Bolthole Index

Shoshone County, Idaho

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Shoshone County, Idaho

61Index Score / 100
#24 of 44 in Idaho

Unincorporated Shoshone County, Idaho requires building permits for most construction, additions, alterations, conversions and improvements, and manufactured or mobile homes need a setting permit12. County zoning also applies outside city boundaries34. Panhandle Health District issues the septic permits56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction in unincorporated areas12
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated city boundaries34
Septic
Panhandle Health District permit required for a new system or new location57
RV living
Residential occupancy on private land not confirmed; ask County Planning & Zoning8
Tiny home
Occupancy rule not confirmed; building and zoning requirements still apply24
Owner-builder
No permit exemption confirmed; ask County Planning & Zoning before starting work98
Minimum lot size
Varies by zoning district10
Well
IDWR drilling permit required before drilling11

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration

Building permits, zoning, land-use applications and inspections in unincorporated Shoshone County

(208) 752-8891

[email protected]

700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873

Septic permits

Panhandle Health District Environmental Health

Septic permits and records for Shoshone County

(208) 783-0707

[email protected]

8500 N. Atlas Rd., Hayden, ID 83835

Floodplain permits

Shoshone County Floodplain Administration

Floodplain development permits in Shoshone County special flood hazard areas

(208) 752-8891

[email protected]

700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873

Roads & driveways

Shoshone County Public Works

County roads and approach permit information

(208) 753-5475

700 Bank Street, Suite 35, Wallace, ID 83873

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Yes. Unincorporated Shoshone County requires a separate building permit for covered residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and public buildings, including construction, enlargement, alteration or conversion2. The county says permits are required for most construction, additions, alterations, conversions and improvements, and all manufactured or mobile homes need a setting permit18. Shoshone County has adopted the 2018 International Code Compliance Regulations for its building-code program, including local snow-load and frost-depth requirements12. A qualifying agricultural building may be exempt from the adopted building codes only after the Assessor grants the required agricultural classification, but the building remains subject to county zoning, floodplain and placement requirements13. The county publishes a building-fee schedule effective March 24, 2026, so confirm the current project fee with Planning & Zoning before applying14.

Who handles Shoshone County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration handles building, planning and floodplain work for land outside city boundaries84. The office is at 700 Bank Street, Suite 25, Wallace, ID 83873; call (208) 752-8891 or email [email protected]8. For an inspection question, the county page also lists (208) 786-44058. Incorporated cities administer their own planning, so a parcel inside a city should go to that city's planning office rather than the county15. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are separate state permits, and Idaho requires a permit when that trade work is performed16. We could not confirm a general county inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask Planning & Zoning what inspections and final approvals apply to the proposed project8.

Does Shoshone County have zoning?

Yes. Shoshone County administers zoning outside incorporated city boundaries, while each incorporated city runs its own planning program415. The unincorporated county has 14 zone districts and 2 overlay districts, each with its own allowed uses and standards, and the county says its zoning map is not available online17. Call Planning & Zoning with the property address or parcel number to obtain the zoning designation and allowed uses before relying on a listing description8. Minimum lot area, setbacks, building height and lot coverage vary by district10181920. For example, the county chart identifies a 2-acre minimum in Suburban Residential and a 7,700-square-foot minimum in several other listed districts, but those examples do not answer the requirement for every parcel10. Land divisions are regulated separately under the county subdivision rules21.

How do septic permits work in Shoshone County?

Panhandle Health District, not Shoshone County Planning & Zoning, issues septic permits for Shoshone County56. A permit is required for a new subsurface sewage system or a new system location, and approval considers sewage flow, house and well locations, surface water, groundwater limitations, altered soil, neighboring structures, land use and soil type7. Call Environmental Health at (208) 783-0707 or email [email protected]22. The USDA soil survey rates only about 0.4% of county soils as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the health district's site review an early contingency rather than assuming a standard system will fit23. Permit applications and issued septic permits are each valid for 1 year7. Idaho requires a final installation inspection before a system receives wastewater, with the public health district inspecting individual systems24.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Shoshone County?

