You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-02.
Idaho City building permits
VerifiedIdaho City, Idaho — as published 2026-08-02.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Codes adopted
2015 International Building Code (IBC), including rules for ADA and Federal Fair Housing Act accessibility equivalency, as adopted per Idaho City Code 8-1-2 and Idaho Code section 39-4116(1)2017 Idaho Residential Code (IRC), Parts I-IV and IX2017 Idaho Energy Conservation Code (IECC)Per Idaho City Code 8-1-2, adopted codes are automatically superseded by successive versions as approved by the Idaho Building Code Board — confirm current statewide-mandated edition with the City or the Idaho Building Code Board before relying on a specific yearIdaho City Code Title 8 — Building Regulations
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Additions & Alterations)
VerifiedRequired for all new residential construction, additions, remodels, and structural alterations within Idaho City limits. One application form and one valuation-based fee schedule cover new construction, remodels, additions, repairs, and renewals. Issued by the City Building Permits and Inspections Department / City Zoning Administrator.
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- Building permits are required in the city limits for any building or structure erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered (Idaho City Code 8-1-4)
- Submit a completed Building Permit Application to City Hall (digital PDF preferred, plus 2 hard copies of plans)
- Plans must include site plan, foundation plans and details, floor plan, wall sections, cross sections, material specifications, insulation locations/R-values, ventilation, smoke/CO alarm locations, window sizes and U-factors, safety glazing locations, structural connection details, wall bracing, and truss packages
- Properties within the Historic District must first obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit can be issued
- Properties served by City water and/or sewer must complete a Water and/or Sewer Services Application & Contract and pay connection fees in full before the City issues the building permit
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning) are required in addition to the building permit — these are issued by the State of Idaho (DOPL), not the City
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (2025-26)City of Idaho City building permit application form; covers new construction, remodel, addition, repair, renewal, and fire damage projects for residential and commercial structures
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan, foundation plan, floor plan, wall/cross sections, elevations, roof plan, electrical plan, and structural details per the Minimum Information Requested for Residential Structural Plan Review checklist
- RequiredMin Info Residential Structural Plan Review ChecklistCity checklist of documents/drawings needed for a residential structural plan review (plat plan, site plan, foundation plan, floor framing, floor plan, wall bracing, sections, roof plan, elevations, details, electrical plan)
- OptionalCertificate of AppropriatenessRequired first if the property is within the Idaho City Historic District and the project involves any exterior change — must be obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission before the building permit is issued
- OptionalWater and/or Sewer Services Application & ContractRequired for any property connecting to City water and/or sewer service; connection fees must be paid in full before the building permit is issued
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — total valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule (for new construction or additions to existing buildings) |
| Building Permit — total valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500.00, plus $3.00 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$501.00 to $2,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000.00, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the row label is printed '$2001.00 to $25,000.00' in the published table. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.75 for the first $25,000.00, plus $10.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$25,001.00 to $50,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the published row label reads '$50,000.00 to $100,000.00', overlapping the preceding tier's upper bound. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000.00, plus $5.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$100,001.00 to $500,000.00' row; the published text reads 'or thereof' where the other tiers read 'or fraction thereof'. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000.00, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00' row; the base amount is printed '$3233.75' without a thousands separator. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $1,000,000.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000.00, plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, final line printed below the Building Permit Fee Schedule table ('$1,000,000.00 and up'). |
| Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule: 'Plan Review is an additional 65% of building permit fee' |
| Water Connection Fee (new connection) | $3,785.25 | Building Permit Application: required in full before the City issues a building permit for any property connecting to City water |
| Sewer Connection Fee (new connection) | $3,785.25 | Building Permit Application: required in full before the City issues a building permit for any property connecting to City sewer |
Demolition Permit
Required for demolition of any commercial or residential structure within Idaho City limits, including a required checklist covering utility disconnection, historic district status, asbestos/lead paint certification, and traffic control planning.
Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- Required for full or partial demolition of any structure in the city
- Structure must have gas/propane, electrical, water, and sewer service disconnected, abandoned, or capped before demolition
- If the structure is in the Historic District or a historic site, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required from the Historic Preservation Commission before the demolition permit can be issued
- The Idaho City Fire Protection District must be contacted before demolition — (208) 392-6621
- An asbestos certificate is required for structures built before 1975; an EPA Asbestos Information notice must be acknowledged
- A pre-approved Traffic Control Plan is required for any work impacting the City right-of-way
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationCity of Idaho City demolition permit application covering project information, utility disconnection, historic district status, asbestos, and lead-paint questions
- OptionalAsbestos Notification of Demolition and RenovationEPA-format asbestos notification form (NESHAP), required for structures where asbestos is present or the structure predates 1975
- OptionalCertificate of AppropriatenessRequired if the structure is within the Historic District or is a designated historic site
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit — valuation-based per Building Permit Fee Schedule | Same valuation-based schedule as new construction/alterations, based on the project's estimated cost as declared on the Demolition Permit application: $23.50 (up to $500) scaling to $5,608.75 + $3.50/$1,000 (over $1,000,000) | The Demolition Permit application asks for 'Project Estimated Cost' and the City's fee schedule PDF is titled for use on 'new construction or additions to existing buildings' with no separate… Show full citationHideThe Demolition Permit application asks for 'Project Estimated Cost' and the City's fee schedule PDF is titled for use on 'new construction or additions to existing buildings' with no separate demolition-specific fee table published — City confirmed by phone is recommended to verify the exact valuation basis used for a demolition-only project |
Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness
VerifiedRequired BEFORE a building permit can be issued for any exterior change, new signage, or demolition on a structure located within the Idaho City Historic District. Issued by the Idaho City Historic Preservation Commission (a five-member advisory commission), governed by City Ordinance No. 270 and the Idaho City Design Guide (updated September 2011).
Verified 2026-07-08 · Source
Requirements
- Applies only to properties within the boundaries of the Idaho City Historic District (see Historic District Map)
- Required for any exterior change to a structure, new/changed signage, or demolition — beyond routine maintenance
- Contributing (historic) buildings must follow the stricter Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
- Non-contributing buildings in the district still require a Certificate of Appropriateness, under a less restrictive set of guidelines
- Application must be submitted at least one week before the next monthly Commission meeting (3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM at City Hall)
- Applicant attendance at the meeting is encouraged but not required
- Required submittals: detailed scaled plans/elevations of proposed changes; for signage, a colored rendering and scaled drawing; a scaled site plan; and a vicinity map
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for a Certificate of Appropriateness5-page Historic Preservation Commission application covering applicant/owner info, property location and legal description, proposed exterior changes/materials, and required submittal checklist
- RequiredIdaho City Design Guide (updated September 2011)City design guidance for the Historic District based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
- OptionalHistoric District MapMap showing the boundaries of the Idaho City Historic District, used to confirm whether a property is within the district and whether a structure is 'contributing'
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations within Idaho City limits. The structural/mounting portion is billed under the City's own valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule (same table used for other construction and additions); the electrical interconnection portion is handled by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), not the City, consistent with Idaho City's standing arrangement for all electrical/plumbing/mechanical trade permits. No dedicated flat solar fee or standalone solar application was found published by the City.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for the structural/mounting portion of a solar PV installation, submitted in person to the City Clerk's Office (511 Main St.) — the City does not offer online submission
- If the property is within the Idaho City Historic District, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission is required BEFORE the building permit can be issued for any exterior change, including a visible rooftop solar array
- Electrical interconnection is issued and inspected by the State of Idaho (DOPL, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses), not the City — contact DOPL at 1-800-955-3044 or dopl.idaho.gov
- Plans must show panel/array location, mounting/racking details, and structural connection sufficient for review against the City's adopted 2015 IBC/2017 IRC as most recently superseded by the current Idaho Building Code Board edition
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (2025-26)City of Idaho City building permit application form; used for the structural/mounting portion of a solar installation, no separate solar-specific form exists
- OptionalCertificate of AppropriatenessRequired first if the property is within the Idaho City Historic District and the solar array is visible/exterior — must be obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission before the building permit is issued
