Bolthole Index

Bannock County, Idaho

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Chubbuck, Idaho

Chubbuck, Idaho has a city residential building-permit application process and adopted building codes.12 Chubbuck sets land-use rules inside city limits; Bannock County zoning covers unincorporated land.34 Septic approval comes from Southeastern Idaho Public Health, and using septic inside Chubbuck depends on the applicable sewer-connection requirements or a qualifying waiver.56

At a glance

Building applications
City residential application requires plans, a site plan and energy-code compliance forms1
Zoning
Chubbuck land-use rules apply inside city limits3
Septic
Southeastern Idaho Public Health approval; city sewer waiver is conditional56
Minimum lot area
A district: 1 acre per household dwelling; R-1: 7,000 square feet for the first household, subject to zero-lot-line provisions78
Building fees
City Council sets fees by resolution based on construction cost9
Owner-builder
Qualifying owners may be exempt from contractor registration; applicable building and trade permits still apply10
Wells
Idaho requires a drilling permit and an IDWR-licensed well driller11

Who to call

Building permits

City of Chubbuck Building Division

Residential building applications, plan review and building inspections inside Chubbuck

(208) 417-7176

[email protected]

290 East Linden Ave. Chubbuck, ID 83202

Online permits →

Zoning

City of Chubbuck Planning Division

City zoning, setbacks, land-use review, conditional use applications and variances

(208) 239-3252

[email protected]

290 East Linden Ave. Chubbuck, ID 83202

Floodplain permits

City of Chubbuck Development Services Division

Land development and platting; contact for the city floodplain development application

(208) 237-2430 ext. 108

[email protected]

290 East Linden Ave. Chubbuck, ID 83202

Septic permits

Southeastern Idaho Public Health Environmental Health

Septic applications and site evaluations for Bannock County properties, including Chubbuck

208-221-3421

[email protected]

1901 Alvin Ricken Dr.• Pocatello, Idaho 83201

Well permits

Idaho Department of Water Resources

Well drilling and water-right questions for Bannock County properties

(208) 525-7161

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Chubbuck means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Chubbuck, ID?

Chubbuck provides a residential building-permit application process, and the city adopts the building codes approved by Idaho or the Idaho building code board, with successor editions taking effect as the board makes them effective.12 For new construction and additions, the residential packet requires a complete site plan, two sets of plans and energy-code compliance forms for review.1

Chubbuck building-permit fees are established by City Council resolution based on construction cost; ask the Building Division for the current fee calculation for your project.912 We could not confirm a comprehensive city list of work requiring a building permit or exemptions for small projects; ask the Chubbuck Building Division before assuming a shed, deck or alteration is exempt.12

Who handles Chubbuck building applications and inspections?

The Chubbuck Building Division handles building application intake and review, and the city directs building and public works inspection requests to (208) 417-7176.12 Contact the Building Division at [email protected] for the application route and project-specific questions.12 The city also provides online access to apply for building permits, request inspections, review inspection status and make building-permit payments.12

Chubbuck requires a certificate of occupancy for buildings, structures or portions constructed after August 1994, without exception under the cited city provision.13 Ask the Building Division which inspection approvals your particular project needs before requesting the certificate of occupancy.12

Does Chubbuck have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Chubbuck’s land-use title governs land inside city limits, and the Planning Division reviews zoning matters and project requirements including setbacks, parking and landscaping.314 For household dwellings, the A agricultural district requires 1 acre per dwelling; the R-1 residential district requires 7,000 square feet for the first household plus 4,000 square feet for each additional household, subject to the city’s zero-lot-line provisions.78

For principal structures in both A and R-1, the general schedule sets a 25-foot front setback, 20-foot rear setback and 14 feet of total side-yard width, with a 5-foot minimum side yard and at least one side yard of 9 feet; corner-lot and zero-lot-line exceptions apply.1516 The general principal-structure height limit in these districts is 35 feet.1718 Ask Planning to confirm the parcel’s district and applicable exceptions before fitting a house onto the lot.14

How do septic permits work inside Chubbuck?

