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Commercial Building Permit (New Construction) in Pocatello, Idaho

Required for new commercial construction and additions to commercial buildings in Pocatello (any commercial building, and any apartment building with three or more dwelling units, is 'deemed commercial' for fee purposes). Administered by the City of Pocatello Building Department against the 2018 IBC/IEBC and City of Pocatello General Design Specifications, using the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee table as residential construction but a distinct, higher Commercial Plan Review Fee (65% vs. 35%). Applications are submitted through the City's eTRAKiT portal or via the paper Commercial Development Application.

Verified 2026-08-02 · Source

When you need this permit

  • Building permit required for new commercial construction and additions to commercial structures; any commercial building, and any apartment/multi-family building with three (3) or more dwelling units, is 'deemed commercial' for City fee-schedule purposes
  • Plans reviewed against the 2018 IBC and 2018 IEBC as adopted by the City of Pocatello, plus the 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments
  • Contractor performing the work must hold a City of Pocatello Class A-1 commercial builder's license ($150 fee; requires $1 Million Liability Combined Single Limit Insurance and a $50,000 License and Permit Bond); Class A-1 also authorizes Class A-2 and Class B work
  • Completed Commercial Development Application with legal description, size of parcel, zoning district, existing/proposed use, building type, project description, and total estimated value of commercial construction (excluding lot)
  • Commercial Plan Checklist submittal covering: vicinity map, property boundaries/lot-pad dimensions, building locations, parking facilities, rights-of-way/easements/dedications, vehicle/pedestrian/service access, landscaping plan, grading plan, sediment and erosion control plan, storm water drainage plan and calculations, utility locations (Idaho Power must be contacted for consultation if a building is within 20 feet of overhead lines), accessibility-standards compliance, fire access and turnaround (if applicable), floor plans with dimensions, electrical/plumbing/gas/mechanical plans, connection point to public sanitary sewer, elevation/footing/cross-sections, standard notes/details/drawings, and the seal and registration number of a registered professional architect or engineer
  • Optional Preliminary plan review stage is available before Final submittal; items marked with an asterisk on the Commercial Plan Checklist are not required for preliminary submittals
  • ESC-certified person and ESC certification number required on the application; an individual erosion and sediment control plan is required as part of the checklist
  • If the building will be, or is, connected to the sanitary sewer system, a separate Wastewater Discharge Permit must be obtained from the Water Pollution Control Department's Industrial/Commercial Pretreatment Program prior to discharging — there is no fee to submit the wastewater discharge application itself
  • Separate Fire and Life Safety system permits (fire hydrant/sprinkler line, fire suppression system, standpipe system, fire alarm system, commercial hood/suppression system, Knox Box) are issued by the Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau and are NOT part of the Building Department's permit package; issuance of the Fire & Life Safety Certificate of Occupancy is contingent on these inspections passing
  • Multiple identical commercial buildings on the same parcel submitted for plan review together require only one Commercial Plan Review Fee, provided site plans showing all building placements/utility placement/site improvements are submitted with the first building's application (plans for each individual building must still be submitted with each application)
  • Apply online via the eTRAKiT portal (pocatello.gov/etrakit/, Commercial/Residential Development category) or submit the paper Commercial Development Application

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Building Permit Fee — total valuation $1 to $500City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A); the same valuation table is used for commercial and residential construction per the Fee Schedule Exhibits (Exhibit G, Construction Trade Fees)
$23.50
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $501 to $2,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$23.50 for the first $500, plus $3.05 for each additional $100
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $2,001 to $25,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$69.25 for the first $2,000, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $25,001 to $50,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$391.75 for the first $25,000, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $50,001 to $100,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$643.75 for the first $50,000, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $100,001 to $500,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$993.75 for the first $100,000, plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$3,233.75 for the first $500,000, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000
Building Permit Fee — total valuation $1,000,001 and higherCity of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule (Table 1-A)
$5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000
Plan Review Fee — CommercialCity of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule ('Plan Review Fees' table); confirmed distinct from the 35% Residential Plan Review Fee. Due prior to plan review.
65% of the building permit fee
Class A-1 Commercial Builder's License (contractor)City of Pocatello Contractor Licenses page and Fee Schedule Exhibit G (Construction Trade Fees); requires $1 Million Liability Combined Single Limit Insurance and a $50,000 License and Permit Bond
$150
Additional plan review (change/addition/revision to an approved plan)City of Pocatello Fee Schedule Exhibit G (Construction Trade Fees); must be paid prior to review
$65 per trade review
Re-inspectionCity of Pocatello Fee Schedule Exhibit G (Construction Trade Fees); must be paid prior to re-inspection
$65 per hour
Fire Hydrant Line / Sprinkler System Line — Installation or ModificationSeparate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau permit, not part of the Building Department permit package; requires proof of contractor's license
$100
Fire Suppression Systems — Installation or ModificationSeparate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau permit; requires proof of Idaho State Sprinkler Contractor's License
$150 plus $2.00 per head
Standpipe Systems — Installation or ModificationSeparate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau permit; requires proof of Idaho State Sprinkler Contractor's License
$100
Fire Alarm Systems — Plan Review, Installation or ModificationSeparate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau permit; requires NICET II certification or factory certification, plus an Idaho State Electrical/Specialty license if installing other than low-voltage wiring
$100 plus $4.00 per device
Commercial Hood/Suppression SystemsSeparate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau permit; requires factory certification for the equipment installed
$75
Knox Box (Knox Company)Separate Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau requirement for secure access to safety systems; price set by Knox Company, not the City
Pricing varies
Wastewater Discharge Permit ApplicationWater Pollution Control Department Industrial/Commercial Pretreatment Program notice: 'There is no fee to submit the wastewater discharge application.' Required before discharging to the sanitary sewer system.
No fee

