Commissioners adopt zoning ordinance amending definitions, allowing shipping containers and updating clustering and RV rules

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance Number 2025‑O5 on July 21, amending Chapter 112 of the county code. The ordinance updates the zoning code to add Connex (shipping) containers to the land‑use table and definition, clarifies rules for living in recreational vehicles with an open building permit, reinstates clustering standards that were left out in an earlier land use table update, and updates BUD standards. The ordinance also amends portions of the subdivision code to prevent unauthorized flooding, adjusts section numbering and removes obsolete cross references.

Planning staff explained the changes to commissioners as largely technical and restorative (re‑adding previously removed clustering language) and to address recurring permit‑processing questions (for example, how to treat storage containers and when a building permit is required for structures over 200 square feet). Staff noted the code now explicitly requires building permits for Connex/shipping containers and provides a definition of trailer types to close gaps that had surfaced during permitting.

The ordinance summary states the amendment will take effect on July 23, 2025, when published in the Jefferson Star. The full adopted ordinance text is available from the Planning and Zoning office and online at the county website.

Next steps: Staff will publish the ordinance as required by Idaho Code and update permit guidance to reflect the clarified definitions and BUD/clustering standards.