Caldwell Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Caldwell Zoning Overview
Caldwell is the county seat of Canyon County, located in the western Treasure Valley approximately 30 miles from Boise. The city has a strong agricultural heritage and serves as a regional center for food processing and distribution. Caldwell's planning and zoning department manages a zoning code that reflects the city's dual nature as an agricultural community and growing suburban center within the Boise metropolitan area.
The downtown area has been the focus of revitalization efforts, anchored by the College of Idaho campus and Indian Creek plaza. Residential growth has accelerated in recent years as housing seekers have looked to Caldwell for more affordable options compared to Boise and Meridian. The Boise River and Indian Creek influence floodplain development throughout the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Caldwell includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), and R-3 (Multi-Family) residential zones, C-1 (Limited Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), and I-1 and I-2 (Industrial) districts. The downtown core has overlay provisions encouraging mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly development.
ADU Regulations
Caldwell allows ADUs on single-family lots with a 700-square-foot maximum size. Owner-occupancy of the primary residence is required. The city has been adapting its ADU policies to accommodate increased housing demand while preserving neighborhood character in established areas.
Development Process
Building permits and zoning reviews are handled by Planning and Zoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews conditional use permits, subdivisions, and rezoning requests. The city's comprehensive plan guides growth management and the transition of agricultural land to urban uses at the city's expanding edges.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Caldwell
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Canyon County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Caldwell
- Max Size
- 700 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Caldwell are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Caldwell permit fees →