Bolthole Index

Shoshone County, Idaho

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Shoshone County, Idaho

61Index Score / 100
#24 of 44 in Idaho

Unincorporated Shoshone County, Idaho requires building permits for most construction, additions, alterations, conversions and improvements, while manufactured or mobile homes need a setting permit1. County zoning applies outside city boundaries2. Panhandle Health District issues the septic permits3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated city boundaries2
Septic
Panhandle Health District permit required for subsurface sewage systems4
RV living
C-2 allows travel-trailer or campground parks; residential use elsewhere is unconfirmed56
Tiny home
No specific tiny-home rule confirmed; building and zoning requirements apply12
Owner-builder
Signed contractor-registration exemption declaration required if eligible; building permits still apply7
Minimum lot size
Varies by zoning district8
Well
IDWR drilling permit required before drilling9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration

Building permits, zoning, land-use applications and inspections in unincorporated Shoshone County

(208) 752-8891

pz@co.shoshone.id.us

700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873

Septic permits

Panhandle Health District Environmental Health

Septic permits and records for Shoshone County

(208) 783-0707

ehapplications@phd1.idaho.gov

8500 N. Atlas Rd., Hayden, ID 83835

Floodplain permits

Shoshone County Floodplain Administration

Floodplain development permits in Shoshone County special flood hazard areas

(208) 752-8891

pz@co.shoshone.id.us

700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873

Roads & driveways

Shoshone County Public Works

County roads and approach permit information

(208) 753-5475

700 Bank Street, Suite 35, Wallace, ID 83873

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Shoshone County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Unincorporated Shoshone County requires building permits for most construction, additions, alterations, conversions and improvements; manufactured or mobile homes need a setting permit10. Shoshone County administers the 2018 International Code Compliance Regulations, including snow-load and frost-depth requirements11. Agricultural buildings qualify for the adopted-code exemption only on property currently classified by the Assessor in agricultural-exemption categories 1, 3, 4 or 5; zoning, floodplain and placement rules still apply1213. Owner-builders must submit a signed contractor-registration exemption declaration instead of a registration number, identifying the applicable statutory exemption; the declaration does not waive building permits7. The personal-residential-property exemption has restrictions on building for prompt sale, including a primary-residence occupancy exception of at least 12 months before sale7. The county publishes building and planning fee schedules effective March 24, 2026; ask Planning & Zoning for the charge for your application and valuation146.

Who handles Shoshone County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration handles building permits for land outside city boundaries6. Call (208) 752-8891, email pz@co.shoshone.id.us, or visit 700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873; the county also lists (208) 786-4405 for inspections6. Mark building perimeters and property lines for the first inspection15. Inside Kellogg, the Clerk issues building permits; Wallace administers its own building permits, and Osburn requires city building permits for manufactured homes161718. Panhandle Health District still issues subsurface sewage permits; Osburn also requires city-council written approval for septic tanks and related facilities1920. Idaho issues and inspects electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits21. We could not confirm a general certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask Planning & Zoning about final approval, because the confirmed stormwater condition concerns major subdivisions226.

Does Shoshone County have zoning?

Shoshone County zoning applies outside incorporated city boundaries23. Kellogg, Osburn and Wallace administer their own zoning; Panhandle Health District remains the subsurface sewage permitting authority, with additional city septic approval in Osburn2425261920. The county has 14 zone districts and 2 overlay districts, with different allowed uses and standards; some uses require a conditional-use permit or variance27. The county zoning map is not online, so call Planning & Zoning with the parcel number or address for the designation and allowed uses286. Confirm current lot-area, setback, height and coverage requirements rather than relying on the older permit-package chart829303132. Parcel splits and adjustments are regulated; minor subdivisions are limited to 9 lots of at least 2 acres, while major subdivisions generally require a public hearing and preliminary-plat recommendation3334.

How do septic permits work in Shoshone County?

Panhandle Health District, not Shoshone County Planning & Zoning, issues septic permits for Shoshone County19. A permit is required for a new subsurface sewage system or a new system location, and approval considers sewage flow, house and well locations, surface water, groundwater limitations, altered soil, neighboring structures, land use and soil type4. Call Environmental Health at (208) 783-0707 or email ehapplications@phd1.idaho.gov35. Only about 0.4% of county soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the district's site review an early purchase contingency36. Applications and issued permits are each valid for 1 year4. Idaho requires one or more compliance inspections, and the public health district inspects individual-system installations37. The county's septic guidance separately directs applicants to the State Plumbing Bureau for inspection of covered lines; that guidance does not provide a complete tank-and-drainfield inspection schedule38.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Shoshone County?

