're considering a property near the airport, it's important to understand how these additional regulations might affect your use of the property.
Need Help with St. Anthony 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 St. Anthony property questions.