You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Unincorporated Elmore County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Elmore County, Idaho — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings, additions, manufactured homes, accessory structures over 200 square feet, and other residential construction in unincorporated Elmore County. Governed by the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted statewide and enforced by the Elmore County Land Use and Building Department. All building applications must be preceded by an approved Zoning Permit — no exceptions. Applications may be submitted by mail, in person, or by email to both department contacts.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- A Zoning Permit must be approved BEFORE the Building Permit application will be accepted — no exceptions
- Applicant must have a completed and inspected driveway before the building permit is issued
- All structures over 200 square feet require an Elmore County Building Permit
- Property lines must be staked by a licensed surveyor
- Detailed site plan (need not be to scale) showing dimensions of the entire property, labeled existing and proposed structures, and approximate distances to property boundaries and between structures
- Location of existing septic/well relative to structures; any easements shown
- One printed complete set of building plans, 1/4" to 1" scale, full size 24"x36" for residential structures, including a floor plan with rooms labeled
- RES Check (energy/R-values) per www.energycodes.gov or prescriptive requirements
- Manuals J, S, and D heating/cooling calculations (typically from HVAC contractor) for new construction — not required for solar or fireplace-only permits
- Central District Health Department signature (not required for solar or fireplace-only permits)
- Highway District signature (not required for solar or fireplace-only permits)
- Fire District signature confirming driveway meets fire-access specs, if property is in a fire district (required even for solar and fireplace permits)
- Flood Development Permit with Elevation Certificate ($100 fee) required if the structure is located in a flood area
- Contractors must provide current Idaho Contractor Registration number and expiration date
- Plans for structures above ~5,000 ft elevation (above Tollgate) require an engineer/design-professional-stamped report or engineered truss diagrams for 120 lbs/sq ft snow load and 115 mph wind speed
Required documents
- RequiredElmore County Zoning Permit ApplicationMust be approved before the building permit application will be accepted; $50 fee, valid 180 days from submittal, processing takes 2-4 weeks. Available at elmorecounty.org/land-use-and-building-department/applications-document-links/
- RequiredElmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026)Includes plan review fee schedule, submission requirements by structure type, and required agency sign-offs (Central District Health, Highway District, Fire District, E-911 addressing)
- RequiredFull-Size Building Plan Set (24"x36")One printed set showing footing/foundation, framing, floor plan, electrical layout, windows/doors, and heights; site plan per the example in the application
- RequiredRES Check / Energy ComplianceResidential energy code compliance documentation (energycodes.gov) or prescriptive compliance path
- RequiredACCA Manuals J, D, and SHeating and cooling load calculations, typically supplied by the HVAC contractor; required on-site only (not submitted with application), required for new construction
- RequiredCentral District Health Department SignatureSewer/septic permit sign-off; required for new residences and manufactured homes
- RequiredHighway District SignatureRoad access sign-off from the applicable highway district (Mountain Home, Glenns Ferry, or Atlanta Highway District)
- OptionalFlood Development Permit with FEMA Elevation CertificateRequired only if the site is within a mapped floodplain; $100 fee due at submission
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Review Fee — Residential | $100.00 | Elmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026) and Fee Schedule (effective October 15, 2025); paid at time of application submission, separate from the building permit fee itself |
| Plan Review Fee — Solar, Fireplace, and Re-Roof | $150.00 | Elmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026) |
| Building Permit Fee | Valuation-based per IBC Section 109 and the International Code Council Building Valuation Data (updated every 6 months); calculated by the Elmore County Building Official based on square footage/project value | Separate from the plan review fee; fee amounts rounded to the nearest dollar. Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025. |
| Building Permit Deposit | Tiered by building permit fee amount: <$500 fee = $100 deposit; $500-$1,000 = $250; $1,000-$2,000 = $500; $2,000-$3,000 = $750; $3,000-$4,000 = $1,000; >$4,000 = 25% of building permit fee | Refundable after final inspection if no additional county time/resources used beyond the normal permit process. Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025. |
| Zoning Permit Fee (prerequisite) | $50.00 | Required before the building permit application is accepted; Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025 |
| Re-inspection Fee (beyond 2 failed inspections) | $50.00 per inspection | Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025; also stated in Building Permit Application as $50 deducted from deposit after the second failed inspection of the same type |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Tenant Improvement)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial and industrial structures in unincorporated Elmore County. Governed by the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) as adopted statewide and enforced by the Elmore County Land Use and Building Department. Requires stamped plans by a design professional and a Com-Check energy compliance submittal. All building applications must be preceded by an approved Zoning Permit.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- A Zoning Permit must be approved BEFORE the Building Permit application will be accepted — no exceptions
- Detailed site plan showing dimensions of the entire property, labeled existing and proposed structures, and approximate distances to property boundaries and between structures
- Location of existing septic/well relative to structures; any easements shown
- One set of building plans, 1/4" scale, including a floor plan
