In order to classify, regulate, restrict, and segregate the uses of lands and buildings from incompatible uses, to allow uses where public infrastructure is sufficient to support such uses, to regulate and restrict the height, bulk and construction of buildings, to regulate the dimensions and area of yards and other open spaces around buildings and uses, to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan, and to regulate the intensity of land use and the density of residences, the zoning districts set forth herein are established and shall be applied as depicted upon the adopted Official Zoning Map of Idaho City. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

The regulations for each district set forth by this title are minimum regulations and shall apply to each type of land use, except as otherwise provided. No building, structure or land shall be used or occupied and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally altered except in conformity with the regulations specified in this title for the zoning district in which it is located. No building or other structure shall be erected or altered to provide for greater height or bulk, accommodate or house a greater number of residential units, or to occupy a greater percentage of lot area than allowed by this title. No yard area or lot existing at the time of passage of this title shall be reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements set forth in this title. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this title shall meet at least the minimum requirements set forth in this title. Uses and structures lawfully existing on the date of adoption of this title may continue so long as they are not changed in ways that conflict with provisions of this title. No aspect of nonconformity may be expanded contrary to the provisions of this title, except by means of variance or special exception. The uses allowed by zoning districts are exclusive. Only land uses authorized by this title or by administrative application of provisions of this title may be established in the land use zones depicted on the Official Zoning Map. The descriptions of types of land use zones addressed by this title are intended to explain, in general terms, how zones will be applied to implement the Comprehensive Plan. The specific entries in the use and bulk and placement matrices are intended to identify specific uses that fit within the general descriptions set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

Residential (R) zones are intended to provide a living environment that supports a place for families and individuals to live with limited adverse influence from commercial or industrial activity and to permit other accessory uses that are associated and compatible with residential use. Certain residential zones may be established that allow higher residential densities, and hence higher activity levels, but always with the goal of enjoyment of a residential environment. Residential zones are primarily applied in the areas designated residential in the Comprehensive Plan. Permitted uses, conditionally permitted uses and lot area and building bulk and placement requirements shall comport with the standards set forth in the zoning matrix contained in this title. A primary distinction between low density and higher density residential neighborhoods should be the ability of community infrastructure to accommodate higher levels of activity without creating undue congestion, without unduly stressing utility systems that support development and without compromising the quality of public facilities available to provide public service. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

Commercial (C) land use zones are intended to support uses that include retail sales and services for household and traveling consumers by allowing a variety of retail, professional, or service businesses. Businesses involving the manufacture, processing, or fabrication of goods or providing service or repair to commercial products or equipment are not generally permitted unless activities can be conducted within buildings that can thrive in the midst of commercial infrastructure. Commercial zones are to be applied in areas identified by the text and mapping of the Comprehensive Plan as being suitable for commercial business, primarily addressing lands located near arterial and collector streets. Residential uses may be allowed within a commercial zone by conditional use permit when the presence of housing will not compromise present or future commercial uses or when the housing environment within the commercial zone will not be unsuitable for residential occupancy by virtue of congestion, environmental factors or activity levels. Uses permitted by right in the Industrial Zone may be conditionally allowed in certain commercial zones by conditional use permit so long as no industrial activities or processes are conducted outdoors or in a manner that creates adverse environmental effects. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

The Industrial (I) Land Use Zone permits light industrial uses such as warehousing, assembly, processing and light manufacturing as permitted uses and conditionally allows heavy industrial uses such as fabrication, manufacturing, refining and processes that produce external effects such as noise, emissions, and outside activities by conditional use permit. The Industrial Zone is primarily applied in areas designated suitable for industrial development by the text and future land use map of the Comprehensive Plan. Residential uses may only be established in an Industrial Zone if subordinate and accessory to a primary industrial use and should be permitted only by conditional use permit. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

Land uses to be established by government agencies (G) may be permitted in accordance with the use matrix adopted as part of this title. Any such use shall be subject to provisions of State and Federal law. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

Mixed use (MU) zones provide for a variety and mixture of uses such as limited office, limited commercial, and residential. This zone is intended to ensure compatibility of new development with existing and future development. It is also intended to ensure assemblage of properties in a unified plan with coordinated and harmonious development which shall promote outstanding design without unsightly and unsafe strip commercial development. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

The zones established in this title shall be applied as depicted on the Official Zoning Map which is hereby incorporated into this title by reference as it exists today or as modified by the text of subsequent amending ordinances. The Administrator shall maintain the Official Zoning Map to reflect changes made by the City Council from time to time and shall depict such changes on the Official Zoning Map. Each change shall be documented at the time the map is modified, including reference to the ordinances authorizing changes. A register of such changes including descriptions of the lands affected thereby shall be maintained by the Administrator throughout the duration of the existence of the Official Zoning Map, until it is superseded by a replacement zoning map. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)