Blaine County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Blaine County.

Department

Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department

Address

County Annex Building, 2nd Floor, 219 South First Avenue, Suite 208, Hailey, ID 83333

Phone

208-788-5573

Website

https://www.blainecounty.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete permit application form through OpenGov portal or in person at County Annex Building.
2. Prepare construction plans and specifications according to 2018 IRC/IBC standards.
3. Submit application with required documents and fees through OpenGov or in person.
4. County Building Services reviews completeness and routes for plan review.
5. Plan review and approval by building department.
6. Receive permit upon approval.
7. Schedule required inspections through county.
8. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, final).
9. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for plan review; varies by project complexity and season. Resort season (winter) may experience longer processing times.

Source: Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Blaine County.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction plans and specifications
• Site plan showing zoning compliance
• Proof of property ownership or authorization to build
• Contractor registration number (if contractor performing work)

Permit validity

Permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Permit becomes invalid if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

Building code

2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC), as amended by Idaho

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property; contractor registration required for work valued at $2,000 or more.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must register with Idaho Division of Building Safety for work valued at $2,000 or more in labor and materials. Registration number must be displayed on all advertising, contracts, permits, and jobsites.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$1,500

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on total construction value using tiered fee schedule; 40% of plan check fee allocated to fire district

Payment note

Final inspection deposit required: minimum $1,500 or 10% of total permit fees (whichever is greater). Deposit released upon successful final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 208-788-5573, extension #1125 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

48-hour advance notice required for inspection requests

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footings, framing (including roof assembly), plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, mechanical/HVAC rough-in, final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC), as amended by Idaho
• Verify contractor license: Idaho Division of Building Safety Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Idaho Division of Building Safety
• South Central Public Health District (Septic Permits)
• Idaho Building Fees Calculator
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Blaine County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Blaine County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

The minimum permit fee is $1,500. Fees are calculated as: Based on total construction value using tiered fee schedule; 40% of plan check fee allocated to fire district. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

1. Complete permit application form through OpenGov portal or in person at County Annex Building. 2. Prepare construction plans and specifications according to 2018 IRC/IBC standards. 3. Submit application with required documents and fees through OpenGov or in person. 4. County Building Services reviews completeness and routes for plan review. 5. Plan review and approval by building department. 6. Receive permit upon approval. 7. Schedule required inspections through county. 8. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, final). 9. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for plan review; varies by project complexity and season. Resort season (winter) may experience longer processing times..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt from automatic fire sprinkler requirements (sprinklers optional); Certain accessory structures under specific size limits may be exempt; contact county for detailed exemption guidance. Note: Exempt from building permit requirements may not apply; confirm all exemption edge cases with Blaine County Building Services before proceeding. All work must comply with zoning regulations.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, ID?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 208-788-5573, extension #1125. 48-hour advance notice required for inspection requests.