Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in Idaho Falls, Idaho
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Idaho Falls, including patio covers, carports, attached/detached garages, and basement finishes. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted by Idaho Falls City Code Title 7. Apply through the Cityworks portal.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Building permit required for additions, remodels, and alterations, including changes to plumbing and electrical systems
- Any detached structure (including sheds) over 120 square feet that will house property, equipment, or people requires a building permit, per City of Idaho Falls FAQ guidance
- Patio covers and carports require a building permit; must be designed for eastern Idaho snow and wind loads
- Attached/Detached Garages, Additions, and Patio Covers: two complete sets of plans drawn to scale on paper at least 18" x 24", including plot plan (footprint, acreage, property lines/dimensions, setbacks, grading, drainage, parking/driveways/easements, right-of-way locations), floor plans, elevations, building sections, door/window schedules, and Model Energy Code worksheets
- Basement Finish permits require a completed Residential Building Permit Application plus a complete basement floor plan with dimensions, room identification, and window/door/egress-window locations and sizes; any room used for sleeping purposes must have an egress window
- City Licensed General Contractor required unless the homeowner is performing the work on their own home
Required documents
- Required
Cityworks Residential Remodel Permit Application
Submitted via the Cityworks portal; requires detailed scope of work and before/after architectural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans and details
- Optional
Patio Cover, Addition, Detached/Attached Garage Plan Submittal
City of Idaho Falls two-set plan submittal package (plot plan, floor plans, elevations, building sections, door/window schedules, Model Energy Code worksheet, truss framing plan)
- Optional
Basement Finish Permit Required Documents
Completed Residential Building Permit Application plus dimensioned basement floor plan showing egress windows for sleeping rooms
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $30.18 minimum ($1-$499 valuation), scaling per the Residential Building Permit Fee Valuation Table | City of Idaho Falls Fee Schedule (October 2025), item 2.6 |
| Foundation Only Permit | $100.00 | City of Idaho Falls Fee Schedule (October 2025), item 2.11.g |
| Egress Window Permit | $30.18 | City of Idaho Falls Fee Schedule (October 2025), item 2.11.f |
| Permit Issuance Fee | $30.18 | City of Idaho Falls Fee Schedule (October 2025), item 2.13.a |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Idaho Falls’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Footing/Foundation
Required before concrete pour for additions, garages, and patio cover footings
- 2
Framing
Structural framing and connections to existing structure
- 3
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-In
For additions/remodels affecting MEP systems
- 4
Final
Combined Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing final inspection
Tips
- A simple rule of thumb from the City: any detached structure (including sheds) over 120 sq ft that will house property, equipment, or people needs a building permit.
- Patio covers and carports need engineered plans that account for eastern Idaho snow and wind loads — undersized prefabricated carports are explicitly called out by the City as a common failure.
- Basement finish plans must show an egress window for any room used for sleeping purposes.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a patio cover, carport, or shed in Idaho Falls?
- Yes. Zoning provisions require open, unobstructed front/rear/side yards and structures must meet eastern Idaho snow and wind load requirements. Any detached structure over 120 square feet that will house property, equipment, or people needs a building permit. Source: City of Idaho Falls FAQ.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Idaho Falls Building Division (Department of Community Development Services) — official building department
- Permit Processing | City of Idaho Falls
- Patio Cover, Addition, Detached-Attached Garage Plan Submittals (PDF) | City of Idaho Falls
- Basement Finish Permit Required Documents (PDF) | City of Idaho Falls
- 2025-2026 Fee Schedule (PDF) | City of Idaho Falls
- City of Idaho Falls FAQ (Building/Code Enforcement)
- Idaho Code § 39-4117 — Processing Building Permits — Timely Review (added 2025 ch. 272; 10 business days residential / 20 commercial for completeness determination, which 'shall not constitute approval')
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 Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Idaho Falls
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in other cities
Compare residential addition / remodel permit fees across Idaho →
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Idaho Falls — 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.