Pocatello, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated city limits of Pocatello. Does not cover adjacent unincorporated Bannock County areas.

Department

City of Pocatello Building Department

Address

911 N 7th Avenue (Rear Entrance), Pocatello, ID 83201

Phone

(208) 234-6158

Email

buildingdept@pocatello.gov

Website

https://pocatello.gov/163/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings (architectural, structural, energy compliance), mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans if applicable.
2. Create or log in to eTRAKiT account at https://poca.csqrcloud.com/community-etrakit/
3. Complete the online permit application and upload all required documents electronically.
4. City staff reviews application for zoning compliance and building code compliance.
5. View reviewer comments through the eTRAKiT dashboard and respond to any corrections or requests for additional information.
6. Once approved, pay permit fees online through the portal or in person.
7. Permit is issued; approved plans must be kept on-site during construction.
8. Schedule inspections: call the inspection line at (208) 234-6275 — leave a message before 7:30 AM for a morning inspection, before 1:00 PM for an afternoon inspection.
9. Pass all required inspections.
10. Request Certificate of Occupancy with at least 24 hours' notice when all work is complete.

Typical processing time: Contact (208) 234-6158 for current estimates.

Source: City of Pocatello Building Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, and change of occupancy. This includes electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas installation, excavations, signs, and sidewalks.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application via eTRAKiT
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, cross-sections)
• Structural calculations if required
• Energy compliance documentation (IECC)
• Plot plan with dimensions and setbacks
• Trade-specific plans for mechanical/plumbing/electrical work

Permit validity

Standard IBC/IRC provisions apply — typically 180 days to commence work and 180 days between inspections.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, Idaho State Plumbing Code, Idaho Fire Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), all with 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments. Design parameters: 3-ft frost depth, 35 lb/sq ft roof snow load, 115 mph wind.

Owner-builder

Owners may perform work on their own primary residence without a city contractor license but must obtain all required permits.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid City of Pocatello contractor license as well as state registration. License types and fees (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): Building Class A-1 ($150/year, $1M liability, $50,000 bond), Building Class A-2 ($100/year, $500K liability, $25,000 bond), Building Class B ($50/year, $300K liability, $10,000 bond), Sign Contractor ($50/year, $500K liability, $10,000 bond). Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing: State of Idaho license required. The City of Pocatello must be named as an additional insured on contractor policies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$23.50

Plan check fee

Residential: 35% of the building permit fee; Commercial: 65% of the building permit fee

Permit fee formula

$1–$500: $23.50 flat; $501–$2,000: $23.50 + $3.05 per $100 over $500; $2,001–$25,000: $69.25 + $14.00 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,001–$50,000: $391.75 + $10.10 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,001–$100,000: $643.75 + $7.00 per $1,000 over $50,000; $100,001–$500,000: $993.75 + $5.60 per $1,000 over $100,000; $500,001–$1,000,000: $3,233.75 + $4.75 per $1,000 over $500,000; Over $1,000,000: $5,608.75 + $3.65 per $1,000 over $1,000,000

Trade permit fee

Up to 1,500 sq ft: $130; Over 1,500 sq ft: $325 base + $65 per additional 1,000 sq ft

Reinspection fee

$65 per hour; Outside business hours: $100 per hour (2-hour minimum); Additional plan review: $65 per trade review

Penalty (no permit)

Work started without a permit: fee doubled

Payment note

2.74% convenience fee applies to card transactions. Online payment via eTRAKiT portal or in person at Building Department.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Fences under 7 feet in height
• Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft not used as habitable space
• Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
• Small decks under 200 sq ft, not attached to dwelling, and not more than 30 inches above grade
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Window replacements (same size/same opening, no structural alteration)

Important: Lead-based paint renovation work in pre-1978 structures requires EPA certification regardless of permit status.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (208) 234-6275 (phone)
• eTRAKiT dashboard (online)

Scheduling deadline

Morning inspections: call before 7:30 AM; Afternoon inspections: call before 1:00 PM; Certificate of Occupancy: at least 24 hours' advance notice.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Time windows

AM window: 7:30 AM start; PM window: 1:00 PM start

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, rough framing, rough mechanical/plumbing/electrical (DOPL for trade inspections if state-licensed), insulation, drywall/lath (if applicable), final building inspection, final Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, Idaho State Plumbing Code, Idaho Fire Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), all with 2018 Idaho Administrative Code amendments. Design parameters: 3-ft frost depth, 35 lb/sq ft roof snow load, 115 mph wind.
• Verify contractor license: Idaho DOPL Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning Map (ArcGIS)
• Planning and Development
• Applications and Forms
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Pocatello Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pocatello, ID?

Permits are required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, and change of occupancy. This includes electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas installation, excavations, signs, and sidewalks.

How much does a building permit cost in Pocatello, ID?

The minimum permit fee is $23.50. Fees are calculated as: $1–$500: $23.50 flat; $501–$2,000: $23.50 + $3.05 per $100 over $500; $2,001–$25,000: $69.25 + $14.00 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,001–$50,000: $391.75 + $10.10 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,001–$100,000: $643.75 + $7.00 per $1,000 over $50,000; $100,001–$500,000: $993.75 + $5.60 per $1,000 over $100,000; $500,001–$1,000,000: $3,233.75 + $4.75 per $1,000 over $500,000; Over $1,000,000: $5,608.75 + $3.65 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. Plan check fee: Residential: 35% of the building permit fee; Commercial: 65% of the building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Pocatello, ID?

1. Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings (architectural, structural, energy compliance), mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans if applicable. 2. Create or log in to eTRAKiT account at https://poca.csqrcloud.com/community-etrakit/ 3. Complete the online permit application and upload all required documents electronically. 4. City staff reviews application for zoning compliance and building code compliance. 5. View reviewer comments through the eTRAKiT dashboard and respond to any corrections or requests for additional information. 6. Once approved, pay permit fees online through the portal or in person. 7. Permit is issued; approved plans must be kept on-site during construction. 8. Schedule inspections: call the inspection line at (208) 234-6275 — leave a message before 7:30 AM for a morning inspection, before 1:00 PM for an afternoon inspection. 9. Pass all required inspections. 10. Request Certificate of Occupancy with at least 24 hours' notice when all work is complete.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Pocatello, ID?

Typical processing time is Contact (208) 234-6158 for current estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in Pocatello, ID?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Fences under 7 feet in height; Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft not used as habitable space; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height; Small decks under 200 sq ft, not attached to dwelling, and not more than 30 inches above grade; Swings and other playground equipment; Window replacements (same size/same opening, no structural alteration). Note: Lead-based paint renovation work in pre-1978 structures requires EPA certification regardless of permit status.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Pocatello, ID?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (208) 234-6275, eTRAKiT dashboard. Morning inspections: call before 7:30 AM; Afternoon inspections: call before 1:00 PM; Certificate of Occupancy: at least 24 hours' advance notice..

Other cities in Bannock County