Land Clearing in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County

Clearing removes brush, trees and stumps so ground can be built on or used. In Kootenai County, settle whether stumps and root balls are included, where the debris goes, and whether the price is per acre, per hour or per job.

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What clearing involves

Clearing is the first step on many Kootenai County lots. It takes out the brush, trees and stumps that stand between a lot and the pad, driveway, foundation or trench that comes next. It can be limited to a building footprint or cover a whole parcel.

How the material is handled matters as much as removing it. Logs, brush and stumps can be piled, hauled or left, and root balls can be removed or ground. Each choice changes both the job and the price, which is why the scope should say exactly what is included.

When people need clearing

A lot is wooded or overgrown and a building site is needed.
A driveway or access route has to be opened.
A pad, shop or garage location has to be cleared first.
A utility trench route has to be opened.
Stumps and root balls have to come out before grading starts.
Land is being prepared for the stages of a dig that follow.

What clearing usually looks like

Plan. The area to be cleared is defined, along with the trees to keep.
Locate. If stumps or roots will be dug out, 811 notice comes first.
Remove. Trees and brush are cut within the marked area.
Stumps. Stumps and root balls are removed or handled as the scope says.
Debris. Logs, brush and stumps go where the scope says they go.
Finish. The ground is left ready for the next stage, such as a pad or driveway.

How to prepare

Settle these points before clearing begins:

Mark the edges of the area and the trees that stay.
Know where your property lines are.
Settle whether stumps and root balls are included.
Decide where debris will go.
Ask the county or your city whether a permit is needed.
Find out who is requesting 811 and get the ticket number.
Get the price, and the unit it is based on, in writing.

What affects the cost

Excavation is commonly priced by the hour for operator and machine, or as a set price for a defined scope. Clearing is priced per acre, per hour or per job, so confirm which.

Pricing basis. Per acre, per hour or per job.
Density. Thick brush and large trees take more time.
Stumps and root balls. Whether they are included.
Debris. Hauling or disposal adds cost.
Terrain. Slopes and wet ground slow machines.
Permits. Who pays for any permit the work needs.

Choosing how much to clear

A lot can be cleared only where the house, driveway and trenches will go, or across the whole parcel, and the cost follows the area. Decide which trees stay, mark them before work starts, and put the cleared area in the written scope. A clear boundary keeps the price tied to a defined area rather than an open-ended one.

Local rules and sources

Permits. Kootenai County says permits are required before site disturbance such as grading, excavating and storm drainage or run-off control, and building permits cover structures. Inside a city, start with the city's building or planning office. Outside city limits, start with Kootenai County's Building Division (208-446-1040).

811. Under Idaho Code 55-2205, the excavator marks the dig area in white paint and gives notice two to ten business days before digging. Once utilities mark their lines, the excavator is responsible for keeping the markings visible, and they stay valid for no more than four consecutive weeks. If digging hasn't started within three weeks of the notice, notice must be given again. Wait until every utility on the ticket has responded before you dig. This applies when stumps or roots are dug out.

Dig Safe North Idaho 811 serves Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties (800-428-4950). 811 may route a call from near a county line to a different center; the direct line for Kootenai County is 800-428-4950.

Registration. Idaho requires contractors to register with the Idaho Contractors Board at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho law counts excavating as construction (Idaho Code 54-5203). Some work is exempt, such as a single small project priced under $2,000 that is not part of a larger job (54-5205). Check the company on DOPL's public search before you agree to anything.

Reasons to trust this page

Most rules on this page name their public source, such as an Idaho statute or a county office.
Cost factors are explained in plain terms, and this site does not quote prices.
The email address is shown at the top of every page, and the Privacy page says what a quote request collects.

Common questions

What does land clearing include?

Land clearing removes brush, trees and stumps so ground can be built on or used. Whether stumps and root balls are included, and where the debris goes, are the points that most change a job. Settle both in writing, along with whether a permit is needed, before work starts.

Are stumps included in a clearing price?

Not always. Some clearing prices cover trees and brush only, and stump and root ball removal is a separate item. Ask whether stumps and root balls are included and get the answer in writing, so prices from different companies cover the same work.

How is clearing priced?

Clearing is priced per acre, per hour or per job. Excavation in general is commonly priced by the hour for operator and machine, or as a set price for a defined scope. Confirm the basis in writing, and ask what the price includes, such as hauling debris.

Do I need a permit to clear land in Kootenai County?

Kootenai County says permits are required before site disturbance such as grading, excavating and storm drainage. Inside a city, start with the city's building or planning office. Outside city limits, start with the county's Building Division at 208-446-1040, and settle who handles any permit.

Who calls 811 when stumps are dug out?

In Idaho the excavator gives notice two to ten business days before digging, after marking the dig area in white paint. Settle who is requesting 811 before work begins, get the ticket number, and wait until every utility on the ticket has responded.

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