On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Rathdrum
New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy; change of occupancy also requires sign-off from Northern Lakes Fire Department, Panhandle Health, and state electrical/plumbing
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds up to 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC) depending on structure type
Fences under 7 ft
Retaining walls under 4 ft
Agricultural buildings used solely for agriculture per Idaho state law
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds up to 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC) depending on structure type
- Exempt Fences under 7 ft
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 ft
- Exempt Agricultural buildings used solely for agriculture per Idaho state law
Note: Electrical and plumbing permits issued by Idaho DBS even within city limits
Required documents
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Energy compliance documentation
- Checklist varies by project type
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) per City of Rathdrum Title 9: Building Regulations
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated (Idaho standard is typically 180 days)
- Contractor requirements
- Idaho contractor registration required; electrical and plumbing handled by Idaho Division of Building Safety
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated
- 01 Create or log in to BS&A Online account at https://bsaonline.com/Home/MunicipalityHome?uid=2897
- 02 Select property by address, parcel number, or owner name.
- 03 Enter permit details and applicant information.
- 04 Upload all required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance, etc.).
- 05 Accept disclaimers and submit application.
- 06 Once application is deemed complete, applicant is invoiced for fees per adopted fee schedule.
- 07 Pay invoice online from the 'View My Activity' screen.
- 08 Permit issued; approved plans must remain on site.
- 09 Schedule inspections through BS&A Online at major milestones.
- 10 Final inspection; certificate of occupancy issued.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective March 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately stated
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; Permit Fee = Gross Sq. Ft. Area x Sq. Ft. Construction Cost x 0.008099; construction costs determined by ICC August 2025 square foot cost tables
Invoice paid online through BS&A 'View My Activity' screen
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective March 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- BS&A portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Rathdrum permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
New construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy; change of occupancy also requires sign-off from Northern Lakes Fire Department, Panhandle Health, and state electrical/plumbing
02 How much does a building permit cost in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in Rathdrum, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; Permit Fee = Gross Sq. Ft. Area x Sq. Ft. Construction Cost x 0.008099; construction costs determined by ICC August 2025 square foot cost tables. Plan check fee: Not separately stated.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Rathdrum, ID, follow these steps: 1. Create or log in to BS&A Online account at https://bsaonline.com/Home/MunicipalityHome?uid=2897 2. Select property by address, parcel number, or owner name. 3. Enter permit details and applicant information. 4. Upload all required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance, etc.). 5. Accept disclaimers and submit application. 6. Once application is deemed complete, applicant is invoiced for fees per adopted fee schedule. 7. Pay invoice online from the 'View My Activity' screen. 8. Permit issued; approved plans must remain on site. 9. Schedule inspections through BS&A Online at major milestones. 10. Final inspection; certificate of occupancy issued.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in Rathdrum, ID typically run Not publicly stated. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Rathdrum, ID. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds up to 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC) depending on structure type; Fences under 7 ft; Retaining walls under 4 ft; Agricultural buildings used solely for agriculture per Idaho state law. Note: Electrical and plumbing permits issued by Idaho DBS even within city limits When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Rathdrum, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Rathdrum, ID via: BS&A portal.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department, Community Development ↗
entry id permits/idaho/kootenai/rathdrum
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.