City of Star

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.

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

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.

Permit validity

Extensions require contacting the building department before permit expiration to avoid reinstated permit fees.

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.

1. 01
   Register in the iWorQ portal as a contractor or homeowner (use Contractor Registration Form on city website).
2. 02
   Prepare required documents: residential or commercial submittal requirements checklist (PDFs available on city website).
3. 03
   Log in to iWorQ portal and submit permit application online with all required documents.
4. 04
   Pay building submittal fee at application (applied toward total permit cost; non-refundable).
5. 05
   Plans are reviewed; turnaround time from same-day (MEP permits) to 4-6 weeks (commercial).
6. 06
   Respond to any plan review corrections.
7. 07
   Permit is issued; pay remaining fees.
8. 08
   Post permit card on site.
9. 09
   Request inspections through iWorQ portal only (no phone or email requests accepted) by 4:00 p.m. the previous business day.
10. 10
    Complete all required inspections.
11. 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 ↗

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

• iWorQ portal only (online)

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