Unincorporated Gem County building inspections

Applies to: Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration)

1. 1

   Footing

   Inspector verifies property-line setbacks (30 ft street side, 8 ft side/rear per GCC 11-5-4), soil conditions, footing width/depth (min. 12" wide x 7" deep, 12" below undisturbed grade), and rebar (two continuous #4 bars, vertical uprights every 6 ft, 20" minimum overlap at corners/laps)

2. 2

   Stem Wall

   Verifies stem wall width/depth (min. 6" wide x 24" deep, centered on footing), rebar and anchor bolts (J-bolts every 6 ft), under-floor ventilation (1 sq ft per 150 sq ft of under-floor space), and seismic hold-downs

3. 3

   Shear-Nail

   Verifies sheathing-to-framing nailing spacing (wood structural panels, gypsum, or cellulosic fiberboard) and minimum thermal performance/insulation R-values for Climate Zone 13

4. 4

   Framing

   Verifies framing elements, fireblocking, stairway dimensions, window egress, attic access/ventilation, under-floor access, and house wrap. Requires posted Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) green approval stickers for rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC before it will pass — the county inspector does not perform these trade inspections directly

5. 5

   Final

   Verifies final grade/drainage, house numbers, landings/steps, wheel blocks, garage firewall separation, smoke alarms, window glazing at hazardous locations, ventilation, and driveway emergency-vehicle access (GCC 11-6-3.J). Requires DBS final plumbing and electrical approval and Southwest District Health final septic approval before it will pass