We could not confirm a published Shoshone County rule that specifically authorizes long-term RV living, temporary camping on private land or tiny-home occupancy. County zoning still controls allowed uses outside city limits, and Planning & Zoning can identify the parcel's district and allowed uses from its address or parcel number48. A tiny home that is a building used for human habitation falls within the county permit rule for covered residential construction in unincorporated areas2. A manufactured or mobile home needs a county setting permit, and every manufactured-home installation must be inspected and approved by the authority having jurisdiction before occupancy125. We also could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size or an owner-builder permit exemption. Before buying a small dwelling or moving an RV onto a parcel, give Planning & Zoning the exact parcel number and ask about the proposed use, duration of occupancy, sanitation and permit path8.

Building a home in Shoshone County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is outside city limits, then ask County Planning & Zoning for its zoning district and allowed uses48.
  2. Ask Panhandle Health District to evaluate the site and issue the required septic permit before fixing the house location722.
  3. If the project uses a well, obtain the Idaho Department of Water Resources drilling permit before drilling11.
  4. Prepare the completed county application, site plan, 2 sets of plans and applicable addendum or checklist; processing does not begin until the required package is verified and submitted26.
  5. Obtain separate Idaho electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits for those trades16.
  6. If development is in a special flood hazard area, secure the county floodplain development permit2728.
  7. Ask Public Works about the approach permit for access from a county road, or obtain an ITD encroachment permit if the driveway connects to a state highway2930.

What should you check before buying land in Shoshone County?

Start with the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning: county rules apply outside city boundaries, and district standards determine allowed uses, lot area, setbacks, height and coverage410181920. Treat septic feasibility, slope and access as linked due-diligence questions because only about 0.4% of soils rate free of severe conventional-drain-field limits and just 9.8% of county land is at a 15% slope or less2331. Check the flood map and permit status with the Floodplain Administration because development in a special flood hazard area requires a permit2728. Verify whether access meets the county approach process or the state-highway encroachment rule2930. For carrying costs, the countywide effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,2733233. About 73.9% of Shoshone County is federal land, so confirm surveyed boundaries and legal access rather than assuming adjacent public ground provides an entrance34.

Watch-outs

  • The county zoning map is not online; call Planning & Zoning with the property address or parcel number for its district and allowed uses178.
  • Only about 0.4% of Shoshone County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before committing to a house location23.
  • RV living, private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and proposed use8.

Sources

  1. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho (2026 county census)
  2. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho (2026 county census)
  4. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  5. Panhandle Health District - Septic Permits & Records (2026 county census)
  6. Septic Permits & Records – Panhandle Health District, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic Permits & Records – Panhandle Health District, quoted and re-checked
  8. Shoshone County Planning & Zoning Administration (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  11. Wells Overview, quoted and re-checked
  12. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  13. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  18. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  19. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  20. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  21. Planning & Zoning | Shoshone County Idaho, quoted and re-checked
  22. Panhandle Health District Environmental Health (panhandlehealthdistrict.org)
  23. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  24. IDAPA 58.01.03 Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Building Archives - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Shoshone County Building Permit/Application, quoted and re-checked
  27. Floodplain Information & Helpful Links, quoted and re-checked
  28. Shoshone County Floodplain Administration (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  29. Shoshone County Public Works (shoshonecounty.id.gov)
  30. Types of Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits (Idaho statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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.

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County locator

Shoshone County in Idaho

61
County map
Shoshone County highlighted among the Idaho counties · colored by Index score

How Shoshone County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness3890% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy90100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$284kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$8,542Land / acre
47.6"Annual rain
16.1% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.5)Mid-century 100°F days
20.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.66" (+4.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,071Home insurance / yr
3.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.51%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,780Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.3People / sq mi
73.9%Federal land
9.8%Land at 15% slope or less
0.4%Septic soil without severe limits
6,658 acWorkable land screen
94.9%Wooded land
66.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Shoshone County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Shoshone County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements of structures in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The County states permits are required for most types of construction, additions, alterations, conversions, and improvements.
    • A setting permit is also required for all manufactured/mobile homes.
    • The Title 9 code states each covered building or structure requires a separate building permit.
    “no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, approve or convert any building or structure used for human habitation including a garage attached thereto or any building used for commercial or industrial purposes, or any agricultural building, or any public building in an unincorporated area in the county without first obtaining a separate building permit from the county building official for each such building or structure involved.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County building regulation in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The County states it adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, including Building Code Standards and Residential Code regulations and additions, revisions, or amendments.
    • The page specifically notes snow-load and frost-depth requirements.