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (solar plan set)Panel/array layout, mounting/racking details, and structural connection information, per the general residential structural plan review requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — total valuation (structural/mounting portion, same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1-$500 valuation) scaling to $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.50 per additional $1,000 above that | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule — no separate flat solar-specific fee line was found; solar structural work is billed on the same valuation-based schedule as other construction |
| Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedIdaho City does not issue electrical permits at all — electrical work, including EV charger/EVSE circuit installation, is issued and inspected by the State of Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL, Bureau of Building and Construction Safety), the same statewide arrangement covering all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC trade work in the city. IDAPA 24.39.10 (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board) has no dedicated EV charger/EVSE fee category: an EV charger circuit added to an existing residence is billed under the flat $65 Existing Residential Dwelling Unit Permit fee, while a commercial or multi-family installation is billed under the Other Installation (Including Industrial and Commercial) Permit's wiring-cost-tiered schedule.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit for the EV charger circuit is obtained through Idaho DOPL, not the City of Idaho City — the City's own building permit only covers structural/mounting work, if any (e.g., a dedicated EV charger pedestal or canopy)
- If a structural element (post-mount pedestal, canopy, or similar) is installed, a City of Idaho City building permit is required for that portion, per the City's general Building Permit Application
- If the property is within the Idaho City Historic District, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission is required BEFORE any exterior structural element (e.g., a visible charger pedestal) can be permitted
- Contact Idaho DOPL directly at (208) 334-3233 or dopl.idaho.gov for the electrical permit and current valuation-based fee
Required documents
- RequiredContractor Electrical Permit Application (Idaho DOPL)State of Idaho DOPL electrical permit application; used for EV charger/EVSE circuit installation as no dedicated EV form is published
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (2025-26)City of Idaho City building permit application; only needed if the EV charger installation includes a structural/mounting element reviewed by the City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Residential Dwelling Unit Permit (DOPL) — applies to an EV charger circuit added to an existing home | $65 per inspection | IDAPA 24.39.10, Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, Section 050.02 (Residential Permits, Existing Residential Dwelling Unit). Show full citationHideIDAPA 24.39.10, Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, Section 050.02 (Residential Permits, Existing Residential Dwelling Unit). No distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line is published by DOPL; a Level 2/EVSE circuit added to an existing residence falls under this flat existing-dwelling-unit fee rather than the new-construction, square-footage-tiered schedule. Confirmed 2026-07-20 directly against DOPL's own published Idaho Electrical Board rules text. |
| Other Installation (Including Industrial and Commercial) Permit (DOPL) — applies to commercial/multi-family EV charging installations | Wiring cost not exceeding $10,000: $60 plus 2% of wiring cost. $10,001-$100,000: $260 plus 1% of the amount over $10,000. Over $100,000: $1,160 plus 0.5% of the amount over $100,000. | IDAPA 24.39.10, Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, Section 050.06 (Other Installation, Including Industrial and Commercial, Permit). Show full citationHideIDAPA 24.39.10, Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board, Section 050.06 (Other Installation, Including Industrial and Commercial, Permit). Applies to a commercial or multi-family EV charging station installation rather than the residential dwelling-unit fee. Confirmed 2026-07-20 directly against DOPL's own published Idaho Electrical Board rules text. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $1.00 to $500.00 (City, structural/mounting portion only, if applicable) | $23.50 | Only applies if a structural element (pedestal, canopy) requires a separate City building permit; City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction & Additions)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction and additions within Idaho City limits. Idaho City has no separate commercial-specific application or fee schedule — commercial projects are submitted on the same universal Building Permit Application (checked 'Commercial' under Type) and billed on the identical valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule used for residential work. What IS distinct: commercial projects are plan-reviewed against the City's separate 'Minimum Information for Commercial Structural Plan Review' checklist, based on the 2015 IBC and 2015 IECC (rather than the 2017 IRC used for residential), and construction documents must be prepared by a registered design professional.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for any commercial building or structure erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered (Idaho City Code 8-1-4) — same statutory basis as residential
- Submit the City's standard Building Permit Application (check 'Commercial' under Type; 'New' or 'Addition' under Structure) as a digital PDF plus 2 hard copies of plans
- Application must include, at minimum, existing use, proposed use, a to-scale site plan, building height, and number of off-street parking spaces (Idaho City Code 8-1-5)
- Construction documents must satisfy the City's 'Minimum Information for Commercial Structural Plan Review' checklist: energy compliance path (Com-Check, ASHRAE, or prescriptive) and details per the 2015 IECC; occupancy classification, occupancy load, and construction type; means of egress plan per chapter 10 of the 2015 IBC; accessibility per chapter 11 of the 2015 IBC and ICC A117.1 (2009 ed.); fire/smoke-rated assemblies per chapter 7 and fire protection systems (alarm, sprinkler, standpipe) per chapter 9 of the 2015 IBC; stamped engineering for lateral force-resisting systems per chapter 16
