Nampa Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Nampa Zoning Overview
Nampa is the third-largest city in Idaho and the largest city in Canyon County, located in the western Treasure Valley. Originally an agricultural and railroad town, Nampa has experienced rapid growth driven by its relative housing affordability compared to Boise and Meridian. The city's Planning and Zoning department administers the zoning code, which includes a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial districts reflective of the city's diverse economic base.
Nampa's downtown has been the focus of revitalization efforts, with historic preservation, mixed-use development, and community events drawing renewed investment. The surrounding area maintains significant agricultural activity, and the transition from farmland to residential subdivisions is an ongoing planning challenge. Indian Creek and the Boise River system influence floodplain considerations in parts of the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Nampa's zoning includes RS (Single-Family Residential), RD (Two-Family Residential), RM (Multi-Family Residential), NC (Neighborhood Commercial), GC (General Commercial), and LI and HI (Light and Heavy Industrial) districts. The downtown uses a specific downtown overlay that encourages mixed-use development and pedestrian-oriented design.
ADU Regulations
Nampa allows ADUs on single-family residential lots with a maximum size of 750 square feet. Owner-occupancy is required, and one off-street parking space must be provided. The city has been updating its ADU policies to address housing demand while maintaining neighborhood character.
Development Process
Building permits and zoning approvals are processed through the Planning and Zoning department. Subdivision and planned unit development applications are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The city's comprehensive plan guides growth management and annexation decisions as Nampa continues to expand into surrounding Canyon County.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Nampa
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
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 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 Nampa
- 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 Nampa are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Nampa permit fees →