This is PermitBase’s published record for Boise as of 2026-08-02. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Boise building permits
VerifiedBoise, Idaho — as published 2026-08-02.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC) — with Appendices H (Signs) and J (Grading); Mass Timber provisions only of the 2021 IBC2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2018 International Residential Code (IRC), Parts I–IV and IX — with Appendices Q (Tiny Houses) and S (Strawbale Construction)2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, including Chapter 13 – Medical Gas)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — effective April 26, 20242018 International Fire Code (IFC) — with Appendices B, C, D, F and L; 2019 NFPA 13; 2019 NFPA 722018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — commercial and residential projects with 3+ units2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — commercial and residential projects with 3+ units2018 IRC Parts V and VI — single- and two-family residential mechanical and fuel gas
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for all new single-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses in Boise. Covers structural construction, framing, envelope, and all associated systems.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- All new residential construction requires a building permit and plan review approval
- Submit online at permits.cityofboise.org or in person at 150 N Capitol Blvd
- Plans must meet 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC requirements
- ePlanReview required for digital plan submission
Required documents
- RequiredCompleted Permit Application (Form 402/404)Official Boise PDS building permit application form available at permits.cityofboise.org or as a downloadable PDF
- RequiredNew Residential Submittal ChecklistJuly 2024 checklist of all required plan set elements; must accompany the application
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsComplete plans including site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and structural details drawn to scale
- RequiredEnergy Code Compliance FormBoise-specific energy code compliance documentation (form dated July 2023) demonstrating compliance with the 2018 IECC
- OptionalContractor Registration Declaration FormRequired when a licensed contractor (not the homeowner) is performing the work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $1 to $2,000 | $26.37 for the first $500, plus $2.95 per each additional $100 or fraction thereof | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-A (Oct 2021, confirmed identical in Oct 2023) |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $70.76 for the first $2,000, plus $12.71 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $362.80 for the first $25,000, plus $9.30 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $595.30 for the first $50,000, plus $6.35 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,001 and up | $913.09 for the first $100,000, plus $5.17 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Residential Plan Review (1- and 2-family dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures) | 20% of the building permit fee | Per Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 9 |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 per occurrence | — |
Residential Addition / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, structural alterations, remodels, basement finishes, decks over 12 inches above grade, retaining walls over 4 feet, and other residential alterations in Boise.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Room additions and structural modifications
- Decks more than 12 inches above grade
- Retaining walls more than 4 feet in height (or a 2-foot retaining wall with a slope/surcharge, which also requires engineering)
- Basement finishes involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
- Detached accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet
- Fences exceeding 7 feet in height
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (Form 406)Boise PDS residential additions/alterations application; available online at permits.cityofboise.org
- RequiredSubmittal ChecklistRequired checklist for the specific alteration type; available on the 406 permit page
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlans showing scope of work, dimensions, structural details, and connection to existing structure
- OptionalEnergy Code Compliance FormRequired for additions that increase conditioned floor area
- OptionalContractor Registration Declaration FormRequired when a licensed contractor performs the work
- OptionalResidential Photovoltaic Systems ChecklistRequired for any solar panel installation under the 406 permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1-A | Same valuation table as new construction: $26.37 + $2.95/$100 (up to $2,000); $70.76 + $12.71/$1,000 ($2,001–$25,000); $362.80 + $9.30/$1,000 ($25,001–$50,000); etc. | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-A |
| Residential Plan Review | 20% of the building permit fee | Per Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 9 |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 per occurrence | — |
Residential Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical work in existing single-family dwellings and duplexes in Boise, including panel upgrades, new circuits, wiring for additions, and service changes. All work must comply with the 2023 NEC (effective April 26, 2024).