Review timeline

Plan reviewPocatello’s published plan-review target
10–10 business days

How long did your Commercial Building Permit (New Construction) permit actually take in Pocatello?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Footing/Foundation

    Prior to concrete pour; verify footing/foundation details per approved commercial plans

  2. 2

    Framing

    Structural framing per approved plans, including fire-rated assemblies and occupancy-specific requirements

  3. 3

    Fire and Life Safety System Inspections

    Separate inspection track administered by the Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau for any installed/modified fire hydrant/sprinkler lines, fire suppression, standpipe, fire alarm, or commercial hood/suppression systems; not scheduled through the Building Department

  4. 4

    Final / Certificate of Occupancy

    Final building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical verification; a Fire & Life Safety Certificate of Occupancy from the Fire Prevention Bureau is a separate, additional contingency

See the full Pocatello inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Commercial Plan Review Fee is 65% of the building permit fee, compared to 35% for residential — confirmed directly on the City's Building Permit Fees page 'Plan Review Fees' table.
  • The Commercial Development Application and Commercial Plan Checklist are shared by new construction and remodel/addition/repair work — select the appropriate checkbox (NEW vs. ADDITION/REMODEL/REPAIR/FOUNDATION) on the same form.
  • Fire and Life Safety system permits (sprinklers, alarms, hoods, standpipes, Knox Box) are billed and inspected separately by the Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau, not the Building Department — budget and schedule for them independently; a Fire & Life Safety Certificate of Occupancy is a separate contingency from the building Certificate of Occupancy. Note the source notice for these fees is dated 'Updated: 10/2015' on its face, though it is the current version distributed in the City's live Commercial Development Application packet as of this entry's lastVerified date — contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (208) 234-6203 to confirm current pricing before budgeting.
  • A Wastewater Discharge Permit is required from Water Pollution Control before connecting to the sanitary sewer system; there is no fee to submit the application, but issuing the permit is contingent on inspections passing.
  • The City's 'Why Build in Pocatello?' economic-development page states residential and 'small commercial projects can usually be approved without the requirement of professional design' and that the City project review committee will review a project for free — this is promotional/informational copy from a marketing page, not a fee-schedule or checklist document, and it is not the source used for any fee or requirement in this entry; it does not override the Commercial Plan Checklist's listed requirement for an architect/engineer seal and registration number on final commercial submittals, and no small-project size threshold for the design waiver is documented.
  • If a building is located within 20 feet of overhead power lines, Idaho Power regulations require contacting them for consultation (208-388-2323), per the Commercial Plan Checklist.
  • Multiple identical commercial buildings on the same parcel submitted together for plan review require only one Commercial Plan Review Fee, provided site plans for all buildings are submitted with the first application.