    edition: 2018 (International Code Compliance Regulations)

    “Shoshone County has adopted the International Code Compliance Regulations, 2018 edition, for Building Code.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning administration in areas of Shoshone County outside incorporated city boundaries.

    • The County Planning & Zoning Administration covers areas outside city boundaries; incorporated cities have separate planning offices.
    • The County zoning code contains zone districts, overlay districts, conditional-use procedures, variances, and planned-unit-development provisions.
    “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Shoshone County: county zoning applies outside city boundaries, while incorporated cities administer their own planning and zoning.

    • The conclusion aggregates county-administered unincorporated zoning and separately administered incorporated municipalities.
    • The County page lists separate planning contacts for Kellogg, Wardner, Mullan, Osburn, Pinehurst, Wallace, and Smelterville.
    “This Administration’s jurisdiction covers all areas of Shoshone County outside of city boundaries. [...] If you are inquiring about a property within city limits, please contact the planning office for that city:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and overlay districts in areas outside incorporated city boundaries.

    • Shoshone County states it is divided into fourteen zone districts and two overlay districts.
    • Each district has particular allowed uses and associated standards.
    • The County states that a zoning map is not currently available online; property-specific zoning designation and allowed uses must be requested from the County.

    zone districts: 14 districts · overlay districts: 2 districts

    “Shoshone County is divided into fourteen (14) ‘Zone Districts’ and two (2) ‘Overlay Districts’. Each of these have particular ‘Allowed uses’ and associated standards.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zone-specific minimum lot areas shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart includes, among others, 7,700 square feet for Natural Resource, Residential R-O, and Residential R-1, and 2 acres for Suburban Residential.
    • The excerpt is a chart of district limitations and does not establish that every district has the same minimum.

    Natural Resource minimum lot area: 7700 square feet · Suburban Residential minimum lot area: 2 acres · Residential R-O and R-1 minimum lot area: 7700 square feet

    “Natural Resource (NR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. Suburban Residential (SR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 2 Acres 35’ Single Family Residential (R-O) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’ Residential (R-1) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 70’ 110’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zone-specific setbacks shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart includes front, side, and rear setback columns; the displayed districts generally show 25-foot front, 10-foot side, and 5-foot or 10-foot rear values as applicable to the chart columns.
    “Setbacks Min. Lot Min. Lot Min. Lot Maximum Max. Lot ZONE F R S SS Frontage Depth Area Height* Coverage”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Zone-specific maximum lot coverage shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The chart identifies a maximum lot coverage column; the displayed excerpt includes district-specific standards.
    “Multi-Family Residential (R-2) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 70’SF / 90’MF 7700 sq. ft. 45’ 35%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Zone-specific maximum building heights shown in the County building permit application zoning-district limitations chart.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district.
    • The displayed chart includes 35-foot maximum-height entries for some residential districts and other district-specific columns.

    sample maximum height: 35 feet (shown for Suburban Residential and Single Family Residential in the chart excerpt)

    “Suburban Residential (SR) 25’ 10’ 5’ 10’ 2 Acres 35’ Single Family Residential (R-O) 25’ 10 5’ 10’ 7700 sq. ft. 35’”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Septic permitting for Shoshone County administered through Panhandle Health District.

    • The Panhandle Health District page lists a Shoshone County Environmental Health contact and describes the District's septic permit process.
    • Permit approval depends on sewage flow, house size and location, well or spring location, surface water, groundwater, soil, land use, and other issues.
    “PHD issues septic permits for the five northern counties. [...] Shoshone Co. | (208) 783-0707”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New subsurface sewage systems or a new location of a septic system serving property in Shoshone County.

