City Building Permits

Coeur d'Alene, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Idaho Kootenai County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All land within Coeur d'Alene city limits. Largest city in Kootenai County and county seat.

Department
Building Services
Address
710 E. Mullan Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone
(208) 769-2267
Website
https://www.cdaid.org/building

Online Permit Portal

Open CDA Building Department online portal

Platform: City-specific system • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type needed (building, mechanical, plumbing, re-roof, demolition, moving, electrical).
  2. For online: log in to https://building.cdaid.org/, select permit type, enter project information, calculate fees, add to cart, pay by credit card; system routes to permit technicians.
  3. For in-person: submit application at 710 E. Mullan Ave during business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; submittals close at 4:30 p.m.); pay plan review fee at submission.
  4. Building permits are routed for plan review by applicable city departments.
  5. Customer receives 'Permit Ready Notification' email upon approval.
  6. For online applicants: print approved plans, deliver to Building Services with remaining payment; permit is issued with inspection card and plan set.
  7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance at (208) 769-2391.
  8. Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy issued.

Typical processing time: Re-roofs and most mechanical permits same day over-the-counter; single-family dwelling plan review typically 7-14 days; commercial projects longer

Source: Building Services

General Requirements

New construction, additions, remodels, deck installation, window replacement, HVAC work, plumbing modifications, re-roofing, demolition, moving structures; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work generally requires permit

Required Documents

  • Site plan showing lot layout and setbacks
  • Floor plans
  • Framing/structural details
  • Energy code compliance (RESCHECK for residential)
  • Owner-builder statement if applicable
  • Commercial: one paper plan set plus CD copy
Permit validity
Expires after 180 days without inspection activity
Building code
2018 International Building Codes effective January 1, 2021; 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code; 2018 IECC with state amendments
Owner-builder
Property owners may perform work themselves but must complete an Owner-Builder statement and meet all codes; city will not accept application without contractor registration number or owner-builder exemption documentation
Contractor requirements
State-licensed contractors required for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work; Idaho contractor registration number required

Fees

Plan check fee
Due at time of submission; amount based on project type and valuation
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; cost of permit based on project valuation (labor, materials, equipment, site work); example ranges: $100,000-$500,000 valuation: $993.75 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000; $500,000-$1,000,000: $3,233.75 plus $4.75 per additional $1,000
Payment note
Credit card accepted online; development impact fees increased 3.9% effective July 1, 2025; all fees non-refundable

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds where floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft
  • Fences under 6 feet high
  • Retaining walls under 4 feet high
  • Interior finishing work: painting, carpeting, tiling, papering
  • Minor electrical repairs and maintenance such as replacement of lamps

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (208) 769-2391 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
At least one business day advance notice required
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical (before covering), insulation, final; Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coeur d'Alene Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
New construction, additions, remodels, deck installation, window replacement, HVAC work, plumbing modifications, re-roofing, demolition, moving structures; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work generally requires permit
How much does a building permit cost in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; cost of permit based on project valuation (labor, materials, equipment, site work); example ranges: $100,000-$500,000 valuation: $993.75 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000; $500,000-$1,000,000: $3,233.75 plus $4.75 per additional $1,000. Plan check fee: Due at time of submission; amount based on project type and valuation.
How do I apply for a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
1. Determine permit type needed (building, mechanical, plumbing, re-roof, demolition, moving, electrical). 2. For online: log in to https://building.cdaid.org/, select permit type, enter project information, calculate fees, add to cart, pay by credit card; system routes to permit technicians. 3. For in-person: submit application at 710 E. Mullan Ave during business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; submittals close at 4:30 p.m.); pay plan review fee at submission. 4. Building permits are routed for plan review by applicable city departments. 5. Customer receives 'Permit Ready Notification' email upon approval. 6. For online applicants: print approved plans, deliver to Building Services with remaining payment; permit is issued with inspection card and plan set. 7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance at (208) 769-2391. 8. Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
Typical processing time is Re-roofs and most mechanical permits same day over-the-counter; single-family dwelling plan review typically 7-14 days; commercial projects longer.
What work is exempt from building permits in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds where floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft; Fences under 6 feet high; Retaining walls under 4 feet high; Interior finishing work: painting, carpeting, tiling, papering; Minor electrical repairs and maintenance such as replacement of lamps.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Coeur d'Alene, ID?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (208) 769-2391. At least one business day advance notice required.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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