Senate approves House Bill 266 to allow live virtual reinspections and third‑party inspections for building permits

The Idaho Senate on March 20 passed House Bill 2‑66, a bill authorizing live virtual reinspections for building permits and allowing applicants to engage third‑party ICC‑certified inspectors when a jurisdiction fails to provide inspection services within required timeframes.

Sponsor Senator Galloway said the change codifies a best practice used in Idaho City and other communities: after an on‑site inspection identifies a correction, the applicant may correct the issue and then request a live virtual reinspection via videoconference instead of waiting for an in‑person reinspection. Galloway said the change will save travel time and reduce delays that increase housing costs.

The bill also permits an applicant to hire a third‑party ICC‑certified inspector if the jurisdiction does not perform the inspection in the statutory period and requires a refund or fee adjustment when jurisdictions fail to provide reasons for a failed inspection. The measure includes a process for refunds and a 10% fee refund in certain circumstances.

Proponents said the bill will reduce permit‑to‑build time and help maintain private sector momentum in construction; opponents expressed concerns about privatization of inspection work and competition with private inspectors. Sponsor testimony said the change aims to retain trained inspectors by improving compensation and reducing turnover.

The Senate approved the bill by roll call (34 in favor, 1 absent). House Bill 2‑66, as amended, passed the Senate and will be sent back to the House of Representatives.