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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Charles
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of St. Charles.
Agricultural buildings used solely for agricultural purposes (not human habitation, not agricultural product processing). Agricultural Exempt Building Permit required with proof of property ownership.
Single-family homes and duplexes (up to 2 units) exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements.
- Exempt Agricultural buildings used solely for agricultural purposes (not human habitation, not agricultural product processing). Agricultural Exempt Building Permit required with proof of property ownership.
- Exempt Single-family homes and duplexes (up to 2 units) exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements.
Note: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Bear Lake County Building Official before proceeding.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application Form (signed)
- Permit Procedure Form (signed)
- Construction Detail Form (specifying building type)
- Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist
- Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location
- Project Specifications (square footage, materials, intended use)
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with Idaho amendments, as adopted by Bear Lake County in 2008.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors performing work of $2,000 or more must be registered with Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL). Proof of General Liability Insurance (minimum $300,000) and Workers' Compensation Insurance (if applicable) required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing timeline not specified publicly. Contact Building Official for estimated review time.
- 01 Complete Building Permit Application Form (signed by applicant).
- 02 Complete Permit Procedure Form (signed by applicant).
- 03 Complete Construction Detail Form selecting applicable building type.
- 04 Complete Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist (as applicable).
- 05 Prepare Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location.
- 06 Prepare Project Specifications including square footage, materials, and intended use.
- 07 Submit all documents to County Building Official at 30 N Main St., Paris, or by mail.
- 08 Building Official reviews application and calculates permit fees.
- 09 Applicant pays permit fees.
- 10 Permit issued; construction may begin.
- 11 Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Typical processing time: Processing timeline not specified publicly. Contact Building Official for estimated review time.
§ 04
Fee schedule
St. Charles building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on project square footage. Exact schedule not published online; calculated by Building Official after application receipt.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428 (phone)
- blbuilding@bearlakecounty.id.gov (email)
Typical sequence: Standard inspections: foundation/framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), final inspection before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Charles permits
01 Do I need a building permit in St. Charles, ID? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of St. Charles.
02 How much does a building permit cost in St. Charles, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in St. Charles, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project square footage. Exact schedule not published online; calculated by Building Official after application receipt..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Charles, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in St. Charles, ID, follow these steps: 1. Complete Building Permit Application Form (signed by applicant). 2. Complete Permit Procedure Form (signed by applicant). 3. Complete Construction Detail Form selecting applicable building type. 4. Complete Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist (as applicable). 5. Prepare Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location. 6. Prepare Project Specifications including square footage, materials, and intended use. 7. Submit all documents to County Building Official at 30 N Main St., Paris, or by mail. 8. Building Official reviews application and calculates permit fees. 9. Applicant pays permit fees. 10. Permit issued; construction may begin. 11. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Charles, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in St. Charles, ID typically run Processing timeline not specified publicly. Contact Building Official for estimated review time.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in St. Charles, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in St. Charles, ID. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings used solely for agricultural purposes (not human habitation, not agricultural product processing). Agricultural Exempt Building Permit required with proof of property ownership.; Single-family homes and duplexes (up to 2 units) exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements.. Note: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Bear Lake County Building Official before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Charles, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in St. Charles, ID via: (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428, blbuilding@bearlakecounty.id.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Bear Lake County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/idaho/bear-lake/st-charles
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bear Lake County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.