Unincorporated Bonner County

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.

• 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)
• Exempt 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.

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.

Source: Bonner County Planning Department ↗

1. 01
   Determine if permit is required using Bonner County's decision tree or contact Planning Department.
2. 02
   For exempt structures (non-habitable accessory structures up to 1,000 sq ft), file Exemption Application before construction.
3. 03
   Obtain fire district approval (except for single-family homes).
4. 04
   Submit Building Location Permit (BLP) application with all required information in person or by mail.
5. 05
   Pay non-refundable filing fee with application (amount per county fee schedule).
6. 06
   Upon approval and fee payment, permit becomes effective.
7. 07
   Construction cannot commence until permit is issued.

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

Source: Bonner County Planning Department ↗

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Typical 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.

Source: Bonner County Planning Department ↗