Lewiston Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lewiston Zoning Overview
Lewiston is the county seat of Nez Perce County, located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. It is the most inland seaport on the West Coast, accessible to ocean-going vessels via the Columbia and Snake river system. The city's economy is based on agriculture, timber, manufacturing, and the Lewis-Clark State College. Community Development administers a zoning code that reflects the city's riverfront geography, industrial heritage, and residential neighborhoods.
Key Zoning Districts
Lewiston includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), R-3 (Multi-Family) residential zones, C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (Central Commercial), C-4 (Highway Commercial), and I-1 and I-2 industrial districts. The downtown core has commercial zoning encouraging pedestrian-oriented development.
ADU Regulations
Lewiston allows ADUs on residential lots with owner-occupancy requirements and size limitations. The city's housing market is more stable than the rapidly growing Treasure Valley, with moderate demand for accessory units.
Development Process
Building permits and zoning reviews are handled by Community Development. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews conditional uses, subdivisions, and zone changes. Floodplain regulations apply along both rivers.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lewiston
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 — Nez Perce 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 Lewiston
- Max Size
- 750 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 Lewiston are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lewiston permit fees →