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1. How much snow can my roof hold?

Snow Loads and the Structural Integrity of your Roof?

 

As winter progresses and the snow piles up, we start to wonder, how much weight can my roof hold? When should I have the snow removed?  The following information is provided to assist individual property owners in making the decision on when or if snow should be removed from a structure. Structures built in Blaine County after 1977, with a building permit, have been designed to meet a site-specific Roof Snow Load. See the chart below for the design requirements by location.  

 

North Fork to Smiley Creek		150 pounds per square foot roof snow load
North of Ketchum to North Fork		125 pounds per square foot roof snow load
West of Ketchum to western end of platted Board's Lower Ranch		110 pounds per square foot roof snow load
West of western end of platted Lower Board Ranch		125 pounds per square foot roof snow load
East of Triumph		125 pounds per square foot roof snow load
North of Bellevue to south of Ketchum		100 pounds per square foot roof snow load
Picabo to south of Bellevue		65 pounds per square foot roof snow load
Carey Valley including south and east of Carey		50 pounds per square foot roof snow load

*Older manufactured homes should have snow removed regularly. *

 

As a point of reference, Ground Snow Load has been calculated using the current Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) at the Chocolate Gulch SNOTEL site (approx. 11 miles north of Ketchum).  Ground snow load is calculated by using the current SWE and multiplying it by 5.2 PSF. 

 

Current Ground Snow Load at Chocolate Gulch SNOTEL site:

DATE	SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT (SWE)	CURRENT ESTIMATED GROUND SNOW LOAD (LBS PER SQUARE FOOT)
Jan 30, 2023	10.8	56.16

This chart will be updated after each measurable snow or rain-on-snow event.

 

Keep in mind that the Roof Snow Load on your home is generally 0-30% less than the Ground Snow Load. If you are concerned with the structural stability of your roof you may want to consider consulting with a professional engineer. Blaine County does not make recommendations on when to remove snow from roofs.

As the winter snowpack increases and piles up on and around your home. Keep an eye on your gas meter, exhaust venting for mechanical equipment and gas fireplaces. These items need to be free of snow to ensure proper function. 

 

And last but not least, look up! Be aware of your surroundings. Snow sliding from roofs can pose a real risk to people and pets, as well as damage to vehicles and other property.  Pay attention to how the snow on your roof reacts to new snow, rain-on-snow and rapidly warming temperatures. These events are potential red flags that the stability of the snow on your roof could change.   

FEMA Snow Load Safety Guidance brochure. 

 

Feel free to call with any questions. Blaine County Building Services: 208-788-5573.

2. When do I need a building permit?

All projects are subject to a zoning review, even if a building permit is not required and if you are outside your building envelope. These projects include:

• Alterations or repairs
• Any interior remodel that would affect life safety issues
• Any new construction
• Demolition
• Manufactured homes placed in or out of a park
• Moved structures before the move takes place
• Out-buildings over 120 square feet in size
• Porch roof coverings
• Re-roofing
• Structural additions
  
  

Demolition Permits are required. Please contact Building Services to be certain a building permit is or is not required.

3. Do agricultural buildings require a building permit?

No and yes! No, they do not require a building permit, but do require a setback permit obtained through the building department if the agricultural building is located in an agricultural zoning district (A-20, A-40, R-10, and RR-40 in Blaine County) and they meet the definition contained in the Blaine County Building Code: "Agricultural Building": A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products.

This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public." Yes, agricultural buildings do require building permits when not located in the zoning districts listed.

4. How long does the permit process take?

From the time you drop off your completed permit application, the process time is usually four weeks during the heavy building season from March through October. It is a great idea to bring plans in during the slower months of December, January and February so that you can begin your project when you are ready in the spring. Remember, incomplete applications take longer.

Additional reviews of changed/incomplete plans can be charged a deferred submittal fee in addition to the regular permit fee. Getting incomplete plans in quickly will not expedite issuance of the permit.

5. Does my application have to go to the planning and zoning commission?

All applications are reviewed by the Land Use staff in-house prior to a structural review by Building staff. If a zoning application is required, then a hearing before the Commission or Hearing Examiner may be required. It is best to check with the Land Use Staff before you begin your building project so that any zoning questions can be addressed well in advance of your application for building permit.

6. When do I pay for my permit?

For projects over $200,000 valuation, a $1,500 non-refundable partial payment is required at the time the application is obtained to the Building Services Department. Payment of the balance of fees due and permit fees for all other projects is required at the time of issuance of the building permit. Payment shall be made prior to the commencement of construction.

• Cancellation: In the event of cancellation, a fee of 20% of the permit fees will be charged.
• Deposit for final inspection: Because the 2012 International Building Code requires final inspections and certificates of occupancy, a minimum deposit of $1,500 or 10% of the total of the permit fees whichever is greater and shall be made at the time of the building permit application is submitted. Deposits for final inspection shall be released to the depositor upon successful final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

7. How do I cancel a building permit?

In the event of cancellation, a fee of 20% of the permit fees will be charged.

8. What is a deposit for the final inspection?

 Because the 2012 International Building Code requires final inspections and certificates of occupancy, a minimum deposit of $1,500 or 10% of the total of the permit fees whichever is greater and shall be made at the time of the building permit application is submitted. Deposits for final inspection shall be released to the depositor upon successful final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

9. Can I get an estimate on the permit fee?

Please use the fee schedule (PDF). Be sure to include the local jurisdictional fees at the top. The Blaine County Building Code authorizes the Building Official to make the final valuation determination on all projects.