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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Caribou County
Building permits are required for all new construction, alterations, and structural changes in unincorporated Caribou County.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project scope information
- Approved septic permit from SIPH (if using individual septic system)
- Building checklist (available from County Building Department, current version November 2024)
- Building code
- Idaho Building Code (IBC) 2024 edition and Idaho Residential Code (IRC) 2024 edition (pending full state adoption)
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may perform work if they are the property owner at time of application.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered under Idaho Contractor Registration Act for projects exceeding $2,000 (materials + labor). Registration requires general liability insurance (minimum $300,000), workers' compensation insurance or exemption status, and $50 registration fee.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Typically 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications; varies based on complexity
- 01 Contact Caribou County Planning and Building Department or obtain application form from office
- 02 Select permit type: residential, accessory, prefabricated, carport, agricultural, manufactured, etc.
- 03 Complete application with all required documentation including site plan, construction plans, and project scope
- 04 For septic systems, obtain approved septic permit from Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) and attach to application
- 05 Submit application with applicable fees to County Building Department
- 06 County staff reviews application for completeness
- 07 Obtain approval and paid permit before beginning construction (except dirt work, which may begin before permit approval)
- 08 Request inspections 48 business hours in advance via phone (before 2:30 PM) or email (before midnight)
Typical processing time: Typically 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications; varies based on complexity
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 208-547-1780 (phone)
- hbarker@co.caribou.id.us (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Phone requests must be made before 2:30 PM; email requests must be made before midnight.
Typical sequence: County Building Inspector does NOT permit or inspect electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Contact Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS) for those trade permits and inspections.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Caribou County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Caribou County, ID? ▸
Building permits are required for all new construction, alterations, and structural changes in unincorporated Caribou County.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Caribou County, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Caribou County, ID, follow these steps: 1. Contact Caribou County Planning and Building Department or obtain application form from office 2. Select permit type: residential, accessory, prefabricated, carport, agricultural, manufactured, etc. 3. Complete application with all required documentation including site plan, construction plans, and project scope 4. For septic systems, obtain approved septic permit from Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) and attach to application 5. Submit application with applicable fees to County Building Department 6. County staff reviews application for completeness 7. Obtain approval and paid permit before beginning construction (except dirt work, which may begin before permit approval) 8. Request inspections 48 business hours in advance via phone (before 2:30 PM) or email (before midnight)
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Caribou County, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Caribou County, ID typically run Typically 1-2 weeks for standard residential applications; varies based on complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Caribou County, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Caribou County, ID via: 208-547-1780, hbarker@co.caribou.id.us. Phone requests must be made before 2:30 PM; email requests must be made before midnight..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/idaho/caribou/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Caribou County Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.