You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-16.
Caldwell building permits
VerifiedCaldwell, Idaho — as published 2026-07-16.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Residential Code (IRC) — Parts I, II, III, IV and IX2018 International Building Code (IBC)2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2018 International Fire Code (IFC)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — Administrative Rules IDAPA 24.39.10 (Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board; renumbered from IDAPA 07.01.01–07.01.11)2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code — Based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code; Administrative Rules IDAPA 24.39.20 (Rules Governing Plumbing; renumbered from IDAPA 07.02.02–07.02.07)2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with State Amendments2018 International Property Maintenance Code1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings1997 Uniform Sign Code
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for all new one- and two-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses in Caldwell. Apply through the Citizenserve online portal at citizenserve.com (installation ID 263). Separate trade permits required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Verify proposed use is compatible with current zoning with the Planning & Zoning Division before applying
- Submit permit application through the Citizenserve online portal — paper submittals not accepted for residential subdivision projects
- Plans must comply with 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC with State Amendments
- Two full sets of plans required for new single-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses
- Site plan at 1/20 scale minimum with lot lines, easements, drainage, north arrow, lot corner and foundation elevations
- Foundation plan with reinforcement details, ventilation
- Floor plan with building dimensions, window and door sizes, smoke detectors
- Wall section with framing, insulation, roof system details
- Elevations — front, back, and both sides
- Energy compliance form — Prescriptive Report or RESCHECK (2018 IECC)
- Floodplain certificate if project is in a designated flood plain
- Plan review fees paid in full at time of submittal
- Approved plans must remain on site for all inspections
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCity of Caldwell building permit application for residential/utility construction; available in the residential permit packet at cityofcaldwell.org
- RequiredResidential Permit PacketFull application packet and guide for new residential construction; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/residential-permit-packet.pdf
- RequiredContractor Registration DeclarationIdaho Code 54-5209 requires contractor registration number on all permits; owner-builders exempt per Idaho Code 54-5205
- RequiredEnergy Compliance Form (RESCHECK or Prescriptive Report)Demonstrates 2018 IECC with State Amendments compliance; Manual J and D calculations also required
- RequiredIECC Residential Energy Compliance CertificateFillable PDF available at cityofcaldwell.org; required at project completion
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $0–$499 | $34.00 flat | Caldwell Building Safety Fees Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $500–$1,999 | $34.00 base + $0.02624 per dollar above $500 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,000–$24,999 | $64.37 base + $0.01135 per dollar above $2,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $25,000–$49,999 | $326.54 base + $0.0085 per dollar above $25,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $50,000–$99,999 | $549.65 base + $0.00565 per dollar above $50,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,000–$499,999 | $846.27 base + $0.004546 per dollar above $100,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $500,000–$999,999 | $2,755.45 base + $0.004336 per dollar above $500,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $1,000,000+ | $5,031.78 base + $0.003650 per dollar above $1,000,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Residential Building Plan Review Fee | 40% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2a; covers initial review through 3rd review |
| Planning & Zoning Plan Review Fee (residential) | 35% of building permit fee (minimum $55.00) | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2b |
| Engineering Plan Review Fee (residential) | 20% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2c |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same work segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C; first reinspection is no charge; reinspection fee levy is at building official's discretion |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, structural alterations, and accessory building permits for existing one- and two-family dwellings in Caldwell. Fences require only a permit application with minimal review. Separate trade permits required for any electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Additions of conditioned or unconditioned space to an existing dwelling
- Structural alterations, wall modifications, basement finishes creating living space
- Decks and porches (with structural framing)
- Fences — require only building permit application and minimal review (no full plan set)
- Accessory buildings (garages, carports, sheds with electrical or exceeding exempt limits)
- Residential additions/accessory buildings: site plan at 1/20 scale, floor plan with dimensions, wall section
- Plan review fees paid in full at time of submittal
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Addition Permit PacketGuide to Residential Additions: Building Permit Guide and Application Packet; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/residential-addition-packet.pdf
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan (1/20 scale), floor plan, wall section showing framing, insulation, and roof system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation-based per Table 1 | $34.00 (≤$499); $34.00 + $0.02624/$ ($500–$1,999); $64.37 + $0.01135/$ ($2,000–$24,999); $326.54 + $0.0085/$ ($25,000–$49,999); etc. | Caldwell Building Safety Fees Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Residential Building Plan Review Fee | 40% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2a |
| Planning & Zoning Plan Review Fee | 35% of building permit fee (minimum $55.00) | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2b |
| Engineering Plan Review Fee | 20% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2c |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C; first reinspection at no charge |
Residential Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for all electrical wiring installations, panel upgrades, circuit extensions, and equipment changes in Caldwell residences. All work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). Apply through the Citizenserve online portal.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- All electrical wiring installations, equipment changes, or service upgrades require a permit
- Work must comply with 2023 NEC per Idaho Administrative Rules IDAPA 24.39.10 (renumbered from IDAPA 07.01.01–07.01.11)
- Submit electrical permit application through the Citizenserve portal or in person
- Licensed electrical contractor required unless homeowner qualifies for owner-builder exemption under Idaho law
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCaldwell Building Safety electrical permit application; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/6/building/documents/permit-apps/electrical-permit.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Residential Electrical — One and Two-Family Dwelling under 2,000 sq ft habitable area | $160.00 per dwelling unit | Caldwell Resolution No. 300-25, Table 2; base permit fee $0 (flat rate covers the unit) |
| New Residential Electrical — One and Two-Family Dwelling 2,000+ sq ft habitable area | $255.00 per dwelling unit | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 2 |
| Other Residential Electrical — Base permit fee | $34.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3; applies to all other/add-on residential electrical permits |
| Main and Sub-Panels | $15.75 per panel | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 |
| Each Circuit Extension | $22.25 per circuit | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 |
| Manufactured Home Connection or Service | $52.50 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 |
| Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs | $52.50 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 |
| Temporary Power | $22.25 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 |
| Power off for more than a year | $22.25 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3; requires its own base fee and sub fee unless other work to be inspected is identified and additional sub fees are paid in addition to the base fee at time of application; item confirmed present on live fee schedule and application form, added 2026-07-16 (previously omitted from this file) |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
Residential Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for all plumbing piping, drainage, and fixture work in Caldwell residences, including sewer and water line work and water heater replacements. Governed by the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code).
