Unincorporated Canyon County building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for all new residences, additions, alterations, repairs, improvements, moves, removals, conversions, or demolitions under Canyon County Code §06-01-09(1)
• Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, setback measurements, proposed and existing structures, septic and well locations, easement locations (written confirmation from irrigation district may be required), and access road/drive with street label
• Deed or Sales Agreement required if property has been owned for 60 days or less
• One (1) set of building plans meeting Canyon County plan requirements (see plan requirement checklist): floor plan at 1/4"=1'-0" or larger, foundation/floor framing plan, all-sides elevations, framing sections, braced wall plan, and additional details as required
• Southwest District Health (SWDH) preliminary approval for individual septic and drain field (or city hookup approval); community septic exemption applies for subdivision community septic
• Individual approach approval from the servicing Highway District for each new residence
• Fire District turn-around approval if residence is 150 feet or more from public road to rear of dwelling
• Road User's Maintenance Agreement copy if located off a private road or shared access easement
• Floodplain Development Permit if parcel is in a mapped floodplain
• Stamped engineering required for: pole/post frame structures, metal buildings, aluminum/metal patio cover systems, walls greater than 12 feet in height, retaining walls taller than 4 feet (from bottom of footing), and any building material or system not described in adopted codes
• Plans must be printed in color for all on-site inspections
• Idaho contractor license number required for contractor applicants

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)One-page application capturing owner/agent info, site information, structure type (new residence, secondary residence, residential addition/alteration, accessory structure, pool, etc.), construction material, project value, and square footage breakdown by area. Available at Canyon County Development Services.
• RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist (Revised 1-12-26)Canyon County checklist covering required submittals for residential new/remodel/addition: site plan, deed (if applicable), building plans per plan requirements, SWDH approval, highway district approach approval, fire district turn-around approval (if applicable), road maintenance agreement (if applicable), and floodplain permit (if applicable).
• RequiredPlan Requirements Checklist (Pg. 3 of Building Permit Checklist)Canyon County plan requirement checklist detailing required elements: site plan drawn to scale; floor plan at 1/4"=1'-0" showing dimensions, room use, plumbing fixtures, openings; foundation/floor framing plan; elevations of all sides; framing sections; braced wall plan; and additional details for retaining walls, basements, stairs, guardrails, and roof framing (when pre-engineered trusses not used).
• RequiredSouthwest District Health (SWDH) Preliminary ApprovalPreliminary approval for individual septic/drain field from Southwest District Health; required before Canyon County issues a residential building permit. Community subdivision septic may be exempt.
• RequiredHighway District Approach ApprovalIndividual approach approval from the servicing Highway District for each new residence
• OptionalStamped Engineering (when required)Required for pole/post frame structures, metal buildings, aluminum or metal patio covers, walls over 12 ft, retaining walls taller than 4 ft from bottom of footing, and any non-code-prescribed materials/systems. Must be from a design professional registered in the State of Idaho.
• OptionalCredit Card Authorization FormRequired if paying by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted with ~3% convenience fee)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for any new commercial structure, commercial addition/alteration, or change of occupancy in unincorporated Canyon County per Canyon County Code §06-01-09(1)
• Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, setbacks, structures, septic/well locations, and easements
• Deed or Sales Agreement if property owned for 60 days or less
• One (1) full commercial plan set with Code Analysis including: type of construction; occupancy classification and separations; actual/allowed area, height, stories, occupant load; required/provided exits and restrooms; fire resistance of exterior walls; required opening protection; fire resistive construction requirements; required special inspections; ComCheck energy analysis (prepared and stamped by Idaho licensed architect or engineer); parking lot design with accessible spaces and route
• All commercial plans must be prepared and stamped by a design professional registered in the State of Idaho
• Southwest District Health (SWDH) preliminary approval for individual septic/drain field or city hookup approval
• Highway District approval for new commercial approach or additional traffic from commercial addition
• Fire District structural plan review and approval — Final Fire District approval must be submitted/received before Canyon County issues the permit and plans
• Road User's Maintenance Agreement if located off private road or shared access easement
• Floodplain Development Permit if parcel is in a mapped floodplain
• Idaho contractor license number required

