Do I need an environmental analysis?

An environmental analysis is required prior to any new physical development or use in the County unless the proposal meets one of the following exemptions;EED63B5A-42BE-4BE5-AB15-F92437F86098

  1. A detached single-family residential development outside of the Natural Resource Overlay (NRO). The development needs to meet all required natural resource setbacks in order to be exempt. 
  2. The development/use in question is within the Neighborhood Conservation zone, or the property was previously zoned Neighborhood Conservation prior to 2016. This does not include new subdivisions, habitat ponds or berms
  3. Expansion of an existing building or addition of an accessory structure within the impact area of the existing building. 
  4. There is a Conservation Easement on the property held by a formal land trust that meets the conservation values of Teton County regulations.
  5. Agricultural operations and uses on sites of 70 acres or more shall be exempt.
  6. The lot of record is outside the NRO and the applicant demonstrates compliance with all setback and buffer standards (exemption must be approved by the Planning Director)
  7. The lot of record is in the NRO but is also in an area that has well-documented habitat information where additional physical development, use, development options and subdivision is anticipated to have minimal additional negative impacts to animal species protected by the NRO (exemption must be approved by the Planning Director)

If you believe your project falls under one of these exemptions, you can apply for an EA Exemption Request using the Miscellaneous Planning Request

An EA exemption does not always mean exemption from the standards of the Natural Resource Overlay (NRO). All physical development, use, development option and subdivision within the NRO shall comply with all standards of Section 5.2.1 unless the proposal meets one of the following exemptions;

  1. Structural alterations and additions to existing structures shall be exempt. 
  2. Physical development, use, and development options within the Neighborhood Conservation zone, or within the R-1, R-2 or R-3 zones that was zoned NC prior to March of 2016 shall be exempt, except for new subdivisions, habitat ponds, or berms. Regulations regarding Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans will still be applicable. 
  3. Agricultural operations and uses on sites of 70 acres or more shall be exempt.
  4. Land protected by a conservation easement where proposed development density is one house per 70 acres or less and the total acreage subject to the easement is 320 acres or more shall be exempt. Regulations regarding Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans will still be applicable

You can reference the GIS Map Server to find out if a property is in the NRO and what the current or previous zoning was. 

Explore LDR Sec. 8.2.2 to learn more about the Environmental Analysis standards and procedure. A pre-application conference is required prior to submitting an EVA application. All applications are now only accepted digitally through the Planning & Building SmartGov portal.


Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit for putting up a fence?
2. How do I know if a grading permit is required?
3. What constitutes site development?
4. Do I need an environmental analysis?
5. Can I build a pond on my property?
6. Will my project have affordable housing fees?
7. Do I have to bury the utilities on my property?
8. What are the setbacks from natural resources?
9. How do I figure out setbacks and height restrictions?
10. Is there a limit to number of structures on a property?