McCall building permits

Requirements

• Applies to all new single-family dwellings within McCall city limits (a separate 'New Residence in Impact Area' process existed but the City stopped accepting Impact Area applications as of November 30, 2025)
• Structures greater than 3,500 square feet within city limits must include plans prepared by an Idaho-licensed architect (or an out-of-state architect with an Idaho practice agreement)
• Single-family residences exceeding 5,000 total square feet require Planning and Zoning Commission Design Review (minimum 45-day review period after a complete application, plus a pre-application conference and public hearing)
• Submit application, plans, and required forms through the online Permit Application Portal (app.govwell.com/mccall-id)
• A Public Works Permit application and Water Infrastructure Sizing Worksheet must be submitted for any project needing a City water/sewer connection

Required documents

• RequiredProject Information FormWorksheet required with the application; contact the Building Department for assistance if it cannot be completed
• RequiredMaintenance During Construction FormRequired construction site management plan per MCC 2.1.080(F)
• RequiredPublic Works Permit Application and Water Infrastructure Sizing WorksheetRequired for connection to City water/sewer infrastructure
• RequiredApplication and Contract for Water Utility ServiceRequired to establish water utility billing for the new residence
• RequiredConstruction Plans (electronic PDF)Site plan, landscape plan, footing/foundation plan, floor plans, wall bracing plan, elevations/wall sections, building sections, roof and framing detail, outdoor lighting plan, and residential energy code check (REScheck, LEED, or equivalent insulation specifications)
• RequiredStructural CalculationsRequired for all applications — calculations for all load-bearing footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, and braced (shear) walls
• RequiredSewer Permit or Septic PermitFrom Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District (PLRWSD) if connecting to their system, or a septic permit from Central District Health Department otherwise
• OptionalHOA ApprovalRequired if the property is subject to HOA covenants

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Remodels and additions to existing residences
• Accessory structures over 200 square feet (per Building Official Administrative Determination, 12/18/2023, applying 2020 Idaho Residential Code R105.2)
• Accessory structures of any size containing living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation space (including most Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Accessory structures over 1,500 square feet require Conditional Use Permit approval in addition to the building permit
• Submit application, plans, and required forms through the online Permit Application Portal (app.govwell.com/mccall-id)

Required documents

• RequiredProject Information FormWorksheet required with the application; contact the Building Department for assistance if it cannot be completed
• RequiredMaintenance During Construction FormRequired construction site management plan per MCC 2.1.080(F)
• OptionalWater Fixture WorksheetRequired if the accessory structure includes a separate City water connection, or if plumbing fixtures are being added/changed in the remodel or addition
• RequiredConstruction Plans (electronic PDF)Site plan, footing/foundation plan, floor plans, wall bracing plan, elevations/wall sections, roof and framing detail, outdoor lighting plan, and residential energy code check
• RequiredStructural CalculationsRequired for all applications — calculations for all load-bearing footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, and braced (shear) walls
• OptionalSewer Permit or Septic PermitFrom Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District if connecting to their system, or Central District Health Department septic permit otherwise
• OptionalHOA ApprovalRequired if the property is subject to HOA covenants

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Reroofing (tear-off or overlay) of any structure in the city
• Roof covering must meet Class B or higher fire-retardant rating (Class A if wood shakes/shingles are used)
• Self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen ice barrier underlayment required on the entire roof, unless prohibited by the manufacturer's installation instructions
• Roof and attic vents must resist intrusion of flame and embers

Required documents

• RequiredRoof Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the online Permit Application Portal
• RequiredConstruction Plan FormRequired supplemental form for the roof permit application

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Any new fence installation within the city
• Fences greater than 6 feet in height are not allowed
• Fencing within 20 feet of the front property line must not exceed 4 feet in height
• Chain link fencing is prohibited in most zones
• Fencing within commercial zones is prohibited with few exceptions
• Property pins must be located at the time of application when fencing along property lines

Required documents

• RequiredFence Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the online Permit Application Portal
• RequiredSite PlanShowing location of water meter and hydrants (if applicable) and labeled lengths of fencing
• RequiredFence Example PhotoPhoto of the type of fence being installed
• OptionalHOA ApprovalThe City does not enforce HOA rules on fences; it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the fence complies with any HOA covenants

