Bolthole Index

Valley County, Idaho

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

61Index Score / 100
#23 of 44 in Idaho

Valley County, Idaho requires a building permit before regulated construction, alteration, repair, movement or demolition in the county Building Department's jurisdiction, which excludes the cities of McCall, Cascade and Donnelly12. Valley County zones county-administered land under one Multiple Use zone34. Central District Health issues septic permits, with Valley County Planning & Zoning providing parcel approval5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before regulated work in the Valley County Building Department jurisdiction1
Zoning
Yes; county-administered land uses one performance-based Multiple Use zone34
Septic permits
Required through Central District Health, with county parcel approval5
RV sites
One RV unit is allowed without a land-use permit; multi-unit and rental uses trigger approvals6
Tiny homes
Allowed when code-compliant and permitted; the county defines a tiny house as 400 square feet or less excluding lofts7
Accessory dwelling
Limited by owner-occupancy, size, rental-use, water and sewage requirements8
Wells
Obtain an Idaho Department of Water Resources drilling permit before drilling9
Driveway access
New public-road approaches require approval; state-highway approaches require an ITD encroachment permit1011

Who to call

Building permits

Valley County Building Department

Building permits, plan review and building inspections in the department's jurisdiction

208-382-7114

building@valleycountyid.gov

700 South Main Street, PO Box 1350, Cascade, ID 83611

Planning & zoning

Valley County Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning, land-use permits, addressing, building-permit review and floodplain determinations

(208) 382-7115

cherrick@valleycountyid.gov

700 South Main Street, PO Box 1350, Cascade, ID 83611

Septic permits

Central District Health, McCall / Valley County

Onsite wastewater and septic services for Valley County

208-634-7194

703 1st St., McCall, ID 83638

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

Yes. Valley County requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a code-regulated building or structure, or changing its occupancy, within the county Building Department's jurisdiction1. Shops, garages and tiny homes require full building permits, and structures over 3 feet tall require permits1. The county administers the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code under its adopted program2. Idaho separately requires permits whenever electrical, plumbing or HVAC work is performed12. County projects proceed through excavation, footing, foundation, sheathing, framing, insulation and final inspections as applicable, with at least 24 hours' advance notice for an inspection request13. State trade inspections must be approved before the county can complete its final inspection13. Idaho exempts owners who build on their own land, and do not intend to sell within 12 months, from contractor registration only; the exemption does not waive building, electrical, plumbing or HVAC permits14.

Who issues Valley County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Valley County Building Department issues building permits and performs plan review and inspections within its jurisdiction15. The office is at 700 South Main Street, PO Box 1350, Cascade, ID 83611; call 208-382-7114 or email building@valleycountyid.gov15. Applications currently must be mailed or delivered to the Cascade office because the department does not accept permit applications by email1516. A complete application includes the owner's signature, plans, structural calculations and site plans, and the county estimates processing at approximately 2 to 8 weeks depending on workload16. Plan-review charges are added to permits, while electrical, plumbing and HVAC fees are assessed by Idaho17. Planning & Zoning reviews building permits and handles zoning questions from its office at the same address; call (208) 382-711518. Ask both offices which jurisdiction controls the parcel if it is in or near a city or area of city impact2.

Does Valley County have zoning?

Yes. Valley County uses one performance-based Multiple Use zone in the county-administered jurisdiction; municipal zoning districts are separate34. Agriculture, including timber, and single-family residences are allowed uses, while most other uses require a permit under Valley County Code Title 93. Residential setbacks are measured from the building eave: 20 feet from front or back property lines, 7.5 feet from side property lines and 30 feet from the high-water line; the setback from State Highway 55 is 100 feet19. Subdivision covenants may be stricter, and the more restrictive setback controls19. For new subdivisions and conditional-use parcels, minimum lot size varies with water and sewage service; a parcel using both an individual well and individual septic system has a 1-acre standard20. Valley County recognizes code-compliant tiny houses of 400 square feet or less excluding lofts, but we could not confirm a general minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Zoning about a specific design718. Maximum building height is 35 feet and maximum lot coverage is 35%, with 6 feet required between buildings212219.

