Agricultural Structure Permit (Zoning Certificate) in Unincorporated Ada County, Idaho
An agricultural structure in unincorporated Ada County requires the issuance of a Zoning Certificate before construction begins. Qualifies only for structures on a 'farm' (5 acres or more in agricultural use with agricultural exemption) that are used exclusively for agricultural purposes — not for dwellings or personal item storage. Application fee is $100. Governed by Ada County Code ACC 8-2-23-2.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Property must be a 'farm' — 5 acres or larger in agricultural use with agricultural exemption
- Structure must be for agricultural use only (not a dwelling; not personal item storage)
- Accessory Use / Zoning Certificate approval required through Ada County Development Services before construction
- Site plan (drawn to scale/dimensioned) including all existing and proposed easements, property lines, structures, setbacks, and well/septic locations
- Detailed letter describing the proposed structure and its use
- Property owner signature consenting to the application and site inspections
Required documents
- Req
Agricultural Structure Application (2025)
Two-page application form for agricultural structures under ACC 8-2-23-2; available at adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices/permitting-division/applications-forms-templates/
- Req
Site Plan (drawn to scale/dimensioned)
Showing all existing and proposed easements, property lines, structures, setbacks, and well/septic locations
- Req
Detailed Letter
Describing the proposed structure and its agricultural use
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Structure Zoning Certificate — Application fee | $100.00 | Ada County Agricultural Structure Application (2025), ACC 8-2-23-2 |
Review timeline
~5–14 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Ada County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Site Inspection (if required)
Ada County Development Services staff may enter the property for site inspections related to the Zoning Certificate; property owner consents as part of the application
Tips
- This Zoning Certificate is for agricultural structures only — not for personal storage sheds, equipment not used for farming, or dwellings.
- The property must be at least 5 acres in agricultural use AND hold agricultural exemption status to qualify.
- For non-agricultural accessory structures, a standard building permit is required instead.
Frequently asked questions
- Does an agricultural building need a permit in unincorporated Ada County?
- Yes, but the process is a Zoning Certificate ($100), not a standard building permit. The property must be a 'farm' of at least 5 acres with agricultural exemption, and the structure must be for agricultural use only. Submit the Agricultural Structure Application (2025) with a site plan and a detailed use description. Source: Ada County Agricultural Structure Application (2025), ACC 8-2-23-2.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Ada County Development Services — Building Division — official building department
- Agricultural Structure Application (2025) — PDF | Ada County Development Services
- Applications, Forms, and Templates | Ada County Development Services
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Unincorporated Ada County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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