Idaho, Lemhi County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Lemhi County Building & Safety Division Jurisdiction

Lemhi County's Building Department has jurisdiction over all properties in unincorporated areas of the county. This means that if your property is not within the limits of an incorporated city or town, the county's building and safety regulations apply to you.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

A building permit is required for any construction, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of a building or structure in unincorporated Lemhi County. All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a separate permit for each trade. Before beginning any new construction, it is essential to contact Eastern Idaho Public Health to obtain a septic system permit. Additionally, new accesses to county or state roads require an "Lemhi County Right of Way Access Permit" from the Lemhi County Road and Bridge Department.

To obtain a building permit, you will need to submit a completed application form, a site plan showing property setbacks and compliance with setback requirements, the legal description of the property, and project plans and specifications. The site plan must indicate the location of new construction, existing structures, setbacks from lot lines, roads, waterways, and property lines. For plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, you may need to obtain separate permits from the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Work cannot legally begin before a permit is obtained and is present at the work site. Inspections are required at various stages of construction, and no work should be covered before it has been inspected and approved.

Resources to Learn More

Lemhi County Building Department: [https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/building-department](https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/building-department)
Idaho Division of Building Safety: [https://dopl.idaho.gov/](https://dopl.idaho.gov/)
Lemhi County Road and Bridge Department Access Permit Information: [https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/building-department/pages/building-department-forms](https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/building-department/pages/building-department-forms)
Idaho State Transportation Department (Right of Way Encroachment Permit): [https://gisp.itd.idaho.gov/portal/apps/sites/#/itd-permits/pages/approaches](https://gisp.itd.idaho.gov/portal/apps/sites/#/itd-permits/pages/approaches)
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Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Idaho, including Lemhi County.

Idaho Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Plumbing Codes and Legislation in Idaho

Plumbing regulations in Idaho are established to protect public health, safety, and welfare by setting minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems. The legal framework for these regulations is primarily found in Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 26, which governs the licensing of plumbing professionals and the administration of the state's plumbing program.

The state of Idaho adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as its base technical standard. This is integrated into the Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC), which includes the base UPC along with specific state-level amendments adopted by the Idaho Plumbing Board to address local conditions and requirements. These rules are further detailed in the Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA), specifically under the rules governing plumbing.

Regulatory Agencies and Oversight

The primary state agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of plumbing standards in Idaho is the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). DOPL oversees the licensing of plumbing contractors, journeyman plumbers, and apprentice plumbers, as well as the issuance of permits and the conduct of inspections.

Within this structure, the Idaho Plumbing Board plays a critical role. The Board is responsible for adopting and updating the Idaho State Plumbing Code, reviewing licensing applications, and addressing industry concerns. The Board works in conjunction with DOPL to ensure that plumbing installations across the state comply with established safety and technical standards.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Lemhi County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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