    • Permit approval depends on predicted maximum daily sewage flow; house size and location; well or spring location; surface water locations; depth to groundwater on limiting layers; changes to native soil; distances to neighboring structures; proposed land use; soil type; and other issues of concern.
    • Applications and supporting issues must be addressed in the plot plan or permit application and found consistent with current regulations.
    • Permit applications are valid for one year and septic permits are valid one year from issuance.
    • A fifth renewal requires a new application and evaluation under current standards.

    permit application validity: 1 year · septic permit validity: 1 year from issuance

    “A permit is required for new systems or new location of a system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural or “AG Exempt” buildings on properties classified as having a qualifying Agricultural Exemption in Shoshone County.

    • The Assessors’ Office must grant an Agricultural Exemption in Categories 1, 3, 4, or 5.
    • AG Exempt buildings are exempt from the County building codes but remain subject to County zoning and floodplain administration and placement requirements.

    qualifying categories: 1, 3, 4, 5

    ““AG Exempt” buildings are exempt from the building codes adopted herein but shall remain subject to the administration and placement requirements established by Shoshone County zoning and floodplain regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Creation, conveyance, splitting, dividing, or adjustment of land or lots under Shoshone County Title 10 subdivision regulations.

    • Major subdivisions generally involve engineered infrastructure and require a preliminary-plat recommendation through a public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission.
    • Minor subdivisions are limited to a maximum of nine lots, with each lot at least two acres; shared infrastructure is limited as described on the County page.
    • Exemption conveyances may be approved administratively when the criteria are met.

    minor subdivision maximum lots: <= 9 lots · minor subdivision minimum lot size: >= 2 acres

    “Title 10 Subdivision Regulations are a set of rules and regulations established to govern the processes by which an individual’s land or properties are conveyed, split, divided, and/or adjusted.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development within the Special Flood Hazard Area in Shoshone County.

    • The County Floodplain Overlay District Regulations apply within the Special Flood Hazard Area as determined by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
    • Particular standards must be met to prevent significant property damage.
    • The County Planning & Zoning Administrator is also the County Floodplain Administrator.
    • The County states it adopted current FIRM and digital FIRM data as of September 26, 2008.

    FIRM adoption date: 2008-09-26

    “Floodplain Development Permits are required for any development within the ‘Special Flood Hazard Area’.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit fees for unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • The County page identifies a Building Permit Fees schedule effective March 24, 2026.
    • The fee schedule PDF was identified on the official County page, but detailed fee amounts were not extracted in this run.
    “Building Permit Fees Effective 3/24/2026”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit application process in unincorporated Shoshone County.

    • Processing does not begin until the completed application, site plan, two sets of plans, and applicable addendum/checklist are verified and submitted.
    • The site plan must show property boundaries and dimensions, existing structures, drain fields, utilities, and setbacks from all property lines.
    • Agency approvals identified by Planning & Zoning should be obtained before submission when applicable.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued and inspected by the State of Idaho.
    • Appeals must be filed within 20 days after notice of violation.

    appeal deadline: 20 days after notice of violation

    “PROCESSING OF THIS PERMIT WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN VERIFIED AND SUBMITTED TO THE PLANNING OFFICE:”

Idaho rules that apply here

  • InspectionsRequired

    All manufactured-home installations in Idaho before the manufactured home is occupied.

    • The inspection and approval are performed by DOPL or the authority having jurisdiction.
    • Inspection and approval must occur before occupancy.
    “All installations must be inspected and approved by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses or the authority having jurisdiction before the manufactured home is occupied.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or parking a vehicle or trailer on Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas and access sites separate from a WMA.

    • The restriction applies in areas posted against camping or parking.
    • Leaving an unattended camp, vehicle, or trailer for more than 48 hours is prohibited without authorization.
    • Camping or parking for more than 10 days during any 30-day period on one WMA or one separate access site is prohibited without authorization.
    • The rule permits authorization by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.

    unattended duration: > 48 hours (Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.) · camping or parking duration: > 10 days during any 30-day period per WMA or separate access site (Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, Director, Regional Supervisor, or designee.)

