Coeur d'Alene, ID Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Any building or structure, separate permit for each one
- Application form
- Written, on a city form, signed by the property owner
- Contractor proof
- Idaho registration number or documented exemption under Idaho Code 54-5205
- Plans
- One set of drawings, specifications and PDF versions
- Stamp waiver
- Single-family residence not exceeding two stories, among others
- Pre-1960 demolition
- Permit not issued; Community Planning Director notified
- Fees
- Set by City Council resolution
Summary
In the City of Coeur d'Alene, no person, firm or corporation may install, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a separate building development permit for each one. Applications go in writing on a city form and must carry an Idaho contractor registration number or proof of exemption.
No person, firm or corporation shall install, place, set, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure in the City, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate building development permit or other required permit for each such building or structure from the authority having jurisdiction. ... To obtain a permit the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished for that purpose. Every such application shall: ... ... G. Provide the contractor's registration number issued by the State of Idaho as required by Idaho Code title 54, chapter 52 or provide documentation, acceptable to the building official, that the person applying for the permit is exempt from the registration requirements pursuant to Idaho Code 54-5205;
Full Breakdown
Section 15.08.010 is the trigger rule. It covers a long run of activities: install, place, set, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish. Each building or structure needs its own separate building development permit, or other required permit, from the authority having jurisdiction. The section prints no size or value threshold.
Section 15.08.020 sets the application. It must be in writing on a city form and must identify and describe the work, describe the land by lot, block, tract and house and street address, and indicate the intended use or occupancy. It must come with plans and specifications, state the valuation of the work, and be signed by the owner of the real property. The applicant must also give the contractor's registration number issued by the State of Idaho under Idaho Code title 54, chapter 52, or documentation acceptable to the building official of an exemption under Idaho Code 54-5205.
Under Section 15.08.030, unless the building official approves otherwise, every application needs one set of drawings, specifications and PDF versions of all submittal materials, stamped, signed and dated by an Idaho licensed design professional. The building official can waive that for a single-family residence not exceeding two stories, a multiple-family residence of not more than three attached dwelling units not exceeding two stories, a farm building, or an auxiliary building. Section 15.08.070 adds a parking layout plan, approved by the city engineer, before a permit for any commercial, industrial, public or semipublic building or use.
Section 15.08.025 says a permit is not approval of any violation of the adopted Building Code or any other City ordinance, and the building official can require correction of errors and stop building operations that violate the code. Fees are set by City Council resolution under 15.08.005 B. For buildings originally constructed before 1960, Section 15.08.077 bars issuing a demolition permit and sends the application to the Community Planning Director.
Violations & Fines
Starting work without the permit is a violation of a city ordinance, and section 1.28.010 makes it a misdemeanor unless an infraction penalty applies. The fine is not more than $1,000, jail time is not to exceed 180 days, or both, and an infraction is $100. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Under 15.08.025, a permit that purports to authorize a violation is not valid, and the building official can prevent operations carried on in violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a building permit required in Coeur d'Alene?
What must a permit application include?
Do I need an architect or engineer stamp on my plans?
Can I demolish an older building with a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coeur d'Alene
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