Shoshone County expressly allows a travel-trailer or campground park in the C-2 district, but that narrow use does not establish permission for long-term RV living on other private land5. County zoning controls allowed uses outside city limits, so give Planning & Zoning the parcel number and proposed occupancy duration before moving an RV onto the site26. We could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Planning & Zoning how a proposed dwelling would be classified6. A tiny home used as a residence still falls under the county's permit and parcel-specific zoning programs127. Manufactured homes are an allowed use in all land zoned for single-family residential use, except in historic districts and subject to the county placement standards39. Manufactured homes outside parks must enclose at least 1,000 square feet and comply with county placement standards40. Manufactured-home installation also requires inspection and approval before occupancy41.

What are the steps to build a home in Shoshone County?

  1. Confirm jurisdiction, zoning and allowed uses with County Planning & Zoning for land outside city limits236.
  2. Confirm compliant residential road access; obtain a site-disturbance permit for a new driveway involving earth movement, and ask Public Works whether county-road access needs an approach permit424344.
  3. Have Panhandle Health District evaluate septic feasibility and house, well and drainfield locations before committing to the layout435.
  4. Obtain an IDWR drilling permit before drilling a well9.
  5. Obtain floodplain approval before development in the Special Flood Hazard Area45.
  6. Submit the completed building application, site plan, 2 sets of plans, checklist, applicable agency approvals and contractor registration or signed exemption declaration; processing waits until the required materials are verified and submitted467.
  7. Obtain separate Idaho electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits and arrange county building inspections2115.

What should you check before buying land in Shoshone County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: county rules apply outside city boundaries, and district standards determine allowed uses, lot area and setbacks472930. Treat septic feasibility, slope and access as linked questions because only about 0.4% of soils rate free of severe conventional-drain-field limits and just 9.8% of county land is at a 15% slope or less3648. Check the flood map because development in a special flood hazard area requires a county permit4950. Confirm that residential access meets county road or driveway standards; a state-highway connection instead requires an ITD encroachment permit4251. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,2735253. About 73.9% of Shoshone County is federal land, so confirm boundaries and legal access rather than assuming adjacent public ground provides an entrance54.

Watch-outs

  • Agricultural code exemptions and owner-builder registration exemptions do not remove county zoning or the separate building-permit requirement for a home127.
  • Only about 0.4% of Shoshone County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before committing to a house location36.
  • The C-2 allowance for travel-trailer or campground parks does not answer long-term RV occupancy elsewhere; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and proposed use56.

Sources

  1. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Permits & Records – Panhandle Health District, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Permits & Records – Panhandle Health District, quoted and re-checked
  5. shoshonecounty.id.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  7. Building Permit Addendum / Contractor Registration Exemption Declaration, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  9. Wells Overview, quoted and re-checked
  10. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  11. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  12. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  13. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  15. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  16. Kellogg: Kellogg City Code § 4-1-3, Permit Required for Construction or Alteration (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Wallace: § 153.021 Building Permit Required (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Osburn: Osburn Code § 20-59, Conditions for the use of manufactured homes (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Permits & Records – Panhandle Health District, quoted and re-checked
  20. Osburn: Osburn Code § 34-1, Construction of privy vaults or septic tanks; permit required (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  22. shoshonecounty.id.gov, quoted and re-checked
  23. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  24. Kellogg: Kellogg City Code § 11-1-4, Applicability (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Osburn: Osburn Code § 36-214, Intent (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Wallace: Chapter 156: Zoning (Shoshone County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  28. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  29. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  30. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  31. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  32. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  33. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  34. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  35. Panhandle Health District Environmental Health (panhandlehealthdistrict.org)
  36. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  37. IDAPA 58.01.03 Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Sewage System Permit Application and Installation Guidelines, quoted and re-checked
  39. Title 9 Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  40. Shoshone County Title 9 Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  41. Building Archives - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  42. Private Road and Driveway Standards, quoted and re-checked
  43. Shoshone County Site Disturbance Ordinance 129, quoted and re-checked
  44. Shoshone County Public Works (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  45. Floodplain Information & Helpful Links, quoted and re-checked
  46. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  47. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  48. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  49. Floodplain Information & Helpful Links, quoted and re-checked
  50. Shoshone County Floodplain Administration (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  51. Types of Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  52. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  54. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Shoshone County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleShoshone CountyKootenai CountyBenewah CountyLatah CountyBonner CountyClearwater CountyBoundary County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsPanhandle Health DistrictPanhandle Health DistrictPanhandle Health DistrictPublic HealthPanhandle Health DistrictPublic HealthPanhandle Health District

