So you’re looking at land in Idaho and trying to figure out the septic situation. Maybe you’re comparing properties in different counties. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth buying in a different health district to avoid headaches.
Let me save you some research time.
Idaho splits environmental health oversight between health districts, and two of them - Central District Health and Public Health Idaho North Central District - handle septic permits for 9 counties covering nearly half the state.
And they do things… differently.
After working with both districts for years, I can tell you exactly where those differences matter. Fee structures, timelines, training support, DIY policies, strictness level - it all varies depending which side of the invisible line your property falls on.
Here’s the honest comparison nobody else is gonna give you.
The Tale of Two Districts
Central District Health (CDH) - The Urban Juggernaut
Counties: Ada, Boise, Elmore, Valley Headquarters: 707 N. Armstrong Place, Boise, ID 83704 Phone: 208-327-7499 Email: EHApps@cdh.idaho.gov
The vibe: Big-city bureaucracy. Three office locations. County-specific forms. Strict enforcement. Higher fees. Zero tolerance for DIY shenanigans.
Geographic coverage:
- Ada County (Boise metro - the population center)
- Boise County (Idaho City, mountain communities)
- Elmore County (Mountain Home, high desert)
- Valley County (McCall, Cascade, tourist areas)
Public Health - Idaho North Central District - The Rural Pragmatist
Counties: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce Headquarters: 215 10th St, Lewiston, ID 83501 Phone: 208-799-3100
The vibe: Rural practicality. One central office. Homeowner DIY encouraged (with proper training). Extensive training materials available. More flexibility, less bureaucracy.
Geographic coverage:
- Nez Perce County (Lewiston-Clarkston valley)
- Latah County (Moscow, Palouse)
- Clearwater County (Orofino, river valleys)
- Idaho County (Grangeville, backcountry - Idaho’s largest county)
- Lewis County (Kamiah, Nezperce, rural)
Fee Comparison: Where Your Money Goes
Let’s start with what everyone cares about - what’s this gonna cost?
New Septic System Installation
- With test hole/site visit: $878
- Without test hole: $439
- Central/LSAS system: $1,505
Need Help Navigating District Requirements? Whether you’re in Central or North Central district, our team knows the regulations and can help with permitting, installation, and inspections. Get started →
North Central District:
- New system: $800
- Central/LSAS system: $1,000
Winner: North Central - saves you $78 on basic permits, $505 on large systems
But here’s the catch with Central District’s “without test hole” option - you only qualify if you’ve had a recent speculative evaluation. So realistically, you’re paying $878.
North Central’s $800 includes the site evaluation. That’s actually slightly cheaper once you factor in what you’re getting.
Repair/Replacement Systems
Central District Health:
- Repair with test hole: $878
- Repair without test hole: $439
- Tank only replacement: $439
North Central District:
- System replacement: $400
- System expansion: $400
- Tank replacement only: $300
Winner: North Central - saves $39-$478 depending on situation
Pre-Purchase Evaluations
Central District Health:
- Speculative site evaluation: $439
North Central District:
- Speculative site evaluation: $300
Winner: North Central - saves $139
And get this - North Central will credit that $300 against your permit if you get it within a year. Central District doesn’t offer that same discount consistently.
The Small Stuff That Adds Up
Central District Health:
- Accessory use review: $94
- Field visit for accessory use: $438
- Permit transfer: $94
- Vault privy: $439
North Central District:
- Vault privy/pit privy: $300
- Renewal of permit: $50
Winner: North Central across the board
Bottom Line on Fees
For a typical residential new installation:
- Central District: $878 base permit
- North Central: $800 base permit
Not a huge difference, right? But compound this across everything:
- Speculative evaluation: $139 less
- Large system: $505 less
- Replacement: $478 less
If you’re doing anything beyond the absolute most basic residential system, North Central will save you hundreds.