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Demolition of any building, residence, or structure within the McCall Area requires a permit
• Site must be brought back to a safe and natural condition after demolition
• If the building is on Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District (PLRWSD) sewer service, the district must be contacted regarding disconnection guidance

Required documents

• RequiredDemo Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the online Permit Application Portal
• RequiredSafety PlanElectronic PDF safety plan for the demolition work
• OptionalErosion Control PlanRequired if the property is within the Shoreline or River Environs Zone
• OptionalDemo Guidelines FormRequired if the project is on City water service

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any solar PV installation work
• All Solar PV systems (residential, non-residential, commercial) require a McCall Solar Permit Application
• A separate Electrical Permit from the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL) is also required — issued by a separate state agency, not the City
• Panels/modules must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 (panels) and UL 1741 (inverters)
• Idaho code requires a licensed Electrical Journeyman to complete installation beyond the converter/AC combiner box, unless exempt under Idaho Code section 54-1016
• Structural calculations must be stamped and signed by an Idaho-licensed engineer evaluating existing roof adequacy for local design loads plus the solar equipment loads

Required documents

• RequiredMcCall Solar Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the application portal; for new builds, include with the Building Permit Application
• RequiredRoof PlanDrawn to scale, showing exact panel locations and required fire-fighter access clearances from roof edges/peak per the Residential Photovoltaic Panels & Modules Guide
• RequiredOne-Line Electrical DiagramDepicting equipment location, voltage/current ratings, wire size, disconnect rating, and overcurrent protection ratings
• RequiredStructural CalculationsStamped and signed by an Idaho-licensed engineer, evaluating roof structure adequacy for local design loads and solar equipment loads
• RequiredManufacturer SpecificationsFor panels, inverters, racking, and other equipment, showing UL listing (UL 1703 for panels, UL 1741 for inverters, etc.)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required from the State of Idaho DOPL for the EV charger circuit/panel work — obtained via dbs.idaho.gov (all permits purchased online as of January 1, 2023)
• Homeowners performing their own work on a primary/secondary residence may use DOPL's Homeowner Permit process; otherwise a licensed electrical contractor must pull the permit
• No City of McCall building permit applies to a stand-alone EV charger circuit with no structural scope; if bundled with new construction or an addition, the City's applicable building-permit process would also apply to that structural scope, per City of McCall Building Permit Application Information and Resolution 24-11
• All work must be inspected by DOPL's assigned state trade inspector for the McCall/Valley County area

Required documents

• RequiredState of Idaho DOPL Electrical Permit Application (Homeowner or Contractor)Filed online at dbs.idaho.gov; no separate EV-charger-specific form exists

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Applies to new commercial building construction and to exterior alterations of existing commercial buildings within McCall city limits and the McCall Impact Area
• At a minimum, Design Review approval by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission is required for commercial projects (MCC 3.16.02); the Commercial Building Checklist confirms Design Review is required for 'New or Exterior commercial work'
• Some commercial uses require a Conditional Use Permit (reviewed by Planning & Zoning and City Council, or the Valley County Commission in the Impact Area) — see the Allowed Use table (CC and CBD zones) in the Commercial Development Guide; uses not listed require a CUP
• Projects with condominium units or business suites under separate ownership require condominium platting through the Subdivision approval process
• A Planned Unit Development is required for projects over 2 acres in the CBD - Central Business District zone
• Architect (Idaho-licensed) stamped plans required for all commercial building permit applications
• MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) engineering required
• Structural Calculations required for all applications — footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, and braced/shear walls
• Commercial energy code compliance (COMcheck or other energy modeling) required
• New commercial development must include sidewalks, curbs/gutters, or pathways per the McCall Area Pathways Master Plan where not already present along the property frontage
• Off-street parking required per MCC 3.8.06(A) unless the property is within an established Improvement District; required parking-space counts vary by land use per MCC 3.8.062 (e.g., 1 space per 500 sq ft of floor area for offices, retail, and restaurants)
• Submit application, plans, and required forms through the online Permit Application Portal (app.govwell.com/mccall-id)
• A Public Works Permit application and Water Infrastructure Sizing Worksheet must be submitted when the project ties into City water or involves a driveway off a City-owned street

