Bonneville County, ID Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum parcel for building exemption
- 5 acres (aggregation allowed)
- Exempt structure use
- Farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock
- Not exempt if used for
- Human habitation or public access
- Still required
- Zoning permit, setback compliance
- Conversion
- Requires a conversion permit
Summary
Bonneville County's zoning code protects the full agricultural use of ag land from being restricted by the zoning chapter, and lets qualifying farm buildings skip Uniform Building Code requirements if the parcel is 5 acres or more.
AGRICULTURAL LAND. The requirements of this chapter shall not be construed to deprive the owner of agricultural land of the full and complete use of said land for the production of any agricultural products... AGRICULTURAL BUILDING EXCEPTIONS. Exceptions to the Uniform Building Code for agricultural buildings will be granted upon compliance with the following items. (A) The parcel upon which the exemption is sought must be an agricultural unit of land of five acres or more. Aggregation of acreage may be allowed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-1: Ordinance 280-26, passed 1-20-2026).
Full Breakdown
003, which can include canal and railroad rights-of-way used exclusively for farming. 040 backs that up with a concrete building-code exemption: on an agricultural unit of 5 acres or more (aggregated acreage is allowed), a structure built to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry or livestock can skip the Uniform Building Code, provided it is not used for human habitation, employment, processing agricultural products, or public access. That exemption isn't unconditional. 040(E). 128's use-hearing standards specifically require assessing impact on existing agricultural operations before the Planning and Zoning Commission approves a conditional use nearby.
Violations & Fines
Converting an agriculturally exempt structure to a non-agricultural use without first obtaining a conversion permit and bringing the building up to current code, as required by § 156.040(C), is a zoning violation subject to Chapter 156's general infraction penalty: a $100 fine, with each day of continued noncompliance treated as a separate offense under § 156.999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bonneville County protect farmland from being regulated out of agricultural use?
Can I build a barn without a full building permit inspection?
Can I later turn an exempt farm building into a shop or living space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bonneville County
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