Star Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Star Zoning Overview
Star is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Idaho, located along State Street (Highway 44) between Eagle and Middleton in the western Treasure Valley. The city has transformed from a tiny rural community to a booming residential center, with its population growing more than tenfold since 2000. Planning and Zoning is working to manage this explosive growth while building the commercial and infrastructure base needed to support the expanding population.
The city's primary commercial corridor runs along State Street, with residential subdivisions spreading north and south. Star's growth challenges include ensuring adequate water and sewer infrastructure, developing commercial tax base to fund services, and maintaining community identity as the city fills in between its larger neighbors. The Boise River forms the city's southern boundary, creating recreational opportunities and floodplain development considerations.
Key Zoning Districts
Star uses R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family), R-3 (Multi-Family), C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), and C-2 (General Commercial) districts. Planned unit developments are common in new subdivisions. The State Street corridor is the focus of commercial and mixed-use zoning.
ADU Regulations
Star permits ADUs on qualifying residential lots with a 700-square-foot maximum and owner-occupancy requirement. The rapid pace of new construction means many properties are in HOA-governed subdivisions that may restrict ADUs beyond what the zoning code allows.
Development Process
Permits are processed through Planning and Zoning. The city's growth has necessitated frequent comprehensive plan updates and annexation of surrounding Ada County land. Infrastructure capacity, particularly water and sewer, is a key factor in development approvals.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Star
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
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 7 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
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Star
- 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 Star are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Star permit fees →