County locator

Shoshone County in Idaho

61
County map
Shoshone County highlighted among the Idaho counties · colored by Index score

How Shoshone County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness3890% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy90100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$284kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$8,542Land / acre
47.6"Annual rain
16.1% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.5)Mid-century 100°F days
20.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.66" (+4.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,071Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.51%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,780Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.3People / sq mi
73.9%Federal land
9.8%Land at 15% slope or less
0.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,658 acWorkable land screen
94.9%Wooded land
66.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Shoshone County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Mullan · Pinehurst · Smelterville · Wardner

Answers from the rulebook for Shoshone County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Shoshone County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements of structures in areas administered by County Planning & Zoning.

    • A setting permit is also required for all manufactured/mobile homes.
    • AG Exempt buildings are exempt from the adopted building codes but remain subject to County zoning and floodplain regulations.
    • Incorporated cities may have separate requirements.
    “Shoshone County requires Building Permits for most all types of construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvement of structures. A ‘Setting’ Permit is also required for all manufactured/mobile homes.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements of structures in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, approve or convert any building or structure used for human habitation including a garage attached thereto or any building used for commercial or industrial purposes, or any agricultural building, or any public building in an unincorporated area in the county without first obtaining a separate building permit from the county building official for each such building or structure involved.”
    • Required — Most construction, additions, alterations, conversions, improvements, and manufactured/mobile-home settings in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “Shoshone County requires Building Permits for most all types of construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvement of structures. A ‘Setting’ Permit is also required for all manufactured/mobile homes.”
    • Required — Most construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements of structures in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “Shoshone County requires Building Permits for most all types of construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvement of structures.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner-builder seeking a Shoshone County building permit for construction in the county's unincorporated areas, specifically exemption from Idaho contractor-registration proof requirements.

    • Shoshone County states that it will not accept a building permit application unless the applicant provides proof of registration required by Idaho Code 54-5209, unless the applicant completes the exemption declaration.
    • The applicant must identify the Idaho Code subsection establishing the exemption and certify the exemption under penalty of perjury.
    • The personal-residential-property exemption applies to an owner performing construction on the owner's personal residential real property, whether or not occupied by the owner.
    • The exemption does not apply to an owner otherwise regulated by the chapter who constructs a building, residence, or other improvement for the purpose of promptly selling it, unless the owner continuously occupied the property as the owner's primary residence for at least twelve months before sale.
    • Other listed exemptions include qualifying commercial-property owners or consenting lessees performing work themselves or with their own employees, qualifying real-estate licensees, and a person working on the person's own residence when the residence is owned by someone else.
    • The contractor-registration exemption does not eliminate the separate county building-permit requirement for human-habitation structures.

    minimum primary-residence occupancy before sale: >= 12 months (Applies to the promptly-selling owner exception described in the county addendum)

    “Permit applications will not be accepted without a current IDAHO CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION NUMBER, or a signed declaration of exemption. Owners preforming work on their own property are exempt from this requirement”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County building-code administration outside incorporated city boundaries.

    • Agricultural or AG Exempt buildings are exempt from the adopted building codes but remain subject to County zoning and floodplain placement requirements.
    • The County page identifies the adopted edition as the 2018 International Code Compliance Regulations.

    code edition: 2018 (AG Exempt buildings are exempt from the adopted building codes)

