Address

624 East Center
Pocatello, ID 83201

Hours

Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Federal Holidays

Phone

208-236-7000
Directory
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APPLY FOR A PERMIT

Click here to apply for a county permit.

BUILDING CODE

Changes to code effective Jan 1, 2021

OUR FUTURE

Review the 2040 Comprehensive Plan

MAP GALLERY

Bannock County GIS Map Gallery.

P&D COUNCIL AGENDAS

Click here to view Council information.

APA COMMISSIONS

Learn about the Agricultural Protection Area Commission.

Planning and Development Services

Welcome

The Office of Planning & Development Services is responsible for ensuring that land development and construction in Bannock County are done under County ordinances and in a safe and orderly manner.

Address

5500 S. 5th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83204
Directions

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Hours

Monday-Thursday                      
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Closed all federal holidays.

Area of City Impact (AOI) Public Hearings

Bannock County is updating the Area of City Impact (AOI) for each city within the county.

An AOI is a boundary outside a city’s limits where the city and county agree and collaborate on how future growth and development will be managed. It helps plan for cohesive roads, utilities, and services before growth happens.

Learn More:

Frequently Asked Questions
View Current and Proposed AOI Map
View the Public Hearing notices

Public Hearing Schedule:

October 21 at the Bannock County Courthouse, Room 212Google Maps
1:30 PM – McCammon Area of City Impact
1:45 PM – Downey Area of City Impact
2:00 PM – Pocatello Area of City Impact
2:15 PM – Chubbuck Area of City Impact
2:30 PM – Arimo Area of City Impact
2:45 PM – Inkom Area of City Impact
3:00 PM – Lava Hot Springs Area of City Impact

Bannock County Design Criteria

Current Codes:

SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY  Do
WIND  90 mph – 3 second gust / 115 mph – ultimate
SOIL Variable
CLIMATE ZONE 6
FROST DEPTH 36 inches
SNOW ROOF LOADS Dependent on Elevation (below)
Elevation  Roof Live Load  Ground Snow Load
 Below 4600 feet 35 PSF 44 PSF
4600-4999 feet 40 PSF 50 PSF
 5000-5399 feet 50 PSF 63 PSF
5400-5799 feet 60 PSF 75 PSF
5800-5999 feet 70 PSF 88 PSF
 6000-6399 feet 80 PSF 100 PSF
6400-6799 feet 90 PSF 113 PSF
Above 6800  100 PSF 125 PSF

Building Permit Reports

January 2024
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
January 2026

Inspections

Please call 208-236-7090 to request an inspection. A permit must be issued and active before an inspection can be requested. Due to time constraints, a 24-hour notice is required to be scheduled. Requests made after hours will be processed the following business day. Inspections are available during normal business hours, Monday-Thursday, between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Fridays between 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The office is closed all federal holidays. Please note we do not accept requests for specific inspection times.

Plan Reviews

​In order to obtain a building permit, a complete building permit application must be filled out and submitted to our office with supporting documents. The permit goes through multiple reviews to ensure the property and structure meet the minimum requirements set out in the Planning Ordinance and Building Ordinance. Once the reviews are complete, the permit will be emailed to the applicant, and if needed, an address plaque will be made and issued.​The complete process from the time we receive the complete application and supporting documents can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the current workload. Workloads tend to be heavier during the summer and fall seasons due to an increase in construction activity, so please plan for this time, which may delay construction.

Thermal Envelope Requirements

​Plan reviews for single-family dwellings and other conditioned structures and look for the minimum R-values for each building envelope component. Solid backing material to be used between conditioned space and unconditioned attic space shall be identified in the plans.

Building Permit Exemptions

Building permits are required for constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy classification of a building or structure. If the structure meets these limitations, then no building permit is required. However, a development permit would still be required.

Other Exempt Structures:

  • Flag poles
  • Fences 7 feet high or less
  • Retaining walls 4 feet or less (measured from the bottom of the footing to top of the wall)
  • Playground equipment
  • Detached decks under 200 square feet and less than 30 inches above grade
  • Swimming pools under 5000 gallons and less than 48 inches deep

Always needs a building permit:

  • Habitable space (space for eating, drinking, sleeping)
  • Communication tower
  • Photovoltaic System
Important Contact Information:

Wells & Water Rights – Idaho Water Resources. (208) 525-7161

Septic Permits – Southeastern Idaho Public Health, Ken Keller. (208) 239-5276

Plumbing, Electrical, & HVAC Permits – Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Licensing, Permits, & Inspection Support – (800) 955-3044
Inspection Requests – (800) 839-9239

Fire Districts

Arimo, Derald Armstrong (208) 254-9214

Downey, Chris Sorensen (208) 705-8592 or (208) 897-5083

Jackson Creek, Johnny Ketner (208) 220-2749

Lava Rural, Kirk Valentine (208) 251-8959

North Bannock, Brian Curtis  (208) 252-5048

Land not within Fire District, Merlin Miller (208) 237-3212

McCammon, Richard Pierson (208) 251-2683

Pocatello Valley, Ken Gibbs – pocvalleyfpd@gmail.com

Interactive Maps

For the Bannock County General Viewer and Surveyor Reference map, please visit the Bannock County GIS website.

