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Building, septic and well permits in Boundary County: who handles what
Updated October 28, 2026
Chimney cleaning cost and wood stove installation cost
Updated October 28, 2026
Frozen pipes: who can help
Updated October 28, 2026
Furnace replacement: cost, timing and who to hire
Updated October 28, 2026
How to prevent ice dams: why they form and who fixes them
Updated October 28, 2026
Tree removal cost, plus trimming and stump grinding
Updated October 28, 2026
Water heater replacement cost
Updated October 28, 2026
Well pump replacement cost
Updated October 28, 2026

Water, septic and wells

  • Septic Tank Pumping

    Idaho DEQ says septic tank pumping is due every 3 to 5 years, and new systems and repairs need a permit from Panhandle Health District first.

  • Well Pump Repair and Well Drilling

    For well pump repair, have your well's depth handy: Idaho's water agency has most well driller reports from July 1987 on, and a new well needs a state permit first.

  • Plumbers

    The state licenses plumbers and inspects plumbing work across Boundary County, and inside its service area the City of Bonners Ferry supplies the water and sewer.

Heat and fuel

  • Furnace Repair and Heating

    For furnace repair or a new furnace, the state licenses the HVAC contractors and inspects the work, and it sends its own inspectors to Boundary County.

  • Chimney Sweeps and Wood Stoves

    A chimney sweep here works on stoves that run through a long cold season, with average lows in Bonners Ferry below freezing from November through March.

  • Propane

    Propane companies have to reach your tank all winter, and Boundary County says residents are responsible for clearing snow from private drives.

  • Firewood

    Buy firewood from a local seller, or cut your own on the national forest with a free permit, up to 12 cords.

  • Insulation

    Boundary County is in climate zone 6, where ENERGY STAR suggests R60 insulation for an empty attic, so ask any bid what R-value you'll end up with.

Land and outdoors

  • Excavation

    Before an excavation contractor cuts a driveway onto a county road, Boundary County requires an approach permit, and there's no fee for it.

  • Land Clearing

    If the job includes burning slash piles, Idaho requires a free burn permit for any burning outside city limits from May 10 through October 20.

  • Tree Service

    A tree service can remove a tree, trim it or grind the stump, but a tree near a power line starts with the utility that owns the line.

  • Logging and Timber

    Before a logging job starts on your land, Idaho law says the Department of Lands must accept a notice of the harvest, and it takes those notices at its Bonners Ferry office.

  • Landscaping

    Landscaping here starts with winter: USDA puts the Bonners Ferry ZIP code in plant hardiness zone 6a.

  • Fence Installation

    Before fence installation starts, Idaho law asks for a utility locate at least 2 business days before digging, and the county's parcel map is not a survey.

  • Snow Removal

    Neither the county nor the city plows private driveways, so snow removal on your drive is up to you or someone you hire.

  • Equipment Rental

    Equipment rental here comes with a road question: the county can close its roads to laden loads in spring, so check before you haul.

Building and repair

  • General Contractors and Home Builders

    Outside Bonners Ferry and Moyie Springs, a new home goes through a county placement permit, $480 for a residence, before a general contractor builds.

  • Electricians

    An electrician here works under a state permit and a state inspection, and your power company handles new or changed service.

  • Roofing

    For roof repair or a new roof, a contractor taking a job over $2,000 must be registered with the state.

  • Gutters

    Gutter cleaning and installation here have to stand up to snow: the Bonners Ferry weather station averages about 65 inches of it a year.

  • Concrete Contractors

    Before you hire a concrete contractor for a driveway, know that Boundary County asks for a free permit before anyone builds a new approach onto a county road.

  • Painters

    Painters here have a short outdoor season: Bonners Ferry weather records show average lows above 40 degrees only from May through September.

  • Handyman

    A handyman can take a list of small jobs, but Idaho licenses electrical and plumbing work on their own, so those items may need a licensed trade.

Local offices and services

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