Residential Plumbing Permit in Boise, Idaho
Required 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 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Plumbing Permit Application (Form 420-540)
Boise PDS plumbing permit application; available online at permits.cityofboise.org or as downloadable PDF
- Opt
Water Heater Installation Guide
Boise-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 | — |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boise building department
Inspection process
- 1
Underground / Slab Plumbing
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
- 2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed — pressure test required
- 3
Final
All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified
Tips
- Idaho state law allows homeowners to perform plumbing work on their own primary or secondary residence without a contractor license.
- A preliminary conference inspection is recommended (but not required) for homeowners doing their own plumbing work.
- Boilers, gas piping, hydronic heating systems, and solar thermal water heating require a Mechanical Permit — not a Plumbing Permit.
- Boise uses the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code), which differs from the International Plumbing Code used in many other states.
- Water heater replacement is a single-fixture permit: $55 fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Boise?
- Yes. Water heater replacement requires a Plumbing Permit (420) in Boise. The fee for a single water heater installation is $55 per the Boise Plumbing Code Fee Schedule, Table B(3). Homeowners may pull the permit themselves.
- Can I do my own plumbing in Boise?
- Yes. Idaho state law permits homeowners to perform plumbing work on their own primary or secondary residence without a contractor license. A permit is still required and work must pass inspection.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Boise Planning and Development Services — Building Division — official building department
- 420 — Residential Plumbing | City of Boise
- Boise City Plumbing Code Fee Schedule (Oct 2021)
- Homeowner's Guide to Residential Construction | City of Boise
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.
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