You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-04.
Unincorporated Latah County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Latah County, Idaho — as published 2026-07-04.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Codes adopted
International Building Code, 2018 edition — Latah County Code of Ordinances, Title 7 'Building Regulations,' Chapter 1 'Building Codes and Regulations,' Section 7-1-2 'Codes Adopted,' subsection A.1. Adopted in accordance with Idaho Code Title 39 Chapter 41, Idaho Code Title 44 Chapters 21 and 22, and Idaho Administrative Procedures Act Section 24.39 (7.03). (Ord. 384, 12-14-2021; amd. Ord. 408, 6-24-2025). Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/latahcountyid/latest/latahcounty_id/0-0-0-1168, fetched 2026-07-04 via browser-header curl (amlegal.com returns 200 to a Chrome-UA request and embeds the full section text as JSON inside a `window._redux_state = JSON.parse(...)` script tag; the HTML field of the matching `sections.items` entry contains the verbatim ordinance text, extracted and parsed for this file).International Residential Code, 2018 edition, Parts I through VI — same source, subsection A.2, same ordinance history.International Mechanical Code, 2018 edition — same source, subsection A.3.International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 edition — same source, subsection A.4.International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition — same source, subsection A.5.International Existing Building Code, 2018 edition — same source, subsection A.6.International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 edition — same source, subsection A.7.Adopted appendices: IBC 2018 Appendices C (Group U Agricultural Buildings), E (Supplementary Accessibility Requirements), F (Rodent Proofing), G (Flood Resistant Construction), H (Signs), I (Patio Covers), J (Grading); IRC 2018 Appendices A, B, C, D, J, M, H (Patio Covers), Q (Tiny Houses), R (Light Straw-Clay Construction), S (Strawbale Construction); IEBC 2018 Appendices A-1, A-2, B, and Resource A — Section 7-1-2, subsections B, C, D.Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41, Section 39-4116) makes building code standards a matter of statewide concern; local governments that issue building permits must adopt the IBC and Idaho Residential Code as amended by the Idaho Building Code Board. Source: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title39/t39ch41/The Latah County Building Code (all codes adopted in Title 7, Chapter 1) is formally designated as such under Section 7-1-1 'Composition Of County Building Code' and applies to all structures and property in Latah County. Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/latahcountyid/latest/latahcounty_id/0-0-0-1167, fetched 2026-07-04.
Permit types & fees
Residential/General Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, moves, or change of use of any structure in unincorporated Latah County regulated by the adopted 2018 IBC/IRC, via the county's single 'Building Permit Application' (Latah County Department of Planning & Building).
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Complete building permit application including applicant, contact, contractor information, and address or parcel number, signed by the property owner(s)
- Zoning approval through the Planning Department confirming the parcel is buildable, meets setback and other zoning requirements (flood hazard permits, design standards, industrial standards), and has all necessary zoning permits (e.g., Conditional/Administrative Use Permits for accessory cottages must be obtained before the building permit is submitted)
- Non-refundable permit deposit
- Address fee/change-of-address fee, or an existing assigned address at the driveway access point
- Site plan showing distances from each property line, utilities, easements, infrastructure (well, septic), and other structures on the parcel
- Driveway plan meeting Section 9-9-2 driveway requirements of the Code of Latah County (may be combined with the site plan); engineering required when mandated by 9-9-2
- Construction plans demonstrating code compliance; structures under the IBC and some under the IRC require plans stamped by an Idaho-licensed architect or engineer; paper plans larger than 11x17 incur a $50.00 fee
- Approval for septic system: copy of an approved North Central District Health Department septic permit (a perc test/soil evaluation alone is not sufficient)
- Approval for road access: copy of an approved road-access permit from the appropriate highway district or Idaho Transportation Department
- Engineering documentation stamped, signed, and dated by an Idaho-licensed engineer where required; all roof trusses must be engineered to meet the county's adopted snow load
- Electrical and plumbing permit numbers (from the Idaho Division of Building Safety / DOPL) must be submitted before a framing inspection will be scheduled
- Applications with missing information are deemed incomplete under Idaho Code until all required information is submitted; initial completeness determination does not guarantee plan-review approval
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Full or Short Version)Latah County Department of Planning & Building's application form; covers owner, contractor, and engineer/architect contact info, plumbing/electrical status, class of work (new/addition/alteration/repair/move/change of use), and the county's standard 180-day-expiration/consent-to-enter authorization language.
- RequiredSite Plan + Driveway MapMust show new/existing structures with distances to property lines, other structures, streams, septic, well, roadways; easements/water/gas lines; approved highway-district/ITD access; driveway length, width, slopes (>10% over 100 ft requires engineering), cutbanks, turnouts, turn-arounds; stream crossings and culverts.
