If you're considering building a home in Boundary County, Idaho, you'll need to be aware of the administrative requirements and regulations in place. Located in the panhandle of the state, Boundary County is known for its natural beauty and friendly community. From stunning mountain views to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, there are many reasons to fall in love with this area. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of building a home in Boundary County and provide some tips for those considering this exciting venture.

One of the first steps in building a home in Boundary County is obtaining a residential placement permit. This requires completing an application and paying a $100 fee. The zoning administrator will ensure that the parcel meets the minimum lot size for the zone district in which construction is taking place, that set-back requirements are met, that the property where the home is being placed does not lie within wetland or flood zones identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and that the application meets airport overlay provisions.

If you are building within the incorporated city limits of Bonners Ferry or Moyie Springs, separate city regulations apply. It's a good idea to contact the Planning and Zoning office with the parcel number of the property you are interested in to find out what the zoning of that parcel is and if it meets the standards established in the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. If the parcel does not meet these standards, no permit will be issued and residential construction on that parcel will be in violation of the ordinance, potentially resulting in prosecution and removal of the structure.

If the property is located in a flood zone identified by FEMA, a National Flood Insurance Program Certificate of Elevation is required. This must be completed by an engineer or surveyor licensed in Idaho to determine base flood elevation and to ensure that the first floor elevation of the structure is above base flood level. Failure to obtain a valid Certificate of Elevation when building in a flood zone is not only a violation of the zoning and subdivision ordinance, but can result in Boundary County being excluded from participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. This means that flood insurance, which is often required for financing a home or land within a FEMA-identified flood zone, will not be available to anyone in the county.

In addition to obtaining a residential placement permit, there are a few other administrative development permits you may need to obtain depending on your project. These include a conditional use permit, a variance, and a minor subdivision. A conditional use permit is required for certain uses that may not be specifically allowed in a particular zone district, but may be allowed under certain conditions. A variance allows a property owner to request a deviation from the specific requirements of the zoning and subdivision ordinance in order to accommodate unique circumstances of their property. A minor subdivision is required for any division of a parcel into two or more lots.

Building your home in Boundary County also involves some considerations regarding optimum placement on your property. In addition to completing a soil evaluation and determining an approved drain-field location (by Panhandle Health), you'll want your garage and driveway situated to take advantage of the contours of your land in conjunction with conforming to county driveway standards (Road & Bridge). This ensures that your home is situated where you want it and that your parcel is in compliance with current health and highway guidelines.

It's important to note that Boundary County does not require building inspections beyond what the state requires to build a home or set up a modular or mobile home. However, for the minimum recommended construction standards, it's recommended that you contact an engineer or construction contractor.

If you have any questions about building a home in Boundary County, don't hesitate to reach out to the Planning and Zoning office at (208) 267-7212. They'll be happy to assist you and provide any additional information you may need.