BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — The Bonners Ferry City Council has unanimously approved the hiring of a new building official to oversee plan reviews and inspections for construction projects, a move aimed at improving efficiency and customer service.
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City officials said the new position will help streamline the permitting process by bringing services in-house rather than relying on the state for reviews. The building official is expected to work between 24 and 40 hours per week and may also assist with additional responsibilities such as site plan evaluations.
Currently, the city relies on the Idaho Division of Professional Licensing to review building permits. Under the new approach, Bonners Ferry will handle these responsibilities internally, allowing permit-related fees to remain within the city.
City engineer Mike Klaus outlined the proposal in a memo to council members, requesting authorization to advertise the position and proceed with hiring.
“I am requesting that the Council allow staff to advertise for the position and authorize the mayor to hire an individual when the person is selected, for $30 to $32 per hour,” Klaus said.
Officials say retaining permit fees locally will help fund the position while also providing faster turnaround times for builders and developers.
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Local builders voiced support for the decision during the council meeting, citing delays under the current system. One builder noted that resolving permit issues through the state agency could take months, compared to weeks if handled locally.
The same builder described the process as overly bureaucratic, comparing it to dealing with the Internal Revenue Service.
City leaders emphasized that the change is intended to provide better service to residents and construction professionals alike.
“We want to provide a better service to the community,” Klaus said.
The addition of a dedicated building official reflects a broader trend among smaller municipalities seeking to improve permitting efficiency and better manage growth as construction activity increases.
Originally reported by Noah Harris | Bonner County Daily Bee in KREM.
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