- RequiredConstruction Plans / Wall Section DetailElevation drawings (IBC structures require an Idaho-licensed design professional's stamp), plan views per level, foundation/footing/anchor details, framing/truss specifications (engineer-stamped truss sheets), roof covering, electrical/mechanical equipment locations, insulation R-values, window/door schedules with egress and safety-glazing compliance.
- OptionalNorth Central District Health Department Septic ApprovalApproved septic permit copy; required unless connecting to a municipal sewer system.
- RequiredHighway District / ITD Road Access ApprovalApproved road/driveway access permit copy from the North Latah Highway District, South Latah Highway District, or Idaho Transportation Department as applicable.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $1.00-$500.00 | $50.00 flat | Latah County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18, amended by Resolutions 2024-14, 2025-06, 2025-10), Table 1-A. Valuations are as published in the February 2025 issue of the ICC Building Safety Journal, with county-specific additions for foundations, decks ($12.50/sq ft), pole buildings ($24.00/sq ft), Group OSA ($75.00/sq ft), swimming pools ($24.00/sq ft), and solar panels ($5.00/sq ft). |
| Building Permit Fee — $501.00-$2,000.00 | $50.00 for first $500.00, plus $1.30 for each additional $100.00 | Table 1-A, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.) |
| Building Permit Fee — $2,001.00-$25,000.00 | $69.25 for first $2,000.00, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 | Table 1-A, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.) |
| Building Permit Fee — $25,001.00-$50,000.00 | $391.25 for first $25,000.00, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000.00 | Table 1-A, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.) |
| Building Permit Fee — $50,001.00-$100,000.00 | $643.75 for first $50,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 | Table 1-A, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.) |
| Building Permit Fee — $100,001.00 and up | $993.75 for first $100,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 | Table 1-A, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Charged on all structures requiring a plan review, per the Fee Schedule's General Fees section; separate from and in addition to the permit fee per Section 7-1-3(F) of the Code of Latah County. |
| Non-refundable Plan Review Deposit | $700.00 | For commencement of plan review on projects exceeding $30,000 in valuation, per the Fee Schedule and Section 7-1-3(F). |
| Address Fee (New or NS) | $100.00 | Latah County Uniform Rural Addressing Fee Schedule, part of the same Development Services Fee Schedule. |
| Zoning Placement Permit — Agricultural Exempt Buildings | $300.00 | Latah County Land Use Fee Schedule. |
| Zoning Placement — Non-Agricultural Exempt Buildings | $25.00 | Latah County Land Use Fee Schedule. |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | $100.00 | General Fees, Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.); extension also $100.00. |
| Foundation Inspection (Real Property) | $150.00 | General Fees / Other Inspections and Fees, Fee Schedule. |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 per hour | Other Inspections and Fees, Fee Schedule. |
| Work Commencing Without a Permit | 25% of the permit fee (additional, on top of the required permit fee) | Fee Schedule; codified separately in Section 7-1-8 as a doubled fee for second/subsequent offenses once an enforcement action has begun. |
| Permit Extension (maximum 3) | $50.00 each | Fee Schedule, General Fees. |
| Alterations/Remodels Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 | 10% / 45% / 90% of full permit fee based on square footage, respectively | Fee Schedule. |
Mechanical Permit
VerifiedRequired for new, added, altered, repaired, moved, or removed mechanical/fuel-gas equipment in unincorporated Latah County, per Code of Latah County Section 7-1-4 (Amendments To Mechanical Code And Fuel Gas Code). Mechanical fees for new residences are bundled into the building permit fee; a separate mechanical permit is required for all other mechanical installations.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Complete Mechanical Permit Application: job address/parcel, owner and contractor contact info (contractor license number if applicable), use of building, description of work, class of work (new/addition/alteration/repair/move/remove), valuation of work, and type of fuel (natural gas, oil, propane, or electric)
- Property owner or applicant signature
- Not required as a separate permit for mechanical work bundled into a new-residence building permit
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationLatah County Department of Planning & Building's standalone mechanical permit form (revised 6/2/2026); includes the same 180-day permit-expiration and consent-to-enter authorization language as the building permit application.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit | $75.00 | County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), Mechanical Permit Fees section. |
| Special Inspection | $75.00 per hour | Same source. |
| Fee Refund (if withdrawn before work performed) | Up to 80% of permit fee paid | Code of Latah County Section 7-1-4(A), Section 106.5.3. |
Zoning Placement Permit
VerifiedRequired under Code of Latah County Section 7-1-3(A) for most structures that are exempt from a building permit (agricultural exempt buildings and non-agricultural exempt buildings), to confirm zoning compliance before construction or placement, via the county's 'Application For Zoning Placement.'