Processing Times & Office Accessibility
Central District Health
Offices:
- Ada/Boise County: 707 N. Armstrong Place, Boise - Phone: 208-327-7499
- Elmore County: 520 E. 8th Street N, Mountain Home - Phone: 208-587-6001
- Valley County: 703 1st St, McCall - Phone: 208-630-8002
Processing times:
- Spring rush (March-May): 2-4 weeks
- Summer/Fall: 1-2 weeks
- Winter: 1 week
The reality: Multiple offices mean you can walk in locally. Ada County office is slammed year-round because it covers Boise metro. Mountain Home and McCall offices are faster but limited hours.
North Central District
Office:
- All counties: 215 10th St, Lewiston - Phone: 208-799-3100
Processing times:
- Year-round: 1-2 weeks typically
- Very rural sites: May require travel time for inspection
The reality: Single office means everyone deals with Lewiston. If you’re in Moscow, that’s doable. If you’re in remote Idaho County backcountry, the inspector has a long drive.
Winner: Tie - Central District wins on local office convenience, North Central wins on consistent faster processing
DIY Installation Policies - The Big Difference
This is where the districts diverge dramatically.
Central District Health: Professional Installation Required
CDH requires licensed installers for basically everything. Period.
You want to DIY? Become a licensed installer:
- Basic installer license: $50
- Complex installer license: $100
- Required bond: $5,000-$10,000
- Education requirements: Formal training and exam
They’re not trying to help homeowners save money. They want professional installations, liability coverage, and accountability.
DIY Friendliness Rating: 2/10 - Technically possible but impractical for one-off projects
North Central District: DIY Encouraged (With Training)
North Central actively supports homeowner DIY installation. They’ve created extensive training materials specifically for this:
Available resources:
- Basic Installer Training Manual: 98 pages of detailed guidance
- Complex Installer Training: 63 pages for advanced systems
- Homeowner Installation Guide: Step-by-step for DIY
- DEQ Technical Guidance Manual: 350+ pages reference
Licensing for DIY:
- Basic installer license: $50
- Exam: Administered through DEQ
- No bond required for owner-occupied single-family
They’ll work with you. They want proper installations, but they recognize rural property owners doing their own work.
DIY Friendliness Rating: 8/10 - Genuinely supportive of competent homeowners
Winner: North Central by a landslide if you’re DIY-minded
Training & Educational Support
Central District Health
What they provide:
- Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems (consumer-focused)
- Technical brochures
- Separation distance standards
- Installer education and exam information
What they don’t provide:
- Detailed installation training
- DIY guidance
- Technical design assistance
Training philosophy: “Hire a professional who already knows this stuff.”
North Central District
What they provide:
- Basic Installer Training Manual (13 MB, comprehensive)
- Complex Installer Training (10 MB, advanced systems)
- DEQ Technical Guidance Manual (15 MB, 350+ pages)
- Homeowner DIY installation manual
- Current installer and pumper lists
- Extensive technical resources
Training philosophy: “Learn it right, do it right, we’ll help you get there.”
Winner: North Central - they actually want you to understand this stuff
Regulatory Strictness & Enforcement
Central District Health - By the Book
Characteristics:
- Strict setback enforcement
- County-specific requirements
- Formal variance process (expect 60+ days)
- New lawful presence requirement (as of July 2025)
- Limited flexibility on alternatives
When you’ll appreciate this:
- Buying near existing development (standards are consistent)
- Concerned about neighbor compliance
- Want predictable outcomes
When it’ll frustrate you:
- Unique property situations
- Tight timelines
- Trying to maximize small lots
North Central District - Practical Application
Characteristics:
- Standards applied with consideration for rural realities
- More open to alternative systems
- Variance process less formal (but still rigorous)
- Emphasis on outcomes over process
- Recognition that Idaho County isn’t Ada County
When you’ll appreciate this:
- Remote or challenging properties
- Need creative solutions
- Experienced with septic systems
When it might concern you:
- Want maximum enforcement on neighbors
- Prefer rigid standards
- Worried about inconsistent application
Winner: Depends on your situation - Urban/suburban = Central’s strictness protects you. Rural/challenging = North Central’s flexibility helps you.