Southeastern Idaho Public Health administers septic approval for Bannock County properties, including those inside Chubbuck.5 Chubbuck’s sewer-connection waiver provision allows the administrator to consider qualifying previously approved septic systems or plats, or a finding that connection is physically or financially infeasible; a buyer should not assume that a new septic proposal automatically qualifies.6

The 2026 health-district application requires a signed application, scaled plot plan, proof of ownership, payment and an onsite evaluation with applicant-provided test holes generally 8–10 feet deep, depending on soils.19 The septic permit fee is $925, with a 2-year validity period and a $40 renewal paid before expiration for another 2 years.19 A $300 speculative site evaluation can be credited toward the $925 fee if the septic permit is issued within 12 months.20 Coordinate sewer eligibility with the city before committing to septic design.6

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Chubbuck?

We could not confirm a general Chubbuck rule allowing residential RV occupancy or temporary camping on a private lot; ask the Planning Division about the exact parcel and intended duration before buying an RV as construction housing.14 We also could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy rule or a minimum floor area for a primary dwelling; ask Planning about the proposed use and the Building Division about the proposed structure.1412

Chubbuck’s lot-area and setback standards apply by district, so a small proposed home still needs review against the parcel’s applicable land-use controls.781516 Idaho requires manufactured-home installations to be inspected and approved by DOPL or the authority having jurisdiction before occupancy; that installation approval does not establish Chubbuck zoning permission for a particular site.213

Building a home in Chubbuck: what should you check first?

  1. Confirm the parcel’s city-limit status and district with Chubbuck Planning; city land-use rules govern inside Chubbuck, while the Bannock County guide covers county zoning on unincorporated land.34
  2. Resolve sewer eligibility or a qualifying waiver with the city, then coordinate any septic application and site evaluation with Southeastern Idaho Public Health.619
  3. Prepare the residential plans, complete site plan and energy-code compliance forms for Chubbuck’s building application.1
  4. Ask Development Services about floodplain review and any land-development or platting approvals for the parcel.22
  5. If proposing a private well, contact Idaho Department of Water Resources: Idaho requires a drilling permit before drilling and a licensed well driller, even where a separate domestic water-right permit exemption applies.1123
  6. Arrange building inspections through the Building Division and obtain the required certificate of occupancy before moving into a new home.1213

Watch-outs

  • An A agricultural zoning designation does not establish a blanket exemption from Chubbuck building or land-use review; ask Planning and the Building Division about the proposed agricultural structure.31412
  • Idaho’s owner-builder contractor-registration exemption requires owners to do their own work on their own land without intending to sell within 12 months; the exemption does not remove applicable building or trade-permit requirements.10
  • Septic approval alone does not establish eligibility for a Chubbuck sewer-connection waiver; have the city resolve the connection question for the parcel.6

Sources

  1. Residential Building Permit Application (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  2. 15.04.010: Building Codes Adopted (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  3. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  4. Bannock County Zoning Ordinance No. 1998-1, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Permits | Southeastern Idaho Public Health, quoted and re-checked
  6. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  7. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  8. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  9. 15.04.090: Fees and Method of Determining Cost of Construction (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Wells Overview (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Chubbuck Building Division (cityofchubbuck.us)
  13. 15.04.031: Occupancy Permit Amendment (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  14. City of Chubbuck Planning Division (cityofchubbuck.us)
  15. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  16. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  17. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  18. 18.08.042: Schedule of General Controls; Regulations (Chubbuck), quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Southeastern Idaho Public Health Environmental Health (siphidaho.org)
  21. Building Archives - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. City of Chubbuck Development Services Division (cityofchubbuck.us)
  23. Idaho Department of Water Resources (bannockcounty.gov)

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Chubbuck

Chubbuck’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • The code adopts listed editions as adopted by Idaho or the Idaho building code board.
    • Successive versions supersede listed versions when made effective by the board.
    • Conflicting city personnel provisions and Idaho Code sections control those matters.
    “The approved editions of the following nationally recognized codes, as adopted by the state of Idaho or the Idaho building code board ("board") are adopted as the official building codes of the city:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    All buildings, structures, or portions thereof inside Chubbuck city limits constructed after August 1994.

    • The provision states that the requirement applies without exception.
    • Occupancy after August 1997 without an issued occupancy permit is an infraction with a $100 penalty.
    • Each day of occupancy without a permit is a separate infraction.

    penalty: 100 USD (For occupying a building, structure, or portion constructed after August 1997 without an occupancy permit.)