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Fee (see below)
- Site plan showing location of roads and rights-of-way, existing buildings, proposal area, dimensions, and setbacks
- Floor plan or design plans
- Access approval (not required if there is an existing home on the property)
- Property owner and applicant signatures
- For agricultural-exempt buildings specifically: highway district/ITD access approval, planning department zoning-designation approval, building type/floor plan with dimensions, site plan with property-line distances, copy of any other relevant zoning permit, a statement of use/affidavit limiting use and permitting inspection for continued-use compliance, and proof of bona fide agricultural operation (prior-year Schedule F or Schedule C tax form, or Farm Services Agency registration, plus Assessor agricultural-category classification 1-5)
Required documents
- RequiredApplication For Zoning PlacementLatah County Planning, Building & GIS form (revised 6/5/2026); requires applicant and property owner contact info, parcel/address, current and proposed uses, and a brief description of the proposal.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Placement Permit — Agricultural Exempt Buildings | $300.00 | County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), Land Use Fee Schedule. |
| Zoning Placement — Non-Agricultural Exempt Buildings | $25.00 | Same source. |
Temporary RV Permit (Temporary Living Quarters)
VerifiedRequired under Code of Latah County Section 7-1-7 ('Permanent Living Quarters') to live in a camping trailer, RV (including park models), or similar unit on a property while a permanent residence is under construction, via the county's 'Temporary RV Permit' application.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be made by the property owner at the same time as or after a building permit for the residence has been applied for on the same property
- Fee ($50.00 plus $50.00 for each 6-month extension)
- Site plan showing north arrow, roads/rights-of-way, existing buildings, and the RV's location and dimensions
- Health Department approval
- Access approval from the appropriate highway district or Idaho Transportation Department; driveways to the RV/homesite must comply with the Latah County Land Use Ordinance prior to permit issuance
- Address sign installed prior to approval
- Valid for 6 months at a time, up to a maximum of 2 years total, per Section 7-1-7 of the Code of Latah County
Required documents
- RequiredTemporary RV Permit ApplicationLatah County Department of Planning & Building form; requires applicant/owner info, parcel number, current building permit number, RV license number, and an owner authorization/acknowledgement that the RV must be removed if the building permit expires or is not completed.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary RV Permit — Initial | $50.00 | Per the Temporary RV Permit application form itself, and consistent with 'Temporary Living Quarters with a valid permit and each extension: $50.00' in the County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.). |
| Temporary RV Permit — Each 6-Month Extension | $50.00 | Same sources. |
Manufactured/Modular/Mobile Home Installation Permit
VerifiedRequired under Code of Latah County Section 7-1-5 for installation of any HUD-approved manufactured or modular home, or pre-HUD mobile home (built before June 15, 1976) with a valid rehabilitation certificate, in unincorporated Latah County.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Requirements
- Valid installation permit (and foundation permit when applicable) issued by the Department of Planning and Building
- Passed inspections and a certificate of occupancy under the same requirements as any other single-family dwelling
- If installed in a legal manufactured home park, the park's approved development-plan setbacks control (in addition to Building Code setbacks)
- Application must include the license number and name of the contractor and licensed installer
- Installation must meet the state-approved installation instructions for the specific unit/model, or the current Idaho Manufactured Home Installation Standard
- Every installation requires a permit, including moving a home within a legally approved park or replacing a home in an existing space
- Structural changes/additions require plans stamped by an Idaho-licensed engineer; manufactured buildings cannot change occupancy classification
Required documents
- RequiredHUD Approved Home Installation ApplicationLatah County Department of Planning & Building's application form for manufactured/modular home installation.
