Boise County, ID - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Boise County, including Centerville. Structural and building permits issued by county. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufactured housing permits issued by Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).

Department

Boise County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

413 Main Street, P.O. Box 1300, Idaho City, Idaho 83631

Phone

208-392-2293

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://www.boisecounty.us/services/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Planning and Zoning Administrator to schedule required pre-application meeting before formal submission.
2. Complete Boise County Building Permit Application Form (PZ2018).
3. Submit application and required plans to Planning and Zoning office in person or by mail.
4. Planning and Zoning staff review application for completeness and code compliance.
5. Plan review fees apply for changes, additions, revisions, and outside consultant review.
6. Upon approval, permit is issued with construction timeline and inspection requirements.
7. Approved plans must remain on-site at all times during construction.

Typical processing time: Varies; pre-application meeting and plan review required. Timeline depends on complexity and completeness of submission.

Source: Boise County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all structural construction within unincorporated Boise County.

Required Documents

• Completed Boise County Building Permit Application Form (PZ2018)
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Project scope and valuation information
• Proof of pre-application meeting attendance

Permit validity

Permits issued upon approval; timeline for construction completion specified on permit.

Building code

Idaho Building Code (IBC) and Idaho Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments; Boise County Unified Land Use Ordinance (ULO #2024-02); Boise County Residential Builders Handbook (available upon request)

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own properties but must comply with all code requirements and obtain required inspections.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) if project value exceeds $2,000 (materials + labor). Registration number must be displayed on job site and all advertising.

Fees

Permit fee formula

0.0012 of estimated construction value for values up to $3,000,000; $3,600 + 0.0005 of amount over $3,000,000 for values $3,000,000–$6,000,000

Payment note

Contact Planning and Zoning for complete current fee schedule and payment options. Inspection fee (Area A/Horseshoe Bend Zone): $600 for four inspections ($150 each); re-inspections charged case-by-case.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Boise County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 208-781-8565 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Allow 48 hours notice; not including weekends

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM–1:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, final inspection. Approved plans must be on-site during all inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Idaho Building Code (IBC) and Idaho Residential Code (IRC) with Idaho amendments; Boise County Unified Land Use Ordinance (ULO #2024-02); Boise County Residential Builders Handbook (available upon request)
• Verify contractor license: Idaho DOPL Contractors Registration Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Boise County Residential Builders Handbook
• Idaho DOPL Building Safety (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)
• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
• License lookup guide: Idaho Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Idaho Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Idaho hub: Idaho Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

A building permit is required for all structural construction within unincorporated Boise County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

Fees are calculated as: 0.0012 of estimated construction value for values up to $3,000,000; $3,600 + 0.0005 of amount over $3,000,000 for values $3,000,000–$6,000,000.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

1. Contact Planning and Zoning Administrator to schedule required pre-application meeting before formal submission. 2. Complete Boise County Building Permit Application Form (PZ2018). 3. Submit application and required plans to Planning and Zoning office in person or by mail. 4. Planning and Zoning staff review application for completeness and code compliance. 5. Plan review fees apply for changes, additions, revisions, and outside consultant review. 6. Upon approval, permit is issued with construction timeline and inspection requirements. 7. Approved plans must remain on-site at all times during construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

Typical processing time is Varies; pre-application meeting and plan review required. Timeline depends on complexity and completeness of submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

The following work is generally exempt: Certain residential additions under specified square footage (refer to county code for limits); Some repair and replacement work (refer to county code and building forms for complete exemption list). Note: Check with Boise County Planning and Zoning for complete exemption list. Even exempt work must comply with zoning and code requirements.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Boise County, ID?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 208-781-8565. Allow 48 hours notice; not including weekends.