Unincorporated Idaho County

No local building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Idaho County. State-level permits are required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC installations; wells; septic systems; and stormwater disturbance (1+ acre).

• Exempt General construction (residential, commercial, industrial)
• Exempt Building additions and alterations
• Exempt Demolition
• Exempt Sheds under 200 sq. ft. (single-story detached, no loft or sleeping use)
• Exempt Decks under 200 sq. ft., under 30 inches high, not attached to dwelling

Note: Exemptions apply only to local permits. State-level permits may still be required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, wells, septic systems, and stormwater depending on project scope. Contact state agencies for clarification.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments apply statewide for work requiring state permits.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must register with the Idaho Contractors Board if work valued at $2,000 or more (materials + labor combined). Registration required under Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 52. All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work must be performed by individuals holding state trade licenses.

Source: Idaho County Board of Commissioners ↗

1. 01
   Verify state-level permit requirements (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, wells, septic, stormwater if applicable).
2. 02
   Determine if state-level permits apply to your project based on trade and scope.
3. 03
   Contact relevant state agencies: Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS), Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), North Central Health District, or Idaho DEQ.
4. 04
   Submit state permit applications directly to the respective agency.
5. 05
   Obtain state permits before commencing work.

Typical processing time: Varies by state agency; typically 2-4 weeks for trades permits, 1-2 weeks for septic/well permits.

Source: Idaho County Board of Commissioners ↗

Typical sequence: No local inspections. State agencies conduct inspections for their respective trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, wells, septic, stormwater).