Building Permit FAQs
Welcome to the Valley County Building Department Frequently Asked Questions page. Please visit our Application Instructions pdf for more, important details, and information. Or contact our office with further questions and for assistance.
Yes. Any structure over 3 feet tall requires a permit in Valley County.
To qualify:
- Cannot exceed 600 SF
- Detached (at least 6 feet minimum distance, measured eave to eave, from other structures)
- Single Story (no loft)
- Maximum eave overhang of 2'
- Maximum rafter span of 20'
- Storage Only
- No Vehicles. This includes ATVs, RVs, Motorcycles, Side by Sides
- No human occupancy. No sleeping, cannot be an office, or craft room, or she-shed, ect. Storage only.
- Cannot be converted to a dwelling in the future
How to apply:
- Application - use the Building Permit Application
- Attach a site plan showing set backs. See Site Plan Instructions pdf for example.
- If you currently have a septic system installed on the property, please contact the Central District Health Department for an Accessory Use Authorization. We may need the Accessory Use Authorization to issue your shed permit.
- Check if you need to file form 7460-1 with the FAA. Use the FAA Criteria Data Finderand enter your latitude, longitude, site elevation and building height. FAA approval may be required to issue your shed permit.
- HOA - If there is an active HOA, please get their approval before applying for your shed permit.
- Approach - Is there an existing driveway? Or will you be adding one to your property to access your storage shed? Please contact the Valley County Road Department at (208) 382-7195 for new driveways or culverts. Please get their approval before applying for your shed permit.
Please bring your application in person, send by mail, or email it to building@co.valley.id.us
Processing time can take up to 2-3 business days.
This would be permitted as a garage. Please see our Application Instructions for a full list of requirements.
There are no inspections for the Utility Building or Storage Shed permit. We recommend you buy or build your shed to the roof snow load for your location.
We only permit wood stove inserts. If you have a free-standing wood or pellet stove, or a gas fireplace, you will want to contact the State of Idaho Division of Building Safety for a permit. We only permit wood stove inserts and zero clearance wood or pellet stove inserts. Please complete our building permit application and note the number of wood stove inserts you are permitting in box 13 of the application. The fee is $65 per wood stove insert.
Please bring your application in person, send by mail, or email it to building@co.valley.id.us
We can usually issue this permit over the counter or by email on the same day it's applied for.
There are two inspections required for Wood Stove Insert Permits. Please coordinate with the contractor to schedule the rough-in and final inspections for your wood stove insert the same day as the rough-in and final for the house on new construction. Please call (208) 382-7114 to schedule your rough-in inspection and your final inspection, at least 24 hours in advance. Please have the Wood Stove Insert Installer's Checklist completed and on-site for your inspection.
A yurt requires a permit similar to a house. Both the yurt and its platform must be engineered to meet Valley County's ordinance requirements for roof snow load, wind, seismic and frost depth.
Yes. Here is a printable information sheet. Yurt Requirements pdf
No, geotechnical reports are not required to support your building permit application. However, there are three subdivisions for which there are recommendations or requirements: Boulder Creek Meadows, Fir Grove, and Crane Shores.