Planning & Building

About the Department

The Ketchum Planning & Building Department believes in working collaboratively with property owners, design and construction professionals and the public to ensure development is reflective of the community’s values.

The Planning & Building Department assists with all aspects of development, including zoning inquiries, building permits, design review, floodplain development, sign permits, fence permits, comprehensive long-range planning and code amendments.

Staff planners are available by phone or appointment to discuss all aspects of the development process for new and ongoing projects.

Regulations Unique to Ketchum

Ordinance 1249: The Ketchum City Council adopted Ordinance 1249 that includes refined interim ordinance standards to increase housing supply and enhance downtown vibrancy as well as housekeeping code amendments on October 2, 2023. The refined interim ordinance standards include requirements related to residential density, lot consolidations, no net loss of dwelling units for redevelopment projects, parking exemptions, removal of cap on residential unit size, and expansion of commercial in the downtown area. The housekeeping code amendments include process improvements to reduce uncertainty, code clarifications to decrease inconsistency, and changes to reduce regulatory barriers for accessory dwelling unit development.

Ordinance 1249 - Maps A and B

Questions About Ground & Roof Snow Loads? 

Blaine County has helpful information about ground and roof snow loads on their website. If you have concerns about the structural stability of your roof you may want to consider consulting with a professional engineer. The City of Ketchum does not make recommendations on when to remove snow from roofs. If you are removing snow from your roof, the displaced snow must be stored on your property or have it hauled away.

Since April 1, 1974, the City has required that all buildings are designed to support 100lbs/sq.ft of snow. Structures built after that date, with a building permit, should be able to support those snow loads. For those buildings built prior to 1974, we encourage you to get your situation professionally assessed.