Need to pull a building permit in Idaho? Whether you're working in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, or a rural county, we’ll walk you through what construction activities require a permit, who issues them, how much they cost, and the steps to secure approval. Idaho’s permitting process is decentralized, so knowing how things vary by jurisdiction is essential to keep projects on track.
Who issues building permits in Idaho?
Permitting in Idaho is primarily handled at the city or county level, with some exceptions for statewide trades:
- Local building departments issue permits for structural and zoning compliance.
- The Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) issues electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufactured housing permits in unincorporated areas and certain cities that do not handle those trades locally.
Examples of issuing agencies include:
- City of Boise Planning & Development Services
- City of Meridian Building Department
- Kootenai County Community Development
- Ada County Development Services
- Idaho Division of Building Safety
Idaho building permit requirements
Permit requirements vary slightly by jurisdiction, but most submissions require:
- Completed permit application
- Site plans, floor plans, and elevations
- Construction drawings with structural details
- Energy compliance documentation (per 2018 IECC)
- Contractor registration and licenses
- Truss and engineered calculations for larger or complex projects
- Septic or well approval if not on municipal services
Some jurisdictions also require a zoning compliance check or architectural design review, particularly in historic districts or high-growth areas.
Idaho currently uses the 2018 versions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and other ICC codes — with local amendments allowed.
Idaho building permit costs
Permit fees in Idaho vary depending on project valuation, square footage, and scope.
Here are general cost examples:
In addition to the base permit fee, you may encounter:
- Plan review fees
- Impact or development fees
- Inspection fees
- Trade permit add-ons (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Always review the local fee schedule or request a pre-application estimate.
Unique considerations when permitting in Idaho
State vs. local trade permits
The DBS handles trade permits in many areas, especially rural counties. Contractors need to coordinate with both state and local offices when working outside city limits.
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones
Some areas near national forests or fire-prone regions require fire-resistant materials or defensible space plans.
Snow load and seismic design
Northern and mountainous regions (e.g., Bonner, Blaine, Teton Counties) may require stricter structural engineering for snow and earthquake loads.
Modular or manufactured buildings
These must comply with Idaho-specific installation requirements, and permits must often go through DBS even in incorporated areas.
Delays in high-growth areas
Fast-growing areas like Boise and Meridian may have longer review times, moratoriums, or phased development plans.
How to get a building permit in Idaho
The steps to get a building permit in Idaho typically include:
- Identify the jurisdiction
Confirm if your project is under city, county, or DBS authority.
- Check zoning and design overlays
Some cities require additional zoning or architectural review.
- Prepare construction plans
Include site plan, elevations, structural details, and energy code compliance.
- Apply online or in-person
Most major cities like Boise and Meridian offer online portals.
- Pay plan review fees
Some fees are due upon submission.
- Undergo plan review
Timelines vary from a few days (minor work) to several weeks (large projects).
- Receive permit approval
Once approved, print and post the permit at the job site.
- Schedule inspections
Inspections are required at major milestones (e.g., foundation, framing, utilities, final).
- Obtain certificate of occupancy (if applicable)
Required for all commercial and most new residential buildings.
