Residential Addition / Alteration Permit in Boise, Idaho
Required 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 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Room additions and structural modifications
- Decks more than 12 inches above grade
- Retaining walls more than 4 feet in height
- Basement finishes involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
- Detached accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet
- Fences exceeding 7 feet in height
Required documents
- Req
Permit Application (Form 406)
Boise PDS residential additions/alterations application; available online at permits.cityofboise.org
- Req
Submittal Checklist
Required checklist for the specific alteration type; available on the 406 permit page
- Req
Construction Drawings
Plans showing scope of work, dimensions, structural details, and connection to existing structure
- Opt
Energy Code Compliance Form
Required for additions that increase conditioned floor area
- Opt
Contractor Registration Declaration Form
Required when a licensed contractor performs the work
- Opt
Residential Photovoltaic Systems Checklist
Required 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 | — |
Review timeline
1–27 business days
Boise’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Framing / Structural
After framing is complete and before walls are covered — verify structure, connections, and blocking
- 2
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins before wall cover — may be separate trade permits
- 3
Insulation
Insulation installed, vapor barrier in place — before drywall
- 4
Final
All work complete per approved plans
Tips
- Boise PDS recommends homeowners meet with a plan reviewer in person to submit addition/alteration plans — appointments available.
- Decks more than 12 inches above grade require a permit; decks 30 inches or more above grade require guardrails per the 2018 IRC.
- Retaining walls more than 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a permit.
- Fences exceeding 7 feet in height require a permit in Boise per the Homeowner's Guide.
- Basement finishes need to address egress windows in bedrooms and combustion air for fuel-burning appliances.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a deck require a permit in Boise?
- Yes, if the deck is more than 12 inches above grade. Apply for a Residential Addition/Alteration (406) permit online at permits.cityofboise.org or in person.
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Boise?
- Yes. Any basement finish involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a building permit (406) plus trade sub-permits as applicable.
- How long does an addition/alteration permit take in Boise?
- Per Boise's March–May 2026 timeframe report, Level 1 additions/alterations average 1 business day for first review. Level 2 projects average 8 business days (target: under 10 days). Ready-to-issue time averages 6–27 days depending on level.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Boise Planning and Development Services — Building Division — official building department
- 406 — Residential Additions/Alterations | City of Boise
- Homeowner's Guide to Residential Construction | City of Boise
- Boise City Building Code Fee Schedule (Oct 2023)
- Permit Processing Timeframes March 1 – May 31, 2026
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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