City of Bonners Ferry

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Bonners Ferry.

Note: Lesser projects may require only electrical/plumbing permits, not full building permit. Contact Building Department to determine permit requirements for specific projects.

Building code

2020 Idaho Residential Code (based on 2018 IRC with Idaho amendments). City contracts with Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS) to administrate building codes and conduct inspections.

Permit validity

Permit becomes null and void if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. Permit becomes null and void if work suspended for 180 days or more without written extension approval. Extension must be requested in writing before expiration.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may proceed; Idaho Contractors Registration Act applies to any contractor engaged in work exceeding $2,000.

Contractor requirements

Any contractor engaged in construction work exceeding $2,000 (materials + labor) must register with Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Registration number must be displayed on permits, contracts, and jobsite within 60 days.

Source: City of Bonners Ferry Planning and Building Department ↗

1. 01
   Contact Building Department to discuss project scope and verify zoning compliance and setback requirements.
2. 02
   Determine if project is in floodplain.
3. 03
   Complete Building Permit Application form.
4. 04
   Provide one full set of plans drawn to scale showing location, nature, and extent of work.
5. 05
   Provide one set of reproducible copy (8.5" × 11" or 11" × 17") or electronic copy.
6. 06
   Demonstrate compliance with City Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Floodplain regulations (if applicable).
7. 07
   Attach proof of legal description and lot ownership.
8. 08
   If property is in designated floodplain, complete Floodplain Development Permit and provide FEMA-approved floodproofing certification if applicable.
9. 09
   Verify building elevation is 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
10. 10
    Obtain electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS).
11. 11
    City reviews application; IDBS building inspector assigned.
12. 12
    Pre-construction conference with inspector recommended.
13. 13
    Inspections scheduled during construction.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact city for current timeline.

Source: City of Bonners Ferry Planning and Building Department ↗

Typical range: Building permit $100–$500+ based on estimated project cost. Electrical permit: separate fee set by IDBS. Plumbing permit: separate fee set by IDBS. Mechanical permit: separate fee set by IDBS. Floodplain permit: no separate fee (included in building permit). Zoning variance/conditional use: varies. For current fee schedule, contact City Hall at (208) 267-3105 or download from city website.

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

• (208) 267-3105 (phone)
• City Hall (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Provide 24-hour notice when possible

Typical sequence: Required inspections: (1) Foundation Inspection—after excavation and prior to concrete pour; (2) Framing Inspection—after all framing is complete but before walls are closed; (3) Mechanical Inspection—for electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems; (4) Final Inspection—after all work complete; verifies compliance with approved plans.

Source: City of Bonners Ferry Planning and Building Department ↗