Installer & Pumper Availability
Central District Health Counties
Ada County:
- 50+ licensed installers
- Highly competitive pricing
- Easy to get quotes
- Typical costs: $10,000-$15,000 for standard systems
Boise County:
- 10-15 installers serving area
- Mountain access challenges
- Higher costs: $12,000-$18,000
Elmore County:
- 8-12 installers
- Limited competition
- Costs: $11,000-$16,000
Valley County:
- 10-15 installers
- Tourist area pricing
- Highest costs: $15,000-$22,000
North Central District Counties
Nez Perce County:
- 20+ installers (district headquarters)
- Competitive pricing
- Costs: $7,000-$10,000
Latah County:
- 15-20 installers (Moscow university town)
- Good availability
- Costs: $8,000-$12,000
Idaho County:
- 5-10 installers for huge county
- Travel costs significant
- Costs: $10,000-$15,000
Clearwater & Lewis Counties:
- 5-8 installers each
- Limited competition
- Costs: $9,000-$13,000
Winner: Central District for installer availability (especially Ada County), North Central for lower installation costs
Lawful Presence Requirements
As of July 1, 2025, this became a differentiator:
Central District Health
Required: Yes, strictly enforced
You must provide:
- Idaho driver’s license, OR
- Valid U.S. passport, OR
- Military ID, OR
- Various immigration documents
Plus signed attestation form.
Exemptions: Business entities with federal EIN
North Central District
Status: Unclear - Idaho Code applies statewide, but implementation varies by district
Best bet: Call ahead (208-799-3100) and ask specifically about lawful presence requirements.
Winner: TBD - but Central District definitely requires it
Real Property Scenarios - Which District Would I Choose?
Let me give you practical examples:
Scenario 1: Building Dream Home Near Boise
Location: Ada County (Central District)
Why Central makes sense:
- Access to tons of installers
- Strict enforcement protects property values
- Local office in Boise
- Fast approval timelines
- Professional installation required anyway
Downside: Higher fees, more bureaucracy, lawful presence requirement
Verdict: Central District is fine here - you’re paying for urban convenience
Scenario 2: Remote Homestead Build
Location: Idaho County backcountry
Why North Central makes sense:
- DIY installation allowed
- Lower fees
- Training materials available
- Flexibility for challenging sites
- Rural-focused policies
Downside: Inspector has to drive from Lewiston (adds timeline)
Verdict: North Central all the way - the DIY option alone saves $8,000+
Scenario 3: Investment Property/Rental
Location: Either district, standard lot
Central District advantages:
- Predictable process
- Standard enforcement
- Tenant education materials
North Central advantages:
- Lower permit costs
- Faster processing
- Less bureaucracy
Verdict: Slight edge to Central for rental properties - you want strict enforcement on septic issues
Scenario 4: Challenging Site with Variances Needed
Location: Either district, tight setbacks
Central District approach:
- Formal variance process (60-90 days)
- Committee review
- Public hearings
- Expensive but thorough
North Central approach:
- More flexible standard interpretation
- Variance still possible but less formal
- Faster resolution
Verdict: North Central - better odds of creative solutions
Scenario 5: Buying Land Pre-Construction
Location: Comparing properties in both districts
If I were shopping, I’d choose: North Central if:
- Planning DIY installation
- Want lower permit costs
- Okay with single office in Lewiston
- Property is rural/challenging
Central District if:
- Want professional installation anyway
- Property in Boise metro
- Value local office access
- Prefer strict enforcement
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Central District Health
Advantages you won’t see advertised:
- Online application submission (email to EHApps@cdh.idaho.gov)
- County-specific forms reduce confusion
- Multiple offices = local service
- High development volume = staff expertise
- Strict standards = good for property values
Disadvantages they won’t mention:
- Lawful presence requirement adds paperwork
- DIY essentially prohibited
- Higher fees across the board
- Spring rush creates delays
- Ada County wait times can be frustrating
North Central District
Advantages you won’t see advertised:
- Actually want you to succeed with DIY
- Training materials are genuinely excellent
- Rural property understanding
- Less political pressure on decisions
- Consistent timeline year-round
Disadvantages they won’t mention:
- Single office = everything goes through Lewiston
- Remote sites mean inspector travel time
- Fewer developed properties = less precedent