How do septic permits work in Valley County?

A septic permit is required in Valley County, and Central District Health handles applications and records from its McCall office at 703 1st St., McCall, ID 83638; call 208-634-7194523. Idaho's public health districts administer the statewide individual and subsurface sewage-disposal rules under an agreement with Idaho DEQ24. Valley County Planning & Zoning provides parcel approval for Central District Health septic applications, and Central District Health reviews subdivision proposals for release of sanitary restrictions525. Idaho may deny an onsite-system permit when public or central wastewater treatment is reasonably accessible26. State rules require a final installation inspection before a new system receives wastewater, and required preparation calls for at least 48 hours' advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays27. Only 0.1% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work28.

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

Valley County recognizes a tiny house as a dwelling of 400 square feet or less excluding lofts and allows dwelling occupancy when the house complies with the adopted residential code, zoning, site-development, septic, setback, inspection and building-permit requirements7. Valley County limits an accessory dwelling unit to the lesser of 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary structure, requires one residence to be owner-occupied, and requires compliant water and sewage service8. Residential ADU rentals must exceed 30 days; commercial, bed-and-breakfast or short-term-rental use requires a conditional use permit8. Under the county's RV-campground rule, one RV unit is allowed without a land-use permit; two or three units kept on-site beyond an occasional weekend require an administrative permit, and more than three require a conditional use permit6. Any RV rental use requires a conditional use permit and is treated as an RV park, while potable water, sewage disposal, gray-water, garbage, setback, parking, owner-occupancy, fire-management and lot-coverage conditions still apply6. An RV parked on wheels and licensed for road travel may be exempt from the building code, but that exemption does not remove the county's land-use conditions6.

Building a home in Valley County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning, setbacks, legal access and any subdivision covenants with Valley County Planning & Zoning1819.
  1. Arrange Central District Health's septic review early because only 0.1% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field2328.
  1. Obtain an Idaho Department of Water Resources drilling permit before drilling a well9.
  1. Secure driveway approval for a new public-road approach; an approach onto a state highway also requires an Idaho Transportation Department encroachment permit1011.
  1. Deliver or mail the signed building application, plans, structural calculations and site plans to the Valley County Building Department1615.
  1. Obtain the separate state electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits required for that work12.
  1. Schedule county inspections with at least 24 hours' notice and complete state trade finals before the county final inspection13.

What should you check before buying land in Valley County?

Start with buildability: only 16.1% of Valley County land has a slope of 15% or less, and only 0.1% of mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field2928. Federal ownership covers 87.8% of the county, so verify documented legal access rather than assuming a nearby road or trail creates private access30. A new public-road approach requires county approval, and a state-highway approach requires state encroachment approval1011. Development in a mapped special flood hazard area uses Valley County's floodplain permit process, which can cover buildings, grading, wells, septic systems and road work; a pre-application meeting is required31. A project in a regulatory floodway also requires a No-Rise Certificate31. Confirm the parcel's floodplain status with Planning & Zoning18. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.3%, with a median annual bill of about $1,7783233.

Watch-outs

  • Valley County permit applications currently must be mailed or delivered to the Cascade office; the Building Department does not accept applications by email15.
  • Only 0.1% of mapped Valley County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not price the project before a site evaluation28.
  • One RV unit is allowed without a land-use permit under Valley County's RV-campground rule, but water, sewage, setbacks, parking, owner-occupancy, fire-management and other site conditions still apply6.
  • Subdivision covenants may impose stricter setbacks than the county standards, and the more restrictive setback applies19.
  • Mapped flood-hazard development requires a pre-application meeting and may require elevation documentation or a No-Rise Certificate31.

