Rexburg Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Rexburg's zoning regulations is essential for property owners, homebuyers, and developers in this vibrant Madison 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 Rexburg City Development Code and Zoning Map 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.
Rexburg Zoning Districts at a Glance
Rexburg uses a modern, comprehensive zoning system that clearly defines residential densities and provides for a variety of housing types and commercial uses. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts:
Zone Type | Zone Code | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | LDR1 | Low Density Residential 1 | Single-family homes, lowest density |
LDR2 | Low Density Residential 2 | Single-family homes, slightly higher density | |
LDR3 | Low Density Residential 3 | Single-family homes, moderate density | |
MDR1 | Medium Density Residential 1 | Duplexes, townhomes, lower medium density | |
MDR2 | Medium Density Residential 2 | Duplexes, townhomes, higher medium density | |
HDR1 | High Density Residential 1 | Multi-family apartments, lower high density | |
HDR2 | High Density Residential 2 | Multi-family apartments, highest density | |
Commercial | CBD | Central Business District | Downtown commercial core |
CBC | Community Business Center | Community-serving commercial areas | |
University | UD | University District | BYU-Idaho campus and related uses |
Open Space | OS | Open Space | Parks, recreation areas, natural spaces |
Rexburg's zoning code is more detailed and comprehensive than many other cities in the region, reflecting the city's growth and the influence of Brigham Young University-Idaho. The city has established clear regulations for each zone to ensure compatible land uses and appropriate development standards.
Residential Zones
Rexburg offers a wide range of residential zones to accommodate different housing types and densities.
Zone | Density | Housing Types | Typical Lot Sizes | Student Housing Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LDR1 | Very Low | Single-family only | Largest | No |
LDR2 | Low | Single-family only | Large | No |
LDR3 | Low-Moderate | Single-family only | Medium | Limited |
MDR1 | Medium | Single-family, Duplexes, Townhomes | Medium-Small | Yes |
MDR2 | Medium-High | Single-family, Duplexes, Townhomes | Small | Yes |
HDR1 | High | Multi-family Apartments | Varies | Yes |
HDR2 | Very High | Multi-family Apartments | Varies | Yes |
Low Density Residential Zones (LDR1, LDR2, LDR3)
The Low Density Residential zones are designed for single-family neighborhoods with varying levels of density.
LDR1: The lowest density residential zone, typically featuring larger lots and more spacious neighborhoods
LDR2: Slightly higher density than LDR1, but still focused on single-family homes
LDR3: Moderate density single-family neighborhoods, often serving as a transition to medium-density areas
These zones are characterized by:
Larger lot sizes
More generous setbacks
Lower building heights
Limited or no student housing
Medium Density Residential Zones (MDR1, MDR2)
The Medium Density Residential zones allow for a mix of housing types, including duplexes and townhomes.
MDR1: Lower medium density, allowing for duplexes and townhomes along with single-family homes
MDR2: Higher medium density, with a greater emphasis on attached housing types
These zones are characterized by:
Mix of housing types
Smaller lot sizes
Reduced setbacks
Moderate building heights
Student housing is typically permitted
High Density Residential Zones (HDR1, HDR2)
The High Density Residential zones are designed for multi-family apartments and provide the highest residential densities in Rexburg.
HDR1: Lower high density, typically featuring smaller apartment buildings
HDR2: The highest density residential zone, allowing for larger apartment complexes
These zones are characterized by:
Multi-family apartment buildings
Higher building heights
Reduced setbacks
Higher parking requirements
Often located near the university or commercial areas
Significant student housing presence
Commercial, University, and Open Space Zones
In addition to residential zones, Rexburg has designated areas for commercial, university, and open space uses.
Zone | Primary Uses | Location | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
CBD | Retail, restaurants, offices, mixed-use | Downtown core | Historic character, pedestrian-oriented |
CBC | Larger retail, services, offices | Major corridors | Auto-oriented, larger parcels |
UD | Educational, housing, support services | BYU-Idaho campus area | University-specific regulations |
OS | Parks, recreation, natural areas | Throughout city | Limited development allowed |
Central Business District (CBD)
The Central Business District zone encompasses Rexburg's downtown core and is designed to promote a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly commercial center.
Mix of retail, restaurants, offices, and services
Historic character preservation
Pedestrian-oriented design standards
Reduced parking requirements compared to other commercial zones
Potential for mixed-use development with residential above commercial
Community Business Center (CBC)
The Community Business Center zone accommodates larger commercial uses that serve the broader community.
Larger retail establishments
Services and offices
Located along major corridors
More auto-oriented than the CBD
Higher parking requirements
University District (UD)
The University District zone is specifically designed for Brigham Young University-Idaho and related uses.
Educational facilities
Student housing
Support services
Special regulations tailored to university needs
Coordination between city and university planning
Open Space (OS)
The Open Space zone preserves areas for parks, recreation, and natural open spaces.
City parks
Recreation areas
Natural open spaces
Limited development allowed
Focus on public access and environmental preservation
Development Standards
Rexburg's Development Code provides detailed standards for development in each zone. These standards include:
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 Rexburg.
Zoning Procedures in Rexburg
Understanding how zoning works in Rexburg is just as important as knowing the zone designations. The city has established clear processes for:
Process | Description | Typical Timeline | Approval Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
Zoning Verification | Confirming the current zoning of a property | 1-2 days | Planning Staff |
Conditional Use Permit | Permission for uses allowed under certain conditions | 30-45 days | Planning Commission |
Variance | Permission to deviate from specific zoning requirements | 30-45 days | Planning 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 Staff/Commission |
Subdivision | Dividing land into multiple lots | 60-120 days | Planning Commission/City Council |
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 Rexburg.
Relationship to Madison County Zoning
Rexburg's zoning regulations apply only within the city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas of Madison County are subject to the county's zoning regulations instead. This distinction is important for several reasons:
Aspect | City Zoning | County Zoning |
|---|---|---|
Detail Level | More detailed and specific | More general |
Restrictions | Typically more restrictive | Typically less restrictive |
Services | Full city services | Limited county services |
Annexation Impact | Properties transition to city zoning | N/A |
Approval Process | City Planning Commission/Council | County Planning Commission/Commissioners |
Rexburg works with Madison 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 Rexburg
Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in Rexburg 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 Rexburg 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 zoned LDR2 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 Rexburg 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
Exploring student housing options or investments
Our team can help you understand the regulations that apply to your specific situation. Contact us today for assistance with your Rexburg property questions.