Coeur d'Alene, ID Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- State of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau
- Posting
- Permit posted at job site before work commences
- Code adopted
- Idaho electrical laws, Idaho Code title 54 chapter 10, and the national electrical code
- Inspector
- State electrical inspector acting as the city's inspector
- Fees
- Paid to the state per Idaho state electrical board schedule
- Copies on file
- Three copies of state laws and of the national electrical code
Summary
In the City of Coeur d'Alene, anyone doing wiring or making an electrical installation must secure a permit from the state of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau, and post it at the job site before work starts. Connecting or energizing an installation without that permit is unlawful.
Any person, firm or corporation doing any wiring or making any electrical installations in any building, residence or otherwise in the city shall make application for and secure a permit to do such work from the state of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau. Permits shall be posted at job site before work commences. ... The electrical inspector may cancel the permit at any time if, in his judgment, the work is not being done in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the person doing such work refuses to correct the same to so comply, and it is unlawful for the person to proceed further with such work until such time as he has complied with the provisions of this chapter and the instructions of the electrical inspector. ... It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to connect or energize any electrical installation coming under the provisions of this chapter unless an electrical permit covering such installation has been issued by the state of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 15.16 leans on the State. Section 15.16.010 adopts the electrical laws and regulations published by the state of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau, and chapter 10, title 54 of the Idaho Code, as an ordinance of the city. It exempts utility generation, control, distribution and communication systems, railway cars and automotive equipment. Three copies of the state electrical laws and three copies of the national electrical code are kept on file with the city clerk. Section 15.16.030 requires all installations to be in substantial compliance with the Idaho electrical laws and regulations, title 54, chapter 10 of the Idaho Code and the national electrical code, so far as they cover both fire and personal injury.
Section 15.16.090 sends the permit application to the state electrical bureau instead of a city counter, and requires permits to be posted at the job site before work commences. Section 15.16.120 has the applicant pay the state electrical bureau at issuance, in accordance with the schedule published and charged by the Idaho state electrical board. Section 15.16.110 makes it unlawful to connect or energize any installation unless the state has issued an electrical permit covering it.
Inspection is also state staffed. Under Section 15.16.060 the mayor is authorized and directed to contract with the state of Idaho, division of building safety, electrical bureau, so that a duly appointed state electrical inspector acts as electrical inspector for the city, and Section 15.16.070 subjects all wiring in or on any building or structure in the city to that inspection. If an installation is defective, Section 15.16.080 lets the inspector order it disconnected from the source of supply after written notice to the owner, any tenant and the power supply company. Under Section 15.16.050, when a circuit that did not comply is extended or altered, the entire circuit must be made to conform. Note that Part VIII Electrical of the International Residential Code is not adopted under 15.08.005.
Violations & Fines
Section 15.16.100 lets the electrical inspector cancel a permit when work is not done in accordance with the chapter and the person refuses to correct it, and further work is then unlawful until the person complies. Section 1.28.010 makes an ordinance violation a misdemeanor unless an infraction penalty applies, with a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment not to exceed 180 days, or both. An infraction is $100, and each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get an electrical permit in Coeur d'Alene?
Can power be connected before a permit is issued?
Who inspects electrical work?
What happens if wiring is defective?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coeur d'Alene
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