You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-02.
Unincorporated Jefferson County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Jefferson County, Idaho — as published 2026-08-02.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (Single-Family Dwelling / New Construction, Additions, ADUs)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings, additions, accessory dwelling units, remodels, and most accessory structures over 120 sq ft in unincorporated Jefferson County. Governed by the 2018 IRC as adopted by Ordinance 2022-02. Applications are submitted through the Jefferson County Planning, Zoning & Building Cityworks public portal; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trade permits/inspections are handled separately by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), not the county.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family dwellings, additions, ADUs, remodels, and accessory structures exceeding 120 sq ft in unincorporated Jefferson County
- All construction must comply with the 2018 IRC
- Register for and activate an account on the Jefferson County Cityworks public portal (Chrome or Firefox browser required) before applying
- Submit Parcel Number, Parcel Size, County Zoning, Location Address/Subdivision info, flood zone status, full dimensional/square-footage data, and setback distances (N/E/W/S) as part of the online application
- Site Plan showing all property lines, setbacks, easements, North arrow, existing/proposed structures with dimensions, driveway location, and canals/rivers/roads
- Complete set of plans: floor plan(s) with room dimensions, footing/foundation details with steel requirements, truss layout, engineered truss design (stamped by an Idaho-licensed engineer), and all four building elevations
- Recorded warranty deed demonstrating ownership or authorization to build
- Idaho Contractor's License, or a completed Contractor Exemption form if owner-built
- Access Permit from Jefferson County Public Works (county roads) or Idaho Transportation Department (state highways)
- Septic Permit (approved) from Eastern Idaho Public Health, or an EIPH authorization-to-connect letter if tying into an existing/private sewer system
- If in a mapped flood zone: Flood Plain Development Permit and Elevation Certificate
- Mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing systems must be separately permitted and inspected by Idaho DOPL — not submitted as part of the county building permit package
- All required attachments must be individually labeled PDF files uploaded through the portal
Required documents
- RequiredSingle Family Dwelling Help Information (Date of Form: January 2, 2024)County checklist of information and documents needed before starting a single-family dwelling application in the Cityworks portal
- OptionalAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Building Permit Application – Help Guide (Date of Form: June 26, 2025)County checklist specific to ADUs, including the 1,200 sq ft / 2-bedroom cap and required documents
- RequiredSite PlanScaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, easements, structures, driveway, canals, and North arrow — see county Sample Site Plan resource
- RequiredComplete Set of Plans (Floor Plan, Truss Layout, Engineered Truss Design, Elevations)Full architectural/structural plan set uploaded as individually labeled PDF attachments in the Cityworks portal
- RequiredRecorded Warranty DeedProof of ownership or authorization to build on the parcel; obtained from the Jefferson County Clerk's Office if not already on hand
- RequiredIdaho Contractor's License or Contractor Exemption FormRequired for the contractor of record, or a completed exemption form for owner-builders
- RequiredAccess PermitFrom Jefferson County Public Works/Road & Bridge (county roads) or Idaho Transportation Department (state highways)
- RequiredSeptic Permit (or EIPH Authorization to Connect)From Eastern Idaho Public Health
- OptionalFlood Plain Development Permit and Elevation CertificateRequired only if the parcel is within a mapped flood zone
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $1 to $500 | $26.46 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026) |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $501 to $2,000 | $26.46 for the first $500, plus $3.30 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $2,001 to $40,000 | $75.96 for the first $2,000, plus $12.13 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $40,000 to $100,000 | $536.90 for the first $40,000, plus $9.92 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $1,132.10 for the first $100,000, plus $7.71 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $4,216.10 for the first $500,000, plus $5.52 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 | $6,976.10 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.30 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation $5,000,001 and over | $20,176.10 for the first $5,000,000, plus $2.20 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Manufactured Home — Single Wide | $250.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Manufactured Home — Double Wide | $500.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Manufactured Home — Triple Wide | $750.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Plan Review Fee | 15% of Building Permit Fee | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| GIS/Mapping Review Fee | $30.00 added to each application | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Technology Fee | $30.00 added to each application | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Inspection Fee | $90.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $90.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
| Agricultural Exempt Building Permit | $250.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A |
Solar Permit
VerifiedJefferson County issues its own distinct county-level 'Solar Permit' (internal Permit Type code BP-SOLAR) for residential rooftop and ground-mounted PV installations in unincorporated Jefferson County, processed through the same Cityworks portal and valuation-based Total Valuation fee formula as the county's general Residential Building Permit. That is confirmed by the county's own published April 2026 Monthly Building Statistic Report, which lists three separate BP-SOLAR 'Solar Permit' cases issued that month (case numbers 26-0113, 26-0133, 26-0160) with recorded system valuations of $35,000 and $25,000. As with all other trades in unincorporated Jefferson County, the electrical interconnection portion is separately permitted and inspected by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, not the county.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Solar Permit (BP-SOLAR) required for rooftop or ground-mounted PV installations in unincorporated Jefferson County — confirmed as an actively issued, distinct county permit type via the county's own April 2026 Monthly Building Statistic Report
