Can homeowners perform work themselves?

Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence without registering as a contractor with the State of Idaho. If you act as the sub-contractor on your project, you must get a permit and physically perform the work yourself. If you are not doing all of the work yourself (such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical), the person performing the work must be a State of Idaho registered and licensed contractor in that trade.

What requires a building permit and inspection in residential construction?

Items requiring a permit include: accessory/outbuildings over 200 square feet, structural additions and alterations for homes, window replacement, retaining walls over 4 feet high (measured from the bottom of the footing), and placement and setup of manufactured homes.

Where will smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors be placed?

Smoke detectors must be installed in every bedroom and adjacent hall, and on each additional story including basements and habitable attics. Carbon monoxide detectors are required outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

Residential Building Permit in Kuna, Idaho

Required for new residential construction and certain improvements in Kuna, including new residences, mobile homes, accessory dwelling units, accessory structures over 200 sq ft, additions, decks over 30 inches above grade, retaining walls over 4 feet, fences, heating/cooling systems, and demolition. Submit plans by email to BuildingPermits@KunaID.gov (application and individual PDFs) plus construction plans (24x36) to Dropbox link provided by the Building Department after application is received.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Building permit required for new single-family dwellings, mobile homes, and accessory dwelling units
Accessory structures (garages, storage buildings) over 200 square feet require a permit; structures under 200 sq ft are exempt
Permit required for additions and improvements to existing residences or accessory structures
Permit required for decks over 30 inches above grade
Permit required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing)
Fence permit required for installation of fences
Permit required for heating/AC systems, fireplaces, wood stoves, and ventilation systems (separate mechanical permit)
Permit required for relocation or demolition of a structure
Email individual PDFs (application, site plan, floor plan, Manual J, ResCheck if not prescriptive path, structural calculations) to BuildingPermits@KunaID.gov
Name files: 'L-- B-- Subdivision w/ Phase # - Document Type'; all documents must have legal subdivision name and phase number
Submit construction plans (24x36) as a single PDF to the Dropbox folder provided by the Building Department
Payment of submittal fee required before plan review begins (invoice emailed; payment by credit card by phone or check)
Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence without registering as a contractor with Idaho; licensed contractors required for sub-trades not performed by owner

Required documents

Req
Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
Fillable application form; updated January 2025. Available at kunacity.id.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9430
Req
Site Plan (individual PDF page)
Individual site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and proposed construction
Req
Floor Plan (individual PDF page)
Individual floor plan showing room layout and dimensions
Req
Manual J (HVAC load calculation)
Required for new residential construction with HVAC systems
Opt
ResCheck (energy compliance)
Required if not using prescriptive energy path under 2018 IECC
Opt
Structural Calculations (if applicable)
Required for non-prescriptive structural elements; must be stamped by Idaho licensed engineer where applicable
Req
Construction Plans (24x36 PDF)
Full plan set submitted as single PDF to Dropbox folder provided by the Building Department

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Residential Building Permit Submittal Fee	$70	Flat fee per application; Resolution R74-2023A
Residential Structural Plan Review Fee	$65 per hour, 1-hour minimum	Resolution R09-2025
Building Permit Fee (project value $1–$2,000)	$65	Resolution R74-2023A
Building Permit Fee (project value $2,001–$25,000)	$65 for first $2,000 + $11.35 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof	Resolution R74-2023A
Building Permit Fee (project value $25,001–$50,000)	$326 for first $25,001 + $7.20 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof	Resolution R74-2023A
Building Permit Fee (project value $50,001–$100,000)	$506 for first $50,001 + $5.15 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof	Resolution R74-2023A
Re-inspection Fee	$65 each (after each failed attempt)	Resolution R57-2021
Building Permit Modification	$100	Resolution R74-2023A
Fence Permit Application Fee	$25	Resolution R74-2023A
Footing/Foundation/Patio Cover Only (value ≤$2,000)	$65
Reinstatement Fee: Patio/Fence	$65
Reinstatement Fee: Residential	$150

Review timeline

~10–30 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Kuna building department

Inspection process

1
Footing/Foundation
Inspection of footing and foundation prior to concrete pour
2
Framing
Inspection of framing, sheathing, and rough-in systems before insulation or drywall
3
Insulation
Inspection of insulation installation for energy compliance
4
Final
Final inspection of completed structure for Certificate of Occupancy

Tips

Inspection requests must be submitted prior to 4:00 PM to receive them the next business day; requests after 4 PM will not be scheduled for the following work day
All approved plans, Manual J, and applicable structural calculations must be on-site for inspections
An adult (18+) must be present for inspections inside occupied homes
Schedule inspections online at portal.iworq.net/KUNA/permits/600
Homeowners may act as their own contractor for their primary residence but must personally perform the work; licensed contractors required for any trade not performed by the owner
Incomplete or inaccurate submittals will not be accepted — review submittal instructions carefully before emailing your application

Frequently asked questions

Can homeowners perform work themselves?: Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence without registering as a contractor with the State of Idaho. If you act as the sub-contractor on your project, you must get a permit and physically perform the work yourself. If you are not doing all of the work yourself (such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical), the person performing the work must be a State of Idaho registered and licensed contractor in that trade.
What requires a building permit and inspection in residential construction?: Items requiring a permit include: accessory/outbuildings over 200 square feet, structural additions and alterations for homes, window replacement, retaining walls over 4 feet high (measured from the bottom of the footing), and placement and setup of manufactured homes.
Where will smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors be placed?: Smoke detectors must be installed in every bedroom and adjacent hall, and on each additional story including basements and habitable attics. Carbon monoxide detectors are required outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

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 Kuna building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Kuna

Commercial Building Permit Mechanical / HVAC Permit Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit Demolition Permit

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