Code Update

Initial tasks for the Code update will proceed on a parallel track with the Phase 2 Plan Update. Initial Code update tasks include reorganizing and reformatting the existing content, updating procedures, and assessing the existing land use districts and the attendant development regulations and standards. The consolidated and reformatted Code will combine Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) and Title 16 (Subdivision Regulations) into a Unified Development Code, eliminate redundancies and inconsistencies, update graphics, and improve usability. Updates include clarifying procedures that apply to different types of land use applications, updating approval criteria, evaluating the public input process for major applications, assessing decision-making authority, and reevaluating application requirements. The plan provides a basis for updating zoning and subdivision regulations and determining whether the regulations support the community’s desired future.

Ketchum’s land use regulations have been an evolving set of standards since 1961. The regulations have grown in size and complexity since that point with close to 200 amendments since its original inception. Some notable moments in the land use regulations history include:

• 1961: Establishment of zoning districts
• 1967: Establishment of subdivision requirements and standards
• 1974: Addition of new zoning districts, definitions, dimensional standards (height, setbacks, etc.), and allowable uses
• 1979: Establishment of avalanche zone and development standards within avalanche zone
• 1989: Establishment of Mountain Overlay District, implementing requirements for building on hillside areas within Ketchum
• 1994: Amendment to allow the increase of floor area ratio (FAR) for developments including affordable, deed-restricted housing units
• 2022: Implementation of minimum residential densities in select zoning districts 

What is the role of land use regulations?

Ketchum’s land use regulations—which include Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) and Title 16 (Subdivision Regulations)—establish the regulations and standards for land use and development within the City of Ketchum. Other titles that intersect with land use regulations are the streets standards (Title 12) and the building and construction standards (Title 15). Collectively these titles are referred to as “the Code.” 

Why update land use regulations now?

Idaho statutes mandate that every city has both a Comprehensive Plan (to establish a vision and policy framework) and a zoning ordinance (to regulate the built environment and implement the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan). Ketchum’s existing zoning and subdivision ordinances were developed and adopted in the 1970s and have experienced piecemeal updates and amendments over time, resulting in a patchwork of rules and regulations that are outdated, inconsistent, and difficult to use and administer. The Code update will transform the city’s current land use regulations into a modern and effective code that reflects current best practices and community priorities. 

How do land use regulations relate to the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the leading document that the City of Ketchum uses to guide future growth. It is intended to create a high-level policy framework that guides and informs the development of the built environment. Idaho codes §67-6511 and §67-6513 require cities and counties to adopt zoning and subdivision regulations that are in accordance with the policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan. Land use regulations implement the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan to help achieve the community’s desired future.

What is a Unified Development Code?

The Code update will consolidate and reformat the City’s land use regulations by combining Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) and Title 16 (Subdivision Regulations) into a Unified Development Code. A Unified Development Code consolidates all land development regulations, including zoning, subdivision, design standards, development regulations, and procedures, into one legal document. This consolidation helps provide a complete picture of the numerous regulations that impact land use and development.

Why does Ketchum need a Unified Development Code?

Many of the inconsistencies in the city’s land use regulations are caused by the separation of the zoning and subdivision regulations into different titles of Ketchum Municipal Code. Consolidating these regulations into a Unified Development Code will help eliminate inconsistencies and redundancies in the various land development regulations and standards. The Unified Development Code will help make the development review process more predictable by combining all land use regulations into one user-friendly legal document.

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• Ketchum Code User Survey Results
• Scope of Work: Part 2, Code update (initial tasks)
• Title 16: Subdivision Regulations
• Title 17: Zoning Regulations