Land Divisions
Development ServicesAgricultural Land Divisions
Canyon County Development Services is proposing ordinance updates related to administrative land divisions to ensure the code is clear and effective for our community. Unlike subdivisions, these types of land divisions are reviewed by county staff and do not require a public hearing. While the total number of allowable administrative land divisions will not change, the proposed updates will eliminate two specific provisions:
- Non-viable divisions in agricultural zones.
- Administrative divisions of lots with subdivisions platted before 1979.
Background
The current administrative land division ordinance allowed for 379 land divisions in agricultural zones between 2020 and 2025, creating 1,028 new parcels, not inclusive of platted subdivisions. As of June 2025, there were 20,638 parcels in Canyon County, outside city limits, zoned agricultural.
Community Feedback
During Summer 2025, the County gathered public input through a survey and a community workshop. Residents shared key priorities:
- Strong support for preserving agricultural land.
- Concern about the number of administrative land divisions.
- A need for clearer rules for the land division process.
The open house display boards and community input summary detail concerns and ideas related to the administrative land division ordinance.
Using this feedback, staff researched past policies, reviewed practices from other counties, and began drafting updates to improve clarity and ensure the code supports long‑term community goals.
Proposed Code Changes
In response to community feedback, Canyon County Development Services is proposing updates to several sections of the zoning ordinance. The proposed changes are meant to:
- Protect agricultural land and rural character
- Provide clearer definitions and expectations for property owners
- Better align the County’s processes with past practices and community goals
The main code areas proposed to change include:
- Updated and New Definitions
To make the code easier to understand, several definitions are being revised or added. Changes include:
- Updated definitions for “Lot,” “Parcel,” and “Original Parcel”
- Removal of the definition for “Aliquot” and clarification of “Aliquot Parts”
- New definitions such as “Agricultural-Only Parcel,” “Buildable,” “Legal Access,” “Historic Lot,” “Conceptual Plan,” “Complete Legal Description,” “Property,” and “County Code”.
These updates, if approved, will help ensure consistent use of terms throughout the code and make it easier for property owners to understand requirements.
- Standards for Buildable Parcels
Clarifies what makes a parcel “buildable,” as determined by the Director and demonstrated by the property owner. - Agricultural-Only Parcels in the Land Use Matrix
Adds clarity about what uses are allowed on agricultural‑only parcels. - Administrative Land Division Updates
Several sections related to land divisions are being revised to improve consistency and address ongoing issues. Key changes include:
- Clear references to “original parcels”
- Updated application requirements, including requiring irrigation plans
- New property owner notification requirements
- Updated standards for agricultural‑only parcels and allowances for amendments
- Removal of the section on nonviable parcel divisions in agricultural zones
- Requiring applicants to obtain acknowledgements from highway districts, fire districts, irrigation districts, and Southwest District Health
Frequently Asked Questions about the proposed zoning code updates.
Next Steps
Proposed changes to the zoning ordinance are scheduled to be heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. All members of the public and interested parties are welcome to attend the public hearing and provide testimony.
Questions can be directed to: zoninginfo@canyoncounty.id.gov
Address
Caldwell, ID 83605
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