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Building Division

About Us

Since 1975 the Building Division has been issuing permits as per a variety of building codes.  The Ada County Building Code is the current standard to establish compliance for structural, mechanical, life safety, and accessibility.   Plans Examiners and Building Code Technicians review construction drawings for code compliance and Building Inspectors perform on-site inspections.  This process confirms that buildings and structures in Ada County are sound and in compliance with Fire and Life Safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have building codes been around?

Building codes date back as far as 2000 B.C with the code of Hammurabi. Some of this text can still be found in the Louvre in Paris France. Also, through Nero’s Rome and into the 12th century Europe, in England in the 1600’s and in America, as soon urban life indicated the need. One of the earliest tragedies that led to the development of building codes in America was the 1871 Chicago fire that destroyed 17,000 buildings cost 250 lives and left 100,000 people homeless.

Do we require rebar in footings and foundations? If rebar in footings and foundations is not required, do I need a foundation inspection?

Based on our design criteria rebar is not required unless it is part of an engineered design or a subdivision wide geotechnical report.

Footing inspections are always required. A foundation inspection is not required where rebar is placed above code minimum unless it is on the approved plans, required by an engineer or part of a geotechnical report.

Do we do AM and PM inspection requests?

We do what we can to accommodate AM/PM. However, it is not a guarantee. Inspection are done in accordance with our daily schedule and area the inspector is in throughout the day.

When do I request an inspection?

Inspections need to be requested the day before your inspection is needed and before 4:30 PM via phone and before midnight via email request.  This assures that the inspection will be on the list for the following day.

Can I request an inspection on line?

Can I pour concrete during cold weather?

Yes, if the ground is not frozen. The concrete shall be protected from freezing by the use of blankets or heaters or a combination of the two immediately upon placement.

The Use of double R-5.1 insulating blankets is a common method of protection in temperatures from 20º F to 40º F.

If average daily temperature falls below 20º F; concrete must be heated continuously for 3 days (72 hours) by utilizing  methods such as heated enclosures with an approved type of heat source. Fuel fired heaters shall be adequately vented to the exterior. This will require a third party special inspection. Including reports given to the assigned inspector.

What are the minimum sizes for Emergency Escape Openings?

Net Openable Height (inches) _____ X _____ Net Openable Width (inches) = _____ Divided by 144 (square inches) = _____ square feet.

Notes:

1) Clear openable height must be at least 24”.
2) Clear openable width must be at least 20”.
3) Distance from floor to the finished sill must be 44” or less.
4) Clear openable area must be equal or greater than 5.7 sq ft (grade floor openings or below-grade openings may have clear openable areas of not less than 5 sq ft, per an exception).
5) Window wells, if applicable, shall have a horizontal area of not less than 9 sq ft, with a horizontal projection width of not less than 36 inches, and the emergency escape and rescue opening must be able to open fully (additional requirements for ladders and steps and drainage may apply).
6) Requirements apply to basements, habitable attics, & all sleeping rooms (few exceptions apply) and are required to open directly to a public way, or yard or court that opens to a public way.
7) This handout is not intended to be a complete listing of all possible code requirements. The full text of the code as indicated by reference section is always applied: 2018 ICC IRC Sections R310-R312.

Meet the Team

Bryan Gilbert

Bryan Gilbert

Building Official

bgilbert@adacounty.id.gov
208-287-5717

James Sullivan

James Sullivan

Building Inspector I

jsullivan@adacounty.id.gov
208-912-3662

John Sisk

John Sisk

Plans Examiner

jnsisk@adacounty.id.gov
208-573-3874

Aron Mock

Aron Mock

Building Inspector II

amock@adacounty.id.gov
208-957-3059

Manson Elliott

Manson Elliott

Building Inspector I

mjelliott@adacounty.id.gov
208-573-3890

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