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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County
A building permit is required for any new construction of a building or structure, additions or enlargements, alterations that change structural components or occupancy, demolition or moving of structures, changes in occupancy classification, and sewer system installation.
Repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes
Painting, wallpapering, interior decorating
Roofing and siding replacement (preexisting openings)
Detached accessory structures: one-story sheds, playhouses, gazebos less than 200 sq ft
Decks and patios less than 200 sq ft and less than 30 inches high
- Exempt Repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, interior decorating
- Exempt Roofing and siding replacement (preexisting openings)
- Exempt Detached accessory structures: one-story sheds, playhouses, gazebos less than 200 sq ft
- Exempt Decks and patios less than 200 sq ft and less than 30 inches high
Note: Even exempt work must comply with all building codes. Contact Washington County Planning & Zoning for specific exemptions in your jurisdiction, as they vary.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plans and specifications conforming to County zoning and building codes
- Site plan
- County Road Supervisor approval (for driveway/culvert access)
- State Board of Health approval (for sewer systems)
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with Idaho amendments, 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2020 Idaho Residential Code, 2020 Idaho Energy Conservation Code
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must register with the Idaho Contractors Board if project value exceeds $2,000.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact Planning & Zoning for specific timeline estimate.
- 01 Contact Washington County Planning & Zoning Administrator.
- 02 Submit building permit application and plans conforming to County zoning (Title 1) and building codes (Chapter 1).
- 03 Obtain County Road Supervisor approval for culvert installation and driveway approach onto county roads (if applicable).
- 04 For sewer systems, obtain state Board of Health approval as condition of permit.
- 05 County reviews plans for compliance with zoning and building codes.
- 06 Permit issued upon plan compliance.
- 07 Obtain required inspections before and after construction.
Typical processing time: Contact Planning & Zoning for specific timeline estimate.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Washington County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$256.00
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation ($1–$2,000: $256.00 + state surcharge)
Low-income fee reductions available upon HUD-standard income documentation.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Washington County Planning & Zoning (208-414-3631) (phone)
- 256 E Court Street, Weiser, ID 83672 (in-person)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
A building permit is required for any new construction of a building or structure, additions or enlargements, alterations that change structural components or occupancy, demolition or moving of structures, changes in occupancy classification, and sewer system installation.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Washington County, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $256.00. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation ($1–$2,000: $256.00 + state surcharge).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, ID, follow these steps: 1. Contact Washington County Planning & Zoning Administrator. 2. Submit building permit application and plans conforming to County zoning (Title 1) and building codes (Chapter 1). 3. Obtain County Road Supervisor approval for culvert installation and driveway approach onto county roads (if applicable). 4. For sewer systems, obtain state Board of Health approval as condition of permit. 5. County reviews plans for compliance with zoning and building codes. 6. Permit issued upon plan compliance. 7. Obtain required inspections before and after construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Washington County, ID typically run Contact Planning & Zoning for specific timeline estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Washington County, ID. The following work is generally exempt: Repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes; Painting, wallpapering, interior decorating; Roofing and siding replacement (preexisting openings); Detached accessory structures: one-story sheds, playhouses, gazebos less than 200 sq ft; Decks and patios less than 200 sq ft and less than 30 inches high. Note: Even exempt work must comply with all building codes. Contact Washington County Planning & Zoning for specific exemptions in your jurisdiction, as they vary. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, ID via: Washington County Planning & Zoning (208-414-3631), 256 E Court Street, Weiser, ID 83672.
last verified April 2026
source Washington County Planning & Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/idaho/washington/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washington County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.