2280 American Legion Blvd

Mountain Home, ID 83647

Building Permit Requirements:

Building Official

Johnny Hernandez

Contact:

Office: (208) 587-2142 Ext. 1246
Fax: (208) 587-2120

Location & Hours:

2280 American Legion Blvd.
Mountain Home, ID 83647

Monday-Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm

Important Links

Guides and Requirements

Building Codes & Standards

Local & State Resources

Important Information

Before You Apply

Zoning Comes First

  • ALL BUILDING APPLICATIONS MUST BE PRECEDED BY A ZONING PERMIT — NO EXCEPTIONS

Waste Disposal Notice

  • Construction waste dumping is NOT allowed at the county waste transfer facilities in Pine, Atlanta, Prairie, or Glenns Ferry.

  • Construction waste must be disposed of at approved locations only.

When Is a Building Permit Required?

General Requirements

  • A building permit must be obtained before construction begins.

  • Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy requires a permit.

  • Moving a structure from one location to another requires a permit.

  • Roofing permits are required in Elmore County. (Ice Barriers required per R.905.1.2)

  • Manufactured (modular/mobile) structures require permits and inspections.

  • Foundations and/or basements for manufactured structures require plans.

  • Contractors must provide a current State of Idaho registration number.

  • Structures must meet setback requirements and may not be located on easements or rights-of-way.

Work Exempt from Permit (IRC R105.2)

Building permits are NOT required for:

  • One-story detached sheds/playhouses under 200 sq. ft.

  • Fences 7 feet or under

  • Retaining walls under 4 feet (unless supporting surcharge)

  • Water tanks under 5,000 gallons (height-to-width ratio max 2:1)

  • Sidewalks and driveways

  • Finish work (painting, cabinets, flooring, etc.)

  • Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep

  • Playground equipment

  • Certain window awnings

  • Detached decks under 200 sq. ft., under 30 inches high, not attached to dwelling

⚠️ Note: Exempt work must still comply with all codes.

Plans & Submittal Requirements

Plans Required Before Permit Issuance:

  • Minimum size: 8.5″x11″ or 11″x17″

  • Residential projects require one full-size (24″x36″) set

  • Electronic plans may be printed for $10/page

  • Must be drawn to scale and professional standard

Plans Must Include:

  • Plot plan (showing all structures & setbacks)

  • Floor plans (all levels, foundations, basements, garages, decks, etc.)

  • Exterior dimensions & square footage breakdown

  • Wall bracing plans

  • Cross-section drawings including:

    • Footings & foundations

    • Floor joist spans & clearances

    • Roof truss spans

    • Wall stud spacing

    • Interior & exterior finishes

Additional Requirements:

  • 2018 IBC projects may require a registered design professional.

  • Residential plan review: 2–3 weeks (2018 I.R.C.)

  • Commercial plan review: Up to 4-6 weeks (2018 I.B.C.)

Permit Approval, Extensions & Responsibilities

  • Approved plans held for 30 days only.

  • Applicant must pay for permit within 30 days or reapply.

  • Stamped plans must remain onsite during construction.

  • Department retains plans for 6 months after project completion.

Permit Extensions

  • Must apply and pay for extension.

  • Must provide justifiable cause.

  • Applicant is responsible for requesting extension before permit becomes inactive.

Fees & Deposits

  • Permit fees are based on structure valuation (IBC Section 109 & ICC valuation data).

  • Deposits required to ensure final inspection.

  • Multiple failed inspections:

    • One failed inspection allowed.

    • Second failure of same inspection type: $50 deducted from deposit.

Time Limits

  • Permits must be completed within 3 years of issuance.

  • If expired:

    • No refund of fees or deposit.

    • New permit required with new fees and deposit.

  • Unfinished or unpermitted structures are code violations.

Local Design Requirements

Footing Depth

  • 24″ below frost line — Areas below Tollgate

  • 30″ below frost line — Tollgate to Featherville

  • 36″ below frost line — Above Featherville

Snow Load

  • Recreation area: 120 lbs ground snow load (Must be designed by an Idaho State Engineer (R.301.1.3 & R.301.2.3))

  • Remaining areas: 30 lbs ground snow load

Wind Load

  • 115 MPH (IRC) (Residential)

  • 95–120 MPH (IBC) (Commercial)

Seismic Design

  • Zone C — South of Featherville

  • Zone D — North of Featherville