Additional Maps

Idaho Flood Hazard Map (Links to Idaho Dept. of Water Resources website)
National Flood Hazard Layer Map (Links to a map maintained by FEMA)
​Bannock County Zoning Map (adopted  appendix for ordinance 1998-1, but does not include recent annexations or rezones)

Our Purpose:

Bannock County Code Enforcement department is here to help evaluate concerns about compliance with County ordinances and State law.  We will investigate all non-compliant issues and work with the property owner to come to a reasonable solution.  Select the Code Enforcement tab above for more information and to file a complaint.

Code Enforcement Ordinances & Laws

Please click on the links below to view or download ordinances and laws.

Do I need a permit for my building/structure?

The general answer is yes — Building permits are required for constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy classification of a building or structure. If the structure meets these limitations then no building permit is required. Please note that even if your building does not need a building permit, it may need a zoning and/or floodplain development permit. You can find more information in the  Building CodeZoning Ordinance, and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Do I need a permit for excavating and/or grading?

Yes. Please talk with County staff about applying for an Excavation and Grading permit.

How long does it take to issue a permit?

It varies, but we are usually able to issue permits within seven to ten business days of receiving an application, along with all necessary supporting documentation. Some permits may take longer depending upon the completeness of the application, any additional documentation needed, or if unexpected issues arise during the review process.

How is my property zoned?

We have a map available online that displays the County’s zoning districts. Make sure to turn on the “Zoning” layer on the left side of the screen.

I want to run a business from my home. Can I do that?

Home occupations are generally permitted in Bannock County but with some limitations–please see Section 424 of the Bannock County Zoning Ordinance for more information.

Is this lot “buildable?”

The term “buildable” could refer to at least two things: (1) the physical suitability of the site for the proposed project and (2) whether or not the lot has been properly subdivided to allow for the issuance of building permits. Our office does not provide analyses regarding the physical suitability of lots, but we can offer information as to whether or not the lot has been properly subdivided. If you would like to request such a determination, you can submit an application for a Parcel Determination through our online portal by clicking here. Please also note that we cannot “pre-approve” any permits; a permit application must be submitted before an official approval or denial can be made.

What can I build on my property?

That depends a lot on where your property is located and which zoning district you are in (see topic “How is my property zoned?” above). After you know your zoning district, you can look up the allowable uses for that zone in the Zoning Ordinance. Any new structure would also need to comply with the Bannock County Building Code and other County ordinances.

Can I subdivide my property and build on it?

Subdividing land for development purposes is regulated by the Bannock County Subdivision Ordinance. The Bannock County Subdivision Ordinance defines a subdivision as “(1) The division of land into parcels less than, or configured differently from, a quarter-quarter section of land, for purposes of development other than agriculture, OR (2) To make one parcel into two or more separate parcels by survey, deed, or other transference.” If you are interested in dividing your land, please contact the office at 208-236-7230.

I want to; swap property / deed property /adjust a lot line

In order to maintain the ability to develop your property, alteration(s) including lot line adjustments and property transfers must be approved by the Office of Planning and Development PRIOR to the alteration. Altering the legal description(s)/deed(s) or the recording of any document including surveys without approval may affect your ability to develop your property, please contact the office at 208-236-7230.

How do I get an address assigned to my property?

An address is typically issued at the same time that the first building permit is issued for the property. If you already have a structure on your property but you don’t have an address, please contact our office and request one. Our office will not issue an address for a property without an existing structure on it or a permit to construct one. Addresses are not assigned to Agricultural exempt buildings or any structure under 200 square feet.

Can you tell me where my property lines are?

We can’t tell you precisely where your property lines are (for that information, we suggest contacting a licensed surveyor), but you can use the County’s Parcel Viewer to see approximate property line locations. You can also use our website to search for subdivision plats and records of survey.

Is my property in a floodplain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates maps related to flood risk and has made an interactive flood hazard map available to the public.

Download a fillable PDF of the Public Records Request Form

Download a fillable PDF of the Sheriff Written Records Request Form

Please send completed form(s) to recordsrequest@bannockcounty.gov or bring to the Bannock County Courthouse, Clerk’s Office (624 East Center, Room 211, Pocatello, Idaho 83201)

Planning and Development

Location

5500 S. 5th Avenue
​Pocatello, ID  83204
Google Directions

Contact

Note: * Please check out our FAQs before calling with questions.
Phone: 208-236-7230
Fax: 208-232-2185
​Email: development@bannockcounty.gov

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Contact List

Planning:
​Hal Jensen | Planning Director
Tristan Bourquin  | Assistant Director
Alisse Foster | Subdivision Planner
Annie Hughes Williams | Zoning Planner
Marjorie Williams |
Management Assistant – Permit Technician
Janae Penrod | Code Enforcement Officer
Building:
Alisa Hymas | Building Inspector-Plans Examiner
Danny Crystal | Building Official