Gooding County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas outside city limits of Gooding, Wendell, Hagerman, and Bliss.

Department

Gooding County Planning & Zoning Department

Address

714 Main St., Gooding, ID 83330

Phone

208-934-5958 Ext. 1204 (Building Inspector) or Ext. 1205 (Permit Technician)

Website

https://www.goodingcounty.org/176/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application form from the Gooding County Planning & Zoning Department.
2. Prepare two sets of detailed construction plans including floor plans, elevations, foundation details, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC layouts.
3. Submit completed application with plans through the OpenGov portal or in-person at 714 Main St.
4. County staff conducts completeness review and routes plans for review.
5. Pay plan review and building permit fees as invoiced.
6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
7. Obtain final permit approval after all fees are paid.

Typical processing time: 10-15 business days for standard plan review; subject to application completeness and project complexity

Source: Gooding County Planning & Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, structural remodeling, decks, porches, accessory structures, manufactured home installations, and any construction work in unincorporated areas within Gooding County.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application form
• Two sets of detailed construction plans with dimensions
• Site plan showing property lines and setbacks
• Floor plans and elevations
• Foundation and structural details
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system layouts
• Proof of legal land description or property address
• Proof of ownership or authorization to build
• Description of proposed construction with material specifications

Building code

Idaho Building Code (2018 edition based on IBC 2018) and Idaho Residential Code (2018 edition based on IRC 2018) with state amendments per Gooding County Ordinance No. 91

Owner-builder

Property owners performing work on their own property are exempt from contractor registration if the work is not intended for sale within 12 months.

Contractor requirements

All contractors engaged in projects exceeding $2,000 (materials + labor combined) must register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Licensed contractors required for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

Fees

Payment note

Contact Gooding County Planning & Zoning (208-934-5958 Ext. 1205) for current fee schedule. Fees established by Gooding County Board of Commissioners resolution.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Gooding County Planning & Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 208-934-5958 Ext. 1204 or 1205 (phone)
• OpenGov Portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing (before pour), Framing (after wall framing, before drywall), Mechanical Systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC rough-in before walls closed), Final Inspection (after all work complete).

Additional Resources

• Building code: Idaho Building Code (2018 edition based on IBC 2018) and Idaho Residential Code (2018 edition based on IRC 2018) with state amendments per Gooding County Ordinance No. 91
• Verify contractor license: Idaho DOPL Contractors Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Gooding County Building Code (Ordinance No. 91)
• Gooding County Zoning Ordinance No. 104
• Idaho DEQ Stormwater Permits
• South Central Public Health District - Septic Permits
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Gooding County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all new construction, structural remodeling, decks, porches, accessory structures, manufactured home installations, and any construction work in unincorporated areas within Gooding County.

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

1. Obtain building permit application form from the Gooding County Planning & Zoning Department. 2. Prepare two sets of detailed construction plans including floor plans, elevations, foundation details, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC layouts. 3. Submit completed application with plans through the OpenGov portal or in-person at 714 Main St. 4. County staff conducts completeness review and routes plans for review. 5. Pay plan review and building permit fees as invoiced. 6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 7. Obtain final permit approval after all fees are paid.

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

Typical processing time is 10-15 business days for standard plan review; subject to application completeness and project complexity.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings as defined by the International Building Code (subject to zoning and placement requirements); Single-story utility sheds under specified size thresholds (verify with jurisdiction); Certain temporary structures. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Gooding County Planning & Zoning before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 208-934-5958 Ext. 1204 or 1205, OpenGov Portal.