    “Shoshone County has adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, for Building Code. Building Code Standards and Residential Code regulations, including additions, revisions or amendments. (Particularly ‘Snow Load’ and ‘Frost Depth’ requirements)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County building regulation in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “Shoshone County has adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, for Building Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County building-code administration outside city boundaries.
      “Shoshone County has adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, for Building Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — County building-code administration in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “Shoshone County has adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, for Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects requiring County building permits in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The permit application requires a person responsible for scheduling inspections.
    • The application states that the building perimeter and property lines must be clearly marked at the time of the first inspection.
    “WILL BE CLEARLY MARKED AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST INSPECTION.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Major subdivisions with stormwater-management facilities in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • No certificate of occupancy will be issued until the stormwater-management system is installed and functioning as designed.
    • Occupancy may proceed upon an acceptable financial guarantee when the Reviewing Authorities determine occupancy can occur without environmental or occupant harm.
    • The source does not establish a general certificate-of-occupancy rule for every building project.
    “No Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until the stormwater management system has been installed and is functioning as designed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Major subdivisions governed by the County Site Disturbance Ordinance.
      “No Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until the stormwater management system has been installed and is functioning as designed.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The County Planning & Zoning Administration covers areas outside city boundaries; properties inside city limits are administered by the respective city.
    • Uses may require a conditional-use permit or variance if not outright allowed in the applicable zone.

    zone districts: 14 districts · overlay districts: 2 districts

    “Shoshone County is divided into fourteen (14) ‘Zone Districts’ and two (2) ‘Overlay Districts’.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning administration in areas of Shoshone County outside incorporated city boundaries.
      “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land-use regulation in areas of Shoshone County outside city boundaries.
      “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries.”
    • Present — Land-use zoning in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “outside of city boundaries [...] fourteen (14) ‘Zone Districts’”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate conclusion for Shoshone County: county zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated cities administer their own local planning and zoning.

    • This aggregate claim does not attribute incorporated-city ordinances to the County.
    • The County page directs city-limit inquiries to the planning office for the applicable city.
    “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Shoshone County: county zoning applies outside city boundaries, while incorporated cities administer their own planning and zoning.
      “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries. [...] If you are inquiring about a property within city limits, please contact the planning office for that city:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The County states that there are fourteen zone districts and two overlay districts.
    • The County page states that a zoning map is not currently available online and asks applicants to call with a property address or parcel number for the zoning designation and allowed uses.
    • The table in the permit package states Effective 7/98 and may not be the current consolidated schedule.

    zone districts: 14 districts · overlay districts: 2 districts

    “Currently, a zoning map is not available online.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and overlay districts in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “fourteen (14) ‘Zone Districts’ and two (2) ‘Overlay Districts’”
    • Published (with conditions) — Shoshone County Title 9 zoning districts and overlays outside incorporated cities.
      “Shoshone County is divided into fourteen (14) ‘Zone Districts’ and two (2) ‘Overlay Districts’. Each of these have particular ‘Allowed uses’ and associated standards.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes located outside manufactured home parks in the unincorporated areas administered by Shoshone County.

    • The rule applies to manufactured homes outside manufactured home parks.
    • The manufactured home must enclose at least 1,000 square feet.
    • The placement standards also reference Shoshone County Title 9, sections 9-4-2 and 9-4-4 through 9-4-7, concerning single-family residential districts.
    • The county planning and zoning administration covers areas outside city boundaries; incorporated cities may have separate rules.

    minimum enclosed floor area: >= 1000 square feet (manufactured homes located outside manufactured home parks)

    “Standards for the approval of manufactured homes located outside manufactured home parks are hereby adopted: (Ord. 114, 11-17-1998) [...] A. Minimum Size: The manufactured home shall enclose a space of not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet. (Ord. 121, 9-24-2002)”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zone-specific minimum lot areas shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart includes, among others, 7,700 square feet for Natural Resource, Residential R-O, and Residential R-1, and 2 acres for Suburban Residential.
    • The excerpt is a chart of district limitations and does not establish that every district has the same minimum.

    Natural Resource minimum lot area: 7700 square feet · Suburban Residential minimum lot area: 2 acres · Residential R-O and R-1 minimum lot area: 7700 square feet

    “Natural Resource (NR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. Suburban Residential (SR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 2 Acres 35’ Single Family Residential (R-O) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’ Residential (R-1) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 70’ 110’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zone-specific setbacks shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart includes front, side, and rear setback columns; the displayed districts generally show 25-foot front, 10-foot side, and 5-foot or 10-foot rear values as applicable to the chart columns.
    “Setbacks Min. Lot Min. Lot Min. Lot Maximum Max. Lot ZONE F R S SS Frontage Depth Area Height* Coverage”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Zone-specific maximum lot coverage shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart identifies a maximum lot coverage column; the displayed excerpt includes district-specific standards.
    “Multi-Family Residential (R-2) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 70’SF / 90’MF 7700 sq. ft. 45’ 35%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Zone-specific maximum building heights shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The displayed chart includes 35-foot maximum-height entries for some residential districts and other district-specific columns.

    sample maximum height: 35 feet (shown for Suburban Residential and Single Family Residential in the chart excerpt)

    “Suburban Residential (SR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 2 Acres 35’ Single Family Residential (R-O) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’”
  • Living in an RVAllowed

    Travel-trailer or campground-park use in the C-2 district.

