Getting Started

If you are new to the area or starting a business, please download a copy of our Getting Started Checklists located on the Meridian Planning and Zoning Website.  This informative check list covers the basics of starting a business in Meridian.  It will introduce you to the people and places you will need to know and provide you with other area specific information to help you as you begin. 

Starting a Business in Meridian, Idaho

1. Determine your business’ legal structure
2. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number
3. Obtain any Special Licenses from State or County level
4. Register your business name

We recommend you visit with a City Planner  when considering a site for your business. Our planners will help walk you through the process associated with development of that site.  The City of Meridian also has an Economic Development Coordinator that is available to answer any questions that you might have during this process.

Conditional Use and Principally Permitted Use are two processes that the City of Meridian utilizes.  To build a business in Meridian you will need to pursue one of these processes.

Conditional Use

Conditional Use requires submitting an application which will go to a public hearing before Meridian’s Planning and Zoning Commission.  The public hearing process for Conditional Use applications takes approximately 2 months from start to finish.  Neighbors within 300 feet of the property and affected public agencies, such as the Ada County Highway District, the Meridian Development Corporation and irrigation districts, that could be affected by the application are sent notices of the hearing and asked to provide comment.  The Conditional Use process ensures that the public and the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council have an opportunity to review and comment on uses that may significantly impact neighboring properties.

Principal Permitted Use

Principal Permitted uses require approval of a certificate of zoning compliance (CZC) prior to applying for a building permit.  No public hearings are required and turn-around on CZC applications is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Conditional Use

1. Pre-application meeting is required
2. Neighborhood meeting is required
3. Submit application
4. Hearing at Planning & Zoning – findings adopted with conditions of approval
5. Submit for Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) you must be consistent with conditions of approval some conditions may have to be met before you can apply
6. Submit building permit and site civil drawings
7. Complete construction and landscaping requirements consistent with the CZC
8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) signatures, generally all conditions must be met before you can obtain the C of O
9. Separate application required for sign permit

Principal Permitted Use

1. Submit for Certificate of Zoning Compliance, you must be consistent with Meridian City Code
2. Submit building permit
3. Complete construction and landscaping requirements consistent with the CZC
4. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy signatures
5. Separate application required for sign permit