The Idaho Falls Planning Division of the Community Development Services Department has released a series of video presentations regarding significant proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance.  The ordinance is now ready for public comment prior to public hearings in the spring.

Updating the ordinance is intended to modernize and streamline regulatory requirements and review processes related to land use within the city.  The revised ordinance will clarify and better reflect the policies and principles of the city’s Comprehensive Plan. 

The videos, which are linked on the Planning Division’s webpage, summarize proposed changes after nearly two years of review and updating. 

Department staff worked with Kushlan and Associates, as well as a steering committee made up of representatives of groups who use the code on a regular basis such as architects, engineers, developers, and real estate brokers. 

Staff from the Planning Division will also hold a series of neighborhood meetings in January and February to discuss the changes and necessary rezoning of properties to reflect the new ordinance.  The dates, times, and locations for these meetings will be announced in early January.

“We highly recommend that folks interested in this project take some time to review at least the videos that relate to their property,” Brad Cramer, Community Development Director said.  “The videos will address common questions and make the neighborhood meetings much more productive.  We want people to feel informed and have every opportunity to comment before we hold the public hearings.”

The videos vary in length from 3 minutes to 13 minutes and cover an introduction to the project, as well as changes to the ordinance with regard to low-density residential zones, medium and high-density residential zones, commercial zones, industrial and special purpose zones, and the creation of a traditional neighborhood zone.  The traditional neighborhood zone is intended to better capture and protect the development patterns of established neighborhoods, such as the numbered and letter streets.

For questions, or to comment on this project or the video presentations, please contact Community Development Services at (208) 612-8276.

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.

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