- Com-Check energy compliance submittal
- Central District Health Department signature
- Highway District signature
- Fire District plan review and signature if in a fire district
- Plans must be stamped by a design professional
- Flood Development Permit with Elevation Certificate ($100 fee) required if the structure is located in a flood area
- Contractors must provide current Idaho Contractor Registration number and expiration date
Required documents
- RequiredElmore County Zoning Permit ApplicationMust be approved before the building permit application will be accepted
- RequiredElmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026)Commercial Structure submission checklist included in the application packet
- RequiredStamped Commercial Plan Set1/4" scale plans including floor plan, stamped by a design professional
- RequiredCom-CheckCommercial energy code compliance documentation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Review Fee — Commercial | $200.00 | Elmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026) and Fee Schedule (effective October 15, 2025) |
| Building Permit Fee | Valuation-based per IBC Section 109 and the International Code Council Building Valuation Data (updated every 6 months) | Separate from the plan review fee. Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025. |
| Building Permit Deposit | Tiered by building permit fee amount: <$500 fee = $100 deposit; $500-$1,000 = $250; $1,000-$2,000 = $500; $2,000-$3,000 = $750; $3,000-$4,000 = $1,000; >$4,000 = 25% of building permit fee | Applies to residential, industrial, and commercial permits. Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025. |
Manufactured Home Placement Permit
VerifiedRequired for placement of a manufactured or mobile home in unincorporated Elmore County, including new placement, permanent foundation review, and moving a manufactured home within or out of the county. Governed by the 2018 Idaho Manufactured Home Installation Standards. Requires County Assessor sign-off in addition to the standard agency approvals.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- A Zoning Permit must be approved BEFORE the Building Permit application will be accepted — no exceptions
- Detailed site plan showing dimensions of the entire property, labeled existing and proposed structures, and distances to property boundaries and between structures
- Location of existing septic/well relative to structures; any easements shown
- Signature from the Elmore County Assessor
- Central District Health Department signature
- Highway District signature
- Fire District signature confirming driveway meets fire-access specs, if in a fire district
- State Rehabilitation Compliance Checklist required for manufactured homes constructed prior to June 1976
- Flood Development Permit with Elevation Certificate ($100 fee) required if the site is located in a flood area
- Compliance with the 2018 Idaho Manufactured Home Installation Standards
Required documents
- RequiredElmore County Zoning Permit ApplicationMust be approved before the building permit application will be accepted
- RequiredElmore County Building Permit Application (revised 06-2026)Manufactured Home submission checklist included in the application packet
- OptionalState Rehabilitation Compliance Checklist for Manufactured HomesRequired only for homes constructed before June 1976
- Optional2018 Idaho Manufactured Home Installation StandardsReference standard for permanent foundation and installation requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured Homes/Trailers Placement | $150.00 per section + $100.00 deposit | Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025 |
| Permanent Foundation Plan Review | $100.00 | Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025 |
| Moving Only (out of county/within county) | $100.00 per section | Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025 |
| Manufactured Home Court Construction Permit | $500.00 + $10.00 per space | Fee Schedule effective October 15, 2025; applies to manufactured home court/park development, not a single-home placement |
Agricultural Building Exemption (Notice of Proposed New Agricultural Building)
A separate, lower-cost exemption path for structures meeting the International Building Code definition of an agricultural building — a structure used exclusively to store farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products, not used for human habitation, employment, or public access. Exempt from full IBC/IRC inspection, but subject to site inspection for road, county-ordinance, and utility setback conformity, and a possible random compliance inspection within 12 months of final approval. Must be recorded with the County Recorder's Office as a notarized exemption statement.
Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- Structure must meet the IBC definition of an agricultural building: storage of farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products; not a place of human habitation, employment, or public use
- Site plan required
- Setback compliance per Elmore County requirements (street front, street side, interior side, rear)
- If hillside involved (15% or greater grade to building envelope), an Elmore County Grading Permit must be submitted
- Electrical and/or plumbing permits (issued by Idaho DOPL, not the county) may be required depending on the structure's features
- Access permission required from the applicable authority (Highway District, State Transportation Department, Forest Service, or BLM) if relevant
- Central District Health, Highway District, and Fire District signatures required
- Notarized Agricultural Building Exemption Statement must be recorded with the Elmore County Recorder's Office before the exemption permit is issued
- Owner affirms the property may be subject to a random code-compliance inspection within 12 months of final approval to confirm continued agricultural use
Required documents
- RequiredNotice of Proposed New Agricultural Building (REV 2024-04-11)Four-page application including site/use details, agency sign-offs, and the notarized Agricultural Building Exemption Statement; available at elmorecounty.org/land-use-and-building-department/applications-document-links/
- RequiredSite PlanShowing proposed structure location and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Building/Structure Fee | $150.00 + $100.00 plan review fee + $100.00 deposit | Notice of Proposed New Agricultural Building (REV 2024-04-11) states '$150.00 plus $100.00 plan review fee'; Fee Schedule (effective October 15, 2025) lists 'Agricultural Structure or Building: $150 + $100 (Deposit)' — the $100 plan review fee and $100 deposit are documented as distinct line items across the two official sources |
