Lincoln County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Lincoln County.

Department

Lincoln County Planning & Zoning Department

Address

111 West B Street, Suite C, Shoshone, ID 83352

Phone

208-886-9808

Application Process

1. Pre-application meeting with Lincoln County Planning & Zoning (recommended); contact 208-886-9808 for appointment.
2. Prepare electronic PDF plans with each page as separate file: site map with setbacks, site plan, floor plans, elevations.
3. Obtain fire chief review and approval; submit proof of approval with application.
4. Submit complete plans electronically to county planning coordinator.
5. County forwards plans to DOPL Plan Review Section for structural review.
6. DOPL completes plan review (typically 2-4 weeks); county notifies applicant of approval or corrections needed.
7. Obtain septic permit from South Central Public Health District before building permit issuance.
8. Obtain well permit from Idaho Department of Water Resources before building permit issuance.
9. County issues building permit upon all approvals.
10. Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits from DOPL.
11. Schedule inspections and begin construction.
12. Final inspection and sign-off upon completion.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for plan review through DOPL; 1-2 weeks for septic and well permits; overall timeline 4-8 weeks from application to building permit issuance.

General Requirements

Building permit required for new structures, additions, renovations, and demolitions (typically $2,000+ construction value or per local interpretation).

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site map identifying project location, septic system location, well location, and setbacks from roads and property lines
• Floor plans and elevations
• Proof of property ownership or authorization
• Estimated construction cost
• Contractor information (if applicable)
• Fire chief review and approval of plans

Building code

Idaho Residential Code (2018 edition) based on IRC 2018 with Idaho amendments; Idaho Fire Code 2018.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may perform work on own property without contractor license, but must follow all code requirements and inspection procedures.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing work valued at $2,000+ must register with Idaho Contractors Board (fee ~$50/year). Proof of general liability insurance ($300,000 minimum) and workers' compensation insurance required.

Fees

Payment note

Contact county for current fee schedule and payment methods.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 208-886-9808 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (appointments recommended)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence includes footing/foundation, MEP rough-in, frame, and final building inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Idaho Residential Code (2018 edition) based on IRC 2018 with Idaho amendments; Idaho Fire Code 2018.
• Verify contractor license: Idaho Contractors Board Registration
• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
• Idaho Contractors Registration Act
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permit required for new structures, additions, renovations, and demolitions (typically $2,000+ construction value or per local interpretation).

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

1. Pre-application meeting with Lincoln County Planning & Zoning (recommended); contact 208-886-9808 for appointment. 2. Prepare electronic PDF plans with each page as separate file: site map with setbacks, site plan, floor plans, elevations. 3. Obtain fire chief review and approval; submit proof of approval with application. 4. Submit complete plans electronically to county planning coordinator. 5. County forwards plans to DOPL Plan Review Section for structural review. 6. DOPL completes plan review (typically 2-4 weeks); county notifies applicant of approval or corrections needed. 7. Obtain septic permit from South Central Public Health District before building permit issuance. 8. Obtain well permit from Idaho Department of Water Resources before building permit issuance. 9. County issues building permit upon all approvals. 10. Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits from DOPL. 11. Schedule inspections and begin construction. 12. Final inspection and sign-off upon completion.

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

Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for plan review through DOPL; 1-2 weeks for septic and well permits; overall timeline 4-8 weeks from application to building permit issuance..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs and internal alterations not affecting structural elements or systems. Note: Contact Lincoln County Planning & Zoning at 208-886-9808 to verify if specific work qualifies for exemption.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 208-886-9808.