- Apply through the Jefferson County Cityworks public portal (same portal used for the Residential Building Permit), following the same general application requirements: site plan, project valuation, and contractor information (Idaho Contractor's License or Contractor Exemption form for owner-installers)
- Recorded warranty deed or other proof of ownership/authorization to build, per the county's standard building-permit application package
- Electrical interconnection (arrays, inverters, point of connection) requires a separate Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit, issued by the State rather than by Jefferson County
- Access Permit from Jefferson County Public Works (county roads) or Idaho Transportation Department (state highways) if the project requires new/modified access
- If in a mapped flood zone: Flood Plain Development Permit and Elevation Certificate
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Cityworks Public Portal, BP-SOLAR permit type)Solar permits are submitted through the same Cityworks portal as other county building permits, selecting the Solar Permit case type
- RequiredIdaho Contractor's License or Contractor Exemption FormRequired for the contractor of record, or a completed exemption form for owner-installers — confirmed by real case records showing both licensed-contractor (Big Dog Renewable Energy LLC) and owner/self-contractor solar permits issued in the same month
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation (same fee-bracket formula as the general Residential Building Permit) | Valuation-based per Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A — e.g. $75.96 for the first $2,000 plus $12.13 per additional $1,000 up to $40,000 (a typical range for the $25,000-$35,000 system valuations recorded in the county's own April 2026 permit log) | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026). Show full citationHideJefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026). No distinct 'solar' valuation rate is published in the Fee Schedule — BP-SOLAR permits use the same general Total Valuation table as other building permits, confirmed by real recorded valuations ($35,000 and $25,000) in the county's own April 2026 Monthly Building Statistic Report. |
| Plan Review Fee, GIS/Mapping Fee, Technology Fee, Inspection Fee | 15% of Building Permit Fee (Plan Review) + $30 (GIS/Mapping) + $30 (Technology) + $90 (Inspection) | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A — same add-on fees documented for the general Residential Building Permit, applicable to every building-permit-type application including BP-SOLAR. |
| DOPL Electrical Permit (interconnection, separate from the county Solar Permit) | Statewide Idaho Electrical Board fee schedule — 'Other Installations': wiring cost up to $10,000: $60 + 2%; $10,001-$100,000: $260 + 1% of excess; plus a $65/hr (1-hr minimum) plan review fee for grid-tied systems | Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, IDAPA 24.39.10 — issued by DOPL, not Jefferson County, under the statewide mechanism. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
Jefferson County has no dedicated EV-charger/EVSE building-permit case type (unlike its distinct BP-SOLAR Solar Permit) and does not itself issue electrical permits — installing a Level 2 or DC fast EV charger's dedicated circuit is handled entirely by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), the same as any other electrical work in unincorporated Jefferson County. A county Building Permit applies only if the installation is paired with new structural construction (e.g., a new carport or garage).
Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- The electrical circuit/service work for an EV charger requires a State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit (dopl.idaho.gov/permits) — Jefferson County does not issue or inspect electrical permits
- A county Building Permit (via the Cityworks public portal) is required only if the EV charger installation is paired with new structural construction subject to the 2018 IBC/IRC as adopted by Ordinance 2022-02
- 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
- 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 Jefferson County
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Cityworks Public Portal)Only required if the EV charger installation is paired with new structural construction reviewed by the County
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit — Existing Dwelling Unit Permit | $65.00 per inspection (flat; no per-branch-circuit surcharge) | Idaho Administrative Code, IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 500.02.a.ii (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, official current rule, effective 3-28-23), adminrules.idaho.gov… Show full citationHideIdaho Administrative Code, IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 500.02.a.ii (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, official current rule, effective 3-28-23), adminrules.idaho.gov (https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/243910.pdf). This supersedes an older DOPL webpage figure of "$65 plus $10 per branch circuit"; the $10-per-additional-circuit surcharge language was removed from the official rule effective 3-28-23. Jefferson 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. |
| DOPL Electrical Permit — Other Installations (Including Industrial and Commercial) Permit | Wiring cost up to $10,000: $60 plus 2% of total wiring cost; $10,001-$100,000: $260 plus 1% of excess over $10,000; over $100,000: $1,160 plus 0.5% of excess over $100,000 | Idaho Administrative Code, IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 500.02.b, adminrules.idaho.gov (official current rule, effective 3-28-23) — the same statewide fee schedule documented in the solar-pv-permit entry for the DOPL interconnection portion of solar installations. |
| County Building Permit (only if paired with new structural construction) | Valuation-based per Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, plus 15% Plan Review, $30 GIS/Mapping, $30 Technology, and $90 Inspection fees | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026) — 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. |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Addition)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction and additions to existing commercial buildings in unincorporated Jefferson County. This is the county's ONLY general-purpose commercial building-permit category: the county's 'Guidance to Determine Building Permit Application Jurisdiction, Category, and Type' document (Date of Form: June 26, 2025) lists exactly two Commercial application types — 'Commercial – New Construction / Addition' and 'Commercial – Signs & Towers'. Jefferson County has NO distinct tenant improvement (TI) or commercial-remodel permit category; interior build-outs and remodels of existing commercial space are submitted under this same 'Commercial – New Construction / Addition' application type. Applications go through the Jefferson County Cityworks public portal, and mechanical trade work is handled separately.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial Building Permit required for new commercial construction and additions (including interior remodels/tenant improvements, since no separate TI category exists) to commercial buildings in unincorporated Jefferson County