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Installation, change, or repair of any hard-wired electrical system
- Panel upgrades and service entrance changes
- New circuits or rewiring for additions and alterations
- Generator and solar panel electrical connections
- Electric vehicle charger (EVSE) outlet installation
- Homeowner may self-permit electrical work on their own primary or secondary residence per Idaho statute (no contractor license required for homeowner work)
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationAvailable online at permits.cityofboise.org (Residential Electrical – 424) or as a downloadable PDF
- OptionalHomeowner Electrical Permit GuideRequired reading for homeowners pulling their own permit; April 2026 version available from the 424 permit page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New SFD / Duplex electrical — up to 2,500 sq ft | $135 per dwelling unit | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-a (Apr 2019) |
| New SFD / Duplex electrical — 2,501 to 3,500 sq ft | $155 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex electrical — 3,501 to 4,500 sq ft | $175 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex electrical — 4,501 sq ft or more | $210 per dwelling unit, plus $65 per each additional 1,000 sq ft over 4,501 sq ft | — |
| Single fixture / appliance installation (existing residence) — base fee + fixture fee | $14.00 base + $55 per fixture | Applies to: EV outlets, electric water heaters, electric fireplaces, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, porch lights, single outlets, A/C condensers, hot tubs, etc. — Table 2-b |
| Service equipment / panel change — up to 200 amp | $55 | Table 5-a — new service entrance equipment or panel change/subpanel |
| Service equipment / panel change — over 200 amp | $65 | Table 5-a |
| Multiple fixtures / addition, alteration, or repair | $110 flat fee | More than one fixture installed under one permit — Table 3-a |
| Solar panel installation (electrical, existing residence) | $110 (up to two inspections) | Table 3-a — separate from the building/structural solar permit fee |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
EV Charger / EVSE Installation Permit
VerifiedBoise's Residential Electrical Permit fee schedule explicitly lists 'EV outlets' as a covered fixture type under its Single Fixture / Appliance Installation fee table (Table 2-b), giving Boise a real, named, distinct EV charger fee — unlike most jurisdictions, which bill EV chargers only implicitly under a general electrical circuit category. Governed by the 2023 NEC (effective April 26, 2024).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit (424 – Residential Electrical) required for installation of an EV charger/EVSE outlet in an existing single-family dwelling or duplex
- Governed by the 2023 NEC, effective in Boise since April 26, 2024
- Homeowners may self-permit EV charger electrical work on their own primary or secondary residence per Idaho statute (no contractor license required); a mandatory Preliminary Conference inspection applies to homeowner-pulled permits
- If the installation also requires a service/panel upgrade, the separate Service Equipment/Panel Change fee tier applies in addition to the fixture fee
- For NEW single-family/duplex construction, EV charger wiring is typically included within the whole-house New SFD/Duplex electrical permit rather than billed as a separate fixture
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationAvailable online at permits.cityofboise.org (Residential Electrical – 424) or as a downloadable PDF
- OptionalHomeowner Electrical Permit GuideRequired reading for homeowners pulling their own permit; April 2026 version available from the 424 permit page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single fixture / appliance installation (existing residence) — EV outlet | $14.00 base + $55 per fixture | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 2-b (Apr 2019) — 'EV outlets' is explicitly named alongside electric water heaters, electric fireplaces, and other single-fixture installs as a covered category |
| Multiple fixtures / addition, alteration, or repair (if EV charger install includes other electrical work under one permit) | $110 flat fee | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 3-a |
| Service equipment / panel change — up to 200 amp (if panel upgrade also needed) | $55 | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 5-a |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule |
Residential Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Boise, including water heater replacements, fixture additions, re-piping, and sewer/water service line work. Governed by the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (based on the 2015 UPC).
