Star building permit requirements

City of Star Building Department

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

8 permit types208-286-7247Inspections scheduled online by 4:00 PM prior business day; next-day inspections only (no weekend inspections)

Department information

Address: 10769 W. State St., P.O. Box 130, Star, ID 83669
Phone: 208-286-7247
Email: building@staridaho.org
Office hours: Inspections scheduled online by 4:00 PM prior business day; next-day inspections only (no weekend inspections)
Website: Official site

Codes adopted

Idaho adopts a statewide baseline building code set under the Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41) and IDAPA rules administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Effective January 1, 2021, the statewide baseline includes the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2020 Idaho Residential Code (based on the 2018 IRC Parts I–III and IX with Idaho amendments), 2020 Idaho Energy Conservation Code (based on the 2018 IECC with Idaho amendments), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC). The National Electrical Code is adopted separately by the Idaho Electrical Board (IDAPA 24.39.10), not bundled with the building code: Idaho enforces the 2023 NEC, effective July 1, 2024 (the state used the 2017 NEC with amendments before that and skipped the 2020 edition). Local jurisdictions must enforce the state baseline and may adopt amendments only where those amendments are at least as stringent as the state-adopted editions; local amendments may not be less restrictive. Enforcement is local — each city or county issues permits and performs inspections. Always confirm the current adopted edition and any local amendments with your specific jurisdiction before submitting plans.

2018 International Building Code (IBC) — with amendments; effective January 1, 20212018 International Residential Code (IRC, Parts I, II, III, IX) — with Idaho amendments (Idaho Residential Code 2020 Edition); effective January 1, 20212018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — with amendments (Idaho Energy Conservation Code 2020 Edition); effective January 1, 20212018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — effective January 1, 20212023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted statewide by the Idaho Electrical Board (IDAPA 24.39.10), effective July 1, 20242018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — effective January 1, 20212018 International Fuel and Gas Code (IFGC) — effective January 1, 20212018 International Residential Code Parts V and VI (mechanical) — effective January 1, 20212017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC) — based on 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code; effective January 1, 20212018 International Fire Code (IFC) — administered by Idaho Fire Marshal; effective January 1, 2021

Permit types

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)

Required for all new single-family residential construction in Star. Applications submitted and payments made online through the IWORQ Permit Portal. Plans must be 24" × 36", submitted in landscape orientation as PDF. Contractors must register before accessing the portal. Typical review: small residential projects 2–4 weeks; larger residential projects approximately 4–6 weeks. Revisions add 3–4 weeks per cycle.

Commercial Building Permit (New Construction & TI)

Required for all new commercial construction and tenant improvements in Star. Plans must be stamped and signed by a licensed architect including a full code analysis. All applications submitted online through the IWORQ Permit Portal. Typical review: 4–6 weeks; revisions add 3–4 weeks per cycle.

Mechanical Permit

Required for HVAC, gas lines, fireplaces, and other mechanical work on both new and existing residential and commercial properties in Star. Purchased separately from the building permit at City Hall / via the permit portal. Approved and issued same day if associated building permit is already approved.

Electrical Permit

Required for all electrical work on residential and commercial properties in Star. Purchased separately from the building permit. Approved and issued same day if associated building permit is already approved. Fee schedule based on Resolution 2025-03 (approved 6/17/2025).

Plumbing Permit

Required for all plumbing work on residential and commercial properties in Star. Purchased separately from the building permit. Approved and issued same day if associated building permit is already approved. Fee schedule based on Resolution 2025-03 (approved 6/17/2025).

Demolition Permit

Required for demolition of structures in Star. Same-day approval when paperwork is complete.

Residential Swimming Pool Permit

Required for residential swimming pool installation in Star. Separate application review fee applies in addition to the building permit fee.

Manufactured / Mobile Home Setup Permit

Required for setting manufactured, modular, or mobile homes in Star. Includes separate mobile home setup fee. Separate MEP permits required for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Tips & gotchas

Star is a fast-growing small city in Ada County — the building department handles all building services directly (no county contract or third-party outsourcing observed).
All permitting is fully online via the IWORQ Portal (staridpermit.portal.iworq.net); contractors must register before accessing the portal.
All inspection requests must be submitted online by 4:00 PM the prior business day; no phone or email inspection requests accepted.
Rough and final inspections cannot be scheduled on the same day.
Review times can fluctuate due to volume, holidays, and extenuating circumstances; each revision or correction cycle adds 3–4 weeks.
Star does not offer expedited plan review for a fee.
A sewer certificate from Star Sewer & Water District (208-286-7388) is required for all new construction on public sewer before obtaining a building permit.
Fire review for commercial and large residential projects is handled by Star Joint Fire Protection District (permits@starfirerescue.org) — separate from the City.
Contact your HOA before the building department — HOA rules may be stricter than city code and the building department has no authority over HOAs.
Expired permits and plan reviews are not eligible for extension or refund after the 180-day window; contact the building department before expiration.
Working without a permit may result in double fees, civil penalties, or both.
IBC-defined agricultural buildings do not require a building permit but must comply with planning and zoning setbacks.
No permit required for a concrete slab of any size.
Re-certifying residential building plans costs $25; commercial building plans $150.

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

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