- Commercial plans — which must include a code analysis stating Occupancy Class — must be designed and stamped by an Idaho-licensed architect
- Plans must comply with the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)
- All mechanical system(s) must be permitted and inspected by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), per the county's own Commercial Help Information document — not submitted as part of the county's commercial building permit package
- Register for and activate an account on the Jefferson County Cityworks public portal (Chrome or Firefox browser required) before applying
- Submit Description of Work, Type of Structure, Fire Sprinkler System status, Occupancy Class, Construction Type, Designed Occupancy Load, Parcel Number/Size, County Zoning, flood zone status, full square footage by space type, height/setback dimensions, and utility information (sewer provider/permit, water source, heat system) as part of the online application
- Site Plan showing all property lines, setbacks, easements, North arrow, existing/proposed structures with dimensions, driveway location, and canals/rivers/roads, plus overall parcel size
- Recorded warranty deed demonstrating ownership or authorization to build
- Idaho Contractor's License for the contractor of record
- Access Permit from Jefferson County Public Works (county roads) or Idaho Transportation Department (state highways) if the project needs new/modified access
- Septic Permit (approved) from Eastern Idaho Public Health if the structure has plumbing, or an EIPH authorization-to-connect letter if tying into an existing/private sewer system
- If in a mapped flood zone: Flood Plain Development Permit and Elevation Certificate
- If the applicant is leasing (not the property owner), Written Consent from the property owner is a recommended attachment — the only place the county's own documentation directly acknowledges a tenant-driven commercial application scenario
- Minimum 20 business days for plan review — confirmed independently by both the county's Commercial Help Information sheet ('Minimum 20 business days may be required for plan review') and its Building Permit Process document ('approximately 20 business days for a commercial building permit application')
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial – New Construction / Addition Help Information (Date of Form: January 2, 2024)County checklist of information and documents needed before starting a commercial new-construction/addition application in the Cityworks portal
- OptionalGuide to Determine Building Permit Application Jurisdiction, Category and Type (Date of Form: June 26, 2025)County document confirming Commercial has exactly two application types — 'Commercial – New Construction / Addition' and 'Commercial – Signs & Towers' — with no separate tenant-improvement/remodel category
- RequiredArchitect-Stamped Commercial Plans (with Code Analysis / Occupancy Class)Required, per the Commercial Help Information document: 'COMMERCIAL PLANS (WHICH MUST INCLUDE A CODE ANALYSIS STATING OCCUPANCY CLASS) MUST BE DESIGNED AND STAMPED BY AN IDAHO LICENSED ARCHITECT'
- RequiredEngineered Truss Design and Truss LayoutRequired structural attachments for the commercial permit application
- RequiredSite PlanScaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, easements, structures, driveway, canals, and North arrow
- RequiredIdaho Contractor's LicenseRequired for the contractor of record on commercial projects (no owner-exemption path is listed on the commercial help document, unlike the residential form)
- RequiredRecorded Warranty DeedProof of ownership or authorization to build on the parcel
- RequiredWater and Fire Suppression PlanRequired attachment per the Commercial Help Information document's Required Documents list
- OptionalSeptic Permit (or EIPH Authorization to Connect)Recommended/required if the structure has plumbing; from Eastern Idaho Public Health
- OptionalAccess PermitRecommended if the property needs access off a county road or state highway
- OptionalWritten ConsentRecommended if the applicant is leasing (not owning) the structure — the county's own documentation's only reference to a tenant-driven application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — Total Valuation (same general table used for all county building permits, including residential) | Valuation-based per Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A — e.g. $536.90 for the first $40,000 plus $9.92 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000; $1,132.10 for the first $100,000 plus $7.71 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000; see the file's residential-building-permit entry for the full tier table | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026), page 1: the 'BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE: TOTAL VALUATION' table is a single county-wide table, not split by residential/commercial… Show full citationHideJefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A (adopted 4-6-2026), page 1: the 'BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE: TOTAL VALUATION' table is a single county-wide table, not split by residential/commercial — directly confirmed by reading the fee schedule PDF, which has no separate commercial valuation tier. |
| Plan Review Fee | 15% of Building Permit Fee | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, page 2 |
| GIS/Mapping Review Fee | $30.00 added to each application | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, page 1 |
| Technology Fee | $30.00 added to each application | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, page 2 |
| Inspection Fee | $90.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, page 1 |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $90.00 | Jefferson County Fee Schedule 2026, Exhibit A, page 1 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Codes & ordinances
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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 Jefferson County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.