You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-06-29.
Garden City building permits
VerifiedGarden City, Idaho — as published 2026-06-29.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for residential new construction, additions, remodels, re-roofs, and other projects that require a building permit in Garden City. Building permits are submitted to Garden City; plan review is performed by SAFEbuilt and IDOPL under contract. Work exempt from permit is listed in Garden City Code 7-2-3 F (Section R105.2). Garden City's valuation-based fee table is established by Resolution 1239-26 (effective February 23, 2025).
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Building Permit Application — Residential to Garden City Development Services
- Permit fee must be paid prior to plan review (structure plan review fees are separate from permit issuance fee)
- Plans reviewed by SAFEbuilt and/or IDOPL for code compliance; Garden City P&Z conducts design compliance review
- Design Professional Building Plans Certification Form required for projects that have gone through Design Review, P&Z, or City Council hearings
- Resubmittal Form required with any plan changes or resubmitted documents ($40 fee per resubmittal)
- ACHD impact fee receipt required prior to permit issuance
- Permit must be posted on site; inspections will not be conducted without posted permit
- Work exempt from permit: one-story detached accessory structures ≤120 sq ft, fences ≤7 ft, retaining walls ≤4 ft (without surcharge), minor repair/maintenance (see GCC 7-2-3 F, Section R105.2)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — ResidentialRequired for residential new construction, addition, remodel, re-roof, and other permitted projects
- OptionalDesign Professional Building Plans Certification FormRequired for projects approved through Design Review, Planning & Zoning, or City Council
- OptionalResubmittal FormRequired with any plan changes or resubmitted documents after initial submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — $0.01 to $2,000 valuation | $150.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025). Valuation determined by ICC BVD table or actual project cost, whichever is greater. |
| Building Permit — $2,000.01 to $25,000 valuation | $150.00 for the first $2,000 + $17.08 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $25,000.01 to $100,000 valuation | $542.84 for the first $25,000 + $12.32 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $100,000.01 to $1,000,000 valuation | $1,466.84 for the first $100,000 + $7.97 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $1,000,000.01 to $10,000,000 valuation | $8,639.84 for the first $1,000,000 + $7.32 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Structure Plan Review — Residential (value > $20,000) | 50% of Building Permit fee | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A. Must be paid prior to review. Projects with value < $20,000 billed at $155/hour. |
| Design Compliance Review — Single Family / Two Family | $160.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (planning review for residential) |
| Administrative Set Up (all permits) | $80.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — initial administrative set up fee for all permits |
| Resubmittal Filing (each resubmittal) | $40.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Re-inspection or additional inspections | $80.00/hour minimum 1 hour | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
Non-Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Tenant Improvement)
VerifiedRequired for all non-residential new construction, additions, remodels, re-roofs, tenant improvements, and change-of-occupancy projects in Garden City. Design Review approval from Planning & Zoning is required before submitting a building permit for new construction or substantial alterations. A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance is required prior to occupancy of any tenant space. Work exempt from permit is listed in Garden City Code 7-2-2 I (Section 105.2). NOTE: Garden City does not offer a separate 'Commercial Building Permit' or 'Tenant Improvement (TI) Permit' product — new commercial construction and TI/remodel projects for existing commercial space are both permitted through this single non-residential-building-permit entry (project type selected via checkbox on one application), confirmed by direct read of the Building Permit Application — Non-Residential PDF and the Development Services Fee Schedule; see 'CONFIRMED ABSENCE' note in localAmendments.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review approval from Planning & Zoning required before submitting a building permit for new construction or substantial alterations to existing structures
- Submit Building Permit Application — Non-Residential to Garden City Development Services; project type is declared via checkbox on this single form (New Construction, Multi-Family (3+ Units), Re-roof, Interior TI/Remodel (no external work), Exterior TI/Remodel (including interior work), Accessory Building Shell, Non-Residential with Residential, or Change of Occupancy (no construction)) — Garden City has no separate Tenant Improvement-specific application, permit product, or fee line item
- Business Compliance Application (BUS) required for new or changing businesses
- Commercial Occupancy Analysis Application (OCC) required for new businesses with no structural changes or change of occupancy
- A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Certificate of Compliance (C of C) is required prior to use or occupancy of any tenant space
- Design Professional Building Plans Certification Form required for projects approved through Design Review, P&Z, or City Council
- Civil engineering review required for nonresidential projects at cost + $40/review; engineer review $205/hour
- Fire review and inspection fees administered through NACFR (North Ada County Fire and Rescue District)
- ACHD impact fee receipt required prior to permit issuance — EXCEPTION: tenant improvement projects with no exterior changes to the building/site are NOT required to submit ACHD-stamped plans as part of that requirement (per the Non-Residential Building Permit Application checklist)
- New commercial construction and TI commercial projects must complete the plumbing fixture-count worksheet on the application (existing vs. new fixture counts) for water/sewer sizing
- Small interior tenant improvements — no change of use/occupancy, total tenant space ≤1,500 sq ft, occupancy groups A, B, E, F1, F2, M, S1, or S2 — are exempt from the requirement that plans be prepared/sealed by an Idaho-licensed design professional, per Garden City Code § 7-2-2 (local amendment to IBC § 107)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Non-ResidentialRequired for non-residential new construction, addition, remodel, re-roof, and other projects requiring a building permit
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application — Temporary Structure — Non-ResidentialFor proposed temporary structures not exempt from building permit requirements