Required documents

• RequiredMaintenance During Construction FormRequired construction site management plan per MCC 2.1.080(F); e-submitted through the application portal
• OptionalPublic Works Permit Application and Water Infrastructure Sizing WorksheetRequired when the project ties into City water or includes a driveway off a City-owned street
• OptionalApplication and Contract for Water Utility ServiceRequired when applicable to establish water utility billing
• OptionalAuthorization for Automatic WithdrawalOptional autopay enrollment for the water bill
• RequiredArchitect (Idaho-licensed) Stamped PlansRequired for all commercial building permit applications
• RequiredStructural EngineeringStructural engineering plans; the checklist requires Structural Calculations (footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, braced/shear walls) for all applications
• RequiredMEP EngineeringMechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering plans
• RequiredSite PlanProposed and existing structure footprints, lot lines, setbacks, easements, water meter pit and sewer tap locations, significant trees (12"+) existing/removed, 2nd-stage gas regulator location (if propane), topo lines, driveway location/width/slope, culvert size, parking, walkways, decks, landscaping (MCC 3.8.13), lot coverage computation (MCC 3.03), and snow storage (MCC 3.8.15)
• RequiredCode Study & AnalysisOccupancy, exiting, construction type, allowable areas and heights, etc.
• RequiredFloor PlanOccupancy type, room use, egress, accessibility
• RequiredFooting and Foundation Plan/Detail
• RequiredElevations/Wall Sections
• RequiredBuilding Section(s)
• RequiredRoof Framing Detail
• RequiredOutdoor Lighting PlanPer MCC 3.14 (Dark Sky ordinance) — full cutoff luminaires, downcast and fully shielded; parking-area lights capped at 17 ft. in height
• RequiredCOMcheck (Commercial Energy Check Report)COMcheck or other energy modeling report
• OptionalPlanning & Zoning / Design Review ApprovalRequired for new or exterior commercial work, per the Commercial Building Checklist and MCC 3.16.02
• OptionalSewer Permit or Septic PermitFrom Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District (PLRWSD) if connecting to their system, or a septic permit from Central District Health Department otherwise
• OptionalHOA ApprovalRequired if the property is subject to HOA covenants

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Applies to interior remodels, build-outs, and alterations of existing commercial space that do not add to the building's exterior footprint or building envelope
• Uses the same Commercial Building Checklist and Permit Application Portal as new commercial construction — McCall does not publish a separate TI-specific checklist, permit type, or fee schedule
• Design Review by the Planning and Zoning Commission is NOT required for interior-only commercial alterations — the Commercial Building Checklist ties Design Review only to 'New or Exterior commercial work'
• If the new tenant's proposed use is not directly permitted in the zone (see the Allowed Use table — CC or CBD — in the Commercial Development Guide), a Conditional Use Permit is required regardless of whether any work is exterior
• Structural Calculations required where load-bearing elements (footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, braced/shear walls) are affected by the scope of work
• MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) engineering required where MEP systems are being modified
• Commercial energy code compliance (COMcheck or equivalent) required where the scope of work triggers IECC compliance
• Submit application, plans, and required forms through the online Permit Application Portal (app.govwell.com/mccall-id)

Required documents

• RequiredMaintenance During Construction FormRequired construction site management plan per MCC 2.1.080(F); e-submitted through the application portal
• RequiredArchitect (Idaho-licensed) Stamped PlansRequired per the Commercial Building Checklist, which does not distinguish new construction from alteration/TI work
• OptionalMEP EngineeringRequired where the scope of work affects mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
• RequiredFloor PlanOccupancy type, room use, egress, accessibility
• RequiredCode Study & AnalysisOccupancy, exiting, construction type, allowable areas and heights, etc.
• OptionalStructural CalculationsRequired where load-bearing footings, joists, beams, headers, rafters, or braced (shear) walls are affected
• OptionalCOMcheck (Commercial Energy Check Report)Required where the scope of work triggers commercial energy-code compliance
• OptionalPlanning & Zoning / Conditional Use Permit ApprovalRequired only if the tenant's proposed use requires a CUP under the Allowed Use table in the Commercial Development Guide — not triggered by interior work alone
• OptionalHOA ApprovalRequired if the property is subject to HOA covenants

Fee schedule