Non-Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Tenant Improvement) in Garden City, Idaho
Required 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).
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- 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
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application — Non-Residential
Required for non-residential new construction, addition, remodel, re-roof, and other projects requiring a building permit
- Opt
Building Permit Application — Temporary Structure — Non-Residential
For proposed temporary structures not exempt from building permit requirements
- Opt
Business Compliance Application (BUS)
For new or changing business; used when there are no changes proposed to the structure or for new/changed business ownership
- Opt
Commercial Occupancy Analysis Application (OCC)
Required for new businesses occupying a building with no structural changes and no change in occupancy type
- Opt
Design Professional Building Plans Certification Form
Required 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 |
Review timeline
~15–45 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Garden City building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation
Before concrete pour — schedule by 4:00 PM prior day via Inspection Hotline (208) 472-2920 or online Inspection Request Form
- 2
Framing / Structural
After structural framing and before wall cover — reviewed by SAFEbuilt or IDOPL
- 3
Final
All work complete; Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Certificate of Compliance (C of C) issued upon passing all required inspections
Tips
- Design Review approval from Planning & Zoning is required before submitting a non-residential building permit for new construction or substantial alterations.
- Non-residential structure plan review is 65% of the permit fee (vs. 50% for residential) and must be paid prior to review.
- A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance is mandatory for all businesses before occupancy — Garden City enforces this requirement.
- Speak with staff prior to leasing or buying — Garden City offers free Early Assistance consultations.
- Fire review and inspection fees (sprinklers, alarms, hoods) are administered separately through NACFR (North Ada County Fire and Rescue District).
- ACHD impact fees and NACFR fire impact fees must be paid before permit issuance.
- Civil engineering review is required for nonresidential projects at $175/hour plus cost.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need Design Review before a non-residential building permit in Garden City?
- Yes. Design Review from Planning & Zoning is required before submitting a non-residential building permit application for new construction or substantial alterations. The Design Review base fee is $1,800 for new construction or substantial alteration. Contact Garden City's Planning & Zoning staff (Wyatt King, 208-472-2905) early in the process.
- What is required before I can open a new business in Garden City?
- Garden City requires: (1) confirm zoning permits the use; (2) obtain Design Review if making structural/exterior changes, then a Non-Residential Building Permit, or an Occupancy Analysis/Business Compliance verification if no changes; (3) receive a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance; (4) obtain a business license from the Clerk's Office if required. A C of O or C of C is mandatory before occupancy of any tenant space.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Garden City Development Services — Building Division — official building department
- Building Services | City of Garden City
- Building Permit Application — Non-Residential (PDF)
- New or Changing Business | City of Garden City
- Garden City Development Services Fee Schedule — Resolution 1239-26 Exhibit A (effective 2/23/2025) (PDF)
- Applications and Forms | City of Garden City
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.
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