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§ ID Blaine County
County building permits

Unincorporated Blaine County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Min. permit fee
$1,500
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department

Street address
County Annex Building, 2nd Floor, 219 South First Avenue, Suite 208, Hailey, ID 83333
Phone
208-788-5573
Coverage
All unincorporated areas of Blaine County.
Online portal
OpenGov Permit Portal
OpenGov
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Blaine County

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

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
  • Exempt Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt from automatic fire sprinkler requirements (sprinklers optional)
  • Exempt 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.

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

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

§ 03

Application process

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

  1. 01
    Complete permit application form through OpenGov portal or in person at County Annex Building.
  2. 02
    Prepare construction plans and specifications according to 2018 IRC/IBC standards.
  3. 03
    Submit application with required documents and fees through OpenGov or in person.
  4. 04
    County Building Services reviews completeness and routes for plan review.
  5. 05
    Plan review and approval by building department.
  6. 06
    Receive permit upon approval.
  7. 07
    Schedule required inspections through county.
  8. 08
    Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, final).
  9. 09
    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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Blaine County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$1,500
02
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Based on total construction value using tiered fee schedule; 40% of plan check fee allocated to fire district

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Blaine County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Blaine County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Blaine County, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Blaine County, ID typically run 2-4 weeks for plan review; varies by project complexity and season. Resort season (winter) may experience longer processing times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, ID via: 208-788-5573, extension #1125. 48-hour advance notice required for inspection requests.
last verified April 2026 source Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department ↗ entry id permits/idaho/blaine/unincorporated
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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Blaine County Building Services, Land Use and Building Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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