Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Meridian, Idaho
Required for construction of a new accessory dwelling unit on a residential property in Meridian. ADUs require planning/zoning approval and a building permit. A dedicated ADU Submittal Checklist and Standards document is available from Meridian Building Services. Apply through the Citizen Access Portal.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Planning/zoning approval required — confirm zone allows ADU use (contact Meridian Planning Division at (208) 884-5533)
- Building permit required for all ADU construction
- Submit Residential ADU Submittal Checklist and Standards (available from the Residential Checklists page)
- ACCA-approved Manual J, D, and S load calculations required
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required
- Apply through the Citizen Access Portal at citizenportal.meridiancity.org
Required documents
- Req
Residential Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Submittal Checklist and Standards
Meridian's ADU-specific checklist and standards document; includes requirements for site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing, elevations, wall bracing, wall sections, structural drawings, energy compliance, and Manual J load calculations
- Req
Building Permit Application
Submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
- Req
Construction Drawings
Full construction drawings uploaded as individual PDF sheets to Project Dox; structural drawings must be stamped by Idaho licensed engineer if applicable
- Req
Energy Compliance Documentation
Alternate Energy Path (signed, all pages) or Prescriptive Method
- Req
ACCA Manual J, D, and S Load Calculations
Required for all new residential construction and ADU projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Building Permit Application Fee | $150 (non-refundable, applied to permit fee — same as new residential) | City of Meridian Fee Schedule, Section 1.1, Resolution No. 18-2110 (apps.meridiancity.org/CITYFEEWEB/) |
| ADU Building Permit — valuation-based | $50 base fee plus $5.50 per $1,000 of project value or fraction thereof | City of Meridian Fee Schedule, Section 1.1, Resolution No. 18-2110 |
Review timeline
~10–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Meridian building department
Inspection process
- 1
Pre-Construction
Required before any footing work begins
- 2
Foundation
Footings and foundation before concrete pour
- 3
Framing
Structural framing, egress windows, fire separation
- 4
MEP Rough-In
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-ins before walls closed — separate trade permits required
- 5
Final
All work complete, smoke/CO detectors, address posted, ready for occupancy
Tips
- Confirm ADU zoning eligibility with the Meridian Planning Division at (208) 884-5533 before applying for a building permit.
- Planning/zoning approval is a required step before the building permit for ADUs.
- The Residential ADU Submittal Checklist and Standards document is available from the Residential Checklists page.
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are required for ADU construction.
- Manual J, D, and S load calculations from an ACCA-approved software are required.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I build an ADU in Meridian?
- ADUs are permitted in Meridian subject to zoning eligibility. Contact the Meridian Planning Division at (208) 884-5533 to confirm your property's zone allows an ADU. Once zoning approval is obtained, apply for a building permit through the Citizen Access Portal at citizenportal.meridiancity.org with the Residential ADU Submittal Checklist.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Meridian Community Development — Building Services — official building department
- Residential Checklists | City of Meridian
- Residential ADU Submittal Checklist and Standards (DOCX)
- City of Meridian Fee Schedule Web Portal (Section 1.1 Building Structural Fees)
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 Meridian building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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