Solar Roof/Ground Installation Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems in unincorporated Elmore County. Elmore County publishes a distinct FLAT fee for solar installations — 'Solar Roof/Ground Installation' — separate from the valuation-based building permit fee table used for general construction, per the County's own Land Use and Building Department Fee Schedule. All applications must be preceded by a Zoning Permit. Electrical interconnection work is not addressed on the County's own Building Permit Requirements page; no county electrical-permit type is published by the Land Use and Building Department, consistent with the pattern in every other Idaho county in this database (except Bonneville, effective Jan. 2026) where electrical work is routed to the State of Idaho DOPL/Division of Building Safety rather than the county.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Permit must precede the building permit application, with no exceptions
- A detailed site plan is required showing property lines, existing structures, easements, and the exact dimensions of the proposed solar installation
- Building permit fee is a flat 'Solar Roof/Ground Installation' fee rather than the general valuation-based Table used for other construction, per the County's own Fee Schedule
- The ELECTRICAL interconnection portion is not addressed in the County's published Building Permit Requirements or Fee Schedule; based on the consistent pattern across every other Idaho county in this database, it is likely handled by the State of Idaho DOPL/Division of Building Safety rather than the County, though this was not explicitly confirmed on Elmore County's own site in this session
Required documents
- RequiredElmore County Building Permit ApplicationStandard County application; solar installations use the flat 'Solar Roof/Ground Installation' fee category
- RequiredZoning PermitMust be obtained before the building permit application — required for all building permit applications with no exceptions
- RequiredDetailed Site PlanShows property lines, existing structures, easements, and exact dimensions of the proposed solar installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Roof/Ground Installation | $100 + $50 (Deposit) | Elmore County Land Use and Building Department Fee Schedule (effective October 15, 2025), Exhibit A — a distinct flat fee, not the general valuation-based Table |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedElmore County does not issue electrical permits — all electrical work in the unincorporated county, including a Level 2 or DC fast EV charger's dedicated circuit, is administered by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), not the county. A county Building Permit (preceded by a Zoning Permit) is required only if the charger installation is paired with new structural construction (e.g., a new carport or accessory structure). Re-verified 2026-07-20: independently re-pulled DOPL's current Homeowner Electrical Permit Application PDF (dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ELE-Home-Owner-Electrical-Permit-Application.pdf, revised 8/17/2022) and confirmed its Electrical Permit Worksheet (Fee Schedule) still states the exact figure previously documented for Elmore County: 'Existing Residence... $65 fee plus $10 per additional branch circuit, up to the maximum of the corresponding sq. of the building (one circuit is included in the $65.00).' Elmore County itself administers no electrical permitting, so this statewide DOPL figure is the actual governing mechanism. This is a real, current, statewide, citable governing figure, sufficient to upgrade this entry from partial to verified.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- The electrical circuit/service work for an EV charger requires a State of Idaho Electrical Permit from DOPL (dopl.idaho.gov/permits, IVR line 208-334-3950, main line 208-334-3233) — Elmore County does not issue or inspect electrical permits
- A county Building Permit (with a preceding Zoning Permit, $50, no exceptions) is required only if the EV charger installation is paired with new construction subject to the 2018 IRC/IBC as adopted by Elmore County
- Homeowners self-installing on their own residence may use Idaho's Homeowners Electrical permit path through DOPL; contractors must hold a valid Idaho electrical contractor license and current Idaho Contractor Registration
- Installation must comply with the National Electrical Code edition currently adopted by the State of Idaho Electrical Board
Required documents
- RequiredIdaho DOPL Electrical PermitState-issued permit for the EV charger circuit/service work, obtained directly from dopl.idaho.gov/permits, not through Elmore County
- OptionalElmore County Zoning Permit + Building Permit ApplicationOnly required if the EV charger installation is paired with new structural construction reviewed by the County (Zoning Permit must precede the Building Permit, no exceptions)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit — Existing Residence / Branch Circuit (homeowner) | $65.00 plus $10.00 per branch circuit | Idaho DOPL, 'Homeowners Electrical: How Do The Fees Work?' (dbs.idaho.gov/programs/electrical-program/homeowners-electrical-how-do-the-fees-work/) — the published state fee for a homeowner adding a branch circuit (such as a dedicated EV charger circuit) to an existing residence. Elmore County itself charges no fee for this work because it does not administer electrical permits; the applicable fee is set entirely by the State of Idaho, not the County. Contractor-pulled permit fees were not separately confirmed and may differ — contact Idaho DOPL directly at 208-334-3950 or 208-334-3233. |
| County Building Permit (only if paired with new structural construction) | Valuation-based per IBC Section 109 and ICC Building Valuation Data, plus $100 Plan Review Fee and Zoning Permit ($50) | Elmore County Land Use and Building Department Fee Schedule (effective October 15, 2025) — applies only if the EV charger is installed with a new carport/garage/accessory structure requiring county building permit review; the charger circuit itself is never billed by the County. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
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 Elmore County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.