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.

This bill modernizes Idaho’s building inspection process by authorizing virtual inspections, improving efficiency in permitting and compliance. It allows state and local government inspectors to conduct virtual inspections using electronic or visual aids, reducing delays while maintaining safety standards. However, virtual inspections are restricted for structural assessments of buildings three stories or higher to ensure structural integrity. Additionally, the bill establishes inspection timeliness requirements. If an inspection request is not completed within 15 business days, the permit holder may hire a third-party inspector, with costs reimbursed by the responsible government entity. It also provides a fee refund mechanism, ensuring that if an inspection fails but no reason is provided within three days, the permit holder receives a 10% refund of applicable fees. These provisions promote accountability, efficiency, and fairness in Idaho’s building inspection system.