Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Pocatello, Idaho
VerifiedADUs are permitted in Pocatello but are processed as a Planning & Development Services land-use matter (not solely a Building Department permit); construction still requires a separate building permit and compliance with adopted codes. A recorded restrictive covenant is required.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Accessory Dwelling Unit land-use application processed by Planning & Development Services (208-234-6184), separate from the Building Department's construction permit
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Restrictive Covenant must be executed and recorded
- Building permit still required for ADU construction, subject to all adopted building codes (2018 IBC/IRC as amended)
- Apply for the land-use component through eTRAKiT's Land Use Permits category; apply for the construction permit through eTRAKiT's Building Permits category
Required documents
- Required
Accessory Dwelling Unit Restrictive Covenant (PDF)
City of Pocatello legal document recorded against the property as a condition of ADU approval
- Required
Land Use Permit Application (ADU)
Submitted through the eTRAKiT portal's Land Use Permits category to Planning & Development Services
- Required
Building Permit Application
Standard Residential Development Application / Building Permit application for the ADU structure itself
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Construction — Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new residential construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the Building Permit Fees table (e.g., $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000; see Residential Building Permit fee schedule for full table) | An ADU is built under the standard Building Department building permit for the structure, valued and fee-scheduled identically to new residential construction; City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Plan Review Fee — Residential | 35% of the building permit fee | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule; applies to the building-permit component of an ADU |
| Land-Use Application Fee — Administrative Review (staff level review), AAA/ADU | $50 | City of Pocatello FY2026 Fee Resolution No. 2025-30, Exhibit O (Planning and Development Service Fees), effective Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026: 'Administrative Review (staff level review) AAA, ADU — $50.00.' An ADU is a permitted accessory use processed as a staff-level Administrative Review (Pocatello City Code 17.06.100), not a hearing-based Conditional Use Permit. |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Pocatello’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
Tips
- ADUs in Pocatello involve two distinct city processes: a Planning & Development Services land-use approval (with a recorded restrictive covenant) and a separate Building Department construction permit for the physical structure.
- The construction/building-permit component of an ADU is valued and fee-scheduled identically to new residential construction (same Building Permit Fees valuation table), and is subject to the same governing minimum 10-working-day plan review timeline documented on the City's Residential Development Application; that verified figure is used here for the building-permit component of the ADU process.
- The Planning & Development Services land-use step for an ADU is a $50 staff-level Administrative Review (AAA/ADU line), per the City's FY2026 Fee Resolution No. 2025-30, Exhibit O (effective Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026); ADUs are a permitted accessory use under Pocatello City Code 17.06.100 (not a hearing-based Conditional Use Permit), requiring a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction. This is separate from and in addition to the valuation-based Building Department construction permit fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Does an ADU in Pocatello need a separate permit from a regular building permit?
- Yes. ADUs require a Planning & Development Services land-use approval (including a recorded Accessory Dwelling Unit Restrictive Covenant) in addition to the standard Building Department construction permit for the structure itself. The construction permit is valued and fee-scheduled the same as new residential construction and follows the same minimum 10-working-day plan review timeline.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Pocatello Building Department (Development Services Center) — official building department
- Applications & Forms | City of Pocatello (Land Use / Construction and Development sections)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Restrictive Covenant (PDF) | City of Pocatello
- Building Permit Fees | City of Pocatello
- Residential Development Application & Plan Checklist (PDF) | City of Pocatello
- FY2026 Fee Resolution No. 2025-30, Exhibit O — Planning and Development Service Fees (PDF) | City of Pocatello
- Pocatello City Code 17.06.100 Accessory Dwelling Units | American Legal Publishing
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 Pocatello building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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