jaspector
County building permits

Unincorporated Custer County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Custer County Planning & Zoning Department

Street address
PO Box 385, Challis, ID 83226
Coverage
All unincorporated areas of Custer County, Idaho.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Custer County

Building notification required for residential construction (new homes, additions, major renovations), commercial/industrial buildings, subdivisions, and most structures. An approved septic permit must be attached to the building notification per Ordinance 2007-13.

Minor farm buildings
Minor storage sheds under specified square footage (consult county for exact thresholds)
Certain exempt structures per local ordinance
  • Exempt Minor farm buildings
  • Exempt Minor storage sheds under specified square footage (consult county for exact thresholds)
  • Exempt Certain exempt structures per local ordinance

Note: Consult Custer County Planning & Zoning Department for specific exemption determinations. Building notification exemption does not mean exemption from zoning and planning requirements.

Required documents
  • Building notification application form
  • Site plan or sketch showing proposed structure, setbacks, lot lines
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Approved septic permit (if applicable)
  • Flood information and elevation certificate (if in mapped floodplain)
  • Zoning compliance certification
Building code
2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho state amendments.
Owner-builder
Owner-builders may install basic septic systems on their own property without hired labor; otherwise, licensed septic installer required.
Contractor requirements
Contractor registration required for projects totaling $2,000 or more (labor, materials, and all other items). Registration number must be presented before permit issuance.
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Zoning certificate: 1-3 business days. Septic permit: 5-10 business days. Building notification: 2-5 business days after septic approval.

  1. 01
    Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning Department by phone or mail.
  2. 02
    Obtain zoning compliance certificate and site evaluation form (if septic required).
  3. 03
    Obtain approved septic permit from Eastern Idaho Public Health (if applicable).
  4. 04
    Submit building notification application with all required documents and approved septic permit attached.
  5. 05
    County reviews for zoning compliance and floodplain status.
  6. 06
    County issues building notification.
  7. 07
    Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits from Idaho Division of Building Safety if required.

Typical processing time: Zoning certificate: 1-3 business days. Septic permit: 5-10 business days. Building notification: 2-5 business days after septic approval.

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Inspection hours
Weekdays during business hours
§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Custer County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, ID?
Building notification required for residential construction (new homes, additions, major renovations), commercial/industrial buildings, subdivisions, and most structures. An approved septic permit must be attached to the building notification per Ordinance 2007-13.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, ID?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, ID, follow these steps: 1. Contact Custer County Planning & Zoning Department by phone or mail. 2. Obtain zoning compliance certificate and site evaluation form (if septic required). 3. Obtain approved septic permit from Eastern Idaho Public Health (if applicable). 4. Submit building notification application with all required documents and approved septic permit attached. 5. County reviews for zoning compliance and floodplain status. 6. County issues building notification. 7. Obtain separate 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 unincorporated Custer County, ID?
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Custer County, ID typically run Zoning certificate: 1-3 business days. Septic permit: 5-10 business days. Building notification: 2-5 business days after septic approval.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Custer County, ID?
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Custer County, ID. The following work is generally exempt: Minor farm buildings; Minor storage sheds under specified square footage (consult county for exact thresholds); Certain exempt structures per local ordinance. Note: Consult Custer County Planning & Zoning Department for specific exemption determinations. Building notification exemption does not mean exemption from zoning and planning requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 entry id permits/idaho/custer/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Custer County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.