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- All plumbing installations, fixture additions, or piping modifications require a permit
- Work must comply with 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code per Idaho Administrative Rules IDAPA 24.39.20 (renumbered from IDAPA 07.02.02–07.02.07)
- Submit plumbing permit application through the Citizenserve portal or in person
- Licensed plumbing contractor required unless homeowner qualifies for owner-builder exemption under Idaho law
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationCaldwell Building Safety plumbing permit application; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/2/building/documents/permit-apps/plumbing-permit.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Residential Plumbing — One and Two-Family Dwelling under 2,000 sq ft habitable area | $160.00 per dwelling unit | Caldwell Resolution No. 300-25, Table 5; base permit fee $0 |
| New Residential Plumbing — One and Two-Family Dwelling 2,000+ sq ft habitable area | $255.00 per dwelling unit | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 5 |
| Other Residential Plumbing — Base permit fee | $34.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6; applies to all other/add-on residential plumbing permits |
| Fixtures | $15.75 per fixture | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6; applies to toilets, sinks, showers, water heaters, etc. |
| Sewer Line | $35.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6 |
| Water Line | $35.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6 |
| Manufactured Home | $55.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6 |
| Lawn Sprinklers | $15.75 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6 |
| Water Softeners | $15.75 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 6 |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for all mechanical equipment installations in Caldwell residences, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, gas piping, ductwork, exhaust vents, and HVAC replacements. Governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- All mechanical equipment installations require a permit before work begins
- Work must comply with 2018 IMC and 2018 IFGC
- Submit mechanical permit application through the Citizenserve portal or in person
- Licensed mechanical contractor required unless homeowner qualifies for owner-builder exemption under Idaho law
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCaldwell Building Safety mechanical permit application; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/4/building/documents/permit-apps/mechanical-permit.pdf
- OptionalIECC System Commissioning Compliance ChecklistRequired for HVAC commissioning per 2018 IECC; fillable PDF available at cityofcaldwell.org
- OptionalIdaho Air Balance FormAir balance form available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/idabo-air-balance-form.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Residential Mechanical — One and Two-Family Dwelling under 2,000 sq ft habitable area | $160.00 per dwelling unit | Caldwell Resolution No. 300-25, Table 8; base permit fee $0 |
| New Residential Mechanical — One and Two-Family Dwelling 2,000+ sq ft habitable area | $255.00 per dwelling unit | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 8 |
| Other Residential Mechanical — Base permit fee | $34.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 9; applies to all other/add-on residential mechanical permits |
| Mechanical Equipment | $15.75 per piece of equipment | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 9 |
| Exhaust Vents | $15.75 per vent | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 9 |
| Gas Piping — Pressure Test | $15.75 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 9 |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems on residential properties in Caldwell. Dedicated Residential PV Installation Checklist required. Submittals reviewed by the Plans Examiner, Electrical Inspector, and Planning & Zoning. Structural engineering required if panel and support load exceeds 5 psf.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Residential building permit application
- Roof plan drawn to scale showing exact panel locations with dimensions
- Structural calculations stamped by a registered design professional if total additional load from panels and support system exceeds 5 psf uniform distributed load
- Manufacturer specifications showing UL 1703, UL 1741, NEC 110.3(B), and NEC 690.4(B) listing and labeling
- Electrical diagram showing equipment location, voltage and current ratings, wire size, disconnect rating, and overcurrent protection ratings
- ICC-ES Evaluation Report for all mounting hardware
- Certificate of Appropriateness if property is in a Historic District
- Work must comply with 2023 NEC; electrical sub-permit required for wiring
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Photovoltaic Systems Installation ChecklistMust be completed and accompany required documents; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/photovoltaic-checklist.pdf
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationRequired for the structural/building portion of PV installation
- OptionalStructural CalculationsStamped by registered design professional if panel + support load exceeds 5 psf
- RequiredManufacturer SpecificationsUL 1703, 1741, NEC 110.3(B), NEC 690.4(B) listing and labeling
- RequiredElectrical DiagramLocation of equipment, voltage/current ratings, wire size, disconnect and overcurrent protection ratings
- RequiredICC-ES Evaluation ReportFor all mounting hardware
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV — building permit (valuation-based per Table 1) | Based on total project value per Resolution No. 300-25 Table 1 | Caldwell Resolution No. 300-25; includes 40% residential plan review fee + 35% P&Z fee (min $55) + 20% engineering fee |
