Teton County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Teton County, Idaho.

Department

Teton County Building Department

Address

150 Courthouse Drive, Room 107, Driggs, ID 83422

Phone

208-776-8171

Website

https://www.tetoncountyidaho.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the Residential Building Permit Application form and 1st Steps Residential Submittal Checklist from Teton County.
2. Prepare required documents: plot plan, floor plans, zoning compliance proof, and septic information (if applicable).
3. Submit completed application and documents in person at the County Courthouse (Room 107) or by mail.
4. County staff reviews completeness and routes for plan review.
5. Applicant pays plan review fees and permit fees upon notification.
6. Building permit is issued upon approval and fee payment.
7. Applicant schedules required inspections (foundation, framing, final) via portal or phone.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for residential permits.

Source: Teton County Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and structural changes within unincorporated Teton County.

Required Documents

• Completed Residential Building Permit Application
• Scaled and dimensional plot plan with lot boundaries
• Primary and replacement wastewater area (if applicable)
• Structure floor plans (8.5 x 11 or PDF preferred)
• Proof of zoning compliance
• Septic capacity form (if on-site wastewater)

Permit validity

Building permits expire 3 years from issuance. Extension application and fee required for renewal.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments, including northern/mountainous region structural requirements for snow and earthquake loads.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Idaho DOPL for projects with contract value exceeding $2,000.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fees (by square footage category); example: 1,000 sq ft home approximately $1,239.39

Payment note

Fees are estimates only; actual charges calculated upon complete application submission. Fee calculator available as downloadable Excel spreadsheet. Impact fees (not included in calculator) may apply separately.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures ≤120 sq ft
• Fences ≤6 feet in height
• Retaining walls ≤4 feet in height
• Sidewalks and driveways ≤30 inches above adjacent grade

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 208-776-8171 (phone)
• Application Portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Foundation inspection (after excavation, before concrete), Framing inspection (after framing, before drywall), Final inspection (upon project completion). Plumbing/Electrical/HVAC inspections through Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments, including northern/mountainous region structural requirements for snow and earthquake loads.
• Verify contractor license: Idaho DOPL Contractors Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Idaho Division of Building Safety
• Eastern Idaho Public Health District (Septic)
• Teton County Planning & Zoning
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Teton County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, and structural changes within unincorporated Teton County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Teton County, ID?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fees (by square footage category); example: 1,000 sq ft home approximately $1,239.39.

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

1. Download the Residential Building Permit Application form and 1st Steps Residential Submittal Checklist from Teton County. 2. Prepare required documents: plot plan, floor plans, zoning compliance proof, and septic information (if applicable). 3. Submit completed application and documents in person at the County Courthouse (Room 107) or by mail. 4. County staff reviews completeness and routes for plan review. 5. Applicant pays plan review fees and permit fees upon notification. 6. Building permit is issued upon approval and fee payment. 7. Applicant schedules required inspections (foundation, framing, final) via portal or phone.

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

Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for residential permits..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures ≤120 sq ft; Fences ≤6 feet in height; Retaining walls ≤4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways ≤30 inches above adjacent grade.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 208-776-8171, Application Portal.