Odd Idaho info I can't find (Idaho Falls, Kootenai: apartments, buyer, contractors)

[jinxed5149]

Sounds silly, but I'd like to know a couple of things that I've been unable to find (after months of lurking).

Do the road depts. use salt or sand on icy roads? We will be moving (eventually) and I have a daily driver classic car that I'd rather not be exposed to salt and water.

How strict are the building codes overall? California, even the northern counties, are super restrictive along the lines of building more than one residence on a piece of property less than 5 acres. Yes, yes, California has lots of laws, lots of restrictions and red tape. I know. Shocker. Do any of you have experience, good or bad, with the local building departments?

Thanks for your answers! I love reading this forum. I've learned so much about your state and it has only solidified our decision to move. When? Where? We don't know yet. We will be taking a week long trip next year to TRY and narrow that down. I'm not the typical Californian to move up. I come from one of the poorer counties of CA and know about the lower wages/cost of living, so I'll be coming up with eyes wide open.

[mistyriver]

I only ever see sand on the roads here. They do use chemical de-icer but I don't know if that has salt in it or not.

[cleosmom]

Here in Bonneville County both the City of Idaho Falls and The State transportation use a brine. The actual county uses sand.

That said, I would check with each county and city or do like most and put your classic to bed for the Winter months.

[banjomike]

The building codes differ from county to county, and exemptions are more liberal in some counties than others. You would need to check first with the particular county to be sure of what is allowed or not.

[Sage of Sagle]

In many ways our county is very lax in building code, with few inspections and the potential for a lot of corner cutting by shady contractors. So buyer beware. But the county is pretty tight on structures. If you want more than one dwelling per 5 acres, it has to be a mother-in-law suite, which I seem to recall is limited to 750 or 1000sf and can't have a full cooking oven/range or some rule like that.

[elkotronics]

jinxed5149 - what classic-car daily driver do you have, might I ask? I'm a classic car fan, is all.

[javatom]

Kootenai County is currently using the 2009 IRC code book. Seismic zone C, 90 mph wind, 50 lb snow load, 24" min footing depth. It is strictly enforced. Planning and zoning determine setback and structure limitations and they vary depending on where the lot is located and the zoning classification.

[LionFamily]

In Bonner County, they do use salt on the roads. If you're coming here, you may want to garage the classic car for the winter!

[jinxed5149]

Originally Posted by elkotronics

jinxed5149 - what classic-car daily driver do you have, might I ask? I'm a classic car fan, is all.

'63 Bug that I rebuilt myself. Some people may crinkle their nose, but she's all original, down to the dealer's emblem from Germany and matching engine numbers. I had to replace the interior, but she's fun to drive!

Thanks for the input, all. I'm completely looking forward to the visit, even if it is a year away!

Javatom: 90 mph winds? Holy mackeral.

So, in my reading, I'm seeing a trend of nothing less than 5 acres for 2 dwellings, other than duplexes, apartments, etc. Good to know!

[elkotronics]

'63 Bug that I rebuilt myself. Some people may crinkle their nose, but she's all original, down to the dealer's emblem from Germany and matching engine numbers. I had to replace the interior, but she's fun to drive!

jinxed5139 - wow, you hit the nail on the head with your '63 VW Bug! Something hit me about a month or two ago and I've been obsessed with getting a '60-'69 VW Bug with stick shift since then. I'm looking at one in Nevada (a 1964 Bug with a 4-speed tranny selling for $4,000) and another in a burb of Phoenix that is also a 4-speed stick selling for $3,500. I keep waiting for the desire to just fade away but it isn't! Man, what a coincidence. I've got a late model Mitsubishi Lancer GTS for a daily driver.