Bonner County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Bonner County (does not cover incorporated cities).

Department

Bonner County Planning Department

Address

1500 Highway 2, Suite 208, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Phone

208-265-1458

Website

https://www.bonnercountyid.gov/building-location-permit

Application Process

1. Determine if permit is required using Bonner County's decision tree or contact Planning Department.
2. For exempt structures (non-habitable accessory structures up to 1,000 sq ft), file Exemption Application before construction.
3. Obtain fire district approval (except for single-family homes).
4. Submit Building Location Permit (BLP) application with all required information in person or by mail.
5. Pay non-refundable filing fee with application (amount per county fee schedule).
6. Upon approval and fee payment, permit becomes effective.
7. Construction cannot commence until permit is issued.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact Planning Department for estimated timeline.

Source: Bonner County Planning Department

General Requirements

Building Location Permit required for: erecting, constructing, reconstructing, setting, placing, installing, enlarging, extending, moving, or converting any structure; any habitable structure regardless of size; all structures over 400 sq ft.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Location Permit application
• Site plan or property description
• Design plans or construction drawings
• Proof of fire district approval (except single-family homes)
• Proof of septic/well permits if applicable

Building code

No building codes adopted by Bonner County since 1997. County regulates location and use of development only; does NOT enforce structural, fire, or life-safety standards.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property; contractor registration may be required if project value exceeds $2,000.

Contractor requirements

Contractors engaging in projects exceeding $2,000 (materials + labor) must register with Idaho Division of Building Safety; separate from building permit.

Fees

Payment note

Fees payable to Bonner County Planning Department. Non-refundable filing fee due with application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached non-habitable accessory structures (tool shed, storage shed, carport, agricultural building) not exceeding 1,000 sq ft (must file Exemption Application before construction)
• Single-family homes (exempt from fire district requirement, but may still need structural permits/inspections and compliance with other state/federal regulations)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from Bonner County Revised Code zoning/land use, shoreland development regulations, or state/federal requirements (sewage, wells, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, NPDES stormwater). Applicants must comply with all applicable codes and regulations independently.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Bonner County does NOT perform structural inspections (no building code adopted). Applicants may provide proof of compliance via ICBO-certified building inspector, licensed gas utility provider, licensed electrical contractor, or licensed plumbing contractor.

Additional Resources

• Building code: No building codes adopted by Bonner County since 1997. County regulates location and use of development only; does NOT enforce structural, fire, or life-safety standards.
• Verify contractor license: Idaho Contractors Board
• Idaho Division of Building Safety — Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, HVAC Permits
• Idaho DEQ — Stormwater & Wastewater Permits
• Idaho Contractor Registration Requirements
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonner County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building Location Permit required for: erecting, constructing, reconstructing, setting, placing, installing, enlarging, extending, moving, or converting any structure; any habitable structure regardless of size; all structures over 400 sq ft.

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

1. Determine if permit is required using Bonner County's decision tree or contact Planning Department. 2. For exempt structures (non-habitable accessory structures up to 1,000 sq ft), file Exemption Application before construction. 3. Obtain fire district approval (except for single-family homes). 4. Submit Building Location Permit (BLP) application with all required information in person or by mail. 5. Pay non-refundable filing fee with application (amount per county fee schedule). 6. Upon approval and fee payment, permit becomes effective. 7. Construction cannot commence until permit is issued.

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

Typical processing time is Variable; contact Planning Department for estimated timeline..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached non-habitable accessory structures (tool shed, storage shed, carport, agricultural building) not exceeding 1,000 sq ft (must file Exemption Application before construction); Single-family homes (exempt from fire district requirement, but may still need structural permits/inspections and compliance with other state/federal regulations). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from Bonner County Revised Code zoning/land use, shoreland development regulations, or state/federal requirements (sewage, wells, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, NPDES stormwater). Applicants must comply with all applicable codes and regulations independently.