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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Coeur d'Alene
New construction, additions, remodels, deck installation, window replacement, HVAC work, plumbing modifications, re-roofing, demolition, moving structures; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work generally requires 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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds where floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft
- Exempt Fences under 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet high
- Exempt Interior finishing work: painting, carpeting, tiling, papering
- Exempt Minor electrical repairs and maintenance such as replacement of lamps
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
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Codes effective January 1, 2021; 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code; 2018 IECC with state amendments
- Permit validity
- Expires after 180 days without inspection activity
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Re-roofs and most mechanical permits same day over-the-counter; single-family dwelling plan review typically 7-14 days; commercial projects longer
- 01 Determine permit type needed (building, mechanical, plumbing, re-roof, demolition, moving, electrical).
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 Building permits are routed for plan review by applicable city departments.
- 05 Customer receives 'Permit Ready Notification' email upon approval.
- 06 For online applicants: print approved plans, deliver to Building Services with remaining payment; permit is issued with inspection card and plan set.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance at (208) 769-2391.
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Coeur d'Alene building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Due at time of submission; amount based on project type and valuation
02
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
Credit card accepted online; development impact fees increased 3.9% effective July 1, 2025; all fees non-refundable
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical (before covering), insulation, final; Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Coeur d'Alene permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Coeur d'Alene, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in Coeur d'Alene, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Coeur d'Alene, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically run Re-roofs and most mechanical permits same day over-the-counter; single-family dwelling plan review typically 7-14 days; commercial projects longer. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Coeur d'Alene, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Coeur d'Alene, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Coeur d'Alene, ID via: (208) 769-2391. At least one business day advance notice required.
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.