Sources

  1. Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building, quoted and re-checked
  3. valleycountyid.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. valleycountyid.gov, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic, Subdivisions & Water, quoted and re-checked
  6. 9-4-9: Recreational Vehicle Campground, quoted and re-checked
  7. 6-1-4: Code Adoption, quoted and re-checked
  8. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Application, quoted and re-checked
  9. Wells Overview (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  11. Types of Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Valley County Building Department (valleycountyid.gov)
  16. Building Permit FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  17. Application Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  18. Valley County Planning & Zoning Department (valleycountyid.gov)
  19. Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  20. P&Z Summary / General Information — Minimum Valley County Standards, quoted and re-checked
  21. Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  22. Inspection Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  23. Central District Health, McCall / Valley County (cdh.idaho.gov)
  24. Septic and Septage (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Septic, Subdivisions & Water, quoted and re-checked
  26. IDAPA 58.01.03 Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. IDAPA 58.01.03 Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  31. co.valley.id.us, quoted and re-checked
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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, Valley County has countywide zoning.

RuleValley CountyGem CountyAdams CountyBoise CountyWashington CountyCuster CountyPayette County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCentral District HealthSouthwest District HealthSWDHCentral District HealthSouthwest District HealthEastern Idaho Public HealthSouthwest District Health

County locator

Valley County in Idaho

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

How Valley County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency42100% ev.
Admin Boringness3890% ev.
Durability37100% ev.
Property Autonomy90100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →

$683kTypical home
0.3%Property tax
$3,900Land / acre
35"Annual rain
8.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.2 / yr (+0.2)Mid-century 100°F days
23.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.73" (+6.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,824Home insurance / yr
6.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.17%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
4,304Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.4People / sq mi
87.8%Federal land
16.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
962 acWorkable land screen
66.1%Wooded land
22.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Valley 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: Cascade

Answers from the rulebook for Valley County

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

Valley County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and regulated structures in the Valley County Building Department jurisdiction.

    • The county FAQ states that structures over 3 feet tall require a permit.
    • Shops, garages, and tiny homes require a full building permit.
    • Municipal jurisdictions may differ.
    “A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    County Building Department jurisdiction, excluding the cities of McCall, Cascade, and Donnelly.

    • The county states that the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code are adopted.
    • The county states that the 2018 IRC and IECC are in effect as of January 1, 2021.

    adoption date: 2021-01-01

    “the Valley County Building Department's adopted BUILDING CODES are:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    County building projects subject to Valley County building permits.

    • Required inspections include excavation, footing, foundation, sheathing, framing, insulation, and final inspection, with additional inspections possible.
    • Inspection requests require 24 hours' advance notice.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough/final inspections must be approved by state inspectors before the county final inspection.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours

    “An excavation inspection is required for all projects.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Valley County land-use zoning in the county-administered jurisdiction.

    • Valley County has one performance-based land-use zone, Multiple Use.
    • Agriculture, including timber, and single-family residences are identified as allowed uses; most other uses require a permit under VCC Title 9.
    “Valley County has performance-based land use ordinances with one Land Use Zone: Multiple Use”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Valley County land-use zoning and development regulation, including unincorporated county areas administered by Valley County.

    • Valley County uses performance-based land-use ordinances with one Multiple Use land-use zone.
    • Agriculture, including timber, and single-family residences are listed as allowed uses; most other uses require a permit under VCC Title 9 Land Use and Development.

    land-use zones: 1

    “Valley County has performance-based land use ordinances with one Land Use Zone: Multiple Use”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Valley County's county-administered zoning structure.

    • The county describes one land-use zone, Multiple Use.
    • This does not establish zoning districts administered by incorporated municipalities.
    “Valley County has performance-based land use ordinances with one Land Use Zone: Multiple Use Allowed uses are agriculture (including timber) and single-family residences (VCC Table 9-3-1). Most other uses require a permit per VCC Title 9 Land Use and Development.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    New subdivisions and conditional-use parcels under Valley County standards.

    • Minimum lot size depends on whether individual or central water and sewage systems are proposed.
    • All lots or parcels for conditional uses must have direct frontage along a public or private road.

    individual sewage and individual wells: 1 acre · central water and individual sewage: 20000 square feet · central sewage and individual wells: 12000 square feet · central water and central sewage: 8000 square feet

    “One acre where individual sewage disposal systems and individual wells are proposed.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    County building setbacks and related separation distances.

