Camas County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Camas County. Building Inspector: Danyon Fontenot.

Department

Camas County Planning and Zoning / Building Department

Address

517 Soldier Road, P.O. Box 430, Fairfield, ID 83327

Phone

(208) 764-1455 or (208) 764-2046

Email

building@camascounty.id.gov

Website

http://camascounty.id.gov/residential-building-permit/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the Residential Building Permit Application form (version 7-20-2021 or current) from the county website or Building Department office.
2. Review the Building Permit GUIDELINES document for specific requirements.
3. Prepare documentation: completed application form, site plan or property sketch with property lines, proposed construction plans (architectural/structural drawings), description of work and estimated valuation per ICC standards.
4. Obtain a valid Idaho Contractor Registration Number (required for all work exceeding $2,000; apply at https://dopl.idaho.gov/con/).
5. Submit application in person at 517 Soldier Road, Fairfield, during office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, closed 12:00–1:00 PM).
6. Pay applicable building permit fees at submission.
7. County may conduct site inspection to verify property location and conditions.
8. Permit issued upon approval; approved plans must remain on-site during construction.
9. For electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufactured housing: apply separately to Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS) at http://dbs.idaho.gov/permits or by phone 1-800-955-3044.

Typical processing time: 1-3 business days for routine building permits. State trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC): 1-2 business days.

Source: Camas County Planning and Zoning / Building Department

General Requirements

All residential dwellings require a building permit regardless of size. All structures are subject to local zoning and building code compliance.

Required Documents

• Completed Residential Building Permit Application form
• Site plan or property sketch showing property lines
• Proposed construction plans (architectural/structural drawings)
• Description of work and estimated valuation per ICC standards
• Valid Idaho Contractor Registration Number (if work exceeds $2,000)
• Proof of contractor registration currency
• For trade work: separate permits from IDBS

Permit validity

Construction must commence within specified period set by county. Approved plans must remain on-site during construction. Building permits are time-limited; check with county for specific validity periods.

Building code

2018 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendix Q (tiny homes). Idaho Building Code Act (39-4101 et seq.) governs statewide framework. Local amendments subject to Ordinance 160 and ICC valuation standards.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must comply with Idaho Contractor Registration Act if work exceeds $2,000 in materials and labor. Homeowners may perform limited work on their own property but must still obtain required permits.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work exceeding $2,000 must have a valid Idaho Contractors Identification Number, current workers' compensation insurance (or valid exemption statement), general liability insurance ($300,000 minimum single limit), and certificate of good standing with state.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on ICC occupancy valuation standards (2022 edition referenced). Contact county for specific rates.

Payment note

Fees based on ICC standards. Contact Camas County Building Department at (208) 764-1455, building@camascounty.id.gov, or visit 517 Soldier Road for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings (barns, livestock shelters, storage structures, horticultural structures) are exempt from building code requirements if used exclusively for agricultural operations. Does NOT include buildings for human habitation, employment (processing), or mixed uses.
• Low-cost permits may be issued for agricultural buildings to verify road setbacks and utility easement compliance.
• Exemption cannot be waived or narrowed by local ordinance.

Important: Agricultural exemption is statewide and applies in unincorporated Camas County. Verify all exemption eligibility with the Building Department before proceeding. Repair or rehabilitation work may be subject to different standards; contact county for guidance on internal non-structural work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (208) 764-1455 (County Building Department) (phone)
• 517 Soldier Road, Fairfield (during office hours) (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Contact county to schedule inspections; no guaranteed turnaround published.

Inspection hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM)

Typical inspection sequence: County building inspections at major milestones: foundation/footing, framing and structure, electrical rough-in (before drywall), plumbing rough-in (before final), HVAC rough-in, and final inspection (upon completion). State trade inspectors handle electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work separately.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendix Q (tiny homes). Idaho Building Code Act (39-4101 et seq.) governs statewide framework. Local amendments subject to Ordinance 160 and ICC valuation standards.
• Verify contractor license: Idaho Contractors Registration Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS)
• Idaho Department of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL)
• Central District Health Department (Septic Permits)
• Idaho DEQ Stormwater Permits (NPDES)
• Idaho Code Title 39 (Building Code Act)
• Idaho Code Title 54 (Contractors Registration)
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Camas County Building Permit FAQ

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

All residential dwellings require a building permit regardless of size. All structures are subject to local zoning and building code compliance.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Camas County, ID?

Fees are calculated as: Based on ICC occupancy valuation standards (2022 edition referenced). Contact county for specific rates..

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

1. Obtain the Residential Building Permit Application form (version 7-20-2021 or current) from the county website or Building Department office. 2. Review the Building Permit GUIDELINES document for specific requirements. 3. Prepare documentation: completed application form, site plan or property sketch with property lines, proposed construction plans (architectural/structural drawings), description of work and estimated valuation per ICC standards. 4. Obtain a valid Idaho Contractor Registration Number (required for all work exceeding $2,000; apply at https://dopl.idaho.gov/con/). 5. Submit application in person at 517 Soldier Road, Fairfield, during office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, closed 12:00–1:00 PM). 6. Pay applicable building permit fees at submission. 7. County may conduct site inspection to verify property location and conditions. 8. Permit issued upon approval; approved plans must remain on-site during construction. 9. For electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufactured housing: apply separately to Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS) at http://dbs.idaho.gov/permits or by phone 1-800-955-3044.

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

Typical processing time is 1-3 business days for routine building permits. State trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC): 1-2 business days..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings (barns, livestock shelters, storage structures, horticultural structures) are exempt from building code requirements if used exclusively for agricultural operations. Does NOT include buildings for human habitation, employment (processing), or mixed uses.; Low-cost permits may be issued for agricultural buildings to verify road setbacks and utility easement compliance.; Exemption cannot be waived or narrowed by local ordinance.. Note: Agricultural exemption is statewide and applies in unincorporated Camas County. Verify all exemption eligibility with the Building Department before proceeding. Repair or rehabilitation work may be subject to different standards; contact county for guidance on internal non-structural work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Camas County, ID?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (208) 764-1455 (County Building Department), 517 Soldier Road, Fairfield (during office hours). Contact county to schedule inspections; no guaranteed turnaround published..