- Construction documents must be prepared by a registered (Idaho-licensed) design professional — the commercial checklist does not offer the informal/owner-drawn path that some smaller residential projects use
- The City shall approve or disapprove a submitted application within thirty (30) days of receipt (Idaho City Code 8-1-7)
- Properties within the Idaho City Historic District must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission BEFORE the building permit can be issued for any exterior change — much of downtown Idaho City's commercial Main Street frontage sits within the district
- Properties served by City water and/or sewer must complete a Water and/or Sewer Services Application & Contract and pay connection fees in full before the City issues the building permit
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupying a newly constructed or newly converted commercial building (Idaho City Code 8-1-9); all plan review, permit, and inspection fees must be paid in full before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued (Idaho City Code 8-1-6)
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning) are required in addition to the building permit — these are issued by the State of Idaho (DOPL), not the City
- Building inspections (footing, foundation, sheathing, framing, energy, final) are conducted through the Boise County Building Department's Building Inspection Line, (208) 781-8565 — the same phone number Idaho City's own Building Permit Application lists as its inspection/plan-review contact (Jon Watkins); call at least 48 hours in advance and have your permit number ready
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (2025-26)Same universal City application used for all building permits; check 'Commercial' under Type and 'New' or 'Addition' under Structure. No separate commercial-specific application form exists.
- RequiredMin Info Commercial Structural Plan Review ChecklistCity checklist of documents/drawings required specifically for commercial structural plan review under the 2015 IBC and 2015 IECC — energy compliance path, occupancy/construction type, plat/site/foundation/structural/floor/roof plans, elevations, means-of-egress plan, accessibility, fire/smoke assemblies, and fire protection systems
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (prepared by a registered design professional)Site plan, foundation plan, structural information, floor plan, roof plan, elevations, means-of-egress plan, and fire/accessibility details per the Min Info Commercial Structural Plan Review checklist
- OptionalCertificate of AppropriatenessRequired first if the property is within the Idaho City Historic District and the project involves any exterior change — must be obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission before the building permit is issued
- OptionalWater and/or Sewer Services Application & ContractRequired for any property connecting to City water and/or sewer service; connection fees must be paid in full before the building permit is issued
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — total valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | Same City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule used for residential — no separate commercial fee table exists; the fee sheet itself is titled 'For New Construction Or Additions To Existing Buildings' with no residential/commercial split |
| Building Permit — total valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500.00, plus $3.00 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$501.00 to $2,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000.00, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the row label is printed '$2001.00 to $25,000.00' in the published table. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.75 for the first $25,000.00, plus $10.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$25,001.00 to $50,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the published row label reads '$50,000.00 to $100,000.00', overlapping the preceding tier's upper bound. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000.00, plus $5.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$100,001.00 to $500,000.00' row; the published text reads 'or thereof' where the other tiers read 'or fraction thereof'. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000.00, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00' row; the base amount is printed '$3233.75' without a thousands separator. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $1,000,000.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000.00, plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, final line printed below the Building Permit Fee Schedule table ('$1,000,000.00 and up'). |
| Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule: 'Plan Review is an additional 65% of building permit fee' |
| Re-inspection Fee | $150.00 | Charged by the Boise County Building Department 'after multiple visits of same inspection type,' per the Boise County Building Department's Inspection Requirements brochure — not listed on the City's own fee schedule |
| Water Connection Fee (new connection) | $3,785.25 | Building Permit Application: required in full before the City issues a building permit for any property connecting to City water |
| Sewer Connection Fee (new connection) | $3,785.25 | Building Permit Application: required in full before the City issues a building permit for any property connecting to City sewer |
Tenant Improvement / Commercial Remodel Permit
VerifiedIdaho City has no distinct tenant-improvement (TI) permit product, application form, or fee schedule. A TI or commercial remodel project is submitted on the same universal Building Permit Application used for all other construction — checked 'Commercial' under Type and 'Remodel' (or 'Addition'/'Repair', as applicable) under Structure — billed on the identical valuation-based fee schedule as new commercial construction, and reviewed against the same 'Minimum Information for Commercial Structural Plan Review' checklist (2015 IBC/IECC). This entry documents that mechanism explicitly for anyone searching for a Idaho City TI/remodel permit.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- No separate TI application, TI fee schedule, or TI-specific checklist exists — use the standard Building Permit Application, checking 'Commercial' under Type and 'Remodel' (or 'Addition'/'Repair') under Structure
