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§ ID Power County
County building permits

Unincorporated Power County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Power County, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department

Street address
127 Idaho Street, American Falls, ID 83211
Coverage
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.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Power County

Building permits are required for all development in unincorporated Power County, including structures, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, and regrading.

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)
  • 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.

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.

Source: Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 10-14 days for most permits; same-day for re-roofing, re-siding, and signs if complete information is provided.

  1. 01
    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. 02
    Verify deed restrictions, subdivision requirements, and legal property access before applying.
  3. 03
    Submit completed application with required documents to Power County Building Administrator.
  4. 04
    Building Administrator reviews for code compliance and completeness.
  5. 05
    Pay permit fees at time of permit issuance.
  6. 06
    Obtain permit and proceed with construction.
  7. 07
    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 ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • (208) 226-7625 (phone)
§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Power County permits

01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Power County, ID?
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Power County, ID typically run 10-14 days for most permits; same-day for re-roofing, re-siding, and signs if complete information is provided.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Power County, ID?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Power County, ID?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Power County, ID via: (208) 226-7625.
last verified April 2026 source Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/idaho/power/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Administrator / Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.