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Spirit Lake building permits
VerifiedSpirit Lake, Idaho — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Codes adopted
Idaho has a mandatory statewide baseline building code under the Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41). Spirit Lake is an INCORPORATED CITY within Kootenai County and administers its own building program, entirely distinct from Kootenai County Community Development's Building Division (which administers only the unincorporated area of the county). Kootenai County's own adopted-codes documentation explicitly lists Spirit Lake among the incorporated cities in the county with their own building departments and codes. Source: Kootenai County Code Title 7, Chapter 1, Section 7.1.103 (Applicability), https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/kootenaicountyid/latest/kootenaicounty_id/0-0-0-2406City of Spirit Lake City Code, Title 8 (Building Regulations), Chapter 1 (Building Codes), Section 8-1-1 'Building Codes Adopted': the City Council has adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), each as prepared by the International Code Council and as adopted by the State of Idaho through the Idaho Building Code Board. Source: Spirit Lake City Code § 8-1-1, https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/spiritlakeid/latest/spiritlake_id/0-0-0-1349 (section text confirmed via indexed search excerpt of the amlegal-hosted code; the amlegal viewer itself is a JavaScript single-page app that does not expose section body text to non-browser fetches — this is a known access limitation of the amlegal platform, not a Spirit Lake-specific gap)Spirit Lake issues its own Building Permits and Mechanical Permits directly (confirmed via the City's own Building & Permits page and its iworq citizen permit portal, which lists 'Building Permit Application,' 'Mechanical Permit Application,' 'Community Development, Planning and Zoning, or Land Use' permit, and 'Right of Way/Encroachment Application' as the four permit types the City itself processes). Source: City of Spirit Lake Building & Permits page, https://www.spiritlakeid.gov/buildingandpermits; City of Spirit Lake iworq Citizen Portal, https://spiritlake_permit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/spiritlake_permitElectrical and plumbing permitting and inspection within Spirit Lake city limits are administered by the STATE of Idaho, not the City: the City's own Building & Permits page and citizen portal list only Building, Mechanical, Land Use/Planning & Zoning, and Right-of-Way/Encroachment permits — no electrical or plumbing permit option is offered by the City. This is confirmed independently by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) Building Codes, Rules & Enforcement Inspector List, which lists a dedicated rotating inspector roster for 'SPIRIT LAKE, 83869, KOOTENAI' across Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing categories — the same statewide DOPL structure documented for unincorporated Kootenai County and for neighboring Hayden and Rathdrum. Electrical work is governed statewide by the Idaho Electrical Contractors Act / Idaho Electrical Board rules (Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10; IDAPA 24.39) and plumbing by the Idaho Plumbing Contractors Act / Idaho State Plumbing Code (Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 26), both administered by DOPL, Boise, (208) 334-3233. NOTE: HVAC/mechanical also appears on the DOPL statewide inspector roster, but Spirit Lake is confirmed to issue its own Mechanical Permits directly (own portal application type, own fee schedule) rather than deferring to DOPL for that trade — mirroring the pattern documented for Kootenai County's unincorporated area and for Hayden, where mechanical is city/county-issued even though electrical and plumbing are not. Sources: City of Spirit Lake Building & Permits page and iworq portal (above); DOPL Building Codes, Rules & Enforcement Inspector List with Schedule, https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BCRE-Inspector-list-with-schedule080725.pdfAll Spirit Lake fees (Building Permit Fees, Attachment 5; Mechanical Permit Fees, Attachment 6) were adopted and consolidated by Resolution No. 2024-06-11 (City of Spirit Lake Fee Schedule), effective June 11, 2024, amending prior Resolution No. 2023-02-14. Source: Resolution No. 2024-06-11, https://spiritlakeid.gov/api/blob/viewBlob?rf=t&i=kEmYQZlyIUVgVIzNaUloELheLumtqCFBZPObn5tbvAF1/LqmSoNPWgcyS6pAVdXo
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
Required for new single-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses in Spirit Lake, reviewed against the City's locally-adopted 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC (City Code Title 8, Chapter 1, § 8-1-1). Applications are submitted through the City's iworq Citizen Portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
- Plans must comply with the City's adopted 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC (City Code § 8-1-1)
- Submit online through the City's iworq Citizen Portal (linked from spiritlakeid.gov/buildingandpermits): fill out all required fields and upload plans/documents
- Properties within the Historic District require Historic District Commission approval before work begins or a permit is issued
- Plan Check Deposit due at plan submittal: $150.00 (single-family residential) or $300.00 (duplex), paid before plan review begins
