Building in Teton Valley doesn’t have to hit a standstill while you wait weeks for full permit approval. In Victor, Driggs, Alta, or surrounding areas, you can begin site prep and digging as soon as you have your Grading & Erosion Control (GEC) permit — not the entire building permit. That’s the smart, proactive move that keeps your project on schedule and your subcontractors moving.

What Is the GEC Permit — and Why It Matters

Teton County requires a Grading & Erosion Control Permit before any earth-moving activity — whether it’s for driveways, foundations, or utility trenches. The GEC ensures proper erosion protection and drainage planning before digging begins (Teton County+8Teton County+8Revize+8Revize+1).

You don’t need to wait for the full building permit if the grading plan is approved — you can legally ‘break ground’ early with GEC in hand and start work while the rest of your documents are being processed.

Why Shawn Says This Works (If Done Right)

The county can be slow, waiting weeks or even months after you submit your complete application. But if you already have the GEC approved, you can:

  • Begin foundational or site-prep work right away.

  • Keep your subs from idle days or schedule bookouts.

  • Avoid downstream delays when full permit finally comes through.

Just don’t make it a wreck—be smart about it and talk to the County. Ask them where your file is at, follow up with office visits, and make it easy on them and yourself.

What’s Required for Your GEC Permit

Here’s what you need to submit for a GEC approval in Teton County, ID:

  • A registered engineer or landscape architect–prepared grading plan, including existing & proposed contours, stockpile locations, cut/fill limits, and erosion control methods (Barn Pros+15Revize+15Revize+15).

  • An approved drainage narrative, showing how runoff is handled.

  • Erosion control measures in place during grading, like silt fencing or straw berms (Revize).

  • If you’re in a scenic corridor, like on Hwy 33 or Ski Hill Road, there’s an extra design review step—plan accordingly (Teton County+1).

  • Fee: it’s about $150 for the GEC permit.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started with GEC

  1. Work with your engineer to finalize grading/drainage docs.

  2. Submit the application for your GEC permit.

  3. While waiting, check in with County staff to see where your review stands.

  4. Once approved, begin mobilization, footing excavation, and site prep — but still act respectfully to county requirements.

  5. Once your full permit comes through, you’re already ahead—and your subs can stay on schedule.

Why ParkFab Recommends This Approach

As an experienced excavator, I’ve seen builds stalled by waiting on full permits. Building in Teton Valley has its own rhythm — and patience is a virtue, but action is better.

I help first-time and owner-builders navigate the county’s process, keep their subs working, and save time—and often dollars—because of early site prep. I don’t just dig your site, I help you start the right way.

Ready to break ground faster? Call Shawn at ParkFab at 208-360-2411 or email shawn@parkfab.com to get your grading and erosion control plan reviewed and approved ASAP — whether you’re building in Victor, Driggs, Alta, or anywhere around Teton Valley.