City of Garden City

New construction; additions; structural alterations; re-roofing; demolition; manufactured home installation; most improvements requiring structural, MEP, or code compliance review.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, tool storage, playhouses) 200 sq. ft. or less
• Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing) unless supporting a surcharge
• Exempt Decks not more than 30 inches above grade that do not serve as an exit
• Exempt Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, wall coverings (no structural work)

Note: MEP permits are submitted directly to Idaho DBS and have their own exemption rules. Work exempt per Garden City Municipal Code 7-2-3 F / Section R105.2 (residential) and 7-2-2 I / Section 105.2 (non-residential).

Building code

Per state statute, Garden City must adopt the same codes the State of Idaho adopts. Idaho currently uses 2018 ICC codes (IBC, IRC, IECC, IMC, IFC) plus 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code and 2023 NEC. See Garden City Municipal Code 7-2-3 F and 7-2-2 I. Confirm current local amendments with department.

Permit validity

Idaho standard 180-day rule applies; invoices must be paid in full before permit is released. Approved plans must be on site for all inspections.

Owner-builder

Idaho law allows owner-builders on primary residence if they self-perform all work; confirm with department.

Contractor requirements

Current, valid State of Idaho contractor license required.

1. 01
   Determine permit type: structural (submit to Garden City) or MEP mechanical/electrical/plumbing (submit directly to Idaho DBS/DOPL at dbs.idaho.gov).
2. 02
   For structural permits: obtain application forms from Garden City website or City Hall.
3. 03
   Prepare complete application package: permit application, site plan, construction drawings, and all required documentation per submittal checklist.
4. 04
   Submit complete package in person or by email to building@gardencityidaho.org.
5. 05
   Garden City routes application to SAFEbuilt (plan review and inspections) and IDOPL (structural plan review).
6. 06
   Pay invoice in full before permit is released.
7. 07
   Permit is issued; print stamped approved plans for site and post permit card (permit and plans must be clearly visible).
8. 08
   Receive inspection card at permit issuance; you are responsible for knowing which inspections to schedule.
9. 09
   Schedule inspections with SAFEbuilt or IDOPL, or via the Google Form inspection scheduling link.
10. 10
    Complete all required inspections.
11. 11
    Final inspection and permit closeout.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact department.

Source: City of Garden City Building Division (part of Development Services) ↗

Invoice must be paid in full before permit is released.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• SAFEbuilt: (208) 550-0520 (Alan Chambers) (phone)
• SAFEbuilt: achambers@safebuilt.com (email)
• IDOPL: (208) 606-5915 (Russ Gardina) (phone)
• IDOPL: Russ.Gardina@dopl.idaho.gov (email)
• Google Form Inspection Scheduling (online)

Inspection hours

Development Services counter hours: Monday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to noon. Closed noon to 1:00 p.m. daily for lunch. Inspection availability depends on SAFEbuilt and IDOPL schedules.

Typical sequence: Inspection card provided at permit issuance; you are responsible for knowing which inspections are required. Typical sequence: footing/foundation, rough framing, rough MEP (via DBS inspectors), insulation, final. Permit and approved plans must be on site and clearly visible for all inspections.