Frequently asked questions

Pocatello requires a commercial building permit (new construction) for: Building permit required for new commercial construction and additions to commercial structures; any commercial building, and any apartment/multi-family building with three (3) or more dwelling units, is 'deemed commercial' for City fee-schedule purposes; Plans reviewed against the 2018 IBC and 2018 IEBC as adopted by the City of Pocatello, plus the 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments; Contractor performing the work must hold a City of Pocatello Class A-1 commercial builder's license ($150 fee; requires $1 Million Liability Combined Single Limit Insurance and a $50,000 License and Permit Bond); Class A-1 also authorizes Class A-2 and Class B work; Completed Commercial Development Application with legal description, size of parcel, zoning district, existing/proposed use, building type, project description, and total estimated value of commercial construction (excluding lot); Commercial Plan Checklist submittal covering: vicinity map, property boundaries/lot-pad dimensions, building locations, parking facilities, rights-of-way/easements/dedications, vehicle/pedestrian/service access, landscaping plan, grading plan, sediment and erosion control plan, storm water drainage plan and calculations, utility locations (Idaho Power must be contacted for consultation if a building is within 20 feet of overhead lines), accessibility-standards compliance, fire access and turnaround (if applicable), floor plans with dimensions, electrical/plumbing/gas/mechanical plans, connection point to public sanitary sewer, elevation/footing/cross-sections, standard notes/details/drawings, and the seal and registration number of a registered professional architect or engineer; Optional Preliminary plan review stage is available before Final submittal; items marked with an asterisk on the Commercial Plan Checklist are not required for preliminary submittals; ESC-certified person and ESC certification number required on the application; an individual erosion and sediment control plan is required as part of the checklist; If the building will be, or is, connected to the sanitary sewer system, a separate Wastewater Discharge Permit must be obtained from the Water Pollution Control Department's Industrial/Commercial Pretreatment Program prior to discharging — there is no fee to submit the wastewater discharge application itself; Separate Fire and Life Safety system permits (fire hydrant/sprinkler line, fire suppression system, standpipe system, fire alarm system, commercial hood/suppression system, Knox Box) are issued by the Pocatello Fire Prevention Bureau and are NOT part of the Building Department's permit package; issuance of the Fire & Life Safety Certificate of Occupancy is contingent on these inspections passing; Multiple identical commercial buildings on the same parcel submitted for plan review together require only one Commercial Plan Review Fee, provided site plans showing all building placements/utility placement/site improvements are submitted with the first building's application (plans for each individual building must still be submitted with each application); Apply online via the eTRAKiT portal (pocatello.gov/etrakit/, Commercial/Residential Development category) or submit the paper Commercial Development Application. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Pocatello Building Department (Development Services Center) at (208) 234-6158 before starting work.

The underlying valuation-based Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) is the same table used for both commercial and residential construction. What differs is the Plan Review Fee: 65% of the building permit fee for commercial vs. 35% for residential, per the City's Building Permit Fees page.

The City's Commercial Development Application states a minimum of 10 working days for commercial plan review, restarting whenever new information is submitted — the same stated floor as residential review, despite the Commercial Plan Review Fee being 65% of the permit fee (vs. 35% for residential). Idaho Code § 39-4117 separately requires the City to issue a written completeness determination within 20 business days for a commercial application.

You'll need: Commercial Development Application; Commercial Plan Checklist; Construction Drawings (site plan, floor plans, elevations, foundation/footing details, trade plans). Depending on your project, Pocatello may also ask for: Wastewater Discharge Permit Application; Fire and Life Safety System Permit Application(s). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Pocatello requires 4 inspection(s) for a commercial building permit (new construction), in order: Footing/Foundation, Framing, Fire and Life Safety System Inspections, Final / Certificate of Occupancy. Schedule each through City of Pocatello Building Department (Development Services Center) ((208) 234-6158).

Apply through City of Pocatello Building Department (Development Services Center) at 911 N 7th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201 (mailing: PO Box 4169, Pocatello, ID 83205-4169). Phone: (208) 234-6158. Office hours: Building Official: Marc Howell. Inspection scheduling hotline: (208) 234-6275 / (208) 234-6580 (erosion & sediment control inspections). Permits and Licensing Division: (208) 234-6285. Planning & Development Services (land use, ADUs, zoning): (208) 234-6184.. Official information: https://pocatello.gov/163/Building.

Pocatello, Idaho has adopted: Idaho has a mandatory statewide building code framework under the Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41), administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses' Building Safety Program, which sets the statewide-adopted editions of the IBC, IRC, IECC, and related codes; local jurisdictions administer and enforce permitting and inspections within their boundaries and may adopt local amendments. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page (pocatello.gov/164/General-Building-Information).; The City of Pocatello operates its own Building Department and Development Services Center — it is not a DOPL-administered jurisdiction for permit issuance. The Building Department 'ensures the safety of all buildings and structures in the city of Pocatello through the administration and enforcement of codes and ordinances regarding new construction, remodeling, and the abatement of dangerous buildings,' and 'coordinates plan checks and issues building permits for all construction including electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas installation; building demolitions; excavations; signs and sidewalks.' Source: City of Pocatello Building Department page (pocatello.gov/163/Building).; 2018 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (Idaho's state-amended plumbing code, administered locally) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 Idaho Fire Code — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by City of Pocatello. Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; 2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) — referenced on the City's Residential Plan Checklist for fire access/turnaround review. Source: City of Pocatello Residential Development Application & Plan Checklist (PDF), pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/81.; All codes amended per the 2018 Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA rules). Source: City of Pocatello General Building Information page.; Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) administers statewide contractor/tradesperson licensing (electrical, plumbing, mechanical contractors and journeymen) — DOPL issues the underlying trade licenses, but the City of Pocatello Building Department issues the construction permits and performs inspections within city limits. Source: City of Pocatello Contractor Licenses page (pocatello.gov/166/Contractor-Licenses), which requires electrical/mechanical/plumbing contractors to hold and present 'a copy of State of Idaho license' (DOPL) rather than issuing a separate city trade license for those disciplines.. Local amendments apply — see the Pocatello overview page for the full list.

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