- If you need hand-holding, less infrastructure for that
- Smaller staff = less coverage for questions
The Money Comparison - Real Total Project Costs
Let’s look at actual all-in costs for the same project in each district:
Standard 3-Bedroom Home, Good Site
Central District Health (Ada County):
- Permit with test hole: $878
- Soil testing: $500
- Professional installation: $12,000
- Total: $13,378
North Central District (Latah County):
- Permit: $800
- Soil testing: $500
- Professional installation: $9,000
- Total: $10,300
Savings in North Central: $3,078
Same Project, DIY Installation
Central District Health:
- Not practical for one-off homeowner project
- Licensing, bonding, insurance = $2,000+
- Still need equipment rental, materials
- Effective total: $8,000-$10,000 + huge hassle
North Central District:
- Permit: $800
- Basic installer license: $50
- Training/exam: $100
- Materials: $3,500
- Equipment rental: $800
- Total: $5,250
Savings with North Central DIY: $4,750-$8,128
Complex Site with Variance
Central District Health:
- Permit: $878
- Variance process: $2,000-$4,000
- Engineered system: $2,500
- Installation: $15,000
- Total: $20,378-$22,378
North Central District:
- Permit: $800
- Variance/alternative approval: $1,000-$2,000
- Engineered system: $2,000
- Installation: $12,000
- Total: $15,800-$16,800
Savings in North Central: $4,578-$5,578
If I Were Buying Land in Idaho Today
This is purely my opinion, but you asked:
I’d Choose Central District If:
- Property in Boise metro (Ada County specifically)
- Planning professional installation anyway
- Want local office accessibility
- Standard residential build
- Appreciate strict enforcement
- Not concerned about higher costs
I’d Choose North Central If:
- Rural property anywhere
- Considering DIY installation
- Budget-conscious
- Appreciate training/education resources
- Want flexibility for creative solutions
- Okay with Lewiston being the central hub
The Honest Answer
If I’m building in or near Boise? Central District is fine. The extra fees aren’t that significant in context of Boise property values.
If I’m building anywhere rural, remote, or on a challenging site? North Central all day. The DIY option, lower fees, flexibility, and training support make it a no-brainer.
The $500-$5,000 you save on permit fees and installation costs? That’s real money. That’s a well pump. That’s solar panels. That’s a year of property taxes.
How to Research Before You Buy
If you’re shopping for land, here’s what to do:
Before Making an Offer
-
Identify the health district
- Look up county
- Confirm which district has jurisdiction
- Get phone number
-
Call and ask specific questions:
- “What’s your permit fee for new residential?”
- “What’s your typical processing timeline?”
- “Do you allow homeowner DIY installation?”
- “What are your setback requirements?”
- “Any recent regulation changes?”
-
Get a speculative site evaluation
- Central District: $439
- North Central: $300
- Best $300-$439 you’ll spend
- Can save you from buying unbuildable land
-
Talk to local installers
- Get rough cost estimates
- Ask about health district to work with
- Understand availability
-
Factor into purchase decision
- Ada County land + $13,000 septic
- Latah County land + $10,000 septic
- Idaho County land + $5,000 DIY septic
That’s real money affecting your offer price.
The Bottom Line
Both districts do their jobs. Both issue permits for safe septic systems. Both follow Idaho Code.
But they do it differently:
Central District Health is urban-focused, stricter, more expensive, professionally oriented, and bureaucratic.
North Central District is rural-focused, flexible, cheaper, DIY-friendly, and pragmatic.
Neither is “better” universally. It depends what you’re building, where, and how.
But if you gave me a choice between identical properties, one in Ada County and one in Latah County, and money mattered?
I’m buying in Latah County. The $5,000 I save on septic plus the option to DIY future repairs? That’s worth dealing with Lewiston being 30 miles away instead of having an office in town.
Your priorities might differ. And that’s fine.
Just know what you’re getting into. The invisible line between health districts? It matters more than you’d think.
Note: Information current as of November 2025 based on published fee schedules and regulations. Both districts may have updated policies. Always verify current requirements and fees directly with the health district for your property. Fee and timeline experiences may vary by specific location and project complexity.
Need Professional Help?
Our expert team is ready to help with all your septic needs in the Treasure Valley.