City Building Permits
Paris, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Paris, Idaho. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Paris (county seat).
- Department
- City of Paris / Bear Lake County Building Department
- Address
- 62 South Main Street, Paris, ID 83261
- Phone
- (208) 945-2253
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-person submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Complete Building Permit Application Form.
- Complete Permit Procedure Form (signed by applicant).
- Complete Construction Detail Form selecting applicable building type.
- Complete Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist (as applicable).
- Prepare Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location.
- Prepare Project Specifications including square footage and materials.
- Submit all documents at City Hall (62 South Main Street) or County Building Official office.
- Application reviewed by Bear Lake County Building Official.
- Permit fees calculated based on square footage.
- Applicant pays permit fees.
- Permit issued; construction may begin.
Typical processing time: Processing timeline not specified publicly. Contact City Hall (208) 945-2253 or Building Official (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428.
Source: City of Paris / Bear Lake County Building Department
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Paris.
Required Documents
- Building Permit Application Form (completed and signed)
- Permit Procedure Form (signed)
- Construction Detail Form (specifying building type)
- Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist
- Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location
- Project Specifications (square footage, materials, intended use)
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with Idaho amendments, administered by Bear Lake County Building Official. Zoning compliance per City ordinances.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors performing work of $2,000 or more must be registered with Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL). Proof of General Liability Insurance (minimum $300,000) and Workers' Compensation Insurance (if applicable) required.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on project square footage. Exact schedule not published. Contact City Hall (208) 945-2253 or Building Official (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Agricultural buildings used solely for agricultural purposes (not human habitation, not agricultural product processing). Agricultural Exempt Building Permit required.
- Single-family homes and duplexes (up to 2 units) exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements.
Important: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Building Official before proceeding. Paris is the county seat and may have additional local requirements.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (208) 945-2253 or (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Standard construction inspections: foundation/framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), final inspection. Contact Building Official to schedule.
Additional Resources
- Building code: International Building Code (IBC) with Idaho amendments, administered by Bear Lake County Building Official. Zoning compliance per City ordinances.
- Verify contractor license: Idaho Contractors Board
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Idaho Building Fee Calculator
- Bear Lake County Land Use Ordinance
- License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Paris / Bear Lake County Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paris Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Paris, ID?
- A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Paris.
- How much does a building permit cost in Paris, ID?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on project square footage. Exact schedule not published. Contact City Hall (208) 945-2253 or Building Official (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Paris, ID?
- 1. Complete Building Permit Application Form. 2. Complete Permit Procedure Form (signed by applicant). 3. Complete Construction Detail Form selecting applicable building type. 4. Complete Residential or Commercial Building Permit Checklist (as applicable). 5. Prepare Site/Plot Plan showing property lines and building location. 6. Prepare Project Specifications including square footage and materials. 7. Submit all documents at City Hall (62 South Main Street) or County Building Official office. 8. Application reviewed by Bear Lake County Building Official. 9. Permit fees calculated based on square footage. 10. Applicant pays permit fees. 11. Permit issued; construction may begin.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Paris, ID?
- Typical processing time is Processing timeline not specified publicly. Contact City Hall (208) 945-2253 or Building Official (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Paris, ID?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings used solely for agricultural purposes (not human habitation, not agricultural product processing). Agricultural Exempt Building Permit required.; Single-family homes and duplexes (up to 2 units) exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements.. Note: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Building Official before proceeding. Paris is the county seat and may have additional local requirements.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Paris, ID?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (208) 945-2253 or (208) 945-2155 ext. 1428.
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