ID Building Standards2026 Residential Code

Idaho Building Permit Costs, Exemptions & City Portals

Understand residential construction permit requirements in Idaho under Idaho Residential Code (IDAPA 24.39.30 & IRC 2018 Base). Calculate permit fee estimates for Boise and surrounding counties, check shed and fence exemptions, and review mandatory inspection procedures.

Idaho Statutory Ruling: Residential Permitting Standards & Exemptions

Idaho Building Permit Standard: Under Idaho Residential Code (IDAPA 24.39.30 & IRC 2018 Base), residential building permits are mandated for Room additions, Detached shops with electrical wiring, Furnace and AC installations. Detached accessory storage sheds up to 200 sq ft and fences up to 6 ft are permit-exempt. Base municipal fees start at $70 plus plan check review fees.

Governing Code: Idaho Residential Code (IDAPA 24.39.30 & IRC 2018 Base)Metro Jurisdiction: City of Boise Planning & Development ServicesLast Verified: October 2026

Building Permit Cost & Requirement Estimator

Estimate municipal building permit fees, plan check review costs, and inspection requirements by project valuation.

Valuation includes labor and materials as required by municipal fee formulas.
Expected Permit Subcodes:
BuildingElectricalPlumbing

Estimated Municipal Permit Fees (Boise, ID)

Building Construction Permit:$343
Plan Check Review Fee (50%):$172
Subtrade Surcharges (Elec/Plumb/Mech):$150
Total Estimated Permit Cost:$565 – $764
⏱ Typical Plan Review Turnaround: 7–12 business days
Local Jurisdiction Department:
City of Boise Planning & Development Services
Open Official City Permit Portal →
State Building Standards Code: Idaho Residential Code (IDAPA 24.39.30 & IRC 2018 Base). Detached one-story accessory tool sheds are permit-exempt up to 200 sq ft. Fences up to 6 feet tall are exempt from building permits.

Planning Construction Budgets in Boise?

Compare full contractor labor and material cost benchmarks across kitchen, bathroom, ADU, and roof replacements.

Explore Metro Cost Guides →

Idaho Building Code Exemption Guidelines

Detached Shed Exemption Cap
Up to 200 sq ft
One-story tool/storage shed without electrical or plumbing
Fence Height Exemption Cap
Up to 6 Feet Tall
Standard residential boundary privacy fences

Projects Strictly Requiring Building Permits in Idaho

  • Room additions
  • Detached shops with electrical wiring
  • Furnace and AC installations
  • Basement bedroom egress windows

Permit-Exempt Cosmetic Improvements in Idaho

  • Detached storage sheds under 200 sq ft without utilities
  • Fences under 6 feet tall
  • Cosmetic flooring and interior paint

Penalties for Unpermitted Work in Idaho

Double permit fee and required exposure of uninspected electrical/framing.

Major Municipal Building Department (Boise)

For properties located in or around Boise, residential permits are processed through the City of Boise Planning & Development Services. Standard residential plan check reviews typically take 7–12 business days.

Access Boise Online Permitting Portal →

Idaho Building Permit FAQs

Do I need a permit to build a shop in Idaho?

If the shop or detached garage exceeds 200 square feet, or contains electrical wiring or plumbing, a full building permit is required in Boise and Ada County.

Can I replace my own water heater in Boise?

Homeowners may pull a plumbing permit to replace their water heater on their primary residence, provided an inspection is scheduled.

Compliance Notice: Building codes are adopted locally and may vary between incorporated cities and unincorporated county districts in Idaho. Always verify specific setback and permitting requirements with your local jurisdiction before commencing construction.