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City building permits

City of Lost River

How to apply for a building permit in City of Lost River, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

City of Lost River — Custer County Planning & Zoning (See Note)

Street address
PO Box 385, Challis, ID 83226
Coverage
All properties within the incorporated City of Lost River. NOTE: City is currently governmentally inactive; jurisdiction likely defaults to Custer County unincorporated standards.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Lost River

Building notification/permit requirements depend on current jurisdictional status. City of Lost River is officially incorporated but currently governmentally inactive (no elected officials or municipal staff actively conducting business). Default to unincorporated Custer County standards for most properties.

Minor repairs and maintenance
Minor farm buildings
  • Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance
  • Exempt Minor farm buildings

Note: City of Lost River is governmentally inactive. Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning to determine exemptions and current procedures.

Required documents
  • Building notification application form
  • Site plan or sketch
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Approved septic permit (if applicable)
  • Zoning compliance certification (if required)
Building code
2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho state amendments.
Contractor requirements
Contractor registration required for projects $2,000 or more per Idaho Code § 54-52. Registration number must be presented before permit issuance.
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Depends on current jurisdiction; recommend contacting county for timeline estimates.

  1. 01
    Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning Department (208-879-2379) to determine current jurisdiction and permitting requirements.
  2. 02
    Follow unincorporated Custer County process or specific Lost River procedures if city has reactivated governance.
  3. 03
    Obtain zoning compliance certificate if required.
  4. 04
    Obtain approved septic permit from Eastern Idaho Public Health if applicable.
  5. 05
    Submit building notification application with all required documents.
  6. 06
    County reviews and issues building notification.
  7. 07
    Obtain electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits from Idaho Division of Building Safety if required.

Typical processing time: Depends on current jurisdiction; recommend contacting county for timeline estimates.

Source: City of Lost River — Custer County Planning & Zoning (See Note) ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Inspection hours
Contact Custer County
§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about Lost River permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Lost River, ID?
Building notification/permit requirements depend on current jurisdictional status. City of Lost River is officially incorporated but currently governmentally inactive (no elected officials or municipal staff actively conducting business). Default to unincorporated Custer County standards for most properties.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Lost River, ID?
To apply for a building permit in Lost River, ID, follow these steps: 1. Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning Department (208-879-2379) to determine current jurisdiction and permitting requirements. 2. Follow unincorporated Custer County process or specific Lost River procedures if city has reactivated governance. 3. Obtain zoning compliance certificate if required. 4. Obtain approved septic permit from Eastern Idaho Public Health if applicable. 5. Submit building notification application with all required documents. 6. County reviews and issues building notification. 7. Obtain electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits from Idaho Division of Building Safety if required.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lost River, ID?
Building permit processing times in Lost River, ID typically run Depends on current jurisdiction; recommend contacting county for timeline estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Lost River, ID?
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lost River, ID. The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs and maintenance; Minor farm buildings. Note: City of Lost River is governmentally inactive. Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning to determine exemptions and current procedures. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 source City of Lost River — Custer County Planning & Zoning (See Note) ↗ entry id permits/idaho/custer/lost-river

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Lost River — Custer County Planning & Zoning (See Note) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Custer County.

Same county, different permit office. Click for that jurisdiction's full guide.

All Custer County jurisdictions →