County Building Permits
Power County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Power County, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Power County, including Arbon Valley, Arbon, Bannock, Crystal, Don, Fairview, Lone Rock, Michaud, Neeley, Pauline, Quigley, Roy, Schiller, and other unincorporated communities.
- Department
- Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department
- Address
- 127 Idaho Street, American Falls, ID 83211
- Phone
- (208) 226-7625
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Complete blueprints must be submitted 10-14 days prior to building. For larger commercial or residential projects, original engineer's or architect's stamp is required.
- Verify deed restrictions, subdivision requirements, and legal property access before applying.
- Submit completed application with required documents to Power County Building Administrator.
- Building Administrator reviews for code compliance and completeness.
- Pay permit fees at time of permit issuance.
- Obtain permit and proceed with construction.
- Schedule required inspections through the Building Administrator.
Typical processing time: 10-14 days for most permits; same-day for re-roofing, re-siding, and signs if complete information is provided.
Source: Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department
General Requirements
Building permits are required for all development in unincorporated Power County, including structures, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, and regrading.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Complete blueprints or construction plans
- Engineer's or architect's stamp (for larger commercial/residential projects)
- Site plan showing property access
- Project scope and description
- Proof of legal access to property
- Evidence of code compliance
- Building code
- Idaho Building Code 2018 and Idaho Residential Code 2018 with Idaho amendments
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors on projects $2,000 or more must register with Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Valid contractor registration number must be displayed on jobsite, business location, advertising, and contracts within 60 days.
Fees
- Payment note
- Fees are due at time of permit issuance. Contact Power County Building Administrator for current fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Siting permits for agricultural buildings on 5+ acres actively devoted to agriculture (farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, horticultural products storage only; excludes habitation, public use, or processing facilities)
Important: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning restrictions, deed restrictions, subdivision requirements, and may require Highway Permits. Verify with Power County Building Administrator before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (208) 226-7625 (phone)
Additional Resources
- Building code: Idaho Building Code 2018 and Idaho Residential Code 2018 with Idaho amendments
- Verify contractor license: Idaho DOPL Contractor Registration
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Idaho DOPL Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC Permits
- Idaho DEQ Stormwater (IPDES) Permits
- Eastern Idaho Public Health District - Septic Permits
- License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Power County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID?
- Building permits are required for all development in unincorporated Power County, including structures, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, and regrading.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID?
- 1. Complete blueprints must be submitted 10-14 days prior to building. For larger commercial or residential projects, original engineer's or architect's stamp is required. 2. Verify deed restrictions, subdivision requirements, and legal property access before applying. 3. Submit completed application with required documents to Power County Building Administrator. 4. Building Administrator reviews for code compliance and completeness. 5. Pay permit fees at time of permit issuance. 6. Obtain permit and proceed with construction. 7. Schedule required inspections through the Building Administrator.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID?
- Typical processing time is 10-14 days for most permits; same-day for re-roofing, re-siding, and signs if complete information is provided..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Power County, ID?
- The following work is generally exempt: Siting permits for agricultural buildings on 5+ acres actively devoted to agriculture (farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, horticultural products storage only; excludes habitation, public use, or processing facilities). Note: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning restrictions, deed restrictions, subdivision requirements, and may require Highway Permits. Verify with Power County Building Administrator before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Power County, ID?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (208) 226-7625.
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