City of Meridian

New construction; additions; structural alterations; remodels affecting structural elements; window replacement; manufactured home installation; decks over 200 sq. ft. or attached to residence; detached accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.; retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing); HVAC, electrical, plumbing work; demolition.

• Exempt One detached accessory structure (shed) 200 sq. ft. or less in the required rear yard
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (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)
• Exempt Non-structural interior repairs and maintenance

Note: MEP trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are issued separately and have their own exemption thresholds.

Building code

2018 IBC; 2018 IRC; 2018 IECC; 2018 International Existing Building Code; 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code; 2023 NEC; 2018 International Mechanical Code; 2018 International Fire Code. See https://meridiancity.org/community-development/building/adopted-codes-design-criteria/

Permit validity

Permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is abandoned for 180 days. Permit Extension Request form: https://meridiancity.org/media/l1tncfs5/permit-extension-request.pdf

Owner-builder

Homeowners may pull permits on their primary or secondary residence and perform work themselves. Must plan on living in the residence within 12 months of completion. State-licensed contractors required for any trade work the homeowner does not self-perform.

Contractor requirements

Current, valid State of Idaho contractor license required.

1. 01
   Determine permit type needed (residential, commercial, structural, fire, electrical, mechanical, plumbing).
2. 02
   Prepare required documents: site plan, construction plans, soils/geotech report (signed by Idaho-licensed engineer for new residential), deed or sales agreement, and energy code compliance documentation.
3. 03
   Create an account and submit your application through the Accela Citizen Access portal.
4. 04
   Pay plan review fee at time of application submission (non-refundable; applied to permit fee upon approval).
5. 05
   Plans are reviewed by Building Services; for commercial permits, a Building Pre-Construction inspection must be scheduled prior to footing.
6. 06
   Respond to any plan review corrections.
7. 07
   Permit is issued upon plan approval; pay remaining permit fees.
8. 08
   Post permit on site and schedule required inspections through the portal or by phone.
9. 09
   Complete all required inspections at milestones.
10. 10
    Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).

Typical processing time: Minor residential work same-day to a few days; complex residential 2-4 weeks; commercial varies.

Source: City of Meridian Building Services (Community Development Department) ↗

Payment accepted through Accela portal; contact department for accepted payment methods.

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

• Accela Citizen Access portal (online)
• (208) 887-2211 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be submitted in advance (typically the day before).

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: For commercial — Building Pre-Construction inspection required before footing. For residential — footing/foundation, rough framing, rough MEP (as applicable), insulation, drywall (if required), final. Approved plans must be on site for all inspections.