What "A-1 to R-1-15" Means: Farr West Zoning in Plain English

If you've ever read a Farr West City Council agenda, you've seen lines like "re-zone from the A-1 zone to the R-1-15 zone." It sounds like code, and it is. But those few letters decide how big a lot can be, what can be built next door, and whether that open field down the street stays a field. Here's what they mean in plain English. 

The two zones you'll see most

Lot width is measured 30 feet back from the front property line. (Numbers are from Farr West's zoning code, section 17.44.190. Always confirm with the city before you buy.)

The short version: A-1 means at least an acre. R-1-15 means at least a third of an acre. When a property moves from A-1 to R-1-15, the owner can usually fit about three homes where one was allowed before.

If you're dreaming of horses, chickens or a 4-H project, look for A-1 land. The code allows animals there with city approval.

How a rezone works in Farr West

A property owner can't just change the zoning. It goes through two public steps, and anyone can attend both:

1. Planning Commission public hearing. The Planning Commission (usually 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 pm, City Hall, 1896 N 1800 W) hears the request, takes public comment, and makes a recommendation.
2. City Council vote. The City Council (1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm, same building) makes the final decision. It can approve, deny, or change the request.

Agendas are posted on the city website and the Utah Public Notice site, where you can sign up for email alerts.

What Farr West decided recently

• Farmland to homes: The Koehler property on Heritage Drive (September 2026) and the Slater family property (July 2026) both asked to move from A-1 to R-1-15.
• Commercial denied: On September 3, 2026, the City Council denied a request to rezone land at 3229 North Higley Road from A-1 to C-2 commercial.
• A middle ground: The same night, the Council turned down manufacturing (M-1) zoning for the Petersen Inc. property at 1461 North 2000 West. Instead it approved commercial (C-2) zoning, on the condition that no commercial activity starts until the property is vacant.

The takeaway: Farr West is growing, but the council is careful about where business and industry go.

Why this matters if you're buying

• Buying land or a home on acreage? Check the zoning before you write an offer. It decides whether you can split the lot, add a home, or keep animals.
• Want a big shop or barn? In Farr West, an accessory building over 2,000 square feet needs a conditional use permit (special city approval). These requests show up on almost every Planning Commission agenda.
• Investing? A field zoned A-1 next to new R-1-15 homes may be rezoned someday, but nothing is guaranteed. The city's General Plan, its long-range map for future growth, is being updated now and will shape those decisions.
• Love your view? Check the zoning of the land around the home, not just the home itself.

Questions about a property in Farr West?

I read the Farr West agendas so you don't have to. If you're looking at a home or a piece of land and want to know what's zoned around it, call or text me at 801-430-0795 or email dessa@wrightmovereal.com. And if you're curious what's already being built, read my guide to new construction in Farr West.

More Farr West guides from Dessa: Living in Farr West, Utah | New Construction in Farr West | Farr West General Plan Update

Dessa Wright, Real Broker. Farr West homeowner and Northern Utah resident for 40+ years.