- OptionalBusiness Compliance Application (BUS)For new or changing business; used when there are no changes proposed to the structure or for new/changed business ownership
- OptionalCommercial Occupancy Analysis Application (OCC)Required for new businesses occupying a building with no structural changes and no change in occupancy type
- OptionalDesign Professional Building Plans Certification FormRequired for projects that have been approved through Design Review, Planning and Zoning, or City Council hearings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — $0.01 to $2,000 valuation | $150.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $2,000.01 to $25,000 valuation | $150.00 for the first $2,000 + $17.08 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $25,000.01 to $100,000 valuation | $542.84 for the first $25,000 + $12.32 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Building Permit — $100,000.01 to $1,000,000 valuation | $1,466.84 for the first $100,000 + $7.97 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Structure Plan Review — Non-Residential (value > $20,000) | 65% of Building Permit fee | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A. Must be paid prior to review. |
| Design Compliance Review — Multi-Family / Mixed Use / Non-Residential | $80.00/hour | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (planning review for non-residential) |
| Design Review — New Construction or Substantial Alteration | $1,800.00 base fee + $100.00 for each: adjacent to river; proposed art | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (Title 8 permits — design review) |
| Design Review — Storefront Renovation / Site Modification | $600.00 + $100.00 for each: adjacent to river; proposed art | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Business or Occupancy Change (Certificate of Occupancy update) | $160.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Business ownership or name update on Certificate of Occupancy | $40.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Change of Occupancy Without Structural Changes (structural plan review) | $370.00 + $115.00 per hour after the first 2 hours of review | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Administrative Set Up (all permits) | $80.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for all signs in Garden City requiring a permit. Design Review is required for signs subject to Design Review standards. Sign permit fees are based on sign type per the Development Services Fee Schedule (Resolution 1239-26). Illuminated signs add an additional fee. The Sign Permit Application is submitted to Garden City Development Services.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Sign Permit Application to Garden City Development Services
- Design Review required for signs subject to Garden City's Design Review standards (new or modified commercial signs on sites requiring design review)
- Signs with automated (electronic changeable copy) elements require an additional fee
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationRequired for all sign permits in Garden City; submitted to Development Services
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Distinctive Material Sign (freestanding, hanging, monument, or wall) | $160.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) |
| Billboard | $180.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Directional Sign | $180.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Promotional Sign (Annual) | $80.00 + $40.00 per amendment | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Multi-tenant Sign | $600.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Internal Illumination (added to sign fee) | $80.00 in addition to sign fee | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Automated Sign (electronic changeable copy, added to sign fee) | $345.00 in addition to sign fee | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Design Review — Master Sign Plan | $430.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (if Design Review required) |
| Design Review — Single Sign | $320.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (if Design Review required) |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRooftop or ground-mount residential solar PV installation in Garden City follows the same structural/electrical split as all other construction in this file: the racking/mounting structural scope is billed as a City of Garden City Building Permit under the standard valuation-based fee table (Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A, effective 2/23/2025), which has no solar-specific line item — confirmed by direct keyword search of the full published Fee Schedule PDF — while the electrical/interconnection scope is a state-issued permit from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL, formerly the Division of Building Safety), since Garden City does not issue its own electrical permits. DOPL's rules (IDAPA 24.39.10) direct that solar/renewable-energy installations not otherwise itemized be billed under the electrical fee schedule's 'Other Installation (Including Industrial and Commercial) Permit' category.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Structural/mounting scope: submit a City of Garden City Building Permit Application — Residential (or Non-Residential, as applicable), reviewed by SAFEbuilt under contract, against the same IBC/IRC editions adopted for general construction
- Roof-mounted systems require structural review confirming the roof will support the added load (wind uplift, snow load, dead load) — same structural review standard SAFEbuilt applies to other roof-load-bearing work it reviews for Idaho/Colorado client cities
- Electrical/interconnection scope: state electrical permit purchased through DOPL's online permit system, billed under the 'Other Installation' fee schedule (IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0206) since no solar-specific line item exists
- Grid-connected/tied systems require a separate Plan Check with DOPL, billed at $65 minimum for the first hour ($65 per additional hour or portion), per IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0613
- Installer must hold an Idaho electrical contractor license (Solar Photovoltaic DC Systems or Solar Photovoltaic micro-inverter/AC Systems classification, or a general electrical contractor license, per IDAPA 24.39.10 Section 09) — a licensed Idaho electrical contractor does not need an additional solar-specific license to perform solar installations
- ACHD (Ada County Highway District) impact fee receipt may be required prior to City building permit issuance, consistent with the City's general building-permit process
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Garden City Building Permit Application (Residential or Non-Residential)Same City form used for the racking/mounting structural scope; no separate solar-specific version exists
- RequiredState of Idaho Electrical Permit (DOPL)Purchased online through DOPL's electrical permit system, billed under the 'Other Installation' fee category since Idaho publishes no solar-specific electrical permit line item