    • Setbacks are measured from the building eave to the property line.
    • Subdivision covenants may also regulate setbacks; the more restrictive requirement applies.
    • Property lines must be clearly marked before footing inspection.

    front/back property line setback: 20 feet · side property line setback: 7.5 feet · distance between buildings: 6 feet · Bureau of Reclamation setback: 7.5 feet · high water line setback: 30 feet · Highway 55 setback: 100 feet

    “Front/ Back property line | 20 Feet Side property line | 7.5 Feet Maximum lot cover | 35% Maximum Building Height | 35 Feet Distance between buildings | 6 Feet Bureau of Reclamation | 7.5 Feet High Water Line | 30 Feet From Highway 55 | 100 Feet Setbacks are measured from the EAVE of the building to the property line. Setbacks and construction may also be regulated by subdivision covenants. The more restrictive is required.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum lot coverage for county-regulated construction.

    • The county inspection page lists maximum lot cover as 35%.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent

    “Setbacks / Information Location | Amount Front/ Back property line | 20 Feet Side property line | 7.5 Feet Maximum lot cover | 35% Maximum Building Height | 35 Feet”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Maximum building height for county-regulated construction.

    • The county inspection page lists maximum building height as 35 feet.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet

    “Maximum lot cover | 35% Maximum Building Height | 35 Feet Distance between buildings | 6 Feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicle campground occupancy on private property in unincorporated Valley County.

    • The county code states that recreational vehicle campgrounds are permitted in all county zones, subject to stated conditions.
    • One RV unit is allowed without a permit.
    • Two or three RV units kept on-site for more than an occasional weekend require an administrative permit and a fee adopted by resolution.
    • More than three units require a conditional use permit.
    • The RV campground must satisfy Central District Health requirements for potable water, sewage disposal, gray water, and porta potties.
    • Garbage service or approved hauling arrangements, residential setbacks, parking restrictions, owner occupancy, lighting, fire management, and a 35% lot-coverage limit apply.
    • If any property is used as a rental unit or rental property, a conditional use permit is required and the use will be considered an RV Park.
    • The county building-code exemption applies to RVs parked on wheels, not set on a foundation, and licensed for over-the-road travel; it does not establish unrestricted land-use occupancy.

    RV units without permit: 1 unit (One RV unit is allowed without a permit.) · administrative-permit threshold: 2 units (Two or three units kept on-site for more than an occasional weekend require an administrative permit.) · conditional-use-permit threshold: > 4 units (More than three units require a conditional use permit.) · maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent (All structures, parking lots, fire pits, and impervious areas.)

    “Recreational Vehicle Campgrounds (RVC), as defined in section 9-1-10 of this title, shall be a permitted use in all zones within the county subject to the following conditions:”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping and rental camping/RV sites on private Valley County property.

    • Renting sites for RVs, camping, or glamping requires a conditional use permit.
    • A recreational vehicle campground administrative permit covers two or three RV units kept on-site beyond an occasional weekend; more than three requires a conditional use permit.
    “A C.U.P. is also required to rent out sites for RVs, camping, or glamping.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny-house dwelling occupancy in unincorporated Valley County when the structure complies with the adopted residential building code, applicable zoning and site-development rules, and permitting requirements.

    • Valley County adopts the 2017 IRC Appendix Q - Tiny Houses.
    • The county defines a tiny house as a dwelling of 400 square feet or less excluding lofts.
    • Construction, alteration, or occupancy-related work within the building-code chapter requires obtaining a permit before work begins.
    • The county's land-use and site-development requirements, sewer or septic approval, setbacks, and inspections remain applicable.
    • The code excerpts reviewed do not establish that every tiny house is exempt from permitting or other development approvals.

    maximum tiny-house floor area: <= 400 square feet excluding lofts

    “International Residential Code, parts I through IV and IX, including appendices G, J, and L, 2012; and, appendix Q - Tiny Houses, 2017 published by the International Code Council.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured-home placement and occupancy in the Valley County Building Department jurisdiction.

