Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Pocatello, Idaho
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and duplex residential construction in Pocatello, administered by the City of Pocatello Building Department against the 2018 IRC, 2018 IECC, and City of Pocatello General Design Specifications. Applications are submitted through the City's eTRAKiT portal or via the paper Residential Development Application.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Building permit required for new single-family, duplex, and other residential construction
- Plans reviewed against the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC as adopted by the City of Pocatello, plus the 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments
- Completed Residential Development Application with legal description, parcel size, zoning district, and estimated construction cost
- Completed MECcheck or REScheck energy compliance form must be completed prior to submitting the application
- Manual D, J, and S (HVAC sizing) calculations must be submitted with the building plans prior to review (effective Oct. 1, 2021); every fifth home built by a builder must be blower-door tested to meet current thermal-envelope requirements
- Individual site-specific Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan required at time of application; City of Pocatello ESC Permit required alongside any EPA NOI/Construction General Permit obligations
- Full plan set including plot plan (no smaller than 8.5x11 inches) with north arrow/scale, lot boundary dimensions, structure locations, setbacks from property lines, driveway with dimensions/grade, utility locations, floor plans, elevation views, and footing/foundation cross-sections
- Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans
- Flood Plain Determination required if parcel is in the Flood Plain (pre-development Flood Plain Certificate)
- Evidence of septic permit from the state Health Department required if sanitary sewer is not available
- Apply online via the eTRAKiT portal (pocatello.gov/etrakit/) or submit the paper Residential Development Application
Required documents
- Required
Residential Development Application
City of Pocatello Development Services Center application form; requires owner/contractor info, legal description, ESC certification, project scope (new/addition/remodel/repair/foundation-only), square footages, and subcontractor info
- Required
Residential Plan Checklist
City of Pocatello checklist covering application, MECcheck/REScheck, full plan set, plot plan, structure/setback locations, utilities, drainage/grading, fire access, flood plain, floor plans, elevations, and foundation details
- Required
MECcheck or REScheck Energy Compliance Form
Energy code compliance calculation, must be completed before the application is submitted
- Required
Site-Specific Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan
Individual plan showing drainage swales, sediment barriers, stabilized construction entrance, and other erosion controls per the City's example ESC plan
- Required
Construction Drawings (plot plan, floor plans, elevations, foundation/footing details, roof plan)
Full plan set per the Residential Plan Checklist, including sample plot plan and sample plans provided by the City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $1 to $500 | $23.50 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $501 to $2,000 | $23.50 for the first $500, plus $3.05 for each additional $100 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $69.25 for the first $2,000, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $391.75 for the first $25,000, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $643.75 for the first $50,000, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $993.75 for the first $100,000, plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — total valuation $1,000,001 and higher | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000 | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Plan Review Fee — Residential | 35% of the building permit fee | City of Pocatello Building Permit Fees schedule |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Pocatello’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Footing/Foundation
Prior to concrete pour; verify footing dimensions/rebar per the Alternative Footing and Foundation Policy (R104.11) for foundation walls, and 3-foot minimum frost depth
- 2
Framing
Structural framing per approved plans, floor/wall/roof framing, truss and floor joist details
- 3
Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) — Initial
Requested prior to beginning grading or excavation; call (208) 234-6580
- 4
Final / Certificate of Occupancy
Final building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical verification; final ESC inspection also required for certificate of occupancy (call 208-234-6580)
Tips
- Residential plan review has a minimum 10-working-day timeline once a complete application is submitted; submitting any new or revised piece of information restarts the full 10-working-day clock, per the City's Residential Development Application.
- MECcheck/REScheck energy compliance and Manual D/J/S HVAC sizing calculations must be completed and submitted with the plans before the review clock starts.
- Every fifth home built by a given builder is subject to mandatory blower-door thermal-envelope testing under 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments (effective Oct. 1, 2021).
- An individual, site-specific Erosion and Sediment Control plan is required at permit application; contact City of Pocatello Engineering at (208) 234-6225 with questions.
- To schedule an inspection, use the eTRAKiT portal (poca.csqrcloud.com/community-etrakit/dashboard.aspx) or the inspection hotline.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does residential building permit review take in Pocatello?
- There is a minimum of 10 working days for residential plan review. That 10-day timeline restarts whenever any new piece of information is submitted, per the City of Pocatello Residential Development Application.
- Where do I apply for a residential building permit in Pocatello?
- Applications are submitted through the City's eTRAKiT portal (pocatello.gov/etrakit/) or as a paper Residential Development Application at the Development Services Center, 911 N 7th Avenue.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Pocatello Building Department (Development Services Center) — official building department
- Building Department | City of Pocatello
- Building Permit Fees | City of Pocatello
- General Building Information | City of Pocatello
- Residential Development Application & Plan Checklist (PDF) | City of Pocatello
- Apply for a Permit or License | City of Pocatello
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.
Other permits in Pocatello
Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in other cities
Compare residential building permit (new construction) fees across Idaho →
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Pocatello — in one checklist. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it's ready.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.