Permit Requirements for Wallace, Idaho

For Plumbing projects in Wallace, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Shoshone County.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:

Within City Limits: The Wallace Building Department typically oversees all local building, trade, and safety permits.
Unincorporated Areas: Properties located outside of official city boundaries are generally governed by the Shoshone County Building & Safety Division.
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General Plumbing Guidelines

Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.

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Because Wallace is located within Shoshone County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:

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

Shoshone County Building Permit Requirements

Shoshone County, Idaho, requires building permits for most construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements to structures. This includes a "Setting" Permit for manufactured/mobile homes. Agricultural exempt buildings are exempt from building codes but must still comply with zoning and floodplain regulations. The county has adopted the International Code Compliance regulations, 2012 edition, for Building Code, Building Code Standards, and Residential Code regulations, including amendments. However, some sources indicate the county is using the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments. It is advisable to confirm the currently adopted codes with the county.

The Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for administering and enforcing county land use ordinances and codes. They handle permit applications, plan reviews, and inspections. For building official, plan review, and inspection services, Shoshone County subcontracts with the City of Kellogg.

Unincorporated Areas

The jurisdiction of the Planning & Zoning Department covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries. This includes unincorporated communities such as Kingston, Pinecreek, Elizabeth Park, Sunny Slopes, Silverton, Burke, and Calder. Therefore, properties in unincorporated areas of Shoshone County are subject to these county-level building permit requirements.

Permit Application Process

Contact the Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Department for the building permit application package.
Prepare detailed plans, elevations, specifications, and site plans according to county requirements.
Submit the application package and all required documents to the county office located at 700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873.
County staff will review the application for compliance with the adopted building codes and Idaho amendments.
Site disturbance activities are classified by risk level (low, medium, or high) and require compliance with Idaho Best Management Practices for Stormwater and Erosion Control.
Obtain the permit and adhere to all conditions before commencing work.

Specific Permit Types and Requirements

Building Permits: Required for new construction, renovations, remodeling, structural alterations, demolitions, repairs, land development projects, and septic system installations/repairs.
"Setting" Permit: Required for all manufactured/mobile homes.
Site Disturbance Permit: Required for all site disturbance activities, with risk levels determining specific requirements. High-risk proposals may need plans prepared by a "Design Professional" and a financial guarantee.
Floodplain Development Permit: Required for any development within a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Permits: These are issued and inspected by the State of Idaho. Contact the Idaho Division of Building Safety at 1-800-955-3044 or visit dbs.idaho.gov for these specific permits.

Resources to Learn More

Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Department: 700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873. Phone: (208) 752-8891. Email: [email protected].
Idaho Division of Building Safety: dbs.idaho.gov

The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Idaho:

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

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