    • A building permit is required.
    • Permanent sets require excavation, footing, foundation, and final inspections; standard sets require excavation, footing, and final inspections.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC must be signed off before the county can final the home.
    • A manufactured home without the required snow-load compliance cannot be occupied until the snow roof and home have passed final inspections.

    single-wide set fee: 150 USD (plus $50 for each additional section)

    “the manufactured home cannot be occupied until both the snow roof and manufactured home have passed their final inspections.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units on single-family lots in Valley County.

    • One residence on the property must be owner-occupied; the owner-occupied structure need not be the primary residence.
    • Fractional or timeshare ownership is not allowed.
    • Commercial, bed-and-breakfast, or short-term-rental use requires a conditional use permit.
    • Permitted residential rentals must be rented for more than 30 days, not weekly or daily.
    • The ADU may not exceed the lesser of 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary structure's square footage, excluding open storage areas, garages, and carports.
    • The ADU must satisfy Central District Health requirements for potable water and sewage disposal or have a permit from an approved central sewage treatment facility.
    • An ADU application is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Director; if there are no objections within 10 working days, an administrative permit is issued. A $75 fee is shown on the application.

    maximum ADU size: lesser of 1,000 square feet or 50% of primary structure (excluding open storage areas, garages, and carports) · minimum rental term: > 30 days (weekly or daily rentals are not permitted) · neighbor notice radius: 300 feet · objection period: 10 working days (sufficient objections may require a conditional use permit) · ADU permit fee: 75 USD

    “ADUs are permitted only when one of the residences on the property is owner-occupied.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site septic systems and related environmental-health programs serving Valley County.

    • Central District Health serves Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley counties.
    • County Planning and Zoning certifies parcel approval for Central District Health septic permit applications.
    “Central District Health’s (CDH) Environmental Health Division oversees a number of programs relating to the health and the environment within Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. Environmental Health Specialists at Central District Health (CDH) permit septic systems, review land development applications and verify location of shallow injection wells to ensure reliable and safe water resources for the community.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic systems in Valley County.

    • Applications and records are handled through Central District Health.
    • Valley County Planning and Zoning provides parcel approval for CDH septic applications.
    “Environmental Health Specialists at Central District Health (CDH) permit septic systems”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development proposals in Valley County.

    • Central District Health reviews land-development proposals for release of sanitary restrictions.
    • County standards specify minimum lot sizes based on water and sewage systems.
    • Final plans must be approved by the County Engineer before infrastructure construction, excavation, or final-plat recordation.
    “the final plans must be approved by the County Engineer.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway approaches supporting county building-permit applications.

    • Approach permits are required for new driveways with approaches from public roads in Valley County.
    • Even an existing driveway requires written support from the Valley County Road Department for the building permit application.
    • A fire-department approval letter is required for a new driveway 150 feet or longer when the site is in a fire district.

    fire-department approval threshold: >= 150 feet (No letter is required if the job site address is not in a fire district.)

    “Approach permits are required for new driveways”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in mapped special flood hazard areas and regulatory floodways in Valley County.

    • A Valley County floodplain development permit application is used for structures, additions, alterations, relocations, replacements, excavation, clearing, fill, grading, mining, watercourse alteration, drainage improvements, wells or septic systems, and roadway or bridge construction.
    • For all structures, the lowest floor, including crawlspace or basement, and attendant utilities must be elevated to or above the flood protection elevation.
    • An elevation certificate, site plan showing the special flood hazard area and development, and applicable joint, USACE, IDWR, or other permits are required.
    • A No-Rise Certificate is required if any proposed development is in a regulatory floodway.
    • An elevation study may be required for developments or subdivisions exceeding 50 lots or 5 acres in Zone A.
    • Pre-application meetings with Valley County staff are required before submitting an application.

    substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of structure value (the entire structure must be treated as substantially improved) · elevation study threshold: more than 50 lots or 5 acres (in Zone A) · lowest floor elevation: at or above flood protection elevation (applies to all structures)

    “If yes: Attach Completed H&H Analysis for a No-Rise Certificate”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Valley County building permit fees and related charges.

