Live · 80 cities
Idaho building permits
Adopted codes, fees, and permit requirements for every covered Idaho city — browse by county, sourced from official records.
CountyCities
- Ada County7 cities covered
- Canyon County8 cities covered
- Kootenai County8 cities covered
- Bonneville County3 cities covered
- Bannock County3 cities covered
- Twin Falls County4 cities covered
- Madison County2 cities covered
- Jerome County1 city covered
- Elmore County2 cities covered
- Bonner County2 cities covered
- Bingham County3 cities covered
- Nez Perce County2 cities covered
- Latah County2 cities covered
- Minidoka County3 cities covered
- Franklin County2 cities covered
- Cassia County2 cities covered
- Caribou County1 city covered
- Lemhi County1 city covered
- Oneida County1 city covered
- Jefferson County2 cities covered
- Shoshone County3 cities covered
- Idaho County1 city covered
- Boise County1 city covered
- Benewah County2 cities covered
- Blaine County2 cities covered
- Valley County4 cities covered
- Gem County2 cities covered
- Payette County2 cities covered
- Teton County2 cities covered
- Power County2 cities covered
Do I need a permit? — Idaho guides
- Window ReplacementUsually no — but yes if you change the size of the opening.
- FenceSometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
- DeckYes — unless it's a small ground-level platform under 200 sq ft.
- Water HeaterYes — even for a like-for-like replacement.
- Basement FinishYes — any framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit.
- Solar PanelsYes — both a building and electrical permit are required.
- Roof ReplacementYes — all roof replacements and re-roofing projects require a permit.
- Hot TubYes — at minimum an electrical permit for the 240V circuit.
- ShedUnder 200 sq ft and under 10 feet tall? Usually no. Bigger? Yes.
- Furnace ReplacementYes — even a like-for-like furnace swap requires a mechanical permit.
- EV ChargerLevel 2 (240V) chargers yes. Level 1 (120V plug-in) no.
- Patio Cover / PergolaSolid roof covers yes. Open-lattice pergolas may be exempt.
- Home BusinessYes — most cities require a home occupation permit.
- ADU / In-Law SuiteOften yes — many states now require cities to allow at least internal ADUs.
- Concrete / DrivewayOnly if it connects to the street, modifies drainage, or is a structural element.
Permit types across Idaho
View all →Compare a permit type’s fees across every Idaho city we cover.
Accessory Building Permit / Agricultural Siting PermitAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU / Casita) PermitAccessory Structure Permit (Shed / Detached Garage)Agricultural Building ExemptionAgricultural Building PermitAgricultural Building Site PermitAgricultural Building Siting PermitAgricultural Structure Permit (Zoning Certificate)Agricultural Structure Permit (Zoning Permit + Ag Certification)Alternative Energy System Permit (Solar/Renewable)Boundary Structure Permit (Fences and Retaining Walls)Building Permit ExtensionBuilding-Permit-Exempt Work (Residential and Commercial)Built-In Woodstove / Pellet Stove Mechanical PermitCertificate of Appropriateness (Historic Preservation)Combined Trade Permit (Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical)Commercial / Multi-Family Building PermitCommercial Building PermitCommercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish PermitConsolidated Building-Development Permit (New Construction, Additions, Alterations, Repairs, Moving, Demolition, Signs, Grading)Demolition & Structure Moving PermitDemolition PermitDuplex Conversion PermitElectrical PermitErosion and Sediment Control (ESC) PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitFence / Retaining Wall PermitFloodplain Development PermitGeneral Permits (Demolition / Retaining Wall / Mobile Home Block Set / Roof Repair / Fence)Grading / Excavation PermitHistoric District Certificate of AppropriatenessHome Daycare PermitHome Occupation PermitManufactured / Mobile Home PermitManufactured Home Building PermitManufactured/Mobile Home Placement PermitMechanical / HVAC PermitMinor Permit — Framing (Residential or Commercial)Minor Permit — Mechanical (Residential or Commercial)Multi-Family Residence / Commercial Building PermitNew Residence in City LimitsPlumbing PermitRe-Roof / Re-Siding PermitRe-Roof PermitRemodel, Addition, or Accessory Structure PermitResidential Addition / Remodel PermitResidential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Remodel / Repair PermitRight-of-Way Work PermitRoofing Permit (Reroof)Short Term Rental RegistrationSign PermitSiting Permit (Accessory Structures)Solar Photovoltaic (PV) PermitSwimming Pool / Spa PermitTemporary Occupancy PermitTemporary RV Permit (Temporary Living Quarters)Tenant Improvement Permit — Minor (518) and Major (520)Water Heater PermitZoning Placement Permit