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Repair, replace, relocate, or add to the plumbing system
- Water heater installation or replacement
- New fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs)
- Water or waste re-piping
- Sewer or water service line replacement
- Homeowner may self-permit plumbing work on their own primary or secondary residence per Idaho statute
- Note: Boilers, gas piping, hydronic heating, and solar thermal water heating require a Mechanical Permit, not a Plumbing Permit
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (Form 420-540)Boise PDS plumbing permit application; available online at permits.cityofboise.org or as downloadable PDF
- OptionalWater Heater Installation GuideBoise-specific water heater guide (updated June 2025) available from the 420 permit page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New SFD / Duplex plumbing — up to 1,500 sq ft | $130 per dwelling unit | Boise Plumbing Code Fee Schedule, Table B(1) (Oct 2021) |
| New SFD / Duplex plumbing — 1,501 to 2,500 sq ft | $180 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex plumbing — 2,501 to 3,500 sq ft | $250 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex plumbing — 3,501 to 4,500 sq ft | $290 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex plumbing — 4,501 sq ft or more | $325 per unit, plus $65 per each additional 1,000 sq ft over 4,501 sq ft | — |
| Single fixture installation (existing residence) — water heater, toilet, sink, bathtub, shower, backflow preventer, etc. | $55 | Table B(3) — miscellaneous residential plumbing, single fixture |
| Water or waste re-piping (interior) | $80 | Table B(3) |
| Re-plumbing entire house or unit | $110 | Table B(3) |
| Sewer or water service line replacement (single line) | $55 | Table B(3) |
| Base fee for residential addition/alteration with multiple fixtures | $32 base, plus $12 per fixture | Table B(2) — applies to alterations with multiple fixtures; $12 each for water heaters, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, etc. |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel gas, and related mechanical installations in Boise single-family dwellings and duplexes. Covers furnaces, A/C, heat pumps, ductwork, gas fireplaces, gas piping, dryer vents, range hoods, and bath exhaust fans.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system
- Furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or boiler installation or replacement
- Ductwork installation or major modification
- Gas piping installation or pressure testing
- Wood stoves, pellet stoves, gas fireplaces installation
- Gas piping and fuel oil tank installation or modification
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationBoise PDS mechanical permit application (MEC-PDS Application Building.pdf); available online at permits.cityofboise.org or as a PDF
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New SFD / Duplex mechanical — up to 1,500 sq ft | $130 per dwelling unit | Boise Mechanical Code and Fuel Gas Code Fee Schedule, Table B(1) (Oct 2021) |
| New SFD / Duplex mechanical — 1,501 to 2,500 sq ft | $180 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex mechanical — 2,501 to 3,500 sq ft | $250 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex mechanical — 3,501 to 4,500 sq ft | $290 per dwelling unit | — |
| New SFD / Duplex mechanical — 4,501 sq ft or more | $325 per dwelling unit, plus $65 per each additional 1,000 sq ft over 4,501 sq ft | — |
| Single mechanical fixture/appliance installation (existing residence) | $55 | Table B(3) — applies to single furnace, A/C, mini-split, gas fireplace, gas piping, pellet stove, woodstove, pool heater, gas fire pit, solar thermal system, etc. |
| Multiple fixtures — residential addition, alteration, or repair (base fee + per fixture) | $32 base, plus $12 per appliance/fixture | Table B(2) — applies to alterations involving multiple fixtures: furnaces, A/C, mini-splits, gas piping pressure tests, ductwork, dryer exhaust, bath exhaust, range hoods, etc. |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
Residential Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement, re-roofing, siding replacement, and window replacement in Boise. Permit type 428 covers all three categories.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Complete roof replacement (tear-off and re-roof)
- Re-roofing overlay
- Siding replacement
- Window replacement
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (Form 428-534)Boise PDS Roofing/Siding/Windows application; available at permits.cityofboise.org or as a downloadable PDF
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing / Siding / Windows — building permit | Valuation-based per Table 1-A; residential plan review 20% of permit fee | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-A (Oct 2023); roofing projects are typically low-valuation and fall in the $26.37–$70.76 range for most residential re-roofs |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems on residential properties in Boise. Requires both a building permit for structural mounting (flat $165 fee) and a separate electrical permit for wiring ($110 for the electrical portion on existing residences).
