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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pocatello
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.
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)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Fences under 7 feet in height
- Exempt Detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft not used as habitable space
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
- Exempt Small decks under 200 sq ft, not attached to dwelling, and not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Standard IBC/IRC provisions apply — typically 180 days to commence work and 180 days between inspections.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact (208) 234-6158 for current estimates.
- 01 Gather required documents: site plan, construction drawings (architectural, structural, energy compliance), mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans if applicable.
- 02 Create or log in to eTRAKiT account at https://poca.csqrcloud.com/community-etrakit/
- 03 Complete the online permit application and upload all required documents electronically.
- 04 City staff reviews application for zoning compliance and building code compliance.
- 05 View reviewer comments through the eTRAKiT dashboard and respond to any corrections or requests for additional information.
- 06 Once approved, pay permit fees online through the portal or in person.
- 07 Permit is issued; approved plans must be kept on-site during construction.
- 08 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.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$23.50
02
Plan check fee
Residential: 35% of the building permit fee; Commercial: 65% of the building permit fee
03
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
04
Trade permit fee
Up to 1,500 sq ft: $130; Over 1,500 sq ft: $325 base + $65 per additional 1,000 sq ft
05
Reinspection fee
$65 per hour; Outside business hours: $100 per hour (2-hour minimum); Additional plan review: $65 per trade review
06
Penalty (no permit)
Work started without a permit: fee doubled
2.74% convenience fee applies to card transactions. Online payment via eTRAKiT portal or in person at Building Department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pocatello permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pocatello, ID? ▸
Building permit fees in Pocatello, ID are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pocatello, ID? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pocatello, ID, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pocatello, ID? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pocatello, ID typically run Contact (208) 234-6158 for current estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pocatello, ID? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pocatello, ID? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pocatello, ID 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..
last verified April 2026
source City of Pocatello Building Department ↗
entry id permits/idaho/bannock/pocatello
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Pocatello Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.