    “Notwithstanding the provisions of any uniform or international code adopted by the city, a certificate of occupancy shall be required for all buildings, structures or portions thereof after August 1994, without exception.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • The city land-use title applies within the corporate limits of the city.
    “This title governs the use of land, for economic activities and for other purposes, at any location within the corporate limits of the city, or within any area over which the city exercises control pursuant to Idaho Code or pursuant to agreement with other governing bodies as authorized by Idaho Code.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Household dwellings in the A agricultural land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • The schedule applies to principal structures.
    • For zero-lot-line residential dwellings, minimum lot area may be 75% of the district requirement subject to the code's additional side-yard rules.

    minimum lot area per household dwelling: 1 acre (A district; zero-lot-line provisions may reduce the requirement)

    “A 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 1 acre R-1 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 7,000 first household, plus 4,000 each additional”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Household dwellings in the R-1 single-family residential land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.
      “R-1 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 7,000 first household, plus 4,000 each additional”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal structures in the A agricultural land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • Front setback is 25 feet; rear setback is 20 feet; side-yard total width is 14 feet with a 5-foot minimum side yard.
    • At least one side yard must be at least 9 feet.
    • Corner-lot and zero-lot-line exceptions apply under the cited section.

    front setback: 25 feet · rear setback: 20 feet · minimum side yard: 5 feet (Total yard width 14 feet; at least one side yard must be 9 feet)

    “A 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 1 acre [...] Minimum total setback is indicated on left; minimum setback for a side yard is indicated on right. In addition, the setback for at least 1 of the side yards shall be a distance of no less than 9 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Principal structures in the R-1 single-family residential land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.
      “R-1 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 7,000 first household, plus 4,000 each additional [...] Minimum total setback is indicated on left; minimum setback for a side yard is indicated on right. In addition, the setback for at least 1 of the side yards shall be a distance of no less than 9 feet.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal structures in the A agricultural land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • The table applies to principal structures; accessory buildings are governed separately.
    • Corner-lot, zero-lot-line, and other district-specific provisions may modify applicable controls.

    maximum height: 35 feet (Principal structures in A district)

    “A 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 1 acre R-1 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 7,000 first household, plus 4,000 each additional”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Principal structures in the R-1 single-family residential land-use district inside Chubbuck city limits.
      “R-1 35' 25' 20' 14' - 5' 70' 7,000 first household, plus 4,000 each additional”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site sanitation inside Chubbuck city limits where CIAWCA sewer connection is not required or is waived.

    • A sewer connection may be waived if the structure uses a septic system approved by Southeastern Idaho Public Health, if qualifying prior plat approval exists, or if connection is physically or financially infeasible.
    • Septic permits and inspections remain required under state/public-health rules.
    “Sewer Connection Requirements Waived: The administrator may waive sewer connection requirements if: a. The structure or development will utilize a septic system approved by the Southeastern district health department prior to the date hereof, or b. Bannock County has granted final plat approval for the subdivision prior to the date hereof, or c. Sewer connection is deemed physically or financially infeasible by the administrator.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Chubbuck building-permit and related-code fees.

    • The City Council establishes fees by resolution from time to time.
    • Fees are based upon construction cost.
    • The reviewed source did not provide the current resolution amount.
    “The fees for permits hereunder shall be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council based upon the cost of construction.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Residential building-permit applications inside Chubbuck city limits.

    • The city packet requires two sets of plans and a complete site plan.
    • The site plan is required for all new construction and additions.
    • Energy-code compliance forms must be submitted for review.
    • The reviewed packet does not establish the complete review timeline or all permit categories.
    “NOTE: TWO SETS OF PLANS AND A COMPLETE SITE PLAN IS REQUIRED [...] * SITE PLAN REQUIRED FOR ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ADDITIONS [...] * ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Chubbuck or Bannock County directly.

  • Building permit — General building-permit requirements for all construction inside Chubbuck city limits.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from Chubbuck building requirements.
  • Inspections — General building inspections inside Chubbuck city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Primary household dwellings inside Chubbuck city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Principal residential structures inside Chubbuck city limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Chubbuck publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Bannock County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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