Unincorporated Bonneville County

Required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure in unincorporated areas. As of January 20, 2026, Bonneville County processes electrical and plumbing permits directly (previously issued by the state Division of Building Safety).

• Exempt Agricultural buildings are exempt per Idaho Code Section 39-4116
• Exempt Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet may be exempt from state building code requirements per state statute, but local zoning setback rules still apply

Note: Routine maintenance and repair not involving structural or system changes. Thin data — the county does not publish a detailed exempt work list on its public website. Contact the department directly to confirm exemptions for specific project types.

Building code

Bonneville County follows state-adopted Idaho codes based on 2018 IBC and IRC model codes. Local amendments may apply.

Permit validity

Not publicly specified on website. Contact department for current rules.

Owner-builder

Idaho state law allows homeowners to pull permits on their own primary or secondary residence without being a licensed contractor. The homeowner must personally perform the work. If a contractor is hired, the contractor must pull the permit in their own name.

Contractor requirements

Idaho requires contractors performing construction costing $2,000 or more in labor and materials to register with the Idaho State Contractors Board. Registration requires proof of $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage or exemption. There is no state exam requirement. Registration fee is $50. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require separate state licenses through the Division of Building Safety.

1. 01
   Determine if your project is in unincorporated Bonneville County (not within a city).
2. 02
   Create or log into an account on the CityWorks Online portal.
3. 03
   Submit the building or zoning application through the portal (or submit in person at the office).
4. 04
   County reviews plans for code compliance.
5. 05
   Pay permit fees via the Point and Pay portal or in person.
6. 06
   Receive permit approval.
7. 07
   Post permit on-site and proceed with construction.
8. 08
   Schedule required inspections through CityWorks Online or by calling (208) 524-7920.
9. 09
   Pass all inspections; receive certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified. Contact (208) 524-7920 for current timelines.

Source: Planning, Zoning, and Building Department ↗

Online payment available via Point and Pay portal at https://client.pointandpay.net/web/BonnevilleCoPlanandZone

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

• CityWorks Online portal (online)
• (208) 524-7920 (phone)

Inspection hours

Weekdays 8am-5pm (excluding holidays)

Typical sequence: Varies by project type. Standard sequence typically includes footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final. Confirm specific sequence with department.