    “camp or park a vehicle or trailer for more than ten (10) days during any thirty (30) day period”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units for Idaho DEQ wastewater-flow and septic-system sizing purposes; this claim does not establish statewide zoning permission.

    • An ADU is sized as a single-family dwelling for the cited wastewater-flow guidance.
    • An ADU may combine flows with another structure into one system.
    • Any common septic tank must be large enough to hold the required capacity from both structures.
    • Local land-use, building, and septic authorities may impose additional requirements.

    wastewater flow basis: single-family dwelling

    “Size as a single family dwelling. Can combine with another structure's flows into one system”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual and subsurface sewage disposal systems constructed or installed under Idaho’s onsite wastewater rules.

    • The Director requires one or more inspections necessary to determine compliance.
    • The permittee must uncover or make available for inspection any portion covered or concealed in violation of the rules.
    • If preparation is required, the applicant or permittee must provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • For individual systems, the public health district inspects the installation.
    • Large soil absorption systems are inspected by the public health district and DEQ.

    advance inspection notice: >= 48 hours (Excludes weekends and holidays.)

    “No system may receive wastewater until the Director conducts a final installation inspection”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction or drilling of wells in Idaho, including domestic wells.

    • Before drilling, the well owner or driller must obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.
    • All wells must be constructed by a well driller with a valid IDWR license.
    • The separate water-right permit exemption for domestic purposes does not eliminate the drilling-permit requirement.
    • For new diversions in qualifying subdivisions filed on or after July 1, 2025, a water-right permit is required in a moratorium area, critical groundwater area, or groundwater management area, except for in-home uses and watering livestock.
    • Well construction rules apply to wells and other artificial openings more than 18 vertical feet below land surface.

    well depth threshold: > 18 vertical feet below land surface (The cited well-construction rules describe covered wells and artificial openings.) · subdivision application date: >= 2025-07-01 (Applies to qualifying new diversions described in Idaho Code § 42-227(4).)

    “Prior to drilling a well, the well owner or well driller must first obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Well drilling in Shoshone County under Idaho statewide well-construction administration.
      “Prior to drilling a well, the well owner or well driller must first obtain a drilling permit from IDWR.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Proposed individual or subsurface sewage disposal systems where public or central wastewater treatment facilities may be available.

    • The Director may deny a septic permit when public or central wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible.
    • The cited rule does not establish a universal statewide requirement to connect every property to public sewer.
    • Subsurface septic discharge remains an identified onsite disposal method.
    “Public or central wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Private and public driveways or streets connecting to Idaho state highway right-of-way.

    • An ITD encroachment permit is required for private and public approaches, including driveways and streets.
    • No activity may occur on state highway rights-of-way until the Department or a delegated local highway agency issues an approved permit, except emergency approval affecting highway operations and motorist safety may precede processing.
    • A Traffic Impact Study may be required for new or expanded development seeking direct access to a state highway when the stated thresholds are met, unless waived by the District Engineer.

    peak-hour trips for possible TIS requirement: >= 100 new trips (unless waived by the District Engineer) · daily traffic for possible TIS requirement: >= 1000 vehicles per day (unless waived by the District Engineer)

    “Encroachment permits approved by the Department are required for private and public approaches (driveways and streets), utilities and other miscellaneous encroachments.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from County building requirements in unincorporated Shoshone County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for structures in unincorporated Shoshone County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Shoshone County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land in unincorporated Shoshone County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Shoshone County.
2 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Living off-grid in Shoshone County, Idaho

Is Shoshone County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Shoshone County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and sparse surroundings — about 1,780 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Shoshone County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Panhandle Health District (Idaho public health district serving Shoshone County). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Shoshone County, Idaho?

Land in Shoshone County runs about $8,542 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Shoshone County?

Shoshone County gets about 47.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.1% of years.

How remote is Shoshone County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,780 people within 15 miles and 1,144,891 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Shoshone compares in Idaho

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