IDAHO BUILDING CODE ACT – Adds to existing law to provide for certain live virtual inspections and to provide for timely inspections and the option for third party inspections in certain situations.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

The bill allows live virtual inspections, sets timeliness standards with third-party inspection options if delays occur, and requires reimbursements/refunds to improve efficiency a

Reported Printed and Referred to Business

#buildings #cities #counties #government #inspectionsandinspectors #scienceandtechnology

Purpose and intent

HB 154 amends the Idaho Building Code Act to modernize inspections through live virtual inspections, establish timeliness requirements, and expand inspection options (including third-party inspections) in certain situations. The bill aims to improve permitting efficiency, accountability, and fairness while maintaining safety standards. An emergency clause is included, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Key provisions

1) Live Virtual Inspections (New Section 39-4117)

State and local governments may perform live virtual inspections at their discretion.

Inspections must verify the address/location, which may be demonstrated during the virtual visit by showing the physical address or identifying features.

Virtual inspections cannot be used for structural inspections on buildings that are three stories or higher.

Definition: A live virtual inspection uses real-time visual or electronic aids to conduct an inspection without the inspector being physically present at the site.

2) Inspections Timeliness and Refunds (New Section 39-4118)

Timeliness: If an inspection requested by a permit holder is not performed within 15 business days, the permit holder may hire a third-party inspector. The government entity responsible for the inspection must reimburse the third party’s costs.

Fee refunds: If an inspector or building code administrator performs an inspection, determines that the work fails, and does not provide a reason for the failure within three days, the permit holder receives a 10% refund of applicable permit and inspection fees.

Third-party inspectors: Must be certified by the International Code Council (ICC).

3) Emergency and Effective Date

The act declares an emergency, with full force and effect beginning July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

State and local building code divisions and inspectors (including county and city inspectors).

Permit holders (builders, developers, homeowners) who request inspections.

Third-party inspectors (ICC-certified) who may be hired if timely inspections are not completed.

taxpayers and public agencies financeable by existing permit/inspection fee collections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: February 6, 2025.

Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Business (as of February 7, 2025).

Effective date: July 1, 2025 (emergency provision).

Funding: Fiscal note indicates no new state appropriations; costs absorbed from existing fee collections, with potential training/technology expenses for virtual inspections and possible liabilities from refunds or reimbursements.

Fiscal note highlights

Virtual inspections expected to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency; possible initial training/technology costs.

Reimbursement and refund provisions could create financial liabilities if delays or errors occur frequently, but incentives aim to improve timeliness.

No new appropriations; funding from existing permit/inspection fee revenues.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a focus on implementation considerations for local jurisdictions.

Bill