FAQ's

Several components are considered when determining whether or not a parcel is eligible to receive a building permit. There are some questions you may want to consider:

• Do I have an approved approach from a public road, and, if not, do I have a deeded ingress/egress easement to allow me to use the private road?
  
• Do I have septic approval?
  
• Was my lot legally created?
  
• Does my lot meet the minimum lot size for my zoning classification?
  
• Because of the complexity of this issue, you should discuss your particular situation with a planner.
  

The areas within the County have different zoning classifications. If you are able to provide the Building and Planning Department with either a parcel number or serial number, we will research your zoning classification.

Similar to determining zoning, the Building and Planning Department has several Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), these map out several sections of the County which may or may not be located within a flood prone area. If you provide a planner with a parcel number, a flood zone determination will be given to you.

The Building and Planning Department does not have that information. This information can be obtained from the Panhandle Health District.

In rare instances, the Building and Planning Department will have that information. Another source for this information is the Assessor's office or your deed. If your property has been surveyed, you should be able to locate the corner monuments with a metal detector. If the property has not been surveyed, it may be necessary to hire a surveyor to accurately locate the property lines.

If your parcel number begins with a letter, you are a city resident and you would call the city for planning and zoning issues. Bayview is the exception and the County has jurisdiction. All other parcel numbers are in an unincorporated area of the County.

Some zones within the County allow duplexes. Another option may be the approval of an accessory living unit, provided your lot meets the requirements set out in the Zoning Ordinance. If your property is located over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a minimum of ten acres is required. Please consult the Planning Department regarding your specific situation.

Manufactured homes constructed prior to June 15, 1976, must obtain rehabilitation Certificate of Conformance prior to application of a building permit. As well, in the Restricted Residential and Agricultural Suburban zones, manufactured homes must meet specific Class A criteria outlined in the Rules and Definitions portion of the Zoning Ordinance.

In order to subdivide land, usually you must go through a platting process. Exemptions to the platting process are very limited. Currently two options exist for the subdivision of land: (a) minor subdivision or (b) major subdivision. A planner can help you determine which option is best for your situation. The only zone that prohibits land division is the Agricultural zone.

A Code Enforcement officer is on staff and shares duties between the Planning and Building departments. If you have concerns about a potential zoning violation, contact the Planning Department to begin an investigation.