    • This claim is limited to the expressly listed C-2 district use and does not establish unrestricted long-term RV occupancy on private residential land.
    “Permitted Uses: The following uses are permitted in a C-2 zone: [...] Travel trailer or campground park.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes in land zoned for single-family residential uses, outside historic districts and subject to Title 9 placement standards.

    • Manufactured homes are allowed in single-family residential zones except historic districts.
    • Outside manufactured-home parks, the home must meet Title 9 placement standards, including minimum size, foundation, skirting, roof, siding, zoning dimensions, and Idaho installation standards.
    • A building permit is required for the manufactured home.

    minimum enclosed area: >= 1000 square feet · foundation elevation above grade: >= 12 inches

    “"Manufactured homes", as defined in Idaho Code section 39-4105(13) shall be an allowed use in all land zoned for single-family residential uses except for lands falling within an area defined as an “historic district” under section 67-4607, Idaho Code.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Subsurface sewage permitting for Shoshone County through Panhandle Health District.

    • The Panhandle Health District page lists Shoshone County environmental-health contact information.
    • Approval depends on site, soil, flow, well, surface-water, groundwater, land-use, and neighboring-structure conditions.
    “PHD issues septic permits for the five northern counties.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    New subsurface sewage systems or a new system location serving property in Shoshone County.

    • Permit approval depends on predicted maximum daily sewage flow; house size and location; well or spring location; surface-water locations; depth to groundwater on limiting layers; changes to native soil; distances to neighboring structures, wells, buildings, and drainfields; proposed land use; soil type; and other concerns.
    • Applications and supporting issues must be addressed before construction approval.
    • Permit applications are valid for one year and permits are valid one year from issuance.
    • A fifth renewal requires a new application and evaluation under current standards.

    permit application validity: 1 year · permit validity: 1 year from issuance

    “A permit is required for new systems or new location of a system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural or AG Exempt buildings on properties classified with an Agricultural Exemption in Shoshone County.

    • The property must currently be classified as having an Agricultural Exemption in Categories 1, 3, 4, or 5 by the Assessor’s Office.
    • AG Exempt buildings remain subject to County zoning and floodplain administration and placement requirements.

    agricultural exemption categories: 1, 3, 4, 5

    ““AG Exempt” buildings are exempt from the building codes adopted herein”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural or AG Exempt buildings on properties classified with an agricultural exemption by the County Assessor.
      “Agricultural Buildings or “AG Exempt” buildings are allowed upon properties which are currently being classified as having and “Agricultural Exemption” (Categories 1, 3, 4, 5) granted to them by the Assessors’ Office.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings on properties classified with an Agricultural Exemption by the Assessor.
      “Agricultural Buildings or “AG Exempt” buildings are allowed upon properties which are currently being classified as having and “Agricultural Exemption” (Categories 1, 3, 4, 5) granted to them by the Assessors’ Office.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Conveyance, splitting, dividing, or adjusting land in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • Major subdivisions generally involve engineered infrastructure and require a preliminary-plat recommendation through a public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission.
    • Minor subdivisions are limited to a maximum of nine lots, with lots at least two acres, subject to the stated infrastructure restrictions.
    • An exemption may be approved administratively if the conveyance meets exemption criteria.

    minor subdivision maximum lots: <= 9 lots · minor subdivision minimum lot size: >= 2 acres

    “Restricted to a maximum of nine (9) lots created, and those lots must be a minimum of two (2) acres in size.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Creation, division, conveyance, or adjustment of parcels and lots in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “conveyed, split, divided, and/or adjusted”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Creation, division, conveyance, or adjustment of parcels under Shoshone County Title 10.
      “Minor Subdivision: Restricted to a maximum of nine (9) lots created, and those lots must be a minimum of two (2) acres in size.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Residential lots and new residential dwelling units in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • Every residential lot must have access from a compliant public or private road, except parcels legally created with access solely from a lake or river shoreline.
    • New and existing private roads, driveways, and common driveways serving new residential dwelling units must comply with applicable standards.
    • Major/minor subdivision or condominium access must comply with Titles 6, 7, and 10; other new access must comply with the then-current International Fire Code adopted under Title 7.