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Rooftop solar panel installation
- Ground-mounted solar array installation
- Battery storage system installation associated with solar
- Building permit (406 — Residential Addition/Alteration with Photovoltaic Checklist) for structural mounting
- Electrical permit (424 — Residential Electrical) for wiring and inverter connections
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (406)Residential Additions/Alterations permit application for the structural/building portion
- RequiredResidential Photovoltaic Systems ChecklistRequired checklist for solar installations under the 406 permit; available on the 406 permit page
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (424)Separate electrical permit for solar wiring, inverter, and interconnection
- RequiredSolar Site PlanRoof plan or ground layout showing panel placement and access pathways
- RequiredElectrical Single-Line DiagramSystem wiring from panels to inverter to main panel
- RequiredStructural Analysis / Roof Load CalculationConfirming existing roof structure can support panel weight; roof snow load in Boise is 25 PSF minimum
- RequiredEquipment SpecificationsData sheets for panels, inverter, and racking system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar PV — building permit (plan review/inspections) | $165 flat fee | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 11 (Oct 2023): 'Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems plan review/inspections permit fee: $165' |
| Residential Solar PV — electrical permit (installation on existing residence) | $110 (up to two inspections) | Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 3-a: 'Installation of solar panels: (up to two inspections) $110' |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of a new accessory dwelling unit on a residential property in Boise, including detached cottages, attached additions, and internal conversions. Boise offers a Pre-Approved ADU program (permit type 402-B) with pre-reviewed plan sets to expedite permitting.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Property must be zoned to allow an ADU under Boise Zoning Code
- Pre-Approved ADU program (402-B) allows use of Boise-reviewed plan sets — fastest path
- Standard ADU uses the New Residential (402) or Additions/Alterations (406) permit depending on type
- Submit Pre-Approved ADU Submittal Checklist for 402-B program
Required documents
- RequiredPre-Approved ADU Submittal ChecklistRequired checklist for the 402-B Pre-Approved ADU program; available from the 402-B permit page
- OptionalConstruction DrawingsFull construction drawings for custom ADU designs; not required if using pre-approved plan set
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1-A | Same valuation-based schedule as new residential construction (Table 1-A): $26.37 + $2.95/$100 (up to $2,000); $70.76 + $12.71/$1,000 ($2,001–$25,000); $362.80 + $9.30/$1,000 ($25,001–$50,000); $595.30 + $6.35/$1,000 ($50,001–$100,000); $913.09 + $5.17/$1,000 ($100,001+) | Assessed on project valuation per Boise's Building Code Fee Schedule, Table No. Show full citationHideAssessed on project valuation per Boise's Building Code Fee Schedule, Table No. 1-A (Oct 2023, item 9 for the 20% residential plan review add-on), cited. Confirmed the schedule has no separate ADU-specific fee line — the 402-B Pre-Approved ADU program page (permits.cityofboise.org checklist/apply-online only) and the fee schedule PDF both show new/converted ADUs are billed as standard residential construction under Table 1-A, same as the 402 New Residential Construction permit. |
| Residential Plan Review (1- and 2-family dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures) | 20% of the building permit fee | Per Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 9 |
Water Heater Permit
VerifiedRequired for water heater installation or replacement in Boise, issued as a Residential Plumbing Permit (420). A water heater is a single-fixture installation per the Boise Plumbing Code Fee Schedule.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Water heater replacement (any fuel type — gas, electric, heat pump)
- New water heater installation
- Homeowner may self-permit on their own primary or secondary residence per Idaho statute
- Note: Gas piping modifications for a new water heater require a Mechanical Permit (422)
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (420)Boise PDS plumbing permit application; available at permits.cityofboise.org
- OptionalWater Heater Installation GuideBoise-specific guide (updated June 2025) available from the 420 permit page — review before installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement — single fixture plumbing permit | $55 | Boise Plumbing Code Fee Schedule, Table B(3): 'Installation of single fixtures or appliances including...hot water heaters...etc. — $55' |
