Can I do my own electrical work in Boise?

Yes. Idaho state law permits homeowners to perform electrical work on their own primary or secondary residence without a contractor license. You must still obtain a permit (424 – Residential Electrical) and pass all required inspections. A preliminary conference inspection is mandatory.

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Boise?

For a service equipment upgrade or panel change up to 200 amps, the permit fee is $55. For over 200 amps, it is $65. These fees are set by the Boise City Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 5-a.

Residential Electrical Permit in Boise, Idaho

Required 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 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

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

Req
Electrical Permit Application
Available online at permits.cityofboise.org (Residential Electrical – 424) or as a downloadable PDF
Opt
Homeowner Electrical Permit Guide
Required 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	—

Review timeline

~1–10 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boise building department

Inspection process

1
Preliminary Conference
Mandatory for homeowner-pulled permits — troubleshooting session with inspector before work begins
2
Rough-In / Permanent Service
After wiring installed, before walls closed — verify conductor sizing, box placement, and service connections
3
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, GFCI/AFCI protection verified

Tips

Idaho state law allows homeowners to pull their own electrical permit for their primary or secondary residence — no contractor license required.
A Preliminary Conference inspection is mandatory for homeowners performing their own electrical work in Boise.
All work must comply with the 2023 NEC, which has been effective in Boise since April 26, 2024.
Schedule inspections by calling (208) 608-7070 before 7:30 a.m.
A Homeowner Electrical Permit Guide (April 2026) is available on the 424 permit page.
Heads up on fees: the electrical fee amounts here come from Boise's most recently posted electrical fee schedule, dated April 2019 (the other trades were updated in 2021–2023). Confirm current electrical fees with Planning & Development Services at (208) 608-7070 before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do my own electrical work in Boise?: Yes. Idaho state law permits homeowners to perform electrical work on their own primary or secondary residence without a contractor license. You must still obtain a permit (424 – Residential Electrical) and pass all required inspections. A preliminary conference inspection is mandatory.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Boise?: For a service equipment upgrade or panel change up to 200 amps, the permit fee is $55. For over 200 amps, it is $65. These fees are set by the Boise City Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 5-a.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.

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.

Other permits in Boise

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Addition / Alteration Permit Residential Plumbing Permit Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit Residential Roofing Permit Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Water Heater Permit

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