    private road easement width: >= 50 feet · common driveway easement width: >= 40 feet

    “every residential lot shall have access from a public or private road”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New temporary or permanent driveways, private roads, or infrastructure involving earth movement in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “Construction of all new temporary or permanent driveways, private roads, or infrastructure that involves the movement of earth.”
    • Required — Construction of new temporary or permanent driveways in unincorporated Shoshone County when the work involves movement of earth.
      “Construction of all new temporary or permanent driveways, private roads, or infrastructure that involves the movement of earth.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development within the Special Flood Hazard Area in Shoshone County.

    • The Special Flood Hazard Area is determined by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
    • Particular standards must be met to prevent significant property damage during flooding.
    • The Planning & Zoning Administrator is also the County Floodplain Administrator.
    “Floodplain Development Permits are required for any development within the ‘Special Flood Hazard Area’.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development within the Special Flood Hazard Area in Shoshone County.
      “Floodplain Development Permits are required for any development within the ‘Special Flood Hazard Area’.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building and planning permit fees.

    • The county planning page lists a Building Permit Fees schedule effective 3/24/2026 and a P/Z Schedule of Fees effective 3/24/2026.
    • Exact amounts vary by application and valuation and were not extracted here.

    fee schedule date: 2026-03-24

    “Building Permit Fees Effective 3/24/2026”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit application process in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • Processing does not begin until the completed application, site plan, two sets of plans, and applicable addendum/checklist are verified and submitted.
    • The site plan must show property boundaries and dimensions, existing structures, drain fields, utilities, and setbacks from all property lines.
    • Agency approvals identified by Planning & Zoning should be obtained before submission when applicable.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued and inspected by the State of Idaho.
    • Appeals must be filed within 20 days after notice of violation.

    appeal deadline: 20 days after notice of violation

    “PROCESSING OF THIS PERMIT WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN VERIFIED AND SUBMITTED TO THE PLANNING OFFICE:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permit applications in unincorporated Shoshone County.
      “PROCESSING OF THIS PERMIT WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN VERIFIED AND SUBMITTED TO THE PLANNING OFFICE:”

Idaho rules that apply here

  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or parking a vehicle or trailer on Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas and access sites separate from a WMA.

    • The restriction applies in areas posted against camping or parking.
    • Leaving an unattended camp, vehicle, or trailer for more than 48 hours is prohibited without authorization.
    • Camping or parking for more than 10 days during any 30-day period on one WMA or one separate access site is prohibited without authorization.
    • The rule permits authorization by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.

    unattended duration: > 48 hours (Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.) · camping or parking duration: > 10 days during any 30-day period per WMA or separate access site (Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.)

    “camp or park a vehicle or trailer for more than ten (10) days during any thirty (30) day period”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units for Idaho DEQ wastewater-flow and septic-system sizing purposes; this claim does not establish statewide zoning permission.

    • An ADU is sized as a single-family dwelling for the cited wastewater-flow guidance.
    • An ADU may combine flows with another structure into one system.
    • Any common septic tank must be large enough to hold the required capacity from both structures.
    • Local land-use, building, and septic authorities may impose additional requirements.

    wastewater flow basis: single-family dwelling

    “Size as a single family dwelling. Can combine with another structure's flows into one system”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Water and septic lines from a residence to the septic tank for septic installations serving Shoshone County.

    • The located official guideline assigns inspection of these lines to the Idaho State Plumbing Bureau through the Division of Building Safety.
    • The excerpt does not establish a comprehensive inspection schedule for tanks or drainfields.
    “Applicant needs to contact the State Plumbing Bureau through the State of Idaho Division of Building and Safety”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Individual and subsurface sewage disposal systems constructed or installed under Idaho’s onsite wastewater rules.
      “No system may receive wastewater until the Director conducts a final installation inspection”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or drilling of wells in Idaho, including domestic wells.