New Commercial Building and Commercial Additions Permit (502)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial building construction and commercial building additions in Boise. Uses the same building-permit valuation table as residential, but a distinct 65% commercial plan review fee, its own Planning pre-approval step, and its own published plan-review SLA.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- New commercial building construction and commercial building additions require a building permit and plan review approval (Form 502 — New Commercial and Commercial Additions)
- In almost all cases, the Planning Division must pre-approve the land use before a building permit application can be submitted — via Design Review, conditional use, variance, or zoning certificate (contact Planning at (208) 608-7100)
- A prescreen is required before the application is accepted, completed online through ePlanReview, and must include a completed #502 Submittal Checklist and a Verification of Legal Lot or Parcel form signed by the Planning Division
- An accurate certificate of value is required before prescreen approval
- Plans must meet the 2018 IBC, 2018 IEBC, and 2018 IECC as adopted by Boise (see codesAdopted)
- ePlanReview required for digital plan submission; in-person submission also available at 150 N Capitol Blvd
Required documents
- RequiredSubmittal Checklist (Required)#502 New Commercial/Commercial Additions Submittal Checklist (April 2025); must be included with the ePlanReview prescreen submission
- RequiredRegistered Design Professional in Charge Form (#304)Required form identifying the Idaho-licensed design professional of record
- RequiredVerification of Legal Lot or ParcelForm signed by the Planning Division confirming the lot/parcel is legally established; required at prescreen
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsComplete architectural, structural, and life-safety plan set, drawn to scale and stamped by an Idaho-licensed design professional
- Optional#502-B New Commercial/Commercial Additions GuideCity user guide covering the prescreen, plan review, and fee/permit-issuance process (June 2024)
- OptionalHow to Create a Multi-Building Project GuideRequired only for projects spanning multiple buildings on one site
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $1 to $2,000 | $26.37 for the first $500, plus $2.95 per each additional $100 or fraction thereof | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-A (Oct 2023) — same valuation table used for residential and commercial construction |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $70.76 for the first $2,000, plus $12.71 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $362.80 for the first $25,000, plus $9.30 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $595.30 for the first $50,000, plus $6.35 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,001 and up | $913.09 for the first $100,000, plus $5.17 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Commercial Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 8 (Oct 2023) — more than 3x the 20% residential plan review rate; confirmed independently in the #502-B Commercial Guide (June 2024) |
| Fire Plan Review Fee (where applicable) | 16% of the building permit fee | Per #502-B Commercial Guide; applies depending on project scope (fire/life-safety systems review by the Fire Department) |
| Additional plan review after the third resubmittal | $65 per hour (commercial/multi-family/fire rate), 1-hour minimum | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 6 (Oct 2023) — higher than the $55/hr residential rate |
| Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Systems | Total solar project valuation is halved, then permit and plan review fees are calculated using Table 1-A | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 12 (Oct 2023) |
| Special investigation fee (work commenced before permit issuance) | 100% of the building permit fee, in addition to the original permit fee | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 5 |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
| After-hours inspection fee | $83 per hour, 2-hour minimum | — |
| Appeal Fee | $150 | — |
| Public Works Street Lighting / Drainage Review / Drainage Inspection / Sewer Connection fees | Variable — determined by the Public Works Division based on project scope | Contact Public Works at (208) 608-7150; sewer connection fees depend on which Boise City sewer district the project falls in |
| ACHD Impact Fees | Variable — determined and collected separately by the Ada County Highway District | Submitted directly to ACHD, (208) 387-6100 |
| Boise City Parks, Fire & Police Impact Fees | Variable — contact the Impact Fee Administrator | (208) 608-8133 or (208) 972-8192 |
| Erosion & Sediment Control Permit Fee | Variable — applies to all commercial land-disturbing activity in Boise City limits | Contact the Permit Counter at (208) 608-7070 for an estimate |
Tenant Improvement Permit — Minor (518) and Major (520)