- Submit as a digital PDF plus 2 hard copies of plans, per the standard Building Permit Application instructions
- Project must still satisfy the 'Minimum Information for Commercial Structural Plan Review' checklist for any structural, means-of-egress, fire/smoke-assembly, or accessibility-affecting work, per the 2015 IBC — the checklist does not carve out a lighter-weight path for interior-only remodels
- Construction documents affecting structural elements must be prepared by a registered design professional, per the commercial plan review checklist
- Idaho City Code 8-1-9 (Certificate of Occupancy) states the certificate-of-occupancy requirement 'shall not apply to structures already occupied or used prior to the commencement of addition or remodel work' — read literally, this exempts continued occupancy of an already-lawfully-occupied structure during remodel/addition work from needing a new Certificate of Occupancy for that work alone. The same section separately requires a Certificate of Occupancy whenever a building's use is 'changed, converted, or... altered or enlarged in its use' — the code text does not spell out how these two clauses interact for a change-of-tenant/change-of-use TI (e.g., converting retail space to a restaurant); confirm directly with the City Zoning Administrator whether your specific change of use or change of tenant triggers a new Certificate of Occupancy
- The City shall approve or disapprove a submitted application within thirty (30) days of receipt (Idaho City Code 8-1-7) — same statutory provision as new commercial construction
- If the space is within the Idaho City Historic District, any exterior change (signage, storefront, awnings, window/door changes) requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission BEFORE the building permit is issued, even for an interior TI that includes exterior signage changes
- Separate trade permits (electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning) are required in addition to the building permit — these are issued by the State of Idaho (DOPL), not the City
- Inspections applicable to the scope of work are conducted through the Boise County Building Department's Building Inspection Line, (208) 781-8565 — a purely cosmetic/non-structural interior remodel would generally only trigger the Energy and Final inspections rather than the full footing-through-final sequence used for new construction
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (2025-26)Same universal City application used for all building permits; check 'Commercial' under Type and 'Remodel' (or 'Addition'/'Repair') under Structure. No separate tenant-improvement application form exists.
- RequiredMin Info Commercial Structural Plan Review ChecklistApplies to the TI scope of work for any structural, egress, fire/smoke-assembly, or accessibility changes — the same checklist used for new commercial construction, based on the 2015 IBC and 2015 IECC
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (scope-appropriate)Floor plan and details reflecting the TI scope — full commercial-structural-plan-review-level drawings if structural/egress/fire-rated elements are affected; a lighter drawing set for purely cosmetic interior work has no separate published standard, so scope should be confirmed with the Zoning Administrator before submittal
- OptionalCertificate of AppropriatenessRequired first if the space is within the Idaho City Historic District and the project involves any exterior change (signage, storefront, awnings, windows/doors) — must be obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission before the building permit is issued
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — total valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | Identical schedule to new commercial construction and residential work — City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule has no separate TI/remodel fee table; valuation is based on the declared cost of the remodel/TI work |
| Building Permit — total valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500.00, plus $3.00 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$501.00 to $2,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000.00, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the row label is printed '$2001.00 to $25,000.00' in the published table. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.75 for the first $25,000.00, plus $10.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$25,001.00 to $50,000.00' row. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table; the published row label reads '$50,000.00 to $100,000.00', overlapping the preceding tier's upper bound. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000.00, plus $5.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$100,001.00 to $500,000.00' row; the published text reads 'or thereof' where the other tiers read 'or fraction thereof'. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000.00, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fee Schedule table, '$500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00' row; the base amount is printed '$3233.75' without a thousands separator. |
| Building Permit — total valuation $1,000,000.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000.00, plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule, final line printed below the Building Permit Fee Schedule table ('$1,000,000.00 and up'). |
| Plan Review | 65% of the building permit fee | City of Idaho City Building Permit Fee Schedule: 'Plan Review is an additional 65% of building permit fee' — applies to remodel/TI valuations the same as new construction |
| Re-inspection Fee | $150.00 | Charged by the Boise County Building Department 'after multiple visits of same inspection type,' per the Boise County Building Department's Inspection Requirements brochure — not listed on the City's own fee schedule |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
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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 Idaho City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.