    • Before drilling, the well owner or driller must obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.
    • All wells must be constructed by a well driller with a valid IDWR license.
    • The separate water-right permit exemption for domestic purposes does not eliminate the drilling-permit requirement.
    • For new diversions in qualifying subdivisions filed on or after July 1, 2025, a water-right permit is required in a moratorium area, critical groundwater area, or groundwater management area, except for in-home uses and watering livestock.
    • Well construction rules apply to wells and other artificial openings more than 18 vertical feet below land surface.

    well depth threshold: > 18 vertical feet below land surface (The cited well-construction rules describe covered wells and artificial openings.) · subdivision application date: >= 2025-07-01 (Applies to qualifying new diversions described in Idaho Code § 42-227(4).)

    “Prior to drilling a well, the well owner or well driller must first obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Well drilling in Shoshone County under Idaho statewide well-construction administration.
      “Prior to drilling a well, the well owner or well driller must first obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Proposed individual or subsurface sewage disposal systems where public or central wastewater treatment facilities may be available.

    • The Director may deny a septic permit when public or central wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible.
    • The cited rule does not establish a universal statewide requirement to connect every property to public sewer.
    • Subsurface septic discharge remains an identified onsite disposal method.
    “Public or central wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary camping in Idaho State Parks administered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

    • Camping is permitted only in designated areas.
    • Stays are limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period; the same page's FAQ separately states a 15-day limit, creating an unresolved internal discrepancy.
    • Individual-site occupancy is limited to one family unit or no more than 8 persons unless otherwise specified; companion-site and site-design restrictions apply.
    • Camping is not permitted on beaches, parking lots, or day-use facilities.
    • Check-in is at 2 p.m. for campsites and checkout is at 1 p.m.; late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made.

    state-park stay limit: 14 nights in 30 days (FAQ on the same page states 15 days in any 30-day period) · individual-site people limit: <= 8 people (one family unit or site-specific limits may apply)

    “Camping is permitted only in designated areas. [...] Stays are limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Idaho counties adopting zoning for unincorporated areas through their boards of county commissioners.

    • A board of county commissioners is a governing board and may exercise the powers authorized by the Local Land Use Planning Act.
    • The county board's powers under the chapter apply to the unincorporated area of the county.
    • Zoning must be adopted, amended, or repealed by ordinance using the notice and hearing procedures in Idaho Code § 67-6509.
    • Zoning districts must conform to the adopted comprehensive plan.
    • Within zoning districts, standards may regulate or restrict building height, number of stories, size, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings and structures; lot occupancy; courts, yards and open spaces; population density; and building and structure location and use.
    • Standards must be uniform for each class or kind of building throughout each district, but may differ between districts.
    • Overlay zoning districts require clear and objective standards and must not constitute a regulatory taking under Idaho or federal law.
    “The powers of the board of county commissioners conferred by this chapter shall apply to the unincorporated area of the county.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Idaho counties' authority to adopt and enforce building codes and require permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas when the county operates a building-code enforcement program.

    • The statute defines local government as any city or county of Idaho.
    • A local government that had not previously implemented a code-enforcement program may elect to implement one by ordinance evidencing its intent to do so.
    • Construction in a local-government jurisdiction enforcing building codes requires a permit under the applicable local ordinance.
    • A local government issuing permits and performing enforcement must adopt the specified state-adopted codes and may amend them only within the limits stated in Idaho Code § 39-4116(4).
    • Local amendments must generally provide at least an equivalent level of protection; accessibility amendments are restricted, and additional residential-code amendments require the statutory good-cause, necessity, ordinance, public-hearing, publication, and notice procedures.
    • Single-family homes and multiple-family dwellings up to two units are exempt from automatic fire-sprinkler requirements in the enumerated codes.
    • Agricultural buildings must be exempted; a county may issue farm-building permits only for road setbacks and utility easements, at no more than actual issuance cost.
    • Permits are governed by the laws in effect when the application is received.
    • The state division retains jurisdiction for in-plant inspections and installation standards for manufactured or mobile homes and for in-plant inspections and enforcement of modular-building and commercial-coach construction standards.
    “"Local government" means any city or county of this state.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on private land.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Shoshone County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Shoshone County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Shoshone County, Idaho

Is Shoshone County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Shoshone County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and sparse surroundings — about 1,780 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Shoshone County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Panhandle Health District (Idaho public health district serving Shoshone County). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Land in Shoshone County runs about $8,542 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Shoshone County?

Shoshone County gets about 47.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.1% of years.

How remote is Shoshone County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,780 people within 15 miles and 1,144,891 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Shoshone compares in Idaho

Compare side-by-side →See all 44 Idaho counties ranked →