Meridian Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Meridian Zoning Overview
Meridian is the second-largest and fastest-growing city in Idaho, located immediately west of Boise in the heart of the Treasure Valley. The city has transformed from a small agricultural community to a major suburban center over the past three decades, and its zoning code reflects this rapid growth. The Community Development department administers the Unified Development Code, which governs zoning, subdivision, and development standards. Meridian's comprehensive plan guides future growth, with an emphasis on planned communities, mixed-use development along major corridors, and preservation of open space.
The city's growth has been driven largely by master-planned residential subdivisions, many of which are governed by HOAs that impose additional development standards. Meridian's zoning code includes a wide range of residential densities from rural-estate lots to high-density apartment zones, reflecting the diversity of housing types being built in the expanding city.
Key Zoning Districts
Meridian's residential zones range from R-2 (rural residential, 2 units per acre) to R-40 (high-density residential, 40 units per acre). Commercial zones include C-N (Neighborhood Commercial), C-C (Community Commercial), and C-G (General Commercial). The city also employs mixed-use zones including MU-R (Mixed Use Residential) and MU-C (Mixed Use Commercial), as well as specific area plans for major development areas.
ADU Regulations
Meridian permits ADUs on qualifying residential lots with a maximum size of 700 square feet. Owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling is required, and one additional parking space must be provided. The ADU must be architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling. HOA restrictions in many Meridian subdivisions may further limit ADU construction.
Development Process
Development applications are reviewed by the Community Development department, with larger projects going before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Meridian's rapid growth means the city processes a high volume of subdivision and planned unit development applications. Annexation of surrounding Ada County land is a regular occurrence as the city expands.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Meridian
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 — Ada 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
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 65 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Meridian
- 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 Meridian are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Meridian permit fees →