Unincorporated Minidoka County

A building permit is required for all structural work, new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, remodeling, demolition, reroofing, re-siding, change of occupancy, and installation of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems.

• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting
• Exempt Interior cabinet or countertop installation
• Exempt Window treatment installations (awnings, shades)
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, or theater sets and scenery
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools (less than 24 inches deep, 5,000 gallons or less, entirely above ground, accessory to residential structures)
• Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Exempt Playground equipment and swings accessory to detached single or two-family dwellings
• Exempt Window awnings in residential or utility occupancies (54 inches or less projection, no additional support required)

Note: Agricultural buildings on 5+ contiguous acres actively devoted to agriculture may be exempt from full building permit requirements or may require a Siting Permit in lieu of standard building permit. Only applies in unincorporated Minidoka County. Confirm applicability with Minidoka County Community Development before proceeding.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 Idaho Residential Code (IRC), 2018 Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Existing Building Code, 2018 Mechanical Code, and 2018 Fuel Gas Code with Idaho-specific amendments (effective January 1, 2021).

Permit validity

Permit becomes invalid if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Work may not be suspended or abandoned for more than 180 days. Extensions up to 180 days each may be granted in writing by building official.

Owner-builder

Property owners may perform electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work on their own residential property using a homeowner permit from Idaho DOPL.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing work valued at $2,000 or more must register through Idaho DOPL, maintain minimum $300,000 single-limit General Liability insurance, provide Workers' Compensation proof if employees present, and display registration number on jobsite, advertising, contracts, and permits.

1. 01
   Obtain application forms from Minidoka County Community Development website or in person at 715 G Street, Rupert.
2. 02
   Prepare complete application package with owner/authorized agent signature, detailed plans, site plan, and proof of property ownership or authorization.
3. 03
   Submit application in person (preferred for same-day receipt) or by mail to P.O. Box 368, Rupert, ID 83350.
4. 04
   County staff reviews application for code compliance, zoning conformity, and completeness.
5. 05
   Pay applicable fees. Incomplete applications removed from queue until corrections received.
6. 06
   Permit issued upon approval and fee payment.
7. 07
   Schedule inspections at least 0.5 working days in advance (footing/foundation, framing, final).
8. 08
   Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Up to 2 weeks for plan review, depending on project type and complexity. Some minor permits may process faster.

Source: Minidoka County Community Development, Building & Zoning Department ↗

• 208-436-7180 (phone)
• 715 G Street, Rupert, ID 83350 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be submitted at least 0.5 working days in advance.

Inspection hours

Standard business hours (confirm via phone)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing (structural, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in), final inspection before occupancy. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections handled by Idaho DOPL.