If you’re in the midst of planning for a new building or property, you likely know that the land must be zoned for a specific use. This post details the various zoning codes that you can choose from.
Once you read through these options, if you have questions or are ready to move forward with land planning in Idaho, contact our team of experts at Mason & Stanfield, Inc.
Before we review the different zoning codes, it’s important to emphasize how useful finding and coordinating the zoning code before developing land is. Doing this work now will save you time later and help you avoid a costly correction process down the line!
Types of Zoning Codes
Residential zoning: Single family residences and many other types of residences, such as duplexes, trailer parks, apartments and condominiums, fit into this category. This type of zone addresses aspects of the land planning process related to the number of structures that may be permissible on a land site.
Residential zoning laws also cover home-based businesses. This particular set of regulations often depends on the nature of the business, the business hours, noise issues and how parking and delivery are handled, among other details.
Commercial zoning: Properties zoned as commercial include, but are not limited to, shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, some apartment complexes and vacant land that could possibly be developed into one of these types of properties. Most kinds of properties that are not single-family homes or single-family lots are classified as commercial real estate.
Regulations for this type of zoning may include specifics related to the proximity of a particular type of business to another and the distance that certain properties, such as bars, can be from churches or schools.
Rural zoning: This classification tends to be used for farms or ranches. In various parts of the country, residences that are permitted to have cattle or horses may fall into this zoning category.
Industrial zoning: This type of zoning often depends on the land area used by all of the buildings on a particular lot (referred to as lot coverage). A property’s specific zoning classification in this category often is based on the amount of noise and other environmental factors.
Historic zoning: Homes and buildings more than 50 years old fall under this classification. While regulations may be in place to prevent changing the structures from their original condition, certain types of repairs and restorations that correspond with the plan for the land may be permitted.
Agricultural zoning: Communities focused on continuing the economic livelihood of their agricultural industry typically use this type of zoning. It places restrictions on how densely land may be developed and prevents land from being used for non-farm purposes.
Aesthetic zoning: This type of zoning may apply if you are planning to develop land in an upscale community. Specific regulations may cover what kinds of mailboxes, decks, color schemes and landscaping are allowed.
Remember, an important early step is to determine the zoning code before developing your land. Whether you’re building a home, business or other type of development, contact our team at Mason & Stanfield, Inc., today at 208-454-0256 to learn more about our services for expert land planning in Idaho!