- Electrical and plumbing work require SEPARATE permits from the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — the City does not issue these; DOPL maintains a dedicated rotating inspector roster for Spirit Lake (zip 83869)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (iworq Citizen Portal)Online application submitted through the City's Building Permit Application portal at spiritlakeid.gov/buildingandpermits; requires a contractor access code for contractor-submitted applications
- RequiredConstruction Drawings / PlansPlans and related documents uploaded directly to the portal as part of the application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Check Deposit — Residential (single-family) | $150.00 | Paid at plan submittal. City of Spirit Lake Fee Schedule, Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Plan Check Deposit — Duplex | $300.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Plan Check Deposit — Townhouse | $150.00 per unit | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| General Building Permit Fee | Based on project valuation, determined via the City's building valuation chart (per Building Safety Journal, July 2008 edition) | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 — no flat valuation table was published in the fee resolution itself; the Building Department applies a separate valuation chart |
| Residential Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Foundation Only Permit | 10% of the building permit fee, IN ADDITION TO the full building permit fee | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Provisional Certificate of Occupancy | $250.00 flat fee | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Board of Appeals Application Fee | $150.00 flat fee | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Work Performed without a valid permit | Regular building/mechanical permit fee x 2 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Additions to Residential Homes | $72.62 per sq ft (use building valuation chart to calculate) | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
| Special Inspection / Re-inspection | $100.00 per hour, one-half-hour minimum | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
Required for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical installations in Spirit Lake. Issued directly by the City (not DOPL) through the iworq Citizen Portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Install, replace, or change any part of a heating, cooling, or ventilation system
- Submit online through the City's iworq Citizen Portal: fill out all required fields and upload any related plans or documents
- Reviewed within 2-3 business days per the City's own portal-stated turnaround
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (iworq Citizen Portal)Online application submitted through the City's Mechanical Permit Application portal at spiritlakeid.gov/buildingandpermits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee on all mechanical permits | $45.00 | City of Spirit Lake Fee Schedule, Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Furnace, all types, under 100 KBTU | $18.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Furnace, all types, over 100 KBTU | $22.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Gas fireplace | $25.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Gas water heater | $15.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Heat pump / A/C, 0-3 tons | $16.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Heat pump / A/C, 3-15 tons | $30.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Heat pump / A/C, 15-30 tons | $40.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Heat pump / A/C, 30-50 tons | $60.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Heat pump / A/C, over 50 tons | $100.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Ventilating / exhaust fans | $10.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Gas piping, each outlet | $5.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Clothes dryers | $16.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
| Solid fuel stoves / inserts (must be listed) | $25.00 | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 6 |
Electrical Permit (State-Administered)
Electrical work in Spirit Lake is NOT permitted by the City. Electrical permitting and inspection is administered statewide by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), which maintains a dedicated rotating inspector roster for Spirit Lake (zip 83869).
Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- The City of Spirit Lake does not issue electrical permits — confirmed by the absence of an electrical permit option on the City's Building & Permits page and iworq Citizen Portal (which lists only Building, Mechanical, Land Use/Planning & Zoning, and Right-of-Way/Encroachment permit types)
- Apply for electrical permits directly with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) at https://dopl.idaho.gov/ or by phone at (208) 334-3233
- DOPL maintains a dedicated rotating electrical inspector roster specifically for Spirit Lake (zip 83869), confirming active state administration in this jurisdiction rather than a coverage gap
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Plumbing Permit (State-Administered)
Plumbing work in Spirit Lake is NOT permitted by the City. Plumbing permitting and inspection is administered statewide by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), which maintains a dedicated rotating inspector roster for Spirit Lake (zip 83869).
Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- The City of Spirit Lake does not issue plumbing permits — confirmed by the absence of a plumbing permit option on the City's Building & Permits page and iworq Citizen Portal
- Apply for plumbing permits directly with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) at https://dopl.idaho.gov/ or by phone at (208) 334-3233
- DOPL maintains a dedicated rotating plumbing inspector roster specifically for Spirit Lake (zip 83869), confirming active state administration in this jurisdiction rather than a coverage gap
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installing a rooftop or ground-mount photovoltaic system within Spirit Lake city limits. TWO separate permits apply: a City of Spirit Lake Building Permit for the structural/roof-mount work (valuation-based, no dedicated solar line item) and a State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit for the PV electrical installation, since electrical work in Spirit Lake is NOT permitted by the City at all — it is administered statewide by DOPL, which maintains a dedicated rotating inspector roster for the Spirit Lake zip code (83869).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- City of Spirit Lake Building Permit required for the structural/roof-mount or ground-mount component, reviewed under the City's general valuation-based fee schedule (Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5) — no solar-specific fee line exists
- State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit required separately for the PV system's electrical installation — purchased online at dbs.idaho.gov (redirects to dopl.idaho.gov); electrical work is NOT permitted by the City at all
- Solar/Renewable Energy box must be checked on the DOPL Electrical Permit Worksheet, with total system cost entered as the Job Value Amount
- Grid-Connected Renewable Energy systems require a plan-check permit number from DOPL FIRST (1-800-955-3044) before the installation permit can be purchased
- Plan Check Deposit due at plan submittal for the City building permit ($150.00 for single-family residential)
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Spirit Lake Building Permit Application
- RequiredDOPL Homeowner or Contractor Electrical Permit Application and WorksheetSeparate state-issued application for the PV electrical work, with the Solar/Renewable Energy fee worksheet
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Plan Check Deposit — Residential (single-family) | $150.00 | Paid at plan submittal. City of Spirit Lake Fee Schedule, Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5; no solar-specific fee line |
| City General Building Permit Fee | Based on project valuation, determined via the City's building valuation chart (per Building Safety Journal, July 2008 edition) | Resolution No. 2024-06-11, Attachment 5 — no flat valuation table published in the resolution itself |
| City Residential Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | — |
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Solar/Renewable Energy (up to $10,000 system cost) | (Total cost of electrical system x 0.02) + $60 | DOPL Electrical Permit Worksheet (Fee Schedule), 'Other Installations including Solar/Renewable Energy' section — statewide formula used wherever DOPL (not the local jurisdiction) issues electrical permits, which applies fully to Spirit Lake since the City does not permit electrical work at all |
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Solar/Renewable Energy ($10,001-$100,000 system cost) | ((Total cost of electrical system - $10,000) x 0.01) + $260 | — |
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Solar/Renewable Energy (over $100,001 system cost) | ((Total cost of electrical system - $100,000) x 0.005) + $1,160 | — |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Permit
VerifiedInstalling a residential or commercial EV charging station (EVSE) in Spirit Lake requires an electrical permit. Since electrical work is NOT permitted by the City of Spirit Lake at all, EV charger installations are administered statewide by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), which maintains a dedicated rotating inspector roster for the Spirit Lake zip code (83869). DOPL's own electrical permit worksheet has no dedicated EV-charging-station fee line; EV charger installations fall under its general 'Other Installations' fee formula, which by its own terms applies to 'any and all electrical installations not specifically mentioned elsewhere' on the fee worksheet.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit required for the EV charging station's electrical installation — purchased online at dbs.idaho.gov (redirects to dopl.idaho.gov); the City of Spirit Lake does not issue electrical permits of any kind
- If adding a dedicated branch circuit to an existing residence, this may instead be billed as an additional branch circuit under DOPL's Existing Residence fee line ($65 base + $10 per additional branch circuit) rather than the 'Other Installations' formula — the worksheet does not disambiguate which line applies to EV charging equipment specifically
- New construction: EV charger circuits included with a new single-family dwelling's electrical rough-in are covered under the New Single Family Dwelling fee (based on square footage), with no separate EV line item
- No City of Spirit Lake building permit is required for a standalone EV charger installation (no structural component); a City Building Permit would only apply if the charger installation is bundled into broader construction work
Required documents
- RequiredDOPL Homeowner or Contractor Electrical Permit Application and WorksheetState-issued application for the EV charger's electrical work, purchased online at dbs.idaho.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Other Installations (up to $10,000 system cost) | (Total cost of electrical system x 0.02) + $60 | DOPL Electrical Permit Worksheet (Fee Schedule), 'Other Installations including Solar/Renewable Energy' section, which applies to 'any and all electrical installations not specifically mentioned elsewhere' on the worksheet — no dedicated EV-charging line exists, so this general formula is the applicable mechanism when DOPL (not the local jurisdiction) issues the electrical permit, as is the case for all electrical work in Spirit Lake. Re-fetched and re-confirmed live 2026-07-20 (worksheet revised 8/17/2022, still the current published version). |
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Other Installations ($10,001-$100,000 system cost) | ((Total cost of electrical system - $10,000) x 0.01) + $260 | Re-fetched and re-confirmed live 2026-07-20. |
| State of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Other Installations (over $100,001 system cost) | ((Total cost of electrical system - $100,000) x 0.005) + $1,160 | Top tier of the same 'Other Installations' formula, re-confirmed live 2026-07-20; not previously captured in this entry. |
| Existing Residence — Additional Branch Circuit (alternative fee path) | $65.00 base fee + $10.00 per additional branch circuit | DOPL Electrical Permit Worksheet, 'Existing Residence' line — may apply instead of the Other Installations formula if the EV charger is treated as a single added branch circuit rather than a full 'installation'; DOPL does not publish guidance distinguishing which line applies to EV charging equipment. Re-confirmed live 2026-07-20. |
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 Spirit Lake building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.