- OptionalMobile Home Rehabilitation Certificate / Manufactured Home REHAB CertificationRequired for pre-HUD mobile homes (built before June 15, 1976) to be treated as a single-family dwelling.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured/Modular/Mobile Home Installation | $225.00 per section | County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), General Fees section; foundations charged separately per the Fee Schedule's foundation valuation table. |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedLatah County publishes a distinct per-square-foot valuation rate for 'solar panels' ($5.00/sq ft) in its Development Services Fee Schedule, Table 1-A, used to compute a standard valuation-based Building Permit fee for rooftop or larger ground-mounted PV installations. Separately, the Code of Latah County Section 7-1-3(A) unconditionally exempts small freestanding solar collectors (not exceeding 200 sq ft and no higher than 10 ft) from BOTH a building permit AND the Zoning Placement Permit that otherwise applies to most permit-exempt structures. Electrical interconnection is handled by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), not the county, consistent with the statewide Idaho pattern documented elsewhere in this corpus (Latah has adopted no electrical code of its own).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit required for rooftop-mounted PV systems and for ground-mounted/freestanding solar collectors exceeding 200 sq ft or taller than 10 ft, valued at $5.00 per sq ft under Table 1-A of the county's Fee Schedule
- UNCONDITIONALLY EXEMPT from both a building permit and the Zoning Placement Permit: freestanding solar collectors not exceeding 200 sq ft and not higher than 10 ft, per Code of Latah County Section 7-1-3(A)
- Written septic/sewer approval (North Central District Health Department or municipality) and written road-access approval (ITD, highway district, or municipality) are standard building-permit submittal requirements per Section 7-1-3(B), subject to narrow exemptions for certain accessory-structure permits
- Idaho-licensed Engineer or Architect required to submit structural drawings for structures governed by the IBC, per Section 7-1-3(E) — relevant for larger ground-mount racking/foundation systems
- Electrical interconnection (arrays, inverters, point of connection) requires a separate Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit — Latah County has adopted no electrical code and does not issue electrical permits itself
- Permit becomes null and void if no inspection is requested/performed within 180 days of issuance or within 180 days of the most recent inspection, per Section 7-1-3(C)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit — Full Checklist, Application and HandoutsCounty's standard building permit application package, used for solar installations exceeding the unconditional small-freestanding-collector exemption
- RequiredDOPL Electrical Permit (online)Separate state permit for the PV interconnection/wiring, purchased through DOPL's online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — Solar Panels (valuation) | $5.00 per sq. ft. | Latah County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18, amended by Resolutions 2024-14, 2025-06, 2025-10), Table 1-A — the resulting valuation is then run through the same Total Valuation fee-bracket table used for the general Residential Building Permit (e.g., $50.00 flat for $1.00-$500.00, scaling up with per-$100/$1,000 increments). |
| Zoning Placement Permit (only if the solar installation is a non-agricultural exempt structure NOT within the unconditional small-collector exemption) | $25.00 | County Development Services Fee Schedule, Land Use Fee Schedule — same fee documented in this jurisdiction's Zoning Placement Permit entry. Not applicable to freestanding solar collectors ≤200 sq ft and ≤10 ft, which are unconditionally exempt from this permit too. |
| DOPL Electrical Permit — 'Other Installations' fee schedule (interconnection, separate from the county Building Permit) | 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 — same statewide mechanism documented for unincorporated Gem County in this corpus. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedUnincorporated Latah County does not issue its own electrical permits — electrical inspection authority in unincorporated Latah County is held by the State of Idaho, administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL, formerly the Division of Building Safety), confirmed by the DOPL statewide Inspector List with Schedules (Latah County ZIP codes assigned to state electrical inspector Sam Kasper). An EV charger/EVSE installation therefore requires a standard state Electrical Permit through DOPL, not a county permit. DOPL publishes no distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line; a residential EVSE circuit added to an existing home is billed under the homeowner (or contractor) electrical permit fee structure — a base fee plus a per-branch-circuit charge for existing-residence work.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- State of Idaho Electrical Permit (DOPL) required for EV charger/EVSE circuit installation in unincorporated Latah County — apply online via the DOPL permit purchasing system, or by mailing/submitting the Homeowner or Contractor Electrical Permit Application
- Homeowners may self-perform EVSE wiring on their own primary or secondary residence and related outbuildings using a Homeowner Electrical Permit; work for others, or on commercial property, requires a licensed contractor
- Installation must comply with the applicable National Electrical Code edition adopted by the Idaho Electrical Board
- Schedule inspection through the DOPL electrical inspection request line/portal; Latah County unincorporated is served by a state-assigned electrical inspector, not a county inspector
- No distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line, expedited timeline, or SolarAPP+-style instant-permitting platform was found published by DOPL as of this review
Required documents
- RequiredHomeowner or Contractor Electrical Permit Application (DOPL)State electrical permit application for EV charger/EVSE circuit and equipment installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner Electrical Permit — existing residence, base fee | $65.00 | DOPL/Idaho Division of Building Safety, "Homeowners Electrical: How Do The Fees Work?" — applies to work on an existing residence, detached shop, or modular/manufactured/mobile home; no distinct EV charger/EVSE line item is published, so a typical EVSE circuit addition is billed under this general homeowner electrical fee. |
| Homeowner Electrical Permit — per branch circuit | $10.00 per branch circuit | DOPL, same source — added to the $65 base fee; a single EV charger circuit would typically add one branch-circuit charge ($75 total for one circuit). |
| Requested Inspection / Plan Check (optional) | $65.00 per hour | DOPL, same source. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-04.
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 Latah County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.