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Building Permit — structural/racking scope, $0.01 to $2,000 valuation | $150.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025); no separate solar/PV line item exists — confirmed by direct keyword search of the full published Fee Schedule PDF. Higher valuation tiers scale per the residential-building-permit entry's fee table. |
| Administrative Set Up (all permits) | $80.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| State Electrical Permit — 'Other Installation' fee (wiring cost not exceeding $10,000) | $60 plus 2% of total wiring cost | IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0206.a — the Idaho electrical fee schedule's catch-all category that solar/renewable-energy installations are billed under, since no dedicated solar line item exists in the rule. |
| State Plan Check Fee (grid-connected/tied systems) | $65 minimum for the first hour; $65 for each additional hour or portion thereof | IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0613 — required for grid-connected renewable energy installations. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of a residential or commercial electric vehicle charging station (EVSE) in Garden City, Idaho. As with all electrical work in this jurisdiction (see solar-pv-permit entry), the City does not administer electrical permits at all — a standalone EVSE circuit is a state-issued permit from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), billed under DOPL's 'Other Installation' catch-all fee schedule since no EV/solar-specific line item exists in the rule. No separate City of Garden City permit is required for a standalone EVSE circuit (unlike solar PV, which also has a City structural/racking permit component) unless the installation is bundled with new construction, an addition, or a City-regulated structural scope.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- State electrical permit purchased through DOPL's online permit system, billed under the 'Other Installation' fee schedule (IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0206) since no EV-charger-specific line item exists
- Installer must hold a valid Idaho electrical contractor license (a general electrical contractor license is sufficient; no EV-specific license classification exists), per IDAPA 24.39.10 Section 09
- If the EVSE installation is bundled with new construction, an addition, or requires a City-regulated structural scope, confirm with Garden City Development Services (208-472-2921) whether an additional City permit applies
Required documents
- RequiredState of Idaho Electrical Permit (DOPL)Purchased online through DOPL's electrical permit system, billed under the 'Other Installation' fee category since Idaho publishes no EV-charger-specific electrical permit line item
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit — 'Other Installation' fee (wiring cost not exceeding $10,000) | $60 plus 2% of total wiring cost | IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0206.a — the Idaho electrical fee schedule's catch-all category that an EVSE circuit is billed under, since no dedicated EV-charger line item exists in the rule. Same category documented on this jurisdiction's solar-pv-permit entry for the electrical/interconnection scope of a solar installation. |
| State Electrical Permit — 'Other Installation' fee (wiring cost $10,000-$100,000) | $260 plus 1% of wiring cost in excess of $10,000 | IDAPA 24.39.10, Section 0206.b — applies if the EVSE installation is bundled with a larger electrical scope. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for any removal of building structures or land-disturbing activity in Garden City. Per Garden City's official applications page, a demolition permit must be accompanied by a General Erosion and Sediment Control Application (Title 4 Chapter 15 of Garden City Code). The Demolition Permit Application is submitted to Garden City Development Services.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Demolition Permit Application to Garden City Development Services
- Must be accompanied by a General Erosion and Sediment Control Application (required for all demolitions per Garden City applications page — Title 4, Chapter 15)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Demolition Permit ApplicationRequired for any removal of building structures or land-disturbing activity
- RequiredGeneral Erosion and Sediment Control ApplicationMust accompany all demolition permit applications per Garden City requirements (Title 4, Chapter 15)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Design Compliance (planning review) | $40.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — Design Compliance (Demolition) fee |
| Administrative Set Up | $80.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — initial administrative set-up for all permits |
Manufactured Home Installation Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of a manufactured home in Garden City. A Manufactured Home Safety Checklist must be submitted prior to issuance of a final certificate. If placement is outside a manufactured home park, the home must be declared real property and meet single-family dwelling standards (fees are the same as a single-family home plus a permit for the foundation). Removal or demolition of a manufactured home requires a separate Removal/Demo Permit Application.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit Manufactured Home Installation Permit Application to Garden City Development Services
- Manufactured Home Safety Checklist must be completed and submitted prior to final certificate issuance
- For placement in a manufactured home park: flat fee per fee schedule
- For placement outside a park: fees assessed as a single-family home plus a separate foundation permit; home must be declared real property
Required documents
- RequiredManufactured Home Installation Permit ApplicationRequired for installation of a manufactured home in Garden City
- RequiredManufactured Home Safety ChecklistRequired to be completed and submitted for manufactured home installations prior to issuance of a final certificate
- OptionalManufactured Home Removal/Demo Permit ApplicationRequired for removal or demolition of a manufactured home
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured Home Placement in MFH Park | $250.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — Manufactured Home section |
| Manufactured Home Placement Outside Park | Fees assessed as a single-family home + a separate permit for the foundation | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — home must be declared real property |
| Manufactured Home Removal | $80.00 | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A |
| Re-inspection fees (after first re-inspection) or additional plan review | $80.00/hour | Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule, Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A — Manufactured Home section |
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 Garden City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.