Building Permit FAQs

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, the installation of which is regulated by code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.  See International Residential Code § R105.1

Plans must be at least 18x24" and not larger than 24x36"

It takes approximately 2-8 weeks to process your building permit application, depending on how busy we are.  Usually, from May-October we are very busy.   In order to start the approval process, we need to have the completed application (signed by owner), two sets of plans (size 18 x 24" or 24 x 36"), two sets of structural engineering calculations (on 8-1/2 x 11" paper), and two site plans.  

Checking to see if you are required to file a form 7460-1 with the FAA is simpler than it seems at first.  Step one, find your coordinates and site elevation using our convenient GIS map: FAA Criteria Data Finder Enter your property address in the blue box at the bottom right corner of the page. To get the elevation, please click on the target that appears on the map. Google Earth is another way to get this information about your building site.  Step two, find out if you need to file by using the FAA Criteria Tool link on the page.  Print your results and attach to your application.  Most addresses do not require a filing, but if you do, follow the directions on the FAA website.  The form and help (if needed) are there on the FAA Criteria Tool page.  Please contact the FAA if you have further questions.

To find the Roof Snow Load for your building site you can visit our GIS map: Find Your Roof Snow Load

We only permit wood stove inserts.   If you have a free-standing wood or pellet stove, or a gas fireplace, you will want to contact the State of Idaho Division of Occupation and Professional Licenses for a permit.  We only permit wood stove inserts and zero clearance wood or pellet stove inserts.  Please complete our building permit application and note the number of wood stove inserts you are permitting in box 13 of the application.  Support your application with the installation manual.  The fee is $65 per wood stove insert.

Please bring your application in person, send by mail, or email it to building@co.valley.id.us

We can usually issue this permit over the counter or by email on the same day we process the application.  

There are two inspections required for Wood Stove Insert Permits.  Please coordinate with the contractor to schedule the rough-in and final inspections for your wood stove insert the same day as the rough-in and final for the house on new construction.  Please call (208) 382-7114 to schedule your rough-in inspection and your final inspection, at least 24 hours in advance.  Please have the Wood Stove Insert Installer's Checklist completed and on-site for your inspection.  

A yurt requires a permit similar to a house.  Both the yurt and its platform must be engineered to meet Valley County's ordinance requirements for roof snow load, wind, seismic and frost depth.  

Yes.  Here is a printable information sheet.  Yurt Requirements pdf

No, geotechnical reports are not required to support your building permit application.  However, there are three subdivisions for which there are recommendations or requirements: Boulder Creek Meadows, Fir Grove, and Crane Shores.  

Yes.  Any structure over 3 feet tall requires a permit in Valley County.  Please contact Planning and Zoning Department to pay your placement fee for a storage shed, conex, or other smaller utility building.  Shops, Garages, Tiny Homes will require a full building permit.  See instructions.

Please contact Planning and Zoning department to permit your storage shed, conex or other utility building or for a placement fee.  (208) 382-7115

This would be permitted as a garage.  Please see our Application Instructions for a full list of requirements.  

Please see the attached checklist for your manufactured home building permit application.  Use this link for to print your building permit application form.

The set fee for a single wide is $150 + $50 for each additional section.  If a concrete foundation is used, concrete fee is per the square foot of foundation.  A 35% plan review fee is 35% of the concrete fee.

Please contact the State of Idaho DOPL for information on rehabilitation requirements for mobile homes built before 1976.

Snow roofs are only required if the manufactured home does not meet the roof snow load for the address where you are placing the manufactured home.  Snow roofs require a separate permit and the manufactured home cannot be occupied until both the snow roof and manufactured home have passed their final inspections.

Please click this link and enter your address.