| Electrical sub-permit for solar wiring (other residential electrical) | $34.00 base + $22.25 per circuit extension | Resolution No. 300-25, Tables 2/3 |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
Accessory Structure / Pole Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for detached garages, carports, sheds, and pole buildings on residential properties in Caldwell when the structure requires a building permit. A dedicated Residential Pole Building Packet is available for post-frame construction. Separate trade permits required for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Accessory structures requiring a building permit per City of Caldwell requirements and adopted IRC
- Any structure with hardwired electrical requires a separate electrical permit
- Pole/post-frame buildings: use the Residential Pole Building Packet
- Site plan at 1/20 scale, floor plan, wall section required
- Verify setback requirements with Planning & Zoning Division before submitting
Required documents
- OptionalResidential Pole Building Packet (PDF)Dedicated packet for pole/post-frame accessory structures; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/residential-pole-building-packet.pdf
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard Caldwell building permit application (same form used for residential/utility construction)
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction DrawingsSite plan at 1/20 scale, floor plan with dimensions, wall section
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $0–$499 | $34.00 flat | Assessed on project valuation per Caldwell Building Safety Fees Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-A and Table 1 (accessory structures use the same general Building Permit fee schedule as all other building permits — no separate accessory-structure table exists); confirmed against the current official fee schedule PDF, verified 2026-07-01 |
| Building Permit — valuation $500–$1,999 | $34.00 base + $0.02624 per dollar above $500 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,000–$24,999 | $64.37 base + $0.01135 per dollar above $2,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $25,000–$49,999 | $326.54 base + $0.0085 per dollar above $25,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $50,000–$99,999 | $549.65 base + $0.00565 per dollar above $50,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,000–$499,999 | $846.27 base + $0.004546 per dollar above $100,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $500,000–$999,999 | $2,755.45 base + $0.004336 per dollar above $500,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Building Permit — valuation $1,000,000+ | $5,031.78 base + $0.003650 per dollar above $1,000,000 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 1 |
| Residential Building Plan Review Fee | 40% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2a |
| Planning & Zoning Plan Review Fee | 35% of building permit fee (minimum $55.00) | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2b |
| Engineering Plan Review Fee | 20% of building permit fee | Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-D-2c |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for the demolition of buildings or structures in Caldwell. Fees are assessed based on the cost of demolition work with a minimum base fee of $60.00. A dedicated demolition permit packet is available from the Building Safety Division.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition of any building or structure requires a permit
- Submit the demolition permit packet
- Permit fee is assessed based on project cost of demolition work (minimum $60.00)
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit PacketCaldwell Building Safety demolition permit packet; available at cityofcaldwell.org/files/assets/city/v/1/building/documents/permit-apps/demolition-permit-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | Based on project cost; minimum base fee $60.00 | Caldwell Resolution No. 300-25, Section I-B |
| Reinspection (3rd inspection / 2nd reinspection for same segment) | $60.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Section V-C |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedInstallation of a 240V electric vehicle charger (EVSE) at a Caldwell residence is processed as a standard Electrical Permit — specifically as a circuit extension, per the City's own published guidance. There is no separate EV-charger-specific permit type; it is explicitly confirmed to be billed under the 'Other Residential Electrical' base fee plus the Each Circuit Extension fee from Caldwell's Building Safety Fee Schedule (Resolution No. 300-25).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Submitted as an electrical permit application through the Citizenserve online portal or in person
- EV charger installations (240V) require an electrical permit as a circuit extension, per Caldwell Building Safety's own guidance
- Work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) per Idaho Administrative Rules IDAPA 24.39.10
- Licensed electrical contractor required unless the homeowner qualifies for the owner-builder exemption under Idaho law
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCaldwell Building Safety electrical permit application, filed as a circuit-extension scope for the EVSE circuit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Other Residential Electrical — Base permit fee | $34.00 | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3; base fee for an add-on residential electrical permit such as an EV charger circuit |
| Each Circuit Extension | $22.25 per circuit | Resolution No. 300-25, Table 3 — the specific line item Caldwell Building Safety cites for EV charger (240V) installations |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.
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 Caldwell building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.