Building  Department

The Building Department aims to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of all new and existing structures by enforcing minimum code requirements.​
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Key Duties:
  • Assist property owners, contractors, and developers with all relevant regulations.
  • Conduct inspections of new construction, additions, alterations, accessory buildings, and more.
  • Review architectural and structural plans for commercial and residential projects.
  • Regulate occupancy of existing structures and evaluate requirements based on use and occupancy type.
  • Process permit applications for all types of construction.
  • Issue building permits, certificates of occupancy, and certificates of completion.
  • Investigate and resolve building code violations.

Application Process

  1. Submit a complete application form with site/building plans.
  2. Plans are reviewed for code compliance by the inspector.
  3. Pay applicable fees once your plans are approved (in person or by phone).
  4. Schedule inspections directly   with the inspector via call or text.
  5. Receive a certificate of occupancy or completion once your project passes all inspections.
​Download application forms, review fee schedules, and access inspection information—all in one place to help your project stay on track.
FAQ
​​1. When is a building permit required?
A:  A permit is required for most construction. Below is a helpful list, but this is not all-inclusive. Please call us if you have a specific project in mind.
  • New homes, garages, shops, carports, or sheds over 200 sq. ft.
  • Additions, covered porches, or decks.
  • Fences 
  • Basement finishes, wall removals, or new rooms being created. 
  • Roof decking replacement, new windows (if altering the structure or size of the window opening)
  • Demolition of any structure (full or partial) 
  • Installing a manufactured home.

2. How do I apply for a building permit?
A:  Applications can be submitted in person or by email.  You’ll need to include plans, a site plan, and other required documents depending on the project.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?
A:  Typical processing time is between 5-10 business days for residential projects and 10-30 business days for commercial projects, depending on project complexity.
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4. How much does a building permit cost?
A:  Fees are based on the project’s value. See the  Building Permit Fee Schedule for details.

5. Do I need a contractor to pull a permit, or can I do it myself?
A: Homeowners may pull permits for work on their own primary residence, but contractors licensed by the State of Idaho are required for certain types of work.

6. What inspections are required after I get my permit?
A: Typical inspections include foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and a final inspection. You will receive a list of required inspections when your permit is issued.
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7. How do I schedule an inspection?
A: Request inspections directly from the Building Inspector via call or text message as far in advance as possible. Please have ready: permit number,  property address,  contact person and phone number, and type of inspection.
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8. What happens if I don’t get a permit?
A: Work without a permit may result in fines, stop-work orders, removal of unapproved work, or legal action.

9. How long is a permit valid?
A: Permits typically expire if work does not start within 120 days or if work is abandoned /stalled for 120 days once started or from the last inspection recorded.

10. Are there any projects that don’t need a permit?
A: Some minor repairs and small structures (like sheds under 200 square feet) may not require permits. In general, a permit is required for most activities regulated by the code, and these activities cannot begin until the permit is issued, unless the activity is specifically exempted by   Residential Code Section R105.2 or Commercial Code Section 105.2. Only the owner or a person authorized by the owner can apply for the permit. 

11. Do I need a permit for a deck or covered porch?
A: Yes. A building permit is required for any deck or covered porch that is attached to a structure, elevated more than 30" above ground level, exceeds 200 sf in size, or serves the main exit/entrance door to the home. Permits ensure the structure is built safely and meets zoning setback requirements. Please submit a site plan and construction details with your application.

12. EPA Statement: 
​ A:  The US Environmental Protection Agency requires that renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, childcare facilities, and schools must be performed by an EPA Certified Renovator working for an EPA Certified Firm, and specific work practices must be implemented to prevent lead contamination. More information is available at 1-800-424-LEAD [5323] or   www.epa.gov/lead.

13.  Do I need a permit to install a fence on my property?
  A: Yes. Fence regulations (height, location, and material, etc.) are found here.

14. When do I need an occupancy permit?
A:     For new construction projects—residential or commercial—an occupancy certificate is issued once the project is complete. If you are opening a business in an existing building, an occupancy permit is required. Before you move forward, please check with the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm that your proposed business is located in the correct zoning district.

15. What are my setbacks?
A:   Find your zoning district, then see the resource item "Minimum Yard Setback Requirements" to find out. 
Resources
Permit Applications

Building Inspector

The City of Buhl contracts with Sasquatch Building Services for plan review and building inspections.   

​For building inspections or questions, contact the inspector directly.
Contact Information:
Jon Laux
[email protected]
 208-390-0228

Need a meeting?

Meeting Type:
  • ​In-Person at City Hall
  •  Phone Call
  •  Virtual (Zoom/Teams)
Bring:
  • ​Project details/Sketches
  • Permit applications
  • Questions
How to Schedule:
Office Hours
​Monday:   
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday:   ​
​7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Important:
  • ​This link does not schedule building inspections or meetings with the inspector.
  • Appointments with insufficient details or that need additional departments involved may be rescheduled.
  • Large permits and zoning issues require an appointment.
  • Call   City Hall if you're unsure about your appointment needs.
  • Permit drop-offs do not need appointments. Such can be made at City Hall during business hours or by email.

Jazmine Mills​
​Planning & Zoning Administrator
​​  [email protected]

203 Broadway Ave N
Buhl, ID  83316

Phone: 208.543.5125
Fax: 208.543.2884