    • Plan review fees are added to all permits.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC fees are assessed by the State of Idaho.
    • Fees vary by valuation and project type.

    wood-stove insert application fee: 65 USD · administrative fee: 50 USD · placement fee: 25 USD (Any structure over 3 feet tall) · plan review fee: 35 percent (Example residential valuation calculation)

    “Plan review fees are added to all permits.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Valley County building permit application and inspection process.

    • Applications require owner signature, plans, structural calculations, and site plans.
    • Applications are mailed or delivered to the Cascade office; email applications are not currently accepted.
    • The county states processing may take approximately 2 to 8 weeks for building permit applications and up to approximately 20 working days in the application instructions.
    • Fees are due when the permit is issued.
    • Inspection requests require 24 hours' notice.

    plan size: 18x24 to 24x36 inches · processing time: 2-8 weeks (Building Permit FAQ estimate) · inspection notice: >= 24 hours

    “It takes approximately 2-8 weeks to process your building permit application, depending on how busy we are.”

Idaho rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners personally performing plumbing work on their own residential premises in Idaho.

    • The homeowner must own the residential property and personally perform the permitted work.
    • The homeowner permit is valid only for a primary or secondary residence and associated outbuildings.
    • Associated outbuildings must not be used for commercial purposes or rented by a tenant.
    • The homeowner must accept responsibility for all work performed.
    • All work must be inspected by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
    • A plumbing permit must be obtained by application to the Division.
    • The application must be submitted with payment.
    • The application form states that an additional $65 fee may be assessed if the location is not clearly provided by directions or an attached map.
    • The application was revised 8/17/2022; this revision date is not treated as an effective date.

    unclear-location fee: 65 USD (May be assessed if the location is not clearly given by directions or an attached map.)

    “I certify that I am the owner of the residential property and will personally perform the work covered by this permit.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — An owner performing their own construction work on the owner's own land in Idaho.
      “A: Any person who engages in a construction job with a dollar amount exceeding $2000.00 (materials & labor) and is not otherwise exempt (The exemptions are listed below); [...] Owners: Owners who do their own work on their own land and do not intend to sell the property within 12 months are exempt from registration.”
    • Conditional — An Idaho homeowner undertaking construction or trade work for which a state-administered permit process applies.
      “Public (Homeowners Only) [...] *Public: “Homeowner” is pre-selected. [...] Once payment is processed, you may choose “Request Inspection” and/or “Print Permit””
    • Conditional — Owners performing construction work on their own land in Idaho under the state contractor-registration system.
      “Owners who do their own work on their own land and do not intend to sell the property within 12 months are exempt from registration.”
    • Conditional — Homeowners personally performing electrical work on a primary or secondary residence and related outbuildings in Idaho.
      “Homeowners may purchase a permit only when they themselves are doing electrical work on their primary or secondary residence and/or related outbuildings.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual and subsurface sewage disposal systems constructed or installed under Idaho’s onsite wastewater rules.

    • The Director requires one or more inspections necessary to determine compliance.
    • The permittee must uncover or make available for inspection any portion covered or concealed in violation of the rules.
    • If preparation is required, the applicant or permittee must provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • For individual systems, the public health district inspects the installation.
    • Large soil absorption systems are inspected by the public health district and DEQ.

    advance inspection notice: >= 48 hours (Excludes weekends and holidays.)

    “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.”
  • 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.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in the Valley County Building Department jurisdiction.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for a dwelling in unincorporated Valley County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Valley County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Valley County building or land-use requirements.

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 Valley County, Idaho

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

Valley County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and sparse surroundings — about 4,304 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: elevated current hazard exposure and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Valley County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Central District Health (Idaho public health district; Valley County office in McCall). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Valley County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicle campground occupancy on private property in unincorporated Valley County. The county code states that recreational vehicle campgrounds are permitted in all county zones, subject to stated conditions. One RV unit is allowed without a permit. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Valley County, Idaho?

Land in Valley County runs about $3,900 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Valley County?

Valley County gets about 35" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.6% of years.

How remote is Valley County?

A typical private-land location has about 4,304 people within 15 miles and 534,132 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Valley compares in Idaho

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