City Building Permits

Star, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Star, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Idaho Ada County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all properties within Star city limits only.

Department
City of Star Building Department
Address
10769 W. State St., P.O. Box 130, Star, ID 83669
Phone
(208) 286-7247 ext. 9011
Website
https://staridaho.org/1243/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Register in the iWorQ portal as a contractor or homeowner (use Contractor Registration Form on city website).
  2. Prepare required documents: residential or commercial submittal requirements checklist (PDFs available on city website).
  3. Log in to iWorQ portal and submit permit application online with all required documents.
  4. Pay building submittal fee at application (applied toward total permit cost; non-refundable).
  5. Plans are reviewed; turnaround time from same-day (MEP permits) to 4-6 weeks (commercial).
  6. Respond to any plan review corrections.
  7. Permit is issued; pay remaining fees.
  8. Post permit card on site.
  9. Request inspections through iWorQ portal only (no phone or email requests accepted) by 4:00 p.m. the previous business day.
  10. Complete all required inspections.
  11. Final inspection and permit closeout.

Typical processing time: Same-day for MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); 4-6 weeks for commercial. Residential timeframe not published; contact department.

Source: City of Star Building Department

General Requirements

New construction; structural additions and remodels; sheds 200 sq. ft. or more; attached patio covers (any size); detached covers over 200 sq. ft.; re-roofing; fences exceeding 6 feet; retaining walls over 4 feet; manufactured home installation; siding replacement over 100 sq. ft. with altered openings; decks 30 or more inches above grade; demolition.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application (online through portal)
  • Residential or commercial submittal requirements checklist
  • Construction drawings/plans
  • Contractor license information
Permit validity
Extensions require contacting the building department before permit expiration to avoid reinstated permit fees.
Building code
International Building Code (IBC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Specific edition years not listed on city website; confirm current editions with department.
Owner-builder
Homeowners pulling permits on their primary or secondary residence must perform all work themselves. Must plan on living in the residence within 12 months of completion.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must hold a current, valid license through the State of Idaho.

Fees

Plan check fee
Not specified separately; included in permit fee calculation.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; specific table not published publicly. Contact department or see fee information page.
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee $65; requested inspection or technical service $65.
Payment note
Permit fees may be refunded up to 80% upon written request, depending on inspections already performed (20% retained as processing cost). Impact fees: Park Impact Fee $2,050 per unit (new residential); Star Fire District Residential Impact Fee $809 per unit. MEP permits purchased separately at City Hall.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Concrete slabs of any size
  • Structures meeting the IBC definition of 'Agricultural Buildings' (must still comply with zoning setbacks)
  • Detached structures under 200 sq. ft. (per standard Idaho IBC threshold; confirm with department)
  • Fences 6 feet or under
  • Retaining walls 4 feet or under
  • Decks under 30 inches above grade
  • Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, wall coverings (no structural work)

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Submit inspection request through portal by 4:00 p.m. the business day before desired inspection date.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday (weekend inspections not available)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, rough framing, rough MEP (as applicable), insulation, final. Approved plans must be on site for all inspections.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Star Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Star, ID?
New construction; structural additions and remodels; sheds 200 sq. ft. or more; attached patio covers (any size); detached covers over 200 sq. ft.; re-roofing; fences exceeding 6 feet; retaining walls over 4 feet; manufactured home installation; siding replacement over 100 sq. ft. with altered openings; decks 30 or more inches above grade; demolition.
How much does a building permit cost in Star, ID?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; specific table not published publicly. Contact department or see fee information page.. Plan check fee: Not specified separately; included in permit fee calculation..
How do I apply for a building permit in Star, ID?
1. Register in the iWorQ portal as a contractor or homeowner (use Contractor Registration Form on city website). 2. Prepare required documents: residential or commercial submittal requirements checklist (PDFs available on city website). 3. Log in to iWorQ portal and submit permit application online with all required documents. 4. Pay building submittal fee at application (applied toward total permit cost; non-refundable). 5. Plans are reviewed; turnaround time from same-day (MEP permits) to 4-6 weeks (commercial). 6. Respond to any plan review corrections. 7. Permit is issued; pay remaining fees. 8. Post permit card on site. 9. Request inspections through iWorQ portal only (no phone or email requests accepted) by 4:00 p.m. the previous business day. 10. Complete all required inspections. 11. Final inspection and permit closeout.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Star, ID?
Typical processing time is Same-day for MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); 4-6 weeks for commercial. Residential timeframe not published; contact department..
What work is exempt from building permits in Star, ID?
The following work is generally exempt: Concrete slabs of any size; Structures meeting the IBC definition of 'Agricultural Buildings' (must still comply with zoning setbacks); Detached structures under 200 sq. ft. (per standard Idaho IBC threshold; confirm with department); Fences 6 feet or under; Retaining walls 4 feet or under; Decks under 30 inches above grade; Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, wall coverings (no structural work).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Star, ID?
Inspections can be scheduled via: iWorQ portal only. Submit inspection request through portal by 4:00 p.m. the business day before desired inspection date..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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