VerifiedRequired for alterations to existing commercial spaces in Boise. Minor Tenant Improvement (518) covers Level 1 (existing tenant space remodels) and Level 2 (new tenant space build-outs and existing tenant space remodels); Major Tenant Improvement (520, 'Level 3') covers any TI project that exceeds Minor scope, with staff holding final discretion over the classification.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Minor TI Level 1 — Existing Tenant Space Remodel (10 working days or less first review): offices, restaurants with an occupant load of 49 or less, and retail sales tenants with an existing Certificate of Occupancy; limited scope; minor exterior work only if previously approved by PDS Planning; not an historic building; minor structural work only; NOT allowed: increase to building area, tenant space, or occupant load, change of occupancy/use, hazardous material storage/dispensing, building upgrade agreement items, or a first-time tenant improvement
- Minor TI Level 2 — New Tenant Space Build-Out and Existing Tenant Space Remodels (15 working days or less first review): new finish for offices, retail sales, and storage occupancies; limited remodel to existing offices/retail/storage tenant spaces; change of restaurant tenants; same exterior/historic/structural constraints as Level 1; NOT allowed: increase to building area, change of occupancy/use, hazardous material storage/dispensing, building upgrade agreement items
- Major TI (520) — any tenant improvement that goes beyond Minor Level 1/2 scope; PDS staff has final discretion to classify a project as Minor or Major; the 520 application packet also covers converting a dwelling to commercial space
- In some cases (e.g., exterior site/building modifications), prior Planning Division pre-approval is required before submitting the building permit application
- A prescreen is required through ePlanReview before the application is accepted
- An Early Start TI Permit (IBC 107.3.3.1 as amended by Boise City Code) may be requested for nonstructural interior framing in retail, office, or warehouse space storing only non-hazardous materials, letting construction begin — up to the framing inspection stage only — before the full plan review is complete; not available for structural or exterior work; requires a complete full TI application plus a separate early-start application submitted together
Required documents
- RequiredApplication #518 (Minor) or #520 (Major) — Tenant Improvement PermitAll pages required; available via ePlanReview or as a downloadable PDF
- RequiredSubmittal Checklist (#518 Minor or #520 Major, April 2025)Must be completed by the project's Idaho-licensed design professional of record (or applicant, if none required) and uploaded with the application
- RequiredForm #304 — Registered Design Professional in ChargeRequired form identifying the design professional of record
- OptionalCentral District Health Department (CDHD) Food Establishment formsRequired for any space where food is prepared, manufactured, or stored (or a Child Care Center Plan Review form for day cares)
- OptionalACHD Impact Fee Assessment and Tenant Improvement Submittal FormAda County Highway District form for site vehicle access, use changes, or added square footage
- OptionalPlanning & Zoning letters of approvalConditional Use (CUP), Design Review (DRH), Zoning Certificate, or other approvals, where minor exterior changes are involved
- OptionalCommercial Photovoltaic / Solar Thermal Systems Checklist (520 only)Required if the Major TI project includes solar installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1-A | Same valuation schedule as new commercial construction: $26.37 + $2.95/$100 (up to $2,000); $70.76 + $12.71/$1,000 ($2,001–$25,000); $362.80 + $9.30/$1,000 ($25,001–$50,000); $595.30 + $6.35/$1,000 ($50,001–$100,000); $913.09 + $5.17/$1,000 ($100,001+) | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule, Table 1-A (Oct 2023) |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 8 (Oct 2023); confirmed independently in both the #518-B and #520-B guides |
| Fire Plan Review Fee (where applicable) | 16% of the building permit fee | Per the #518-B and #520-B guides; applies depending on project scope |
| Additional plan review after the third resubmittal | $65 per hour (commercial rate), 1-hour minimum | Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 6 (Oct 2023) |
| Early Start TI Permit | Billed at the hourly plan review rate under the Building Code Fee Schedule; a separate interior-demolition fee (valuation-based) is added if demolition is included in the early-start scope | Per the Early Start Tenant Improvement Permit Process Policy (effective 12/21/21); the policy references the Fee Schedule's hourly plan-review rate but does not itemize a distinct flat dollar figure |
| Reinspection Fee | $55 | — |
| Erosion & Sediment Control Permit Fee | Variable — applies to TI projects with exterior work and a ground-floor addition greater than 500 sq ft, or more than 2,500 sq ft of soil disturbance | Contact the Permit Counter at (208) 608-7070 for an estimate; per the #518 Submittal Checklist and the Building Inspections page |
| ACHD Impact Fees | Variable — determined and collected separately by the Ada County Highway District | (208) 387-6100 |
| Boise City Parks, Fire & Police Impact Fees | Variable — contact the Impact Fee Administrator | (208) 608-8133 or (208) 972-8192 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
Fee schedules
Checklists & handouts
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Boise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.