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)Standard Canyon County building permit application; select 'NEW COMMERCIAL' or 'COMMERCIAL ADDITION/ALTERATION'
• RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist — Commercial Structures (from Checklist Revised 1-12-26, Pg. 2)Canyon County commercial checklist: site plan, deed (if applicable), full stamped plan set, SWDH approval, highway district approval, Final Fire District Approval before permit issuance, Road User's Agreement (if applicable), floodplain permit (if applicable)
• RequiredCommercial Plan Set — Stamped by Idaho Licensed Design ProfessionalFull plan set including code analysis, architectural plans, structural plans, ComCheck energy analysis, and parking design. Must be prepared and stamped by an Idaho-registered design professional.
• RequiredFire District Structural Plan ApprovalFire District reviews structural plans (may be concurrent with Canyon County). Final Fire District Approval must be received before Canyon County issues the commercial permit.
• RequiredSouthwest District Health (SWDH) ApprovalPreliminary approval for individual septic/drain field or city hookup

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Accessory structures are NOT allowed without an existing residence on the parcel
• Building permit required per Canyon County Code §06-01-09(1)
• Site plan detailing property lines, setback measurements, septic and well locations, easement locations, and proposed/existing structures. Written confirmation from irrigation district may be required for irrigation easements.
• Deed or Sales Agreement if property owned for 60 days or less
• One (1) set of building plans per Canyon County plan requirements
• SWDH approval confirming septic/drain field location — required even if there is no septic hookup to ensure the accessory structure does not cover existing or future septic/drain field sites
• Individual approach approval from servicing Highway District for any new approach constructed
• Floodplain Development Permit if parcel is in a mapped floodplain
• Stamped engineering required for all pole/post frame structures (since June 1, 2023), metal buildings, aluminum/metal patio cover systems, walls over 12 ft, and retaining walls taller than 4 ft from bottom of footing

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)Standard Canyon County building permit application; select 'NEW ACCESSORY STRUCTURE' or 'ACCESSORY ADDITION/ALTERATION'
• RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist — Accessory Structures (Revised 1-12-26, Pg. 1)Canyon County accessory structure checklist: site plan, deed (if applicable), plans per plan requirements, SWDH approval (even without septic), highway district approach approval (if new approach), floodplain permit (if applicable)
• OptionalStamped Engineering (pole barns, post frame, metal buildings required)Required for all pole/post frame structures, metal buildings, aluminum/metal patio covers, and other non-prescriptive systems. Must be stamped by an Idaho-licensed design professional.
• RequiredSWDH Approval (septic location confirmation)Southwest District Health approval confirming accessory structure does not cover any existing or future septic/drain field sites. Required even when there is no septic hookup.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Manufactured Home Permit required for all new and used manufactured homes in unincorporated Canyon County per Canyon County Code §06-01-09(2)
• Site plan detailing property lines, setback measurements, septic and well locations, easements, and proposed/existing structures
• Deed or Sales Agreement if property owned for 60 days or less
• Floor plan with rooms labeled (hand-drawn or from manufacturer); attached patios/garages require full building plans
• All previously-lived-in (used) manufactured homes must have taxes paid before being moved — provide copy of the Ad Valorem form from the County Assessor's office of the county where the home is being moved from
• Certificate of Rehabilitation from the State of Idaho for all manufactured homes built prior to June 1976
• Southwest District Health (SWDH) preliminary approval for individual septic/drain field or city hookup approval
• Individual approach approval from servicing Highway District for each new residence
• Fire District turn-around approval if residence is 150 feet or more from public road to rear of dwelling
• Road User's Maintenance Agreement if located off private road or shared access easement
• Floodplain Development Permit if parcel is in a mapped floodplain

Required documents

• RequiredManufactured Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)Canyon County manufactured home permit application covering owner/agent info, site info, home details (new/used, sections, size, permanent foundation, etc.), manufacturer info, and project value.
• RequiredBuilding Permit Checklist — Manufactured Homes (Revised 1-12-26, Pg. 2)Canyon County checklist for new and used manufactured homes: site plan, deed (if applicable), floor plan, Ad Valorem form (used homes), Certificate of Rehabilitation (pre-June 1976 homes), SWDH approval, highway district approach approval, fire district turn-around approval (if applicable), road maintenance agreement (if applicable), floodplain permit (if applicable).
• OptionalAd Valorem Tax Clearance Form (used manufactured homes only)Copy of the Ad Valorem form from the County Assessor's office in the county of origin, showing taxes have been paid. Required before a used/previously-lived-in manufactured home may be moved.
• OptionalCertificate of Rehabilitation (pre-June 1976 homes only)Approved Certificate of Rehabilitation from the State of Idaho required for all manufactured homes built prior to June 1976.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Property must be zoned agricultural
• Property must be 5 acres or more in size
• Property must be receiving an agricultural tax exemption
• Structure must NOT be used as a dwelling or for anyone to reside in
• Structure must NOT be a place used by the public
• Structure must NOT be used as a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated, packaged, or sold
• Structure must NOT be used to store RV, boat, or camper
• Submit AG Exempt Zoning Compliance Application (Revised 1-7-26) with site plan, floor plan, and signed letter of intent before any construction begins
• Southwest District Health (SWDH) approval for septic location verification (or new septic install)
• Deed or Sales Agreement if property owned for 60 days or less

Required documents

• RequiredAG Exempt Zoning Compliance Application (Revised 1-7-26)Two-page Canyon County application: Page 1 collects owner/builder info, site info, eligibility questions (ag zone, 5+ acres, ag tax exemption, use restrictions) and requires owner signature attesting to agricultural use only. Page 2 covers builder authorization. Requires: 8.5x11 floor plan with rooms labeled, signed letter of intent (describing purpose, occupants, and stored items), 8.5x11 site plan showing distance in feet from property lines, and SWDH approval.
• RequiredLetter of Intent (signed by property owner)Required narrative describing: (1) purpose of the building, (2) who will be in the building, (3) what will be stored in the building. Must be signed and dated by the property owner.
• RequiredSite Plan (8.5x11 size)Site plan showing distance measured in feet from property lines
• RequiredFloor Plan (8.5x11 size)Floor plan with rooms labeled
• RequiredSWDH ApprovalSouthwest District Health approval for septic location verification and/or install of new septic system

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Built-in (permanently installed) pellet stoves and woodstoves require a Canyon County mechanical permit
• Submit 'New Construction Mechanical Permit Application' to Canyon County Development Services
• HVAC contractor name, license number, and contact required
• Property owner information and job site address required
• Specify rooms where woodstove/pellet stove will be installed
• Venting permit required if venting is being installed

Required documents

• RequiredNew Construction Mechanical Permit Application — Built-In Woodstove/Pellet Stove (Revised 9/6/23)Canyon County mechanical permit application for built-in pellet stoves and woodstoves: lists $80 per built-in pellet stove or woodstove, $60 for venting. Freestanding appliances and all other HVAC are directed to Idaho Division of Building Safety.
• OptionalCredit Card Authorization Form (if paying by card)Required for credit card payments

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building Permit Application submitted to Canyon County Development Services for demolition
• Select 'OTHER' on the application and note demolition in the usage/purpose field
• Coordinate with DOPL/DBS for any utility disconnections (electrical, gas)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)Standard Canyon County building permit application; note demolition in the structure type / usage field

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Re-roof permit required before beginning re-roofing work
• Submit Building Permit Application to Canyon County Development Services

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Canyon County, Revised 5/31/23)Standard Canyon County building permit application; select 'RESIDENTIAL ADDITION/ALTERATION' or appropriate type and describe re-roofing scope

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for the structural/mounting portion of a solar PV installation, valued per Canyon County's Table 1-A valuation determination, which includes 'all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning...and any other permanent equipment' in the total construction value used to compute the fee
• The ELECTRICAL interconnection portion of a solar PV installation is handled entirely by the State of Idaho, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — per the County's own Building Department page: 'all Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits and inspections are handled by the State of Idaho, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)', apply online at dopl.idaho.gov
• A $180.00 Plan Review Deposit is required with each building permit application when submittal documents are required
• Plan review fee for one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures is 16% of the Table 1-A building permit fee; 65% for all other occupancy types

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard Canyon County application for the structural/mounting portion
• RequiredDOPL Electrical Permit (dopl.idaho.gov)Separate state-issued permit required for the electrical interconnection portion — obtained directly from DOPL, not through the County

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for EVSE circuit/charger installation — issued by Idaho DOPL, not Canyon County
• Homeowners performing electrical work on their own primary/secondary residence may pull a Homeowner Electrical Permit directly from DOPL; otherwise a licensed Idaho electrical contractor pulls the permit
• Residential EVSE added to an existing dwelling is billed under DOPL's 'Existing Dwelling Unit' per-inspection fee — no separate EV-charger fee category exists
• Commercial/multi-family EVSE installations are billed under DOPL's wiring-cost-based commercial/industrial fee formula
• If the EVSE is paired with new structural work (e.g., a carport/canopy), that structural scope requires a separate Canyon County building permit under Table 1-A

Required documents

• OptionalHomeowner Electrical Permit Application (DOPL)For homeowners wiring an EVSE circuit at their own primary/secondary residence; available at dopl.idaho.gov
• OptionalContractor Electrical Permit Application (DOPL)For licensed Idaho electrical contractors installing EVSE circuits, residential or commercial; available at dopl.idaho.gov

Fee schedule