You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-20.
Unincorporated Latah County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Latah County, Idaho — as published 2026-08-20.
Verified 2026-07-04 · Source
Codes adopted
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 Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) / 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. Show full citationHideLatah 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 (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… Show full citationHideLatah 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 — the same statewide mechanism that applies in other unincorporated Idaho counties (e.g., Gem County). |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
Unincorporated 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.
Reviewed 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
- DOPL publishes no distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line, expedited timeline, or SolarAPP+-style instant-permitting platform
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 |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit — Existing Dwelling Unit | $65.00 per inspection | IDAPA 24.39.10 (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board), Section 500.02.a.ii, effective 3-28-23: "Existing Dwelling Unit Permit: sixty-five dollars ($65) per inspection." Applies to an existing… Show full citationHideIDAPA 24.39.10 (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board), Section 500.02.a.ii, effective 3-28-23: "Existing Dwelling Unit Permit: sixty-five dollars ($65) per inspection." Applies to an existing residence, detached shop, or modular/manufactured/mobile home. Statewide fee set by DOPL, not by the county. |
| Additional branch circuits (DOPL worksheet only — not imposed by the controlling rule) | $10.00 per additional branch circuit per DOPL's worksheet; $0 under IDAPA 24.39.10 | DOPL Homeowner Electrical Permit Worksheet (Fee Schedule), Rev. Show full citationHideDOPL Homeowner Electrical Permit Worksheet (Fee Schedule), Rev. 8/17/2022, "Existing Residence / Modular, Manufactured or Mobile Homes / Detached Shop" row. One circuit is included in the $65.00, so a single EV charger circuit adds nothing under the worksheet either. Retained rather than deleted because the worksheet is the form applicants submit, but it is NOT in IDAPA 24.39.10 — see the confidenceNote on the base fee. |
| Requested Inspection Permit | $65.00 per inspection | IDAPA 24.39.10 Section 500.03: "Requested Inspection Permit. Show full citationHideIDAPA 24.39.10 Section 500.03: "Requested Inspection Permit. A sixty-five dollar ($65) fee per inspection." Note DOPL's worksheet instead states "$65.00 per hr." for a Requested Inspection, and separately requires a $65/hour Plan Check for grid-connected renewable energy prior to purchasing the installation permit — so this is not optional for grid-tied solar or storage. |
Commercial Building Permit
Unincorporated Latah County has NO separate 'commercial' building permit product, application form, or fee table — none appears in the codified ordinance (Title 7, Chapter 1, all sections), the county's Development Services Fee Schedule (4-page PDF, Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), the Building Permit — Full Checklist, Application and Handouts packet, or the county's full Building Applications/Building Handouts document directory. New commercial construction uses the SAME 'Building Permit Application' used for every other structure type in the county (Code of Latah County Section 7-1-2, which adopts the 2018 IBC for commercial/multi-family/institutional occupancies alongside the 2018 IRC for detached one- and two-family dwellings), valued and fee-assessed under the identical Table 1-A of the Fee Schedule (based on ICC Building Safety Journal valuation data, which itself covers commercial occupancy classifications). The one commercial-specific addition is procedural, not a separate permit: a parcel carrying the county's Commercial Zoning Designation must submit a distinct set of additional plans — documented in the county's own standalone 'Commercial Zoning District Requirements' handout — before a building permit can be issued or before any activity not itself requiring a building permit begins.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Same 'Building Permit Application' requirements as any other structure: complete application signed by the property owner(s); zoning approval; non-refundable permit deposit; address fee or existing assigned address; site plan; driveway plan meeting Section 9-9-2; construction plans; septic/sewer approval; road-access approval; electrical/plumbing permit numbers from Idaho DOPL before framing inspection
- Idaho-licensed Engineer or Architect required to submit all structural/interior design drawings, per Section 7-1-3(E) of the Code of Latah County — this applies to structures approved under the IBC, which as a practical matter means essentially all commercial buildings
- IF the parcel is in the county's Commercial Zoning Designation, additional plans/submittals are required per the county's 'Commercial Zoning District Requirements' handout: fire protection plan; hours-of-operation plan; landscaping plan for shading and buffering; lighting plan (full cutoff fixtures, directed away from existing residences); outdoor storage plan; parking plan (spaces, accessibility, approach points); sewer-system approval (Health Department approval for any new/modified septic, or city/sewer-district approval for a sewer connection); stormwater runoff plan; wastewater management plan; water system documentation (public water when required, water right when required)
- If the parcel is instead in the Industrial Zoning Designation, a similar but distinct set of additional submittals applies per the county's separate 'Industrial Zoning District Requirements' handout (buffer yard ≥20 ft, DEQ wastewater-management consultation, stormwater management program, restricted 6 AM-9 PM exterior operating hours absent a conditional use permit) — check with the Planning Department which designation governs a given parcel
- The county's own handouts state 'depending on the use, other requirements set by the code or by permits may be required' for both Commercial and Industrial zoning designations — treat the listed items as a floor, not an exhaustive list, and confirm with the Planning Department for the specific proposed use
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Full or Short Version)The same county-wide Building Permit Application used for residential and all other structure types; no commercial-specific version exists.
- OptionalCommercial Zoning District Requirements (handout)Standalone one-page checklist of additional plans (fire protection, hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, outdoor storage, parking, sewer, stormwater, wastewater, water system) required for parcels in the Commercial Zoning Designation, in addition to the standard building permit submittal package.
- RequiredConstruction Plans / Elevation DrawingsStructures built under the IBC require plans designed and stamped by an Idaho-licensed design professional, per the county's own Building Permit — Full Checklist packet.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Total Valuation-based, Table 1-A) | $50.00 flat for $1.00-$500.00, scaling to $993.75 for the first $100,000.00 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000.00 for valuations over $100,000.00 | Same Table 1-A used for every structure type in the county — see this jurisdiction's Residential/General Building Permit entry for the full bracket table. Show full citationHideSame Table 1-A used for every structure type in the county — see this jurisdiction's Residential/General Building Permit entry for the full bracket table. Valuations are as published in the February 2025 issue of the ICC Building Safety Journal, which publishes distinct valuation figures by occupancy classification (including commercial/institutional/mercantile occupancies) — the county applies whichever ICC-published figure matches the proposed occupancy classification. |
| Shell Only Buildings (valuation) | No reduction from standard occupancy valuation | County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), Valuations table — relevant to commercial spec/shell buildings, which are NOT valued at a discount for unfinished interior space. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Charged on all structures requiring plan review, which as a practical matter includes essentially all IBC-governed commercial structures. |
| Non-refundable Plan Review Deposit | $700.00 | For commencement of plan review on projects exceeding $30,000.00 in valuation. |
| Commercial Telecommunication Towers & Electric Generating Wind Turbines (if applicable) | $11.00 per ft. of elevation above ground level (to the highest point of the tower or turbine blade), $100.00 minimum | County Development Services Fee Schedule, General Fees section — the only fee line in the entire schedule that uses the word 'Commercial' in its label; Show full citationHideCounty Development Services Fee Schedule, General Fees section — the only fee line in the entire schedule that uses the word 'Commercial' in its label; applies specifically to commercial telecom towers and electric-generating wind turbines, not to commercial buildings generally (contrast the separate 'Residential Wind & Telecommunication Towers' line at $2.00/ft). |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Alteration Permit
Unincorporated Latah County has NO standalone 'tenant improvement' or 'TI' permit product — the codified ordinance, the full Development Services Fee Schedule, the Building Permit — Full Checklist packet, and the county's complete Building Applications/Building Handouts document directory contain no mention of the phrase 'tenant improvement' anywhere. A remodel or fit-out of existing commercial space instead goes through the SAME countywide 'Building Permit Application', with the Class of Work marked 'Alteration' (or 'Change of Use' if applicable), and is fee-assessed using the Fee Schedule's 'Alterations/Remodels Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3' tiers (10% / 45% / 90% of the full valuation-based Table 1-A permit fee, based on square footage) rather than a bespoke TI fee. If the project changes the use or occupancy classification of the space — common in commercial tenant fit-outs — the county's separate 'Change of Use or Occupancy' review also applies, per the county's own handout of that name, and a permit is required before that change is made.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Same 'Building Permit Application' as any other permit, with Class of Work marked 'Alteration', 'Repair', or 'Change of Use' as applicable to the scope of the tenant improvement
- If the project changes the use or occupancy of the space (e.g., converting retail to restaurant, or a shell space to a specific tenant use), a Change-of-Use-or-Occupancy review is required BEFORE the change is made, per the county's 'Change of Use or Occupancy' handout — the handout states this affects life safety (fire safety, exits, occupancy limits), zoning compliance, and building code requirements, and recommends contacting the Planning and Building Department before starting the project
- Idaho-licensed architect or engineer may be required if the project involves structural changes, accessibility requirements, public access, or certain occupancy changes, per the same Change of Use or Occupancy handout, and per Section 7-1-3(E) of the Code of Latah County for structures governed by the IBC
- If the parcel is in the Commercial Zoning Designation and the tenant improvement affects items covered by the 'Commercial Zoning District Requirements' handout (e.g., adds/changes parking demand, outdoor storage, exterior lighting, or hours of operation), those additional submittals apply on top of the building permit package
- Written septic/sewer approval and written road-access approval are standard building-permit submittal requirements under Section 7-1-3(B), subject to narrow exemptions (the handout gives siding, window replacement, and re-roofs as exempt examples, which would cover many purely-interior TI scopes)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Full or Short Version)Same application used for new construction and all other permit types; Class of Work box marked 'Alteration' or 'Change of Use' for a tenant improvement.
- OptionalChange of Use or Occupancy (guide/application)County handout confirming a permit is required before any change of use or occupancy, explaining when it applies (converting a garage/shop to living space, running a business from a home/shop, changing a building from one use type to another), and noting a design professional may be required for structural changes, accessibility requirements, public access, or certain occupancy changes. Directs applicants to submit through the Planning and Building Department.
- OptionalCommercial Zoning District Requirements (handout)Applies if the parcel is in the Commercial Zoning Designation and the tenant improvement scope touches fire protection, hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, outdoor storage, parking, sewer, stormwater, wastewater, or water system.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alterations/Remodels Level 1 | 10% of full permit fee based on square footage | County Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), General Fees section. Show full citationHideCounty Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-18 et seq.), General Fees section. 'Full permit fee' is computed from the same Table 1-A valuation-based bracket table used for new construction. Neither the Fee Schedule, the Building Permit — Full Checklist packet, nor the codified ordinance (Title 7, Chapter 1) defines the specific scope-of-work criteria that separate a Level 1 from a Level 2 or Level 3 alteration — this was confirmed by a direct re-read of all three documents on 2026-08-02. Contact the Planning, Building and GIS Department to determine which tier applies to a specific tenant-improvement scope before budgeting. |
| Alterations/Remodels Level 2 | 45% of full permit fee based on square footage | Same source and same caveat on undefined tier criteria. |
| Alterations/Remodels Level 3 | 90% of full permit fee based on square footage | Same source and same caveat on undefined tier criteria. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Charged on all structures requiring a plan review; applicable if the tenant-improvement scope requires plan review. |
| Non-refundable Plan Review Deposit | $700.00 | For commencement of plan review on projects exceeding $30,000.00 in valuation — relevant to larger commercial TI scopes. |
| Additional plan review required by changes, additions, or revisions to plans | $75.00 per hour | County Development Services Fee Schedule, Other